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St Louis Travel Resources

St Louis Travel Resources

St Louis Great Plains, USA Travel Guide

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts & Hospitals

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance):

    Dial 911 (universal emergency number in the United States)

  • Barnes-Jewish Hospital:

    Major academic medical center in Central West End

  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital:

    Large teaching hospital in Midtown

  • Mercy Hospital St. Louis:

    Large general hospital in West County

  • St. Louis Children's Hospital:

    For pediatric emergencies in Central West End

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

  • Lost Passport:

    Contact your country's embassy or consulate; file a police report.

  • Lost Credit Cards:

    Contact your bank immediately to report and cancel cards.

  • Embassy & Consulate Information:

    Know contact info for your country's embassy in D.C. Or nearest U.S. Consulate.

  • Tornado Warnings:

    Seek immediate shelter in the lowest level of a sturdy building.

  • Emergency Alerts:

    Follow local news and emergency alerts broadcast on TV, radio, or weather apps.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

"STL250" (PBS documentary series). "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944 classic musical starring Judy Garland).

Music & Art

St. Louis has a rich heritage in blues and jazz (Chuck Berry, Miles Davis). Significant hip-hop presence (Nelly). Explore local artists and Midwest themes.

Recommended Books

Mark Twain's novels capture Mississippi spirit. "Introducing St. Louis" by James Neal Primm offers local history overview. "The Architecture of St. Louis" by Charlene Harris.

Language Learning (Babbel)

General Planning Guide

Print Resources

  • General USA guidebooks with St. Louis sections
  • Specialized St. Louis guidebooks
  • Good quality map (e.g., Rand McNally EasyFinder Midwest)
  • Local publications: Riverfront Times (free)

Before Your Trip

  • Check passport validity (6 months beyond departure)
  • Apply for ESTA or U.S. Visa early
  • Research and book flights and accommodation
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies

Departure Timing

Airport Departure

  • Domestic flights: 90 minutes before scheduled departure
  • International connecting flights: Allow 2-3 hours
  • Allow extra time if checking bags
  • Allow extra time if returning a rental car

Train/Bus Departure

  • Gateway Transportation Center departures
  • Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure

General Tips

  • Confirm flight or train status the day before
  • Confirm status on the day of departure
  • Check for any delays or gate changes

Emergency & Safety

Critical Information

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Immediately contact your country's embassy or consulate.
  • Passport: File a police report with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
  • Credit Cards: Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
  • Credit Cards: Cancel cards and have international emergency numbers saved.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Tornado Warning: Seek immediate shelter in the lowest level of a sturdy building.
  • Follow local news and emergency alerts broadcast on TV, radio, or weather apps.
  • Know your accommodation's specific severe weather plan.

Important Contacts

  • All Emergencies: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
  • Hospital: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
  • Hospital: Mercy Hospital St. Louis, St. Louis Children's Hospital
  • For non-emergencies, urgent care clinics are widely available.

Home & Personal Readiness

Home Preparation

  • Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows, set alarms.
  • Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or arrange for collection.
  • Arrange for plant care or lawn maintenance if needed.

Final Home Checks

  • Set up out-of-office replies for work emails.
  • Empty trash, clean out your refrigerator.
  • Ensure all appliances are off.

Personal Travel Kit

Travel Document Prep

  • Print or save digital copies of all essential documents.
  • Store documents securely and separately.
  • Charge all electronic devices.

Health & Gear

  • Charge phone, camera, and portable power banks.
  • Prepare a small travel first aid kit.
  • Include any personal medications and common remedies.

Departure Logistics

Souvenirs & Shipping

  1. Account for any souvenirs or purchases made.
  2. Ensure items fit in your luggage.
  3. If large, investigate shipping options.
  4. U.S. Post Office or major carriers like FedEx or UPS.
  5. United States does not have a national VAT system, no VAT refunds.

Return Trip Preparations

  1. Confirm flight or train status on departure day.
  2. Pack required medications, documents, valuables in carry-on.
  3. Dispose of all trash at accommodation.
  4. Ensure all belongings are taken from accommodation.
  5. Follow accommodation's check-out procedures.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps

Clear customs and immigration. Collect your checked luggage.

Orientation

Locate MetroLink, taxi, or ride-share pick-up zones at STL Airport. Obtain a local map.

Initial Purchases

ATMs are available for cash withdrawals. Consider a MetroLink Day Pass upon arrival.

Important Reminder

Keep a list of all your important contact numbers (emergency, family, bank, insurance) on paper, separate from your phone.

Pre-Trip Essentials

Chronological Planning Timeline

Months Before

  • Passport Validity:

    Check expiration, ensure 6 months validity beyond departure.

  • Visa/ESTA:

    Apply early, approval times vary.

  • Flights and Accommodation:

    Research and book flights and main accommodation early.

Month Before

  • Specific Bookings:

    Book tours, major events, popular restaurant reservations.

  • Rental Car:

    Confirm your rental car reservation.

  • Bank Notification:

    Notify bank and credit card companies of travel dates.

Final Preparations

Home Care

Arrange for pet care, house-sitting, or mail holding if you will be away for an extended period.

Packing & Essentials

Create a detailed packing list. Consider purchasing any travel essentials, like packing cubes.

Packing Organizers

Document & Device Readiness

Confirm all reservations. Print/save digital copies of documents. Charge electronics.

Portable Power Banks

Arrival Logistics

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Clear customs and immigration at port of entry.
  • Collect your checked luggage.
  • Locate MetroLink, taxi stands, or ride-share pick-up.
  • Obtain a local map of St. Louis (paper or digital).

Initial Setup & Transport

  • ATMs are available at the airport for cash withdrawals.
  • Consider purchasing a MetroLink Day Pass.
  • Follow signs for pre-booked transport, MetroLink, taxi, or ride-share.
  • Reach your hotel or vacation rental efficiently.

Home Prep Before Departure

Security & Deliveries

  • Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows, set alarms.
  • Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
  • Arrange for a neighbor to collect deliveries.
  • Arrange for plant care or lawn maintenance if needed.

Household Final Checks

  • Set up out-of-office replies for work emails.
  • Empty trash.
  • Clean out your refrigerator.
  • Ensure all appliances are off.

Seamless Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight or train status the day before and on the day of departure for any delays or gate changes.

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