If your tape deck or radio is removable, hide it in the trunk or take it with you. If it isn't, at least conceal it. Similarly, hide baggage in the trunk-although savvy thieves can tell if a car is heavily loaded by the way it sits on its tires. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL A meek "I didn't know it was illegal" will not suffice. Remember that you are sub- ject to the laws of the country in which you travel, not to those of your home coun- try; it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these laws before leaving. If you carry prescription drugs while you travel, it is vital to have a copy of the pre- scriptions themselves when you cross borders. Israeli drug laws are not lenient. Cannabis is widely smoked, widely prosecuted, and disdained by most Israelis. Sentences range from heavy fines to imprison- ment, though foreigners are most likely to experience deportation. Purchasing drugs in Israel is risky, since many dealers double as informers. Police periodically sweep the hostels, especially in Eilat and some areas of Tel Aviv. Quantities of more than 15g will land you in prison with a drug-dealing charge, and smuggling drugs across IsraeU borders is bound to get you in trouble. The thorough security searches are meant to prevent terrorism, but there isn't much that slips through. The drinking age in Israel is 18, and for the first time, bars and discotheques are beginning to enforce it. Eilat in particular has begun to card stringently; a foreign driver's license usually serves as adequate identification. Avoid public drunken- ness; it can jeopardize your safety and earn the disdain of locals. Common sense is the simplest prescription for good health while you travel. Trav- elers complain most often about their feet and their gut, so take precautionary measures: drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and constipation, wear sturdy, broken-in shoes and clean socks, and use talcum powder to keep your feet dry. To minimize the effects of jet lag, "reset" your body's clock by adopting the time of your destination as soon as you board the plane. BEFORE YOU GO Preparation can help minimize the likelihood of contracting a disease and maxi- mize the chances of receiving effective health care in an emergency. For tips on packing a basic first-aid kit and other health essentials, see p. 52. In your passport, write the names of any people you wish to be contacted in case of a medical emergency, and also list any allergies or medical conditions of which you would want doctors to be aware. Matching a prescription to a foreign equivalent is not always easy, safe, or possible. Carry up-to-date, legible prescrip- tions or a statement from your doctor stating the medication's trade name, manu- facturer, chemical name, and dosage. Be sure to keep all medication with you in your carry-on luggage. IMMUNIZATIONS The CDC advises that there are no special requirements for travel in Israel.