Trip Planning Tips
Learn some key phrases in the country’s native language to help you get around easier. Here are some examples:
Asking where the restrooms are
Ordering in a restaurant
Asking for directions
Check to see if a visa is required to travel to that country. US citizens you can use this link to check a country’s visa requirements.
Ensure that your US passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of your entry or departure to or from the international destination. More information can be found here.
If you will be traveling to a country which may a bit unsettled, consider registering with the U.S. embassy in that country. That way, if there’s an emergency, the U.S. government will have a way to get in touch with you. Additional information can be found here.
Prior to your departure, make a photocopy of your passport and state issued ID. Keep both photocopy versions in a different place from where you keep your passport. That way, if your passport is even lost/stolen, you at least have a copy these important documents.
Avoid Social Media posts stating that you’ll be away on vacation. This alerts would-be-robbers that you’ll be away from your home.
If your home will be empty while you are away, considering putting some lights on timers so it looks like there is someone home, or have someone look after your home while you’re away.
If needed, arrange for your mail to be held while you are gone.
Decide on your packing strategy. Will you be packing for carry-on only or packing with the intention of checking a bag? Please remember that if you want to change flights for any reason, and your bag is checked, you’ll have to travel with your bag. If you carry-on, it’s easier to change flights since your bag is already with you.
Make sure that your carry-on bags can be fully zipped up. We’ve all seen items go rolling down the main aisles when the plane takes off. What can be worse, is if your bag is open and items have spilled out, you may not even know which items have actually escaped, so they may be lost forever.
Consider booking your travel directly with airlines, cruises and hotels, etc. Even with trip insurance, if your plans change, you may be in a better position to negotiate with vendors, if you’ve booked directly with them.
Don’t forget to a download google map of the area you’ll be staying in, so you can use the map offline and explore the city like a boss.
“YOU ARE THE ONE THAT POSSESSES THE KEYS TO YOUR BEING. YOU CARRY THE PASSPORT TO YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.”
–DIANE VON FURSTENBERG