Travel tips for international travel
Through my many years as a group travel specialist, I have advised and follow these travel tips to be prepared for safe and enjoyable international travel.
Don’t let your passport expire
Most countries require that your passport’s expiration date goes six months beyond your last date of travel so renew your passport six to nine months before it expires. To find out more about passport requirements click here.
Copies of Documentation
You should have three copies of your travel documents, one for yourself, one you’re your emergency contact person and one electronic version. You should register with STEP through the U.S. State Department. STEP is an acronym for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and Registration with STEP allows the Department of State to assist you and contact family or friends in case of an emergency. To find out more click here.
Get Insured
Travelers Insurance is a key component for your travels. We often think of the cost of trip cancellation but, it’s so much more. A good comprehensive insurance policy will cover, trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delay, lost and delayed baggage, medical evacuation and a 24/7 emergency assistance service. I use Travel Guard and Allianz and you can get those links here.
Avoid being a target of Crime
Don’t carry large amounts of cash or credit cards. You can always get cash from an ATM at your destination and keep unnecessary credit cards home or in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Avoid wearing excessive and conspicuous clothing or jewelry. Predators will target those who stand out and are carrying expensive bags.
Where is the U.S. Embassy?
File this under, you don’t think you need until you need it. Know the location and how to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country to which you are traveling. It may not be in the city you’re in. That’s why it’s important to register with STEP and know the phone number as well. Visit step.state.gov
Get Informed
Know the key elements of the country you are visiting; including entry requirements, any travel advisories, customs, culture, and currency. For a list of countries and access to this type of information visit travel.state.gov.
Know the Difference
At the airport that is. Most airlines require you to arrive at the gate of your flight one hour prior to departure for international flights vs. 30 minutes for domestic flights. Most recommend arriving at the airport two hours prior but I say three hours prior. Each airport is different, so the size of the airport, time of day and if you check a bag vs. carry on will certainly matter.
Happy Travels,
Ja’Vonne Harley, aka, The Traveling Culturati