Getting ready to leave on that jet plane? There are lots of things to take care of before you fly - and to remember to bring with you! Here's our list!
IDENTIFICATION
Be sure to carry your government-issued identification (valid driver’s license and/or valid passport) during your travel.
Please remember that even if you do not need a visa prior to departure, check your passport well in advance of departure to make sure that it is valid for at least six months after you return from travel. This may differ from destination to destination, but 6 months is the standard.
Make sure you have enough blank pages for visa/entry stamps that will be added as you travel.
Make sure your passport is undamaged - gate agents can turn you away if they deem your passport too damaged for travel.
Once at your destination, keep your passport in your room safe until you need it again (either on specific excursions, days you're taking transportation to another country, or on your trip home).
Bring any/all vaccination cards with you - and make sure you're aware of if/where you'll need to show them in your destination. (Make sure you have screenshots of these prior to travel).
CREDIT CARDS & CASH
I suggest using both a credit card and cash during your international travels. Cash is often necessary and typically has a better exchange rate for street vendors, small restaurants, etc. But for resort transactions, every day expenses, and emergencies - the credit card is better.
Before you leave, be sure to contact your credit card company to provide your travel dates and inform them that you will be using your credit card out of the country.
Make sure you know if your credit cards and/or bank have a foreign transaction fee. It could be a set amount or a percentage of the transaction.
MEDICATIONS
Be sure to take all of your prescription and non-prescription medications with you, including medicine and/or wrist bands for motion sickness.
Medications should be stored in their original packaging or prescription bottle.
I recommend taking extra days of medication with you to allow for unexpected delays.
TRANSPORTATION & HOTEL INFORMATION - ENTRY & EXIT
Make sure you have any covid tests scheduled if necessary - for entry into your destination as well as your return home. Some resorts will set this up for you upon arrival - please let me know if you need clarification on this.
Be sure that you have purchased any additional travel protection that may necessary due to covid, and that you have completed any health passes required by your destination country and airline.
I recommend taking screenshots of EVERYTHING - including QR codes!
AIRLINE
If you are able to - check-in for your flight 24 hours prior to departure time - each way. (You may not be able to do this due to COVID).
TRANSFERS
For independent transfers - It is important to know the name of your transfer company, how to best reach them and what you should look for (what they will be wearing/what the sign will say).
HOTEL/RESORT
If you need further information about your hotel or resort - such as your reservation confirmation number or phone number of the hotel, please refer to your agency provided App, itinerary, or contact me.
Be aware that your hotel may offer airport transfers. If we did not plan on using this service, politely decline and let them know you have already made arrangements.
CONFIRMATION INFO:
Make sure you have all confirmation info (If you're booking with me everything will be in one place for you - your itinerary that you can access online and in our agency provided app!).
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
Bring your travel documents, and READ them when you receive them! If there are any errors it should be sorted before you leave!
CELL PHONE ACTIVITY & INTERNET ACTIVITY
Make sure you are aware of your options for cell phone use while out of the US. If you plan to use your phone overseas you may need to call your carrier to have an international option added to your plan.
Remember...Starbucks has Free WIFI!
Be aware of your hotel's/resort's internet packages.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bring a pen with you!
Take a photo of where you park your car at the airport.
Grab the business card for the hotel, in case you need to show the driver of your cab and there is a language barrier.
It is illegal to dress in camouflage in some countries - make sure you know what's appropriate where you're traveling!
If your resort or hotel has an app - download it!
Download WhatsApp prior to travel.
While in destination - always take a photo of your rental car, or jet ski, or whatever it is - prior to taking it off property/away from rental place, etc.
Ok - there's our list! Looking for more info?
For more in-travel what to do check out our blog post: "What Should I Do If...?"
Looking for some pre-travel luggage info? Check out our: What You Should Know About Luggage. blog post.
Looking for day of travel tips? We have our thoughts here: "Travel Day is Here!"
Jet lag tips are here: Is There Anything I can Do About Jet Lag?
Noticing all of the flight cancellations and wondering what to do? Read my thoughts here: What You Need to Know If You're Flying Any Time Soon.
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