Tips for Wayfaring
Check your passport for expiration dates.
For most international destinations, you need to still have 6 months validity from the time of departure for your passport to be valid. Processing times for new and renewal passports has been slow due to the pandemic. Check your passports now and if needed start the renewal process early. Some countries do require a separate visa to enter, I will advise you on what that process looks like if needed. Make copies of your passport and keep one in your luggage. I also give one to a trusted friend/family member for safe keeping in case I need something emailed to me.
Passports and Visas
At the airport, you will need to go through security. First you will show your passport or Driver's License and boarding pass. You will then put your luggage and belongings through the x-ray while you go through a metal detector. You will need to take jackets and shoes off as well as pulling out your laptop and electronic devices. Toiletries must also be in an easy to access place. You can not take more than 3ml of liquids with you through security.
In destination, keep an eye on your belongings and bring bag/purse, etc. that has multiple zipper pouches. Keep your passport and wallet in a spot that is hardest to reach.Pickpockets are everywhere, but be especially mindful on public transportation.
Security
Check into your flight as soon as you can (24 hours before departure). In order to check in, please go to your airline’s website or mobile app. If you do not already have a frequent flier number, go ahead and sign up for one. If you already have one, log in to your account. Enter your confirmation number and name. Scroll down to “Passenger Info” and check that your name matches your passport exactly. Enter your frequent flier number if you have not provided it already. Click on “Secure Passenger Info” and add in passport numbers, expiration dates, and any other information. If you have a known traveler number from TSA PreCheck or GlobalEntry, enter that information. Before you leave for the airport, check your flight status. Give
yourself plenty of time at the airport (2 hours prior for domestic flights and 3 hours for international).
Flight Check In
Which should you get? What are they? How do you apply?
Use this blog post to help you understand your options. Or start the application process using the links below.
Pre Check, Global Entry, Clear and Mobile Passport
Prior to travel, call your cell phone provider and ask them if they have an international data plan. Most providers have a plan you can add on for the month you are traveling that will give you international roaming and data to help reduce the cost of any data overage charges.
When making calls in your destination, you will need to know your destination's country code. To call from your destination to the U.S., make sure you enter 001 before you dial the number. Wifi is readily available in your hotel and in most restaurants and stores.
You can also bring wifi with you. Companies like
Skyroam
offer wifi wherever you go. You can buy
or rent a portable wifi router and a day plan so you
are always connected.
Invest in a portable charger. They are small enough to take with you everywhere and can be great if you are low in cell battery on the go.
Cell phones and WIFI
For international travel, different countries have different voltage and electric sockets.
Bring a voltage converter kit. For most of Europe, the voltage is 220 volts. The U.S. is 110, so youwill need a converter kit to convert the voltage. Most kits come with plug adapters
as well.yourself plenty of time at the airport (2 hours prior for domestic flights and 3 hours for international).
Voltage and Power
Call your bank before you leave to let them know your travel dates both for your debit and credit cards. Prior to your trip, you can order currency from your bank so you have some cash when you arrive. Do not exchange currency at airports, hotels or train stations. The exchange rate is higher because they know tourists will frequent these areas. Utilize bankATMs when you need cash. Ask you U.S. bank if they have an affiliate bank in the destination country that they work with.
Most countries in Europe utilize the chip technology. This requires you to have a 4-digit pin code to use your credit card. If you do not know your credit card pin, call your credit card company and request one.
Your bank may charge you a foreign transaction fee from 1%-3% each time you use your card.
Money, Money, Money
Tipping will vary by type of trip, destination, type of hotel, length of stay etc. In some countries tipping is expected, but in others it is not common practice. If there are specific tipping customs for the destination you are traveling to, I will place tipping guidelines specific to your trip in your final documents. I do have two different types of tipping guidelines for Mexico/Caribbean and Europe that you kind find linked below.
Tipping
In your documents, you will find a packing list of everything you may need with you.
For help traveling light, invest in a good carry-on and packing cubes are a must.
Packing with one color palette helps you make multiple outfits out of fewer pieces and leaves more room for souvenirs. For families, buying packing cubes in different colors for each member of the family, helps to keep things organized.
For more packing tips and inspiration and a download of my packing checklist head over to the travel resources page.
Packing
