Travel Tips and Information
Planning Your Travel
Use a Certified Travel Professional
They know the market and can match you with a better product that you can find online
They will advocate for you should anything go wrong while traveling. No online travel site will do this for you
Travel agents have a variety of resources at their fingertips no matter where you are traveling.
Your time is valuable, let your travel agent do the research and planning.
Always Buy Travel Insurance
Accidents happen, you don’t want a mishap on your trip to cause financial hardship.
Trips may need to be canceled or delayed because of unforeseen events.
Protect your investment by purchasing trip insurance.
Before You Travel…
For international travel, check with your mobile provider to confirm you have international options and what charges you might incur while traveling out of the country.
Alert Your Bank and Credit Card Company of Your Travel Plans.
Suspend your mail, newspapers, and other delivery services.
Let someone at home know your plans.
Packing Tips
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Make a packing list!
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Pre-plan your outfits – It’s a great way to not over-pack
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Separate personal items if traveling together – That way if one of your bags gets lost, you will still have some clothing and personal items
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Make photocopies of important documents and pack in a different bag than your original documents or leave with a trusted friend or family member
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Make sure your luggage has identification both inside and out
What to Pack In Your Carry-On
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Travel Documents
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One spare outfit in case your checked bag gets lost or delayed
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Electronics, Medications, Toothbrush and valuable jewelry
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A swimsuit is also a good idea if you are going on a beach vacation
You can buy most of these things if your bag gets lost, but having them in your
carry-on will save you money and time if your luggage gets lost or delayed.
The night before your departure…
Check-in with your airline to confirm times and obtain your boarding passes. Don’t forget all of your important travel documents (passport, travel documents, etc)
Miscellaneous Travel Tips
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Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language – A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way.
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Enquire about the price BEFORE You Take Public Transportation.
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Stay Hydrated on Planes – This really helps with jet lag on long haul flights.
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Put Your Room Number & Hotel Address in Your Phone – I always forget my room number till about the 4th day.
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Ask The Locals – We always ask the locals to point us to the best restaurants, awesome spots to watch the sunset, the best coffee shops, etc.
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Beware of Free Public WIFI – I always try to avoid logging into bank accounts or entering any passwords while I’m using free public WIFI at a place like an airport. I’m not as strict about it once I’ve gotten to my hotel, especially if they have a password for their WIFI.
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Wear Sunscreen when traveling to a Beach Vacation – Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than sunburn.
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Keep your valuables and important documents in a hotel safe deposit box in your destination.
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Leave Room for Spontaneity – Those unplanned moments while traveling can be the best memories.
Travel Links
Passports and Global Entry
Preparing For a Trip Abroad
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Traveling out of the country with children
Additional Resources
Customs and Import Restrictions
Emergency Assistance Abroad
The U.S. Department of State and embassies and consulates abroad have no greater responsibility than the protection of U.S. citizens overseas. This is done through routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens at embassies and consulates around the world. They serve fellow citizens during their most important moments – births, deaths, disasters, arrests, and medical emergencies.
