So you’ve decided to make a visit to a foreign country, or perhaps more than one country. Yeah, you!!
Your first step is to apply for a passport, or check the expiration date of your current passport in case you need to renew it. Although a passport is not required in certain instances - like a “closed loop” cruise, it’s always best to travel with a valid passport in case of emergency. We recommend passports for children as well. It can take up to six weeks for passport processing and receipt, so be sure to give yourself enough time before your departure. Enter your zip code on the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website to learn where you can apply. You should thoroughly review the documentation necessary for passport application before arriving at your local passport office. What a bummer to start an application and realize that you’re missing an approved form of identification.
What a day in Paris exploring the Louvre Museum - magnifique!
When you purchase your flights, you must input your name as it appears on your passport. If your middle name is listed on the passport, enter it in the flight passenger field. In addition, enter your passport information - number, expiration date and country of issue - with the flight reservation.
Depending on which country you are visiting, you may also need to apply for a visa and take health precautions like vaccinations. Furthermore, certain countries require a passport to be valid for a specific amount of time, like length of stay or a set number of months beyond departure date. You can type in the name of the country that you are visiting on the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website to learn about passport, visa and vaccination requirements, as well as to read about any recent travel alerts or precautions to take within your foreign destination.
Just hanging with a giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands
Now that your travel documents and medical preparations are in order, you can take care of other business. Alert your credit card and banking institutions that you are traveling out of the country. You don’t want your credit card declined after you’ve found the perfect piece of paradise to take home with you. Although US dollars are accepted at most all-inclusives and other tourist spots, you should consider converting US dollars to the local currency of your vacation locale for gratuity, market purchases and other small items.
If you’re taking an extended trip, contact your local post office branch to hold your mail. Arrange for any deliveries to your place of business as you won’t be home to accept from UPS or FedEx.
For bills that are not on auto-draft, pay them in advance. You want to spend your hard-earned money on great food, drinks and experiences on your trip, not on late fees because you forgot to pay your cable bill!
A personal preference, we like to come home to a clean house after vacation. If you do as well, take some time before your trip to dust furniture, vacuum carpets, and wash towels and sheets. We know it’s difficult when you’re busy doing laundry, planning outfits, and handling professional and family matters, but what a great feeling to arrive from vacation to a tidy home. In addition, you may want to grocery shop before your departure so you can come home to more than condiments in your fridge and pantry!
When you’ve got a long flight(s), you’ll want to download videos to your mobile device in case the in-flight offerings don’t align with your entertainment interests. It’s a great time to catch up on the films and TV shows you’ve been meaning to watch, or to read the bestseller that is being made into a movie!
It’s the day of your departure - a very exciting moment. Do one last run-through to make sure you have the proper travel documentation, you’ve packed essential medications and that your house is in order: doors are locked; windows are closed; unused electronics are unplugged; and appliances are off. Not to mention, arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled flight departure.
Have a fun and safe trip!