Are You Really Ready to Take Off?
Okay, you’ve booked your flight, planned your itinerary – think you’re ready? Take a moment to check my “To Do” Lists. There is one for “Months Before” and one for “Week Before.” They might make for smoother sailing.
SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE
VISAS Do the home work and learn visa requirements of the countries you plan to visit. If a visa is necessary, find out if you can buy it at the port of entry. Will you need an exact amount of US dollars? (Many places will NOT accept credit cards… nor bills older than some random year they’ve picked.) In some places, you may need a “passport” type photo. Trust me….do this at your local pharmacy, don’t count on finding this service in some far-flung locale. Don’t get turned away for a visa mistake you could have easily handled at home.
PASSPORTS Remember, most countries require that a passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of a trip. Also, some countries require between two and four blank pages in your passport for visas before you enter the country. Here’s a new regulation that may affect you: You can no longer add additional pages to your existing passport. If you’ve run out of pages, you must obtain a new passport by mail. At the time of application, you may choose a 28-page or 52-page book.
HEALTH CONCERNS Check the CDC website or visit a travel doctor to learn about vaccination requirements in the countries on your agenda. Also check preventive meds recommended for the countries you’re visiting (like malaria meds). Make sure your medicine bag is fully stocked.
Most U.S. health insurance policies offer limited coverage abroad. You may want to invest in a good travel medical insurance plan that covers emergency evacuations, adventure sports, etc.
MONEY MATTERS A great way to save $$ is to avoid international transaction fees. Make sure one of the credit cards you’re taking does not charge this fee (like the American Airlines Citi Premium Select Master Card). Also, some checking accounts do not charge ATM or international transaction fees. Start investigating early.
ATTRACTIONS Buy Tickets Online Before You Go. For those intrepid travelers not on a packaged tour, go online, make reservations and buy tickets for every attraction you want to see. Example: if you’re traveling to Barcelona, and think you’re just going to show up to Gaudi’s Basilica de la Segrada Familia and get in – think again. Don’t get shut out. Save time, save money, save your itinerary!
THE WEEK BEFORE
PACK 7 DAYS BEFORE, REPACK THE DAY BEFORE Avoid overpacking – your back will thank you. A week or so before you go, pack Round #1. This ensures all items can be properly laundered, buttons sewed on, etc. The day before you leave, get rid of at least 15% of everything you thought you needed. Also, recheck weather at your destination. Is there an unforeseen cold snap in the forecast? Might you need to switch out some short sleeved shirts for long sleeved ones?
FINANCES It’s downright scary to be at an ATM in a foreign country… and your card won’t work. Contact your credit card company (by phone or online) and let them know the dates and destinations of your trip. It’s also smart to take a photo of every card you’re taking with you (front and back) – and your passport – and leave it at home with someone you trust.
ELECTRONICS Charge everything. Check online and see what plug configuration is used at your destination. Make sure you have at least 2 of the correct plug adapters.
PHONE Call your service provider and get their latest call/text/data plans. Of course, if you’ll be visiting a country for any length of time, you may want to get a local SIM card. If you do, make sure your phone is compatible and unlocked. Iphones after the 5S are unlocked, but for other models, contact your service provider to unlock the phone so that it can accommodate a foreign SIM card. It’s worth the trouble!
MAIL You may want to consider having the US Post Office hold your mail. They’ll deliver to your home on the date of your return.
NEWSPAPER If you have home delivery, make sure to do a vacation stop.
SET UP AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS If you’re going on an extended journey, make sure you’re signed up for online payments or auto pay. You don’t want to be hit with service and interest charges while you’re gone.
