Table of Contents:
VISA
TRAVEL INSURANCE
OTHER EARLY PREPARATIONS.
You have decided to travel, start your preparation list.
Passports.
It is essential to understand that many countries will not allow you in unless your passport is valid until a minimum of six months after the day of return. Not the departure date on the ticket. As most people will apply or renew by mail, do this as soon as possible. They say allow six weeks. I say plan on eight. If your departure is earlier or suggested preparation not heeded, you can expedite passports for a hefty fee. See the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Site for more details.
Always carry a copy of the bio-data page of your passport (the page with your name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, and photo) with you, but separate from your passport. If you have two additional passport photos, include them as well. I hope you never have to replace a document abroad, but having a copy of the missing one and two pictures will get you back on the road much sooner. Also, include this in the “Important Documents” file left at home.
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Visas.
Although not required in most countries for U.S. citizens, some regions of the world have a few holdouts. Double-check every location you are visiting. Some governments, you need to make preparations weeks in advance. While in others, you can obtain them upon arrival. Make sure you know where, when, and how to purchase it. Not all places take credit cards. For travelers staying anywhere for more than two months, inquire about their visa requirements. See the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Site for more details.
Airport / Departure Fees, taxes.
In most countries, these are already in airline and cruise ticket prices. There are still some countries that require payment upon arrival or departure, separate from flight check-in. This added step can add 20-40 minutes to entering/exiting the airport. Also, it’s great to know this for the preparation of your timing and finances. (you schedule that transfer to the hotel 30 mins later.) Many countries will now accept credit cards for payment, but some charge fees to do so. Avoid stress at the very beginning or end of your trip by knowing and planning for these.
Travel Insurance.
Check your existing insurance (homeowners, auto, life, or health insurance) See if it covers you and your possessions overseas. Medicare generally doesn’t include health expenses outside the U.S.
On purchases, credit-card benefits and consumer-protection laws may also protect you.
Can you cancel your hotels up until the day before arrival?
Make a list of what you need to cover. Is there something important that current insurance does not include? Study the different travel insurance available and which one is best for you.
“Important Document” File.
In preparing for your trip, whether it’s around the world or the block, everyone should create an Important Document File. This file is a backup of all your essential information in case you lose the originals. Some of the most critical include:
Passport.
Visa application and stamp.
Plane / boat / rail / bus Tickets.
Travel Insurance (what does it cover).
All debit/credit cards you are taking (account, the unique code, name on the front, and collect number to call).
Car rental agreement.
Show/Event Tickets
Leave a copy of these documents at home. Also, add a copy with your itinerary to family or friends you can contact in an emergency.
Debit / Credit Card companies.
Call your banks. The first question you ask is if there are ANY fees for using your card outside of the USA. If so, what are they?
With debit cards, most banks charge two different fees. One for purchases, another for ATM withdrawals. Some of these are up to 3% of the purchase or withdrawal amount. On top of the lousy exchange rate, do you want to pay an additional 3%?
If there are, it may be time to find a better travel credit card. If you don’t know your credit card’s PIN code, ask your bank to mail it to you. Do this in the early part of the preparation phase.
It is not the worst idea to have a backup card you leave in the safe for emergencies. Just in case someone should compromise your first card.
Get a Check-up.
Regardless of your age, it’s not a bad idea to visit doctors and dentists before traveling. It may take weeks to secure an appointment, so try making these in advance. Try for a date before any cancellation fees kick in, just in case.
Rail Passes.
What began in Europe has now spread to other continents, and I imagine it will continue. Passes, allowing multiple rides on a network of railroads. You need to purchase these before arriving on that continent or, in the case of Japan, visiting that country. I suggest early booking, especially if you are on a tight schedule.
International Driving Permit.
If you are planning on doing the driving, you should apply for an International Driving Permit. For U.S. citizens with U.S. drivers licenses, purchase this through any Triple AAA office. This license is in addition to your driver’s license, and you must have both. They are valid for one year. If applying by mail, allow at least three weeks. Look on the AAA.com website for more information and requirements in obtaining one.
Preparation will take you a long way.