Deposit Photos: Buddah Images
Planning for your dream vacation can be so exciting — where you're going to stay, what you'll see, the shows you'll take in, all the fantastic food you'll eat.
But what about all your travel documents? Are they all in order?
There are many different types of travel documents. Now that we are starting to plan travel again, it is crucial to ensure that you have the proper travel documents on hand. This week, we share what you need to know about two of the most important documents you need to have ready and up to date before traveling. In the coming weeks, we will share a few other necessary documents or convenient ones to have on hand when you walk out the door, plus practical tips on keeping everything organized, safe, and accessible.
Your passport. This is the big one. For US passports, make sure it hasn't expired and that the expiration date falls at least six months after the last day of travel of your next trip. Even if you are planning a trip for 2022, check the expiration date. Make a calendar note to submit your passport renewal several months before your passport expires. While processing times have improved since the start of the pandemic, it is still taking a long time for passports to process. You want to make sure that you submit your passport application when you will not need it for travel. And don't forget passports for your kid(s) if they are traveling with you. If you have a child turning 18 soon, you may want to delay applying for or renewing that passport. If your child does not have a trip on the horizon and can wait, then the adult passport will be good for ten years instead of five. Here is a link to the US Passport site where you can review the rules:
Apply for and obtain any visas that you can acquire in advance, including those for countries you'll only be traveling through. If you can't get a visa in advance, bring a letter from the consulate stating that your visa will be granted upon your arrival. Every country has different visa requirements, and those requirements change often. If we are booking your trip, we will review all destinations and visa requirements to make sure you have what you need.
Passport ready? Let's start planning your trip today! You contact me by clicking here. I look forward to hearing from you!
