Preparing for Travel Abroad

If you are anything like me, one of your big goals for 2022 is to travel more! Generally, I like to be prepared for whatever travel opportunities come my way - whether that means a quick cruise to somewhere tropical or an international getaway. Things are extra complicated right now, so in addition to working with a Travel Advisor like me to take some of the stress out of your planning process, here are some items you may want to pull together before heading out on your next adventure.

Packing the Essentials

With these must-have travel essentials packed in your bag, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier - no matter where you are headed.

1. Cell Phone: This may seem like a given, but if you are traveling internationally, you will want to make sure your phone will work, no matter where you are! Contact your provider to see what covered you have and if you may need to add an international plan temporarily.
2. Passport: While you grab your passport, you should also take a few seconds to make a photocopy of it. Leave the copy with a trusted friend or family member at home as a backup, should anything happen to your actual passport while you are abroad. I also recommend having an extra copy with you that you can leave in the hotel or ship safe – just in case.
3. Prescriptions: As you pack your essential prescriptions and supplements, make sure to check quantities before you leave. If you notice that you are running low on anything important, call your doctor or pharmacist to get a refill. Especially in our current atmosphere, it’s a good heads up to make sure you have enough supplies for the duration of your trip and extra should you need to quarantine.
4. Money: Before traveling, check to see what type of currency you will need at your destination or destinations. Not all hotels offer exchange services, so make sure you find local exchange services to have some of the appropriate currency before you leave. Your local bank may be able to order the currency you need, or you can check with your credit card company to see if there are any fees to take out money via international ATMs. If your bank does not charge ATM/international fees, it is nice just to have what you need and stop along the way. More places have recently become cashless, so be sure to check where credit and debit cards are offered in your destinations and where you are likely to need local currency. Please do not make the mistake that you can tip in US dollars! The local currency is perfect for tipping.
5. Clothing: Be sure to pack accordingly. For example, Europe in the summer is very different from Europe in the winter, as is sailing on a European Cruise or Alaskan Cruise versus an African Safari Cruise. Be mindful of where you are going and how the temperature may vary at that time of year and during day and night.

Traveling with Confidence

With so much going on in the world right now, there are a few things you can do to travel safely and with confidence. Regarding health precautions, you will need to carry your original vaccination card with you. I would keep it close to your passport so that both of those critical items are together and easily accessible when you need them. Many countries require that you are tested prior to departing your home destination, and you may need to fill out or present some health forms on arrival. I do my best to keep up with the constant changes in the world and the requirements for each destination and am here to answer your questions when I am working with you, but it is up to you to make sure that you are all set with personal documents and to-dos before departing.

Another way you can keep yourself safe is by enrolling your trip with STEP. STEP is a program through the US Department of State. They will send you travel alerts before you leave so that you are aware of any extra precautions. This program also helps you find the nearest embassy contact if any emergencies arise during your trip.

Please keep in mind that this is not an extensive list of things to do, but rather a few things that I recommend checking off of your “Travel To-Do List.” When in doubt, know that you can always reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. If you are ready to begin planning, click here to schedule a call with us! As always, we can’t wait to help you “Seymour of the World” in 2022 - and beyond.