Be Well Travel Tips

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- Be sure to check the entry requirements for your  destination, particularly regarding passport validity, visas, and vaccinations. The best source is travel.state.gov and search for your country.

- For international travel, passports should be valid at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return date. Keep a copy of your passport in your checked luggage or take a picture of the information page on your phone.

- Consult your physician or a travel clinic before travel to exotic destinations to verify you are up-to-date on shots/vaccinations (yellow fever, etc.), and get any prescriptions you may need (altitude, anti-malaria, etc.). For info on recommended immunizations and health advisories, please see the CDC website.

- If you are traveling internationally with a minor without both parents accompanying the child, you will need to carry a notarized letter of travel consent.

You may wish to register your trip with the State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program).

- It is important that your name on your airline ticket matches your name on your passport exactly. Please double check this before buying your ticket! Notify your travel advisor immediately if there are any discrepancies.

- Check in online via your airline's website 24 hours prior to departure, or as early as is allowed. You will have the opportunity to add or update your contact info (email or cell phone for text) at this time, which can be very helpful if there are any delays or cancellations. You may also want to download the app for the airline you are flying to check flight status on the go and check-in for your return home.

- In general, we recommend arrival at the airport 2.5 to 3 hours prior to international departure. Check with your travel advisor for specific recommendations based on your destination.

- If you are a frequent traveler, you may consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. You can also enroll in CLEAR to get through the lines faster at the airport. Consider downloading the free Mobile Passport Control app to help you get through US immigration quickly on your return home.

- Check with your cell phone carrier before you leave to find out if service is offered in your destination, how to access it, and if you can buy a temporary plan that will allow you to use a certain amount of data/text and reduced rate calling. Be aware of roaming charges and use wifi when possible. If you do not have an international data plan, you may wish to consider turning data off to avoid incurring significant charges.

- Ask your travel advisor about purchasing a mobile wifi hotspot with preloaded data.

- Give yourself plenty of time for all transportation – airport, train, bus, etc. You never know how long things will take in an unfamiliar airport or train station.

- If you are renting a car, you should have an International Driver’s License. You can obtain this at a local AAA office.

- You may consider downloading the map for your destination city on your smartphone so you can reference it without using your data/wifi. Many cities also offer apps that you can download.

- Please carefully review entry requirements for your destination, as well as for returning home after travel. Failure to have the proper COVID-19 documentation, testing, or vaccination requirements may affect transit or entry to your

final destination. Keep in mind that entry requirements and government mandates surrounding the pandemic are constantly evolving. As the traveler, you assume full responsibility for compliance with any and all requirements for travel.

- SHERPA is a helpful resource for checking health & travel restrictions.

- CIBT offers a verification service for health & travel restrictions.

- Verify the weight restrictions for your flights. Pack for the most strict requirements to avoid overweight or extra bag fees. Most hotels and resorts offer laundry service at a charge, so  you don't have to overpack.

- Always carry your travel documents, prescriptions, jewelry/valuables, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. Bring a pen to complete any immigration forms when you land in your new destination.

- Make sure all luggage is tagged with your name and contact information. Lock your luggage with a TSA-approved lock.

- Don’t forget to bring plugs and cords for charging your electronic devices. Check if you will need a converter or adapter in your destination and plan accordingly.

- Bring a travel first aid kit with items such as pain killers, decongestant, Nyquil, Band-Aids, Hydrocortisone cream, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, Neosporin, antibacterial wipes, Benadryl, tissues, bug spray, and sunscreen. Depending on your destination, a pharmacy may not be convenient and you probably will not be able to find your preferred US brands.

- Alternatively, ask your travel advisor about shipping your luggage to your destination.

- Always store your passport, credit cards, cash, and valuables in the hotel safe.

- Travel with only the credit cards you plan to use abroad.  Leave any other cards or purse/wallet contents that you do not need at home.

- Carry a purse or bag that zips completely closed and always keep it in your possession and eyesight. Don't sling it on the back of your chair at an outdoor cafe or leave it sitting on a table while you use the restroom.

- Carry a copy of your passport in your checked bag and/or have a photo of your passport on your phone. If your passport were lost or stolen, having a copy of it could mean the difference between a quick replacement at the local US Embassy to waiting for days to verify info with the US State Department.

- We recommend traveling with credit cards with no foreign currency transaction fees. Before you go, make sure you advise your credit card companies and bank when and where you are traveling. Make sure you bring the phone number for each card in case you need to call to cancel.

- Using an ATM locally is the fastest and best way to get cash. Before you go, find out from your bank what their international ATM withdrawal fee is, if they partner with any foreign banks for a reduced or waived international withdrawal fee, and find out if you have a maximum daily withdrawal limit. Consider ordering foreign currency from your bank in advance before you go so you can arrive with some cash on hand. Otherwise, you can use the ATM at the airport on arrival, and/or ask your guide or hotel concierge for a local ATM.

- Only carry as much cash as you need for that day when you are out and about. Leave the rest of your cash in the hotel safe. Always leave at least one credit card or form of payment in the hotel safe. In case something happens to your wallet while you are out, you will have access to funds. - Don't pack all your cash in one place. Split it up between storage zippers or money holders in your bag. In case your wallet is lost or stolen, you will

not lose all your cash.

- If you are obtaining a VAT refund, be sure to save all receipts and take care of that at the airport before leaving that country. You will need to have the purchased items in hand to collect your VAT refund, so do not pack them in your checked luggage.

- Pick their brain! Don't hesitate to ask your guide where he/she would go for dinner that night or what neighborhoods they like to explore in their free time. You can take advantage of their knowledge even when they are not with you.

- Familiarize yourself with tipping customs in your destination. Remember tipping is always at your discretion based on service level.

Pack your patience! Travel is an exciting journey, full of amazing plans, & usually a surprise or two. Relax and be prepared for cultural idiosyncrasies or maybe even an unexpected delay/change due to circumstances out of your control.  Patience is universal.