Author: Chris Croft

Planning a trip abroad anytime soon?  If you are not a savvy traveler, or if it has been a while since you ventured out of the country, there are a few things to do before going overseas that you need to know or be reminded of.  These 10 little tips can save you a lot of heartache and grief.  These are things that should be done in addition to all of the normal planning such as booking flights, hotels, and transportation.  These were originally posted in Fodor’s and I have listed them here for you so hopefully your next international trip can go off hitch-free.

1. Make sure your passport is up to date and see if you need additional visas.
   Hopefully you aware that you will need an up to date passport to travel overseas.  If you don’t have one apply now in case you experience any delays. If you have one and you know where it is check the expiration date.  You will want your passport to be valid for at least six months after entering a foreign country.  Some countries will let you get away with less; refer to the State Department’s website for full details, organized by country. If its expiration date is near get it renewed before your next overseas trip.  Many nations require tourist visas to visit many them.  The application process varies greatly from country to country. Check out the State Department’s website if you are an American.  That will be the best resource to let you know  if you need to apply for a tourist visa.  It will be based on the countries that you will visit and how long you plan to stay in each one. You must remember that applying for a visa can sometimes be costly and time-consuming, so get that taken care of as soon as possible. The important thing to keep in mind is not to wait until the last minute as things always seem to take longer than you think.
2. Get your vaccinations up to date and get plenty of your prescription drugs.
   Before you leave check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.  Here you will find the most comprehensive and up-to-date medical recommendations and they list health advisories by country.  You may need to get special vaccines or medications depending on where you are going. Also, if you on any prescription medication, you need to make sure you have enough to cover the entire time of your travels.  You do not want to run out while you’re away. Lastly, and this is important if you’re going to any remote regions, you may want to pack non-prescription medicines (aspirin,  etc.) that may be hard to find.
3. See if there are any travel warnings or advisories and make sure to register your trip.
   Be sure to check out the State Department’s Consular Information Program for Travel Alerts (“short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country”) and Travel Warnings (“We issue a Travel Warning when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all.”) before book your flight and just before you head overseas. Another thing I recommend if to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  This will allow the State Department to help you in case there are any emergencies. Another wise thing to do is to write down the addresses and phone numbers of any American embassies or consulates in the countries you’ll be visiting.  You never know when you will need them.
4. Make backups of all your travel documents.
   Let’s start with your passport. You should have at least one color copy of your passport’s ID page stored in a safe place away from your passport. While you are at it make copies of any visas connected with your current travels. Have copies of hotel reservations, plane and train ticket confirmations, and all other travel documents. You probably have digital copies of these documents handy. If that is the case be sure that these items are saved to your device so that you don’t need an Internet connection to retrieve them. Also keep security in mind.  If you have sensitive information (like a scan of your passport) on your phone or in your email inbox, you need to have passwords that are strong enough to keep potential intruders out (hopefully you are already doing this!).
5. Make sure your electronics will work.
   In case you were not aware, electrical outlets are different all over the world.  You’ll need to get adapters that allow your electronic devices to plug into these different sockets. Try to buy an adapter with different settings that adjust to most outlets.  That way you only have to worry about one adapter instead of one for every country. Also, check the strength of the electrical current wherever you go. Make sure all of your devices are compatible.  Sometimes cell phones and computers are not. If you find your device is not compatible with a higher or lower current, then you’ll need to buy a transformer not bring that device. Lastly, it’s worth investing in portable phone chargers and/or spare batteries that can be charged and swapped into phones, cameras, and other electronics so that your devices can stay up and running during your trip.
6. Learn some of the local lingo.
   You should always take time to learn the basics such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “Where is the bathroom?”, but also be aware that the more you can say in the local tongue, the better.  Not only will you endear yourself more to the locals (even though your accent may be horrible) but there could also be times when communication can affect your health and safety.  Don’t feel like you can learn any of the language?  You can always cheat and have print-outs or flashcards of the phrases you need that you have with you.
7. Get your finances in order.
   Credit card providers today are more aware of changes in normal card usage, so before you travel overseas, you might want to notify your bank and credit card providers so they can expect to see the foreign charges.  You don’t want them to freeze your cards because you will usually find this out while you are in a shop or trying to pay for dinner. Another thing to be aware of is the exchange rate and also how much things generally cost at your destination so that you can budget yourself accordingly. I would not recommend traveler’s checks. Nowadays they are not widely accepted and the exchange rate is not as favorable as what you’ll find at an ATM.  This is generally true anywhere in the world.
8. You need to know about any entrance and exit fees.
   Even if a country doesn’t require you to obtain a tourist visa, it could levy an entrance and/or exit fee against you. For example, some countries allow U.S. citizens to visit for up to ninety days without a visa, but then levy a  “reciprocity fee” which must be paid before entering the country.  If you don’t have a copy of the receipt you won’t be allowed in. The Consular Information Program is the most reliable resource for finding out whether a country charges any of these fees; on any country page, look under the Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements tab for complete information.
9. If you are planning on driving, get an International Driving Permit.
   Thinking of a road trip once you get there?  Won’t happen without proper planning. It is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license and insurance in most countries, and, unfortunately  many of them don’t recognize U.S. driver’s licenses. You can usually get insurance from car rental companies, but you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit, either from AAA or the National Auto Club for your license. You might also want to get familiar with the  local driving laws wherever you plan to drive. You can find the rules and regulations regarding driving from the foreign embassies.
10.  Get insured.
    Make sure your health insurance policy includes international coverage before you depart. If it doesn’t, you might want to buy a short-term policy that will cover you while you’re away. Travel insurance is also a good idea. It is a smart way to protect your trip and your money. There are many different policies and coverages you can get.  Just make sure that if your trip has to be cancelled, postponed, or cut short for any number of reasons you can have your money refunded .

You can view the original article from Fodor’s here.

Do you suffer from travel anxiety?  That is, do you find yourself worrying about all the things that could go wrong?  Try these 8 pre-flight tips suggested by Real Simple to help you learn how to overcome travel anxiety and let you focus on how you are going to enjoy your trip instead.

1. Keep Tabs on Your Flight.
   Make sure you sign up for text and e-mail alerts for your flight with an online flight-tracking service. You should not depend on your airline to let you know when there’s a problem.  Services such as Flight-Stats (free, Android, iOs) or  Triplt Pro ($49 a year, Android, iOs), can help you keep up with flight alerts.
2. Insure Yourself.
   Another worry people comonly have is that a flight delay or cancellation will ruin a vacation. You can get flight insurance such as Berkshire Hath-away’s AirCare insurance ($34, bhtp.com) which will reimburse you $50 for a delay of more than two hours, $100 if you miss a connection due to a delay, and $500 if your bag goes missing for more than 12 hours. The great thing about this company is that it tracks flight status automatically and makes  payments directly to a PayPal account or a debit card.
3. Get the Seat You Want.
   So you are not going to spend that extra cash to get that  premium economy seat or a prime aisle seat ahead of time?  Okay, just sign up with ExpertFlyer.com.  They will alert you when the seat you want becomes free.  Then you just log on and grab it. SearGuru.com provides cabin maps which can help you find your prime seat.
4. Get in the Zone.
   Another big worry people have is jet lag.  Alleviate those fears by following a personalized schedule for your itinerary at StopJetLag.com. They can provide you with an hour-by-hour plan that includes when to eat, rest, exercise, and get sun exposure so when you reach your destination you will be right in sync with your destination’s local time.
5. Security? – No Worries.
   One thing you should really do to keep from worrying so much about long lines at security (or taking off your shoes, you know the drill)  is to sign up for TSA PreCheck ($85 for five years, tsa.gov).  This will expedite you through security in more than 150 U.S. airports. And if you are going international you can become a member of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program ($100 for five years, cbp.gov) and you’ll get PreCheck and you will be able to zip through U.S. customs.
6. Is my Carry-on Too Big?
   There is a 22-by-14-by-9-inch size limit for carry-ons which has not always been strictly adhered to.  However, many domestic carriers are now starting to enforce this rule.  And many  bags advertised as carry-ons do not mee this criteriat .  If you want to avoid gate checking (and paying) for a bag, visit the airline’s website where you can find out the size restrictions before you leave. And then make sure you carry-on is regulation-size.
7. Right-size Your Liquids.
   To meet TSA requirements you must limit liquids, gels, and aerosols to 3.4 ounces or less and place them in a one-quart clear plastic zip-top bag in your carry-on.  You can go to 3floz.com to find TSA-approved mini containers of more than 60 brands.
8. Clothing is not Optional.
   In other words, dree properly.  If you want to move through airports with ease and finish your flight wrinkle-free, stick with the wrinkle resistant fabrics, such as knits, jersey, and stretch denim. For those who are cold-natured, a cashmere wrap or sweater is a life saver.  Also, a comfortable pair of slip-on shoes will help you speed through security  (if you didn’t follow number 5 and get PreCheck!)..

If you have flown more than once then you have probably experienced at least one of the following: delayed flights, lost bags, and customer complaints.  According to a recent study things thing  are on the rise,   In continuing with our travel tips and tricks, here is an article found in Real Simple where experts explain how you can resolve some of these sticky air travel problems—and, even better, how you can totally avoid them.

1. You missed your connecting flight.

If you book all of your flights through one airline, there’s a better chance that airline will accommodate you, says Regis St. Louis, coordinating author of Lonely Planet USA. When it comes to rebooking your flight, “never stand on line—ever,” says Peter Greenberg, travel editor for CBS News. If there is no line at the ticket counter, approach the attendant to see if you can get on the next flight (even if you just get on standby). If the ticket counter is crowded, call the airline’s 1-800 number.

If you were on the last flight of the day and the airline was responsible for the delay—a mechanical or staffing issue, for example—you’re in a better position to receive compensation for a hotel room and get on the first flight out the next day, says Greenberg. Grounded due to a storm? Sorry: “If weather was involved, all bets are off and you’re on your own,” he says.

 

© Wavebreakmediamicro | Dreamstime.com – Departures List On Black Mechanical Board Photo

 

2 . Your trip was cut short due to a family emergency.

If you have travel insurance, some of your expenses may be covered—though the cost of purchasing insurance might only be worth it if your ticket is relatively expensive, says Greenberg. Otherwise, the expense may outweigh the benefit. If a situation arises that requires unexpected travel, St. Louis suggests calling the airline to explain the situation. Whether or not to accommodate changes is often up to their discretion, he says.

 

3. Your bags are lost.

If your bags end up lost, don’t panic: “Generally airlines are pretty good about getting your bags to you very quickly. It’s rare that your bags will disappear never to return,” says St. Louis. First, go to the customer service counter to report your bags missing and make sure to get a receipt or something tangible that says they are looking for the bags, he says. Inquire about how your bags will be returned to you—some airlines will deliver your bags to your final destination and others will not. If your bags are missing for a number of days, some airlines will also give you money towards a new wardrobe, says Pauline Frommer, editorial director for Frommer’s guidebooks and Frommers.com.

To avoid this sticky situation in the future, both Frommer and St. Louis recommend not checking a bag if at all possible. If you do decide to send your bags through, make sure they’re marked in several places, says Frommer. In addition to identifying tags on the outside of your bag, “it’s good to have a little slip of paper inside with your ticket number, name, and address, and your cell phone number,” she says. Another helpful hint: When connecting flights, ask the agent at your connecting gate to scan your checked luggage receipt to see if your bags made the flight, says Greenberg. “If your bags didn’t make your flight, you can start the lost and found process then—not hours later when you arrive at your destination.”

 

4. You forgot your identification.

Always double and triple check that you have your identification on you—especially a passport for international travel—before leaving the house. In the event you’re traveling domestically and leave your ID behind, “TSA has come up with some creative ways to get you through security,” says Greenberg. “A credit card, a checkbook with your name on it, even your cell phone may contain enough information to confirm that it’s you.” But for international travel, “no passport, no flight,” says Greenberg.

Take a photograph of your ID or passport and have it on your phone in case you lose your ID or forget it, says St. Louis. It’s up to the airlines whether or not they’ll let you on the flight, but it may help—especially if you have to replace your passport at a consulate.

 

5.  You’re bumped from a flight.

“It’s rare that you’d be bumped from a flight without being informed, unless you’re running really late and don’t make it to the gate in time,” says St. Louis. In other countries there might be different requirements, so you’ll want to check the carrier’s rules and regulations, he adds. If you do get bumped from a flight for some reason, do not accept miles or vouchers, which can be difficult to redeem, says Frommer: “Ask for cold hard cash.”

 

6.  You’re traveling with young kids, but can’t get seats together.

“The key is to speak up,” says St. Louis. “Be proactive and try to find an ally.” Ask the ticket counter for help before boarding. If they can’t help you, the flight attendant on the aircraft can help shuffle passengers around to accommodate your family, he says. Remember: “Courtesy and kindness goes a long way.”

 

7. Your flight is canceled due to bad weather.

If your flight is canceled due to inclement weather, the best course of action is to be persistent, says Frommer: “Keep calling. If you get an answer you do not like, hang up, and either call or email back.” During bad weather, things change quickly and passengers are often shuffled around to accommodate individual travel needs as best as possible, which means a seat that was not available minutes ago may now be available, she explains. And remember to consider alternate airports and other means of transportation if you need to get to your destination immediately. Try rental cars, buses, or trains.

Whether you are a frequently traveler or have only flown a few times, it you have crossed time zones then you have probably experienced jet lag to some degree. It can come in the form of headaches, irritability, or even worst symptoms.

Of course there is no magic cure or potion you can drink but there are certain steps you can take to mitigate these symptoms while you wait for your body clock to adjust.

Here from World of Wonderlust are 10 things that you can do to help you avoid jet lag and also avoid starting your vacation out on the wrong foot.

1. Book your flight strategically

If possible, try booking a flight that will minimize jet lag. If you are flying west, book an afternoon flight. If you are flying east, book a morning flight. Landing at a sensible time will minimize the amount of swearing that happens when you’re landing in a strange country at 3 a.m. completely exhausted.

 

2. Shift your time for long trips

Depending on your schedule, try shifting your sleep schedule before you even leave on your trip. A few days before you leave, try going to bed one hour earlier or later each day. Try to also move your mealtimes. That might mean a super-early trip to the gym in the morning and going to bed before your favorite TV shows are over but you’ll be grateful when you arrive at your destination feeling a little more prepared to face the world.

3. Adjust your watch

Even before you board the plane, adjust your watch to your destination’s local time. It doesn’t seem like much, but every time you glance at your watch, you’re telling your subconscious what time it’s going to be and that will help you mentally prepare before you even land.

4. Drink lots of water

Yes, your seat mate will hate you, but being hydrated is worth all those trips to the bathroom. The cabin air pressure is dehydrating, which won’t help your travel hangover and not drinking enough water will leave you with a headache and dry skin. Drink as much water or herbal tea as you can, stay away from sugary juice and coffee and whatever you do, don’t drink alcohol. Sorry, but alcohol will only dehydrate you more and make your jet lag more painful.

5. Try to eat light meals

During a flight, the only thing happening is either food or a terrible inflight movie. Even though the food isn’t great, it’s something to do, but try to resist eating too much. Heavy meals, especially ones heavy on salt will keep you from getting that much-needed rest. If possible, stick to protein and plant-based foods to beat jet-lag and keep you feeling fresh instead of bloated.

 

6. Sleep on the plane

Obviously, this is easier said than done, but if you can get a little shut-eye on the flight, it’ll seriously help your jet lag. Bring an eye mask, earplugs and try to unplug from the what’s happening around you. Just make sure that you’re falling asleep when it’s night time in your destination, not night time at home. However, if it’s daytime at your destination while you’re flying, it might be better to give up sleeping and use the flight time for relaxing or working.

 

7. Walk around during the flight

Try to keep the blood flowing during the flight by walking up and down the aisle or doing mini stretches in your seat. Keeping muscle aches away is key for keeping you relaxed and helping you feel a little happier when you actually get off the plane. That doesn’t mean you have to do pushups by the bathroom, just some gentle stretching will help.

8. Get some sunshine STAT

Instead of chugging caffeine, go outside! Sunshine acts like a natural stimulant that triggers your body into “waking up”  and reseting your internal clock. If you arrive at your destination during the day, get as much light exposure as you possibly can. Go for a walk or relax by the pool- the more natural light you can get when you first arrive, the quicker you’ll get over jet lag.

 

9. Rest at sundown

If it’s still light when you land, fight the urge to instantly pass out. Push through your fatigue by doing an activity you’ve been looking forward to or just walking the streets and exploring. Then once the sun is setting, head back to your hotel to get some rest and get your circadian rhythm off on the right foot.

 

10. Take a warm bath

After a long flight, sometimes it’s really hard to unwind and fall asleep. Instead of resorting to sleeping pills, draw yourself a bath when you get to the hotel and treat yourself to some quiet time. If there isn’t a tub, drink a warm cup of tea. Don’t resort to the mini bar, since alcohol won’t help with that groggy feeling the next morning. Save the wine for the following night, once you’re feeling better than ever.