I’d rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff

I am not sure who said it but I agree with the sentiment! And I love this Pinterest image!

Greetings all!

Since I love travel, several friends have asked me to share travel tips. Today I will discuss documents and electronics. You can find a list of resources at the end of this post.

1. U.S. Passport/Driver’s license/Traveler programs/Travel documents/Travel insurance: Make copies of your documents and email them to yourself, as well keep a copy in a safe place.

a. U.S. Passport - Make sure your passport is valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. You can apply at the U.S. Post Office; Costco and AAA have passport photo discounts for the members. 

b. Driver’s license - Starting October 1, 2020, domestic flights will require a passport or a REAL ID. 

c. Traveler programs - If you plan to travel internationally quite a bit, consider enrolling in Global Entry ($100 for 5 years) or a similar program. Global Entry lets you skip the customs line upon your arrival back to the U.S. via visiting a special kiosk to scan your passport and have your picture taken. Many participating airlines also allow for TSA Pre✓® on your way out of the country (faster security line, no requirement to take off shoes or take out your laptop). The application process is pretty user-friendly and, once approved, you schedule an in-person interview or complete the interview upon arrival at a participating airport.

d. Travel documents - Read the fine print in all of your travel documents, especially for organized tours.

e. Travel insurance - Consider getting travel insurance. Also, review the terms of your credit card as many credit cards have travel protection as a built-in benefit.

2. Visas and vaccinations: Before your trip, check the country’s embassy/consulate website, as well as U.S. Department of State website, to see if your destination requires a visa and/or vaccinations. 

a. Visas - Some visas may be issued upon arrival or online. When available, consider using a Visa Service Center (e.g., CIBT Visas). You still complete the application yourself or pay extra for assistance but you do not have to go to the embassy yourself (not for all destinations). Make a copy of your visa.

b. Vaccinations – There are various travel clinics but also ask your health provider. For example, Kaiser has its own Travel Clinic, and some of the vaccinations might be covered under your health insurance.

3. Cash and credit/debit cards:

a. Cash - Always bring some cash in case you cannot use your credit/debit cards. You can bring U.S. dollars in different denominations and exchange locally or purchase destination currency at your bank in advance. 

b. Credit cards - Sometimes cards are rejected so it might be a good idea to bring 2 or 3 credit cards for backup. Some credit cards charge foreign transaction fees (~3%). Also consider getting a phone app for your credit cards to track your purchases in real time and be alerted for fraud. 

c. Debit cards – You might be charged double fees (by your bank and by a foreign bank), in addition to foreign transaction fees. However, some banks have affiliates abroad that waive the fees. 

4. Universal travel adapter/Voltage converter - Check the voltage at your destination.

5. Phone, charger, earbuds/headphones - If you plan to use your phone a lot (maps, destinations, photos, etc.), bring an external battery charger. It might also be a good idea to have a waterproof pouch to protect your device. Some airlines charge for headphones.

6. Camera, batteries/charger - If you do not use your phone for taking pictures or want to have a backup.

7. Kindle/iPad/other devices – Make sure you have all the necessary accessories.

8. Flashlight – Might be a life-saver when you are searching for your B&B at 2 am in a dark village!

Useful Resources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html - overall: passport, visa, health, safety, etc.
https://www.usps.com/international/passports.htm - passports
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/ - vaccinations
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs – travel programs
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/dl_rdc – REAL ID (starting October 1, 2020) 

What other documents/electronics do you bring with you? Drop me a line!