Top 5 Items to Have Ready Before You Travel In 2024!
Here are a few items that you want to have ready before you depart for your trip in 2024!
1. Passport or Passport Card
If you are traveling internationally you will want to be sure this does not expire this year. The U.S State Dept would like to make sure your passport or passport card does not expire within 6 months from your last date of your travel plans. Before you make your plans, please make sure you check your expiration date on your passport. Be sure and check to make sure no visas are needed prior to your departure to the country you are traveling to. This may be included in your travel package as well. You may need to complete an entry form a few days prior to arrival, for instance when traveling to Aruba you must fill out an entry form online 72 hrs. prior to arrival.
2. Financial Planning
Be sure to call your credit card company or bank and let them know you are traveling and where you will be using your card. Some providers allow you to do this online as well. If you do not alert them to your travel plans you may have fraud alerts and if you do not have mobile service, you may not get the alerts and your card will be paused for your safety from your financial institution until they hear from you. Also, if you are getting foreign currency ahead of time be sure to go to your local bank at least 2 weeks prior to give them time to order the funds. Many banks do not have the currency at the local branches. You can also stop at a currency exchange atm once you arrive in your international destination to pull funds from your banking or cc for a fee as well. This may be a less expensive option than going to your bank.
3. Health Prerequisites
Be sure to check and see if there are vaccination requirements for your destination and ensure you have the necessary vaccinations. Currently, all the Covid-19 restrictions are no longer enforced in any country and all tour companies and cruise lines have dropped all the pre-requisites to travel.
4. Technology
If you need to make sure your devices are on and working during travel double check if your hotel or cruise line has the correct plugs in their rooms for your devices. You may need to purchase an adapter for some locations around the globe that may have different plug types than what we use in the U.S. Make sure they have Wi-Fi and if it is complimentary or should be expecting an additional fee for this service. You may want to check with your cell phone provider to see if they offer a travel plan while you are overseas. I have Verizon and they offer Travel Pass that you can take advantage of while you are traveling for a minimal fee. This service allows me to make calls and access the local internet through my phone to keep up with family and work when I need to.
5. Final Documents
Double check your final documents. We send out a packet to our clients that highlights everything in the order you will be using the services on your trip. Take 30 minutes and focus on these about a week or two prior to your departure to make sure everything is in order. This way if you see anything that is missing or if you have questions before you depart you can call us, and we can take a look at it with you. It is always best to walk out the door confidently knowing you have everything in order and what to expect once you arrive at your destination.
Hopefully these will help you get ready to go in 2024!
