Preparation for a trip can be challenging when you’re trying to make sure you take care of everything you need before leaving.

In this post, I will talk about some of the key points to make your trip efficiently as possible. These are things that I personally use and have learned along the way of traveling. I’ve had my challenges and each time I learned some lessons from my mistakes or someone else’s and what not to do again.

Each time I travel I always see a need for improving a travel issue. Most of this information I’m giving is pretty much common sense, but you be surprised how so many people are unprepared and unorganized when traveling. My goal is to give you a reminder and tools to make travel easier.

1. Identification

Check your passport and make sure it’s valid and has more than six months toward the expiration date left. This is crucial to pay attention to this and there isn’t any room for negotiation with airline personnel if you don’t have enough time on your passport.

2. Research before you go

Anytime you planning to go on a trip it’s important to do the research on the destination you are visiting before you go, so you can know what to expect when you arrive and while your traveling.

3. Pay your Bills and Stop the Mail

There’s nothing worse than going away and realize you forgot to pay your bills. Schedule a reminder or set up auto pay so they won’t be late. The incoming mail at the post office can be set up online to hold it while you’re away.

4. Get Visa

Some International countries require a visa when entering the country. This is something that can be done at the purchase of your flight.

5. Check with your Cellular Provider

Most cell phone providers have International plans and this is something to check before leaving. You may also use several apps to make calls and text with Whats App, Viper, but it only works under Wifi. Remember to make a note to yourself when you on a cruise put the phone in. Airplane Mode and turn the data off.

6. Don’t forget your universal plug adapter

When traveling to different countries the electrical outlets are different from the United States, so make sure to have a converter adapter.

7. Travel Notification with Banks

I always notify my bank of my travel plans so it won’t be any problems with my card. You can also enter the information on your credit card site.

8. Make Copies of your passport

Make copies of your passport and important documents and don’t forget to email yourself a copy to avoid keeping the original on you. And if something happens you will have it to show the police or whomever you’re dealing with.

9. Check the CDC.gov

Make sure you research the country you’re visiting for vaccine requirements and any health concerns.

10. Apps that make travel efficient

I’m a fan of using travel apps to keep me up to date on what’s happening while traveling. I still keep a hard copy of my travel itinerary just in case my phone battery dies, but I love them and it has so much great information to have on hand. My favorite is Kayak, Apps in the Air, TripCase, and Trip Advisor.

11. Social Media

I love Social Media for so many things and it’s a great tool for almost everything. I’m a fan of travel groups because it’s a great networking tool for a plethora of information for travel. And follow travel blogs such as my blog😁(shameless plug) haha for tips on travel.

12. Websites for Travel

I use these sites when I’m planning and searching for flights. You can find great deals on the sites if your an avid user. Skyscanner, Scott’s Cheap Flights, Google Flights. Booking.com, Hotel.com are good sites for hotels. Make sure you set alerts for notifications.

13. Cruise Tips

Click here

14. Checklist for travel

15. Money

I personally use credit cards for travel protection just in case something happens. I’ve had issues when I got pickpocket in Italy, Luckily, I was able to call and cancel the card. But in my early years of travel, I had cash stolen from me even though it was carefully hidden in my wallet. So this stops me from carrying cash. I may carry a very small amount but I rely on my card.

But I did recently open an account at Charles Schwab high-interest checking debit card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees. My favorite credit cards are Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Gold. Both of these cards are Rewards cards.

Do your research on the country currency that your visiting before purchasing.

FYI….. Never use a debit card when booking for travel or rental cars. They hold your funds for a period of time and if you wanted a refund you have to wait awhile to receive credit back.So it’s always better to use a credit card for this even if you charge it then pay it right off you don’t have to worry about this unless it doesn’t matter.

16. Going through Security

I have TSA PreCheck and Global Entry and it’s definitely worth the investment especially when you’re a traveler. It’s wonderful not having to wait in those long lines. Mobile Passport is a wonderful going through customs like a breeze, it’s worth downloading this app. It’s an 85.00-100.00 investment well spent in my opinion.

Make sure to have TSA approved Toiletries

17. Travel Insurance

There’s nothing like being prepared for the unexpected in life because trip interruptions do happen. Don’t take it for granted nothing won’t go wrong.

Click here a read

Finally

I hope these tips help and make your travel experience smooth and enjoyable.

Until next time

Merci