I’ve traveled A LOT over the past thirty years, and have learned the hard way when things went awry and I wasn’t prepared. Below are my top twelve tips of things to do prior to traveling by air, especially to international destinations.
Get a Global Entry clearance – Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service that allows pre-approved, low risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival into the U.S. through automatic kiosks at select airports. Upon entry, you simply have your face scanned for recognition, and you receive a slip that allows you to bypass the line for Customs and Border Patrol. Obtaining Global Entry automatically enrolls you with TSA Pre-Check at a slightly higher cost than Pre-Check alone. This allows travelers to use the shorter TSA Pre-check line at domestic airports. To get a Global Entry clearance you will need to pay a $100 fee and apply online, and then attend a scheduled in person interview.
Have Travel Insurance – It is always a good idea to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected travel issues that may arise, such as a last minute cancellation, or health issues. Be sure that you understand what your travel insurance covers. Some travel insurance provided through credit cards doesn’t cover items that may be covered through a stand alone insurance policy. One example is that some pre-paid car rentals are not covered due to a flight delay, as I found out the hard way.
Download Tripit – Tripit is a travel app that you can download on your phone that organizes your travel for each trip. Once you get an e-mail with your hotel, car, flight, cruise, tour, or other travel related confirmation, you simply forward it to the Tripit app, and an itinerary for your trip is organized. You can load multiple trips on your app. The Tripit app is free. However, Tripit Pro, which costs $49 per year, provides you dynamic updates as things happen, such as flight changes, helping you to navigate any surprises along the way. Tripit Pro also allows for easier sharing and coordination between people with the same app.
Check the Weather – Check the weather report of your destination the day you leave to know what clothing to pack, and be prepared for variable conditions. Even if you are going to a warm weather destination, it can be beneficial to carry a light sweater or jacket for evening conditions or for air conditioning on your flight. Also, it helps to be prepared for the weather at intermediate stops along the way, in case you miss your connection.
Proper Packing – It’s better to under-pack, rather than over-pack, and to use a carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage if possible. Generally, you are allowed one carry on bag, and a smaller bag that can fit beneath your seat. Many airline ticket prices, especially domestic tickets, require payment for your checked baggage. Keeping your baggage with you will minimize issues or conflicts if it is lost. Check ahead of time to determine if there are laundry facilities at your hotel or destination, which will reduce the amount of clothing you need. If you do check baggage, make sure to bring some change of clothing in your carry-on baggage or backpack in case your baggage is lost. Another helpful tip it to put a lightweight backpack in your baggage that you can use while touring around. Finally, it’s a good idea to pack a few gallon sized ziplock bags for storing wet clothing or bottles with liquids.
Use Air Tags – An AirTag is an Apple based tracking device that helps people find personal objects. They can be attached to a key ring or put in your luggage. By placing the air tag in your baggage, you can track on your IPhone or Apple device where your baggage is at all times. This will provide you confidence that your baggage is being loaded onto your flight. These tags cost under $30 and a set of four can be purchased for about $100. It is even beneficial to place an AirTag in your carry-on baggage in case the gate agent requires you to check your baggage at the gate, or if your carry-on baggage gets lost or stolen. Tile is a similar tracking device that works with both Android and Apple devices.
Know your Intermediate Flight Options – If you have a connecting flight, know what your other flight options are ahead of time, in the event that your initial flight is delayed and you miss your connection. This way, you can call ahead (if you are certain you will miss your connection) to arrange an alternative flight, and beat the crowds at the customer service center. It is also good to know ahead of time how long your rental car company will keep the reservation. In one circumstance, my rental car company cancelled the pre-paid reservation while not reimbursing me due to the late arrival time.
Always carry a Pen with you – Have you ever been frustrated while sitting on a plane, or upon landing at an airport, having to fill out customs forms and not having an instrument to write? And then having to beg your neighbor, flight attendant or agent, and then patiently wait? Always keep a pen or even two in your backpack, purse or carry-on to avoid this common frustration, and being the last person through customs.
Understand your Credit Cards – It is important to know if your credit card is accepted where you are traveling. In many countries, the American Express or Discover credit card is not accepted. I usually carry one Visa and one MasterCard, as well as a debit card. Also check your credit card to see if a foreign transaction fee is charged. Call your credit card customer service or use the online service in advance to let them know of any upcoming international travel, so that they won’t suspend your credit card thinking there is fraudulent activity.
Keep Cash – It is always a good idea to carry U.S. cash or Euros including small bills. Keeping some amount of cash is useful in the case of an emergency, or for tipping. When arriving at an international airport, ATM’s often carry high fees, and having cash upon arrival can be useful in paying for any airport services, such as food, taxi or porter service.
Know the Transportation Options – Research in advance what the transportation options are at the airport, and where they are located. In many countries, especially developing countries, you will be bombarded upon clearing customs, with taxi operators. Many cities have a wide variety of transportation options, including rail service directly from the airport to the central part of the city. Other cities may have very limited options. Knowing in advance what your options are will provide you more confidence, and significantly reduce stress at the beginning of your vacation. AirNav is a website that provides information and links to both domestic and international airport websites.
Keep Copies of Pertinent Data – Keep copies of pertinent data, such as your passport, Global Entry and credit card information (including customer service telephone numbers). Keep this information in a separate location (such as on your phone or separate piece of paper) in the case that any of those items are lost or stolen. This will save time and provide the information you need when having to report the issue.