This morning I woke up thinking about creating a list of suggestions for travelers -- based on the way I travel and things I've learned. This listing won't be for everyone -- if you only travel infrequently, domestically, or on tours/cruises -- only a few things on this list may apply to you. But for those few of you that are more adventurous, I thought perhaps you'd enjoy seeing my travel check list suggestions:
Identification:
Passport (valid at least for 6 months past trip end with sufficient pages for entries)
Check/apply/get VISA for destination (have extra photos when needed)
Driver's License if planning to drive during trip
International Driver's License (available at AAA) if planning to drive during trip
Airport Processing
Apply for Global Entry to speed re-entry into USA - and includes Pre-Check. If you are infrequent traveler - forego lengthly Global Entry process and $100 fee by downloading Customs "Mobile Passport App" (click here) AND initialize it with identity information. Until it is more widely used, it is as speedy as Global Entry in getting you through immigration/customs.
Money/Credit
Get at least two credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (Capitol One and some Chase Cards)
Get at least two ATM cards and know your pin numbers
*When traveling with someone else, you can just have one of each and rely on your traveling partner in the event of loss. When traveling solo, keep one credit card and one atm separate (money belt or separately in hand luggage) in the event of lost card/wallet. Only thing worse than losing your only credit or ATM card is losing your phone! Have a backup plan.
Phone/Cell Service
This is an continuously changing situation depending on where you are traveling, how long you'll be gone, and whether you will rely on only having service at wifi locations or want continuous coverage. Don't think of just calls/texts -- anymore, the smart phone can make a world of difference in traveling (transit times/directions, access to travel documents/information, information about restaurants/attractions).
WIFI ONLY: If you are willing to live with wifi only service:
Make sure you have Skype app and preload with $5 credit for calls. This will be your only way to make calls to regular phones in the USA. Think lost credit/atm card or atm that fails to deliver your money but debits your account or need to change plans because of emergency/death in family. Also make sure you download the "Maps.Me" app (click here) - one of the best, free off-line mapping/gps programs -- be sure to also download the detail map for your destination(s). You should have the Google Maps app - do not rely on Apple Maps.
CONTINUOUS COVERAGE: If you are just doing short travel, you might just look into international options of your current cell provider. But for longer travel, you should:
-Make Sure Your Phone is UNLOCKED - not in contract - otherwise your options are limited to the international options of your current cell provider. In planning ahead, don't buy your next phone on contract. Having an "UNLOCKED" phone is essential to being able to buy inexpensive SIM cards in country that will give you (1) WAY cheaper service; and, (2) a local number.
-Get your regular contacts to download and set up What's App (click here) - the international standard for texting except in China that uses the excellent WeChat (click here) and USA (where our Apple iMessage texting is worthless as soon as you put in foreign SIM -- requiring you to contact all your contacts and give them the new country phone number).
I have lots more to write about cell service when traveling -- but don't have the time now. I'll make that another posting sometime.
