There are many perks to becoming an Independent Avon Representative. One of the most exciting to me has got to be the ability to earn free travel. Due to my efforts with the company, I have been rewarded with an all expenses paid trip to Cabos San Lucas, Mexico. And I couldn’t be more excited to sink my toes into the sand there!
Being a frequent domestic traveler, I thought traveling out of the country would add a small layer of planning to my comfort zone trips within the United States. As it turns out,, there are quite a few additional things to keep in mind to ensure you have a relaxing international trip.
I have enlisted the help of my very own travel agent, Jodi Comm, with Upon a Star Travel with Jodi to cover some quick tips and tricks involved when you are planning to travel overseas. While Jodi did not plan this trip to Los Cabos, she does plan all of my domestic trips that I take with my family every year. So, I trust her advice on things to keep in mind as I begin to prepare to travel out of the country. Most of these tips can also be found on the United States Government’s website.
These tips are meant to give you a generic overview on some different topics to be considering when you are planning to travel across the border. It’s always important to do your own research related to your specific destination as it relates to its requirements.
Use a Travel Agent to help you book your trip – Here are some reasons why
2. Obtain a Valid United States Passport – You can get lots of great information on how to obtain your United States Passport as well as vital information about requirements for your entry into another country from the United States Government’s website. If you need to get a passport, you can get the paperwork you need to for your passport application. The site will walk you through finding the correct form for your specific passport need, whether it be a renewal or a brand new passport. You can also find authorized locations where you can obtain a passport in your area. An insider planning tip from Jodi – prior to your trip, make sure you examine your current passport, if you have one, and verify that the expiration date is more than six months following your return from your international travel. “So, when you land back in the United States, your passport must still be good for six more months after your return,” she clarified. This is actually a government regulation and can be found here.
Contact your cell phone provider – Several weeks before you leave, check with your cell phone provider to get specifics about your travel destination. Let them know your exact destination and the time you plan to be gone. Depending on your carrier, taking care of this in advance COULD save you money if you elect to choose a per day fee for international calling. Different carriers have different plans so your carrier will be able to best advise you on what is the best option that aligns with your travel location.
Before you leave, check in with your credit card company – You likely will want to use a credit card while you travel internationally. But, some credit card companies will automatically decline international charges as fraudulent and you don’t want to be stuck somewhere without a way to get access your money. Ensure that your credit card will work internationally and let them know when you will be leaving and to what location you will be traveling to avoid interruptions in charging privilidges.
Keep in mind, depending on your destination or resort, you may or may not need appropriate adapters or converters for your electronic devices. Such adapters can be purchased from a variety of different retailers.
When traveling, it’s a good idea to carry a pen on your flight to your international location in the event that you will have to begin filling out your immigration forms in flight. Sometimes there are airlines who will not have enough pens for all the passengers.
When filling out your immigration forms, to help expedite your customs process, please be sure to read and double check your forms very carefully. Be sure not to fill out the form incorrectly as you could be questioned on any inconsistencies. Know your destination specifics and the reason for your travel. Pro Tip from Jodi – Print out a copy of your confirmation that includes specifics related to your final destination and carry it with you. You will be able to copy the information from the confirmation and won’t have to worry about remembering all of the specific details. Keep in mind that some countries write their dates differently (ie DD/MM/YYYY). Read the form very carefully and fill it out accurately.
A couple tips for when When you go through immigration – Do NOT have your cell phone out. When they have completed questioning, the immigration official will give you the second half of your immigration papers. YOU WILL NEED THIS WHEN YOU RETURN. Keep these documents in a safe location during your trip.
Take United States money in small denominations for tips. Some resorts in other countries do accept tips in US Money. You will want to have money to tip for impeccable service.
If you must take medication – be sure it is in the original prescription bottle if possible and stay up to date on fluid traveling requirements on the government’s traveling homepage.
Consider Travel Insurance – Many people think travel insurance is to cover the cost of their trip in the event of natural disaster or if they are unable to go for whatever reason. However, travel insurance can be very beneficial in the case of emergency while you are away. Depending on the policy you buy, investing in insurance can cover you in the event of a medical situation (United States Health insurance is not accepted or recognized overseas – and you will pay out of pocket to the medical provider you see) or in the event you would need an emergency transfer. If something happens while you are abroad, and you need to get home immediately, travel insurance could help cover your costs to do so.
Hopefully these quick tips set you up to travel with ease and have a fun and relaxing vacation. When you get around to planning your next vacation – be sure to give our travel expert a call!
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