Essential Travelor Info for International Family Travel | Kellie's Odyssey Outings

There is a lot more to travel than slapping your items into a suitcase and heading to the airport.  Although many of the tasks are handled by your trusty travel advisor, there are a few things you need to do before traveling.

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1 .You want to make sure you have the correct travel documents. A passport, Visa or maybe an electronic travel authorization.  I can help you find out what you need for every country you are visiting. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

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2. Make a copy of your passport and any travel documents and keep them in your luggage. You never know when you might need them.

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3. Once you get your travel quote from your travel agent, verify that what you thought you were getting is indeed what you are getting. Flight times and dates, hotels, transfers, package details, etc.

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4. Make sure you read the terms and conditions for your trip.  It may seem boring, but hidden details can make or

break a nice vacation.

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5. Verify any health or vaccine requirements for your destination

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6. Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State Smart Travel Enrollment Program.  step.state.gov. The benefits are

• Get updates about health, weather, safety, and security for your destination.

• Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.

• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there's an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

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7. Make sure you have travel insurance. It is always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I can help you determine which company and plan is best for your destination

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8. You may want to contact your bank to alert them to your travels and determine if you will get local currency or use an ATM

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9. You should keep a copy of the following information on a card on your person, or in your luggage.  If your phone is broken or stolen, this will provide you with important information

• Local emergency number (police, ambulance, fire) — Not all countries use 911; for example, Europe often uses 112.

• U.S. (or your home country’s) embassy or consulate in your destination country.

• Travel insurance emergency assistance line (medical evacuation, lost luggage, trip interruption).

• Credit/debit card lost/stolen hotline for each card you carry.

•  Your bank’s international customer service number (to report fraud or get account     help).

•   Airline(s) customer service & flight rebooking line.

•   A trusted friend or family member at home who can coordinate in an emergency.

•    Any contacts at your destination (tour guide, local friend, host).

•     Your doctor’s office or medical provider — especially if you have ongoing   health conditions or prescriptions.