Traveling abroad, whether for pleasure or business, can be lots of fun but also a bit stressful. These tips will help you be prepared so you can avoid unnecessary hassles.
When planning your trip, take a look at your passport. Make sure it is valid, readable, and undamaged. If your passport needs to be renewed or replaced, now is the time to do so. If you wait until you are packing for your trip to check your passport, you could end up having to delay your trip.
Check to make sure that you have the correct visas. If you are traveling to a country that you have not visited before, double check visa requirements. Visa requirements can change, so it is best to check again before leaving on your trip.
Different airlines have different carry-on restrictions, so check with all the airlines you may be flying on to make sure you are within the rules. Make full use of the allowed carry-on luggage to save money on checked baggage.
Waiting at the airport can be boring and sometimes frustrating. Be prepared! Take along a book or electronic game system, or maybe a journal or notebook. Check-in lines can be long, as can security check-in lines. It is also possible that you could be required to go through security checkpoints more than once, especially at airports in the United States. Getting through customs can also be a hassle. Just relax and go with the flow. Your blood pressure will thank you.
Make sure that your checked baggage is within limits. Take the time to weigh your luggage as most airlines have both a size and weight restriction. If your luggage is close to the weight limit, take a few things out. The scale you use is not going to show the same weight as the scale the airlines use. You do not want to have to choose between leaving something behind at the airport or paying a hundred dollar over-weight fee because your bag is five pounds over the limit.
Plan to arrive at the airport two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. This allows plenty of time to get through lines, get something to eat and drink before your flight leaves, and deal with unexpected security issues the airport may have that day.
Double check all your bookings prior to leaving. Check that all your flights are on time and check the weather at your destination and arrival airports to see if a weather-related delay is likely. Also check the weather at any lay-over or stops. Call the motels where you have reservations to make sure everything is set. Know what you will do if you get stuck at a lay-over location- find a motel close to the airport and check availability. This might seem overly cautious, but if you find yourself stuck in Denver overnight because planes are grounded due to a snowstorm, you will be happy that you thought to plan.
There are lots of things you need to consider when planning a trip overseas. If you plan carefully, you can avoid many common hassles and inconveniences.
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