Passports/Visas
- The U.S. Department of State’s website provides information and forms required for new passport applications and passport renewals. Please visit www.travel.state.gov.
- For visa requirements for your specific destination, visit the Americans Traveling Abroad page under U.S. Visa.
- If you need assistance obtaining a visa, we recommend using a visa service, such as CIBT. Information can be obtained by calling (800) 929-2428 or by visiting www.CIBT.com. You may log in on the website using our account number: 42198.
Baggage Limitations
Baggage limitations can vary depending on the airline and the destination. Please visit the airlines’ websites for more information on weight and size restrictions. Baggage limitations on inner-continental flights are more restrictive than trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights. Please call our office for more specific information.
www.aa.com www.delta.com www.united.com
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are required in various parts of the world. Please contact your personal physician and your county health department for up-to-date requirements.
Medical Coverage
Please verify that you have medical insurance coverage before traveling overseas. We can refer you to a travel insurance provider if you need coverage. The insurance must be purchased at the time you make your travel arrangements.
Airport Check-In Guidelines
The airlines request that you check in at least two hours before your international flight. If you will be making a connection between two different airlines, please be sure that your baggage is checked in and tagged to accompany you all the way to your final destination.
Flight Reconfirmation
Many major airlines do not require that you reconfirm your trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic flights. However, it is a good idea to call our office or the airline 24 hours before your departure to verify that there have not been any last minute schedule changes. It is imperative that you do reconfirm your inner-continental flights. Please call the airline when you reach your international destination to reconfirm your next flight. If you cannot find the airline’s local telephone number in the phonebook, please ask your hotel concierge staff for assistance.
Renting a Car
Many major credit card companies offer international auto insurance coverage if you use their card to reserve and pay for your rental car. Please contact your credit card company to verify your coverage. Also, some personal auto insurance policies provide international coverage. Please call you insurance agent to verify your coverage. Otherwise, insurance is available at the time you book your rental car. Due to local laws, some countries require that you purchase auto insurance coverage through the rental car companies.
Most countries allow you to drive using your state-issued driver’s license. However, there are a few countries that require an international driver’s license, which can be obtained through AAA.
Rental requirements and driving information for specific countries are available at www.autoeurope.com.
Security Issues
Security is imperative when traveling overseas. The U.S. Department of State gives the following guidelines:
- Leave a detailed itinerary and the number of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
- Carry your photo identification and the name of a person to contact with you in the event of serious illness or other emergency.
- Keep photocopies of your travel documents (passport, identification, airline confirmation, hotel confirmation, etc.) and a list of your traveler’s checks with you in a separate location from the originals and leave copies with someone at home.
- Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensive jewelry at home.
- Use a money belt or concealed pouch for your passport, cash and other valuables.
For additional security information and travel guidelines, please visit www.travel.state.gov and www.tsa.gov.
Reference Guides
Travel guides, which are available at local libraries and bookstores, contain information about weather, time zones, sightseeing, local traditions, tipping, currency exchange and other travel details. Information is also available online at the following websites:
www.mapquest.com www.fodors.com www.viamichelin.com www.weather.com www.oanda.com
Credit Cards and Currency
Before leaving the country, notify your credit card company that you will be traveling and using your card overseas. Some credit card companies will block usage if they detect a charge that is out of the ordinary, which may prevent you from using your card during your trip. Alternatively, they require you to make a long distance call to verify that you are in fact the person using your card.
Call your credit card and debit card companies to verify the charges they impose for ATM withdraws and international purchases. This will determine which card you will use for various transactions.
Currency exchange rates and easy reference guides are available at www.oanda.com and www.xe.com. As a general rule, you will get a better exchange rate if you convert your money at a bank branch in the city of your destination than if you convert your money at the airport when you arrive.
Cell Phones
Domestic cell phones do not always work overseas. You will have to contact your cell phone carrier to verify if international service can be added to your phone and what the cost would be to add it. If you are interested in renting an international cell phone, you can visit www.autoeurope.com.
Electricity
Due to different electric currents, American electrical appliances do not work overseas without an adaptor. Adaptors can be purchased at luggage and hardware stores.
Website References
www.flyita.com www.state.gov www.travel.state.gov www.tsa.gov