- Travel Visa
- Does the location you are traveling to require Visas?
- 2025 List for US Passport Holders
- Airport
- Parking
- I've found CheapAirportParking to have good deals.
- I try to book Hilton LAX and pay the majority at the hotel to get 14x points from our Aspire Amex card.
- Lounges
- Does the airport terminal(s) you are going to have a lounge that you can access?
- Global Entry/TSA Precheck
- Make sure it's not expired.
- CLEAR
- We do not travel enough to make this worth it, but here's a review.
- Travel
- Subways/Buses
- Many cities have a rechargeable card that works for both buses and subways.
- Taxi
- Do they take credit cards?
- Uber/Lyft
- Are they allowed?
- Note: US gift cards/credits do not apply internationally.
- Rental Car
- Research road rules for the country you are going to.
- If you cannot drive stick, make sure your reservation specifies automatic.
- Insurance
- Does your card offer primary coverage?
- Remember, you still need your own liability coverage even with primary coverage!
- International Driving Permit
- Accommodations
- Where is it located? How will you get there?
- Will the room fit 2 adults and 2 kids?
- Mobile/Internet
- Does your plan have international phone/data plans?
- Mi-Fi
- Most airports have mobile Wifi units for sale.
- eSIM
- Even better, if your phone allows eSIMs (google to check if you can) we've found a lot of success with Airalo. Here's our referral link for $3 off: https://ref.airalo.com/Z2ez
- Laundry
- Is there a Coin Laundry near your accommodations?
- We use a smaller suitcase with laundry bags to haul it to/back from the coin laundry location.
- Local Currency/Payment
- Go through your wallet and bring only what you need for the trip.
- If you are going to a region that supports Apple Wallet Transit cards you can pre-load them using Apply Pay. Suica cards in Japan for example.
- Currency Exchange Location
- Airports often have the worst exchange rates. Google reputable locations on the way or near your accommodations.
- You can also purchase currency from your bank before you go if you plan ahead.
- Currency converter app on phone
- Food
- Are there grocery stores near your accommodations?
- Will your room have a fridge (some do not have space to hold additional items) / microwave?
- Language
- Translation apps that use phone camera.
- Security
- US Travel Advisory
- Body Pouch (to prevent pickpocketing)
- VPN
- I am leery of using airport/hotel/public internet without a VPN.
- Out of Home
- USPS Hold Mail
- FedEx Hold Mail (Here are the specific instructions once you sign up, it's pretty obscure)
- Put streaming/internet subscriptions on hold if you are gone for a while and won't use them.
- Health
- Does your insurance cover issues where you are going?
- What locations can you go?
- Family
- Child Care
- Stroller
- We love the Pockit for traveling. It is easy to carry/stow and even fits in airplane aisles!
- Child seats for taxis/Uber/rental cars
- We love our Mifolds. They are easy to carry and pack.
- Disaster
- Is there a US Embassy where you are going?
- STEP
- General
- What are the rules for tipping where you are going?
- How well will you be able to get around with the languages you know?
Destination Planning List
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment