TIPS FOR FIRST TIME INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS
From packing to renewing your passport and understanding the fine print in travel documents, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station “Hey Wanna Go” Travel Show features Cheryl Ogle who shares tips for first time international travelers. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on PodBean.
Cheryl’s Tips, as featured in her blog on HeyWannaGo.com:
Tip 1: Passport: Your passport should have a minimum of six months and three blank pages. This can vary, depending on where you are traveling. It is your responsibility to know if you have the proper documentation to travel.
Tip 2: Speaking of knowing if you can travel…you also need to know if you have past legal issues that may prevent you from traveling internationally. Do you have a DUI in your background? You probably can’t fly through Canada, visit Mexico, the UAE, and other countries. Were you convicted of a crime? Maybe you served time and are cleared for many things, but some countries have the right to refuse entry to you. I had a client who thought his legal issues were in the past…but the country he was visiting disagreed and escorted him back to the U.S. Know if you can travel!
Tip 3: Read! Read! Read! In preparation for travel, I send my clients invoices and documents to review. It is important that you READ what is sent, as they contain information critical to your travels. Confirm the spelling of your name, as it must match your passport. Check and double check the dates of travel to make sure we are all on the same page. I also provide my clients a lengthy document with travel tips. While this is optional to read, it may make the difference between SURVIVING and THRIVING during travel. It will answer questions you haven’t even thought of yet. Things like: How do I get foreign currency? Will my credit cards be accepted? Can I use my phone abroad? How do I pack?
Tip 4: Packing: Remember, you won’t need the kitchen sink during your travels. Think through what you NEED vs WANT. If you can manage, using a carry-on bag is ideal as you can have it in your possession at all times, and, after landing, you will be headed to FUN without having to wait for luggage!
Tip 5: Be realistic. I work with my clients to manage their expectations and build the best trip, based on their time, budget, and interests. You may not see everything a country has to offer, but my goal is to create a personalized itinerary that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
Tip 6: Pack an extra dose of KINDNESS. Workers in the tourism industry are in short supply and are doing their best.
On Big Blend Radio every third Wednesday, Cheryl is a world traveler, accredited travel advisor, and owner of Hey Wanna Go that specializes in travel to Europe and the UK, as well as river and ocean cruises. More: https://heywannago.com/
