For all of your booking needs check out our Trip Tips main page:
Flights, Hotels and Lodgings, Car Rentals,
Tours and Activities, and Travel Insurance.
Planning
• Check your passport expiration date. Many countries require six months of validity to grant entry.
• Check if Visa or any other immigration requirements are needed. If required, check how long it will need to obtain one. https://www.passportindex.org/travel-visa-checker/
• Make a list of your ideal places to visit at your destination to ensure you cover the main things you want to see and do.
• The earlier you book, the cheaper the flights!
• If possible, booking a holiday off-season can save money and have fewer crowds.
• Create a Dream Destination evening. Watch a show or film about your destination, enjoy dinner and drinks of the foods from your destination, music, and a trivia game.
Technology
• TripIt – Your complete trip organizer. All your reservations, in one place.
• Timeshifter – Helping you to get over jet lag. Also, stay hydrated!
• Rick Steves Audio Tours – Enjoy audio tours of your favorite European cities.
• The Weather Channel – Android App and Apple App.
• Travel Journal app – Day One Journal for Android and Apple.
• Bring an external charger for your phone.
• Bring a universal adaptor. Check your country’s plug and socket type.
Packing
• Carry-on bag – Put important items in your carry-on bag – medicine, jewelry, one change of clothes, snacks, items to use on the plane, and documents.
• Keep liquids to 3 ounces and in a ziploc bag in your carry-on.
• If you use a washcloth, bring your own.
• Use packing cubes! It helps keep your suitcase and items organized and easy to access.
• When packing roll your clothes, it takes up less space, and clothing is less wrinkled.
• Consider using a SmartTag or AirTag to keep track of your luggage.
• If bringing personal devices such as curling iron, hair straightener, etc. make sure it is dual voltage.
• Take an empty water bottle and fill it up on the other side of security.
Destination
• Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in navigating your destination, showing respect, and connecting with locals.
• Visit the local tourism office.
• Wake up early to avoid crowds.
• Write down the address of your hotel/hotel room number.
• Wear a local sports jersey to meet and converse with the locals – fun!
Transportation
• Plan your transportation from the airport to your lodgings beforehand.
• At airports, use official transportation. Don’t be persuaded by pushy drivers!
• Download transportation apps before traveling – Uber, Lyft, etc.
• Use public transport to save money.
• If traveling internationally, remember to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
• When renting a car, always take a video/photos of the car before you drive off. Then if the agent queries any damage, you have proof you were not responsible.
Finances
• Check with your local bank when you need to order foreign money.
• When the ATM asks you to choose either the ATMs exchange rate or your bank’s, choose the banks.
• Open a travel credit card – Chase, Capital One, and American Express offer great options!
• Create a budget before your trip – this will help to prevent debt and financial stress allowing you to relax on your vacation!
• Research tipping customs of where you are going – in some places, it can be offensive to tip!
Remember that the purpose of a vacation is to relax and have fun. Allow yourself to unwind, explore, and enjoy new experiences. Let us know your trip tips or if you used one of these tips for your next vacation by sending us an email at connect@thecultureties.com!
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