Our Travel Department has compiled a list of some really helpful travel tips for you to keep in mind on your next adventure!

  1. Check your passport! Has it expired or is it going to expire soon?
    The six-month passport rule – The expiration date on your passport is actually a bit deceiving. The U.S. lets you use your passport up to the date inside the cover. However, several countries will deny travelers entry if the passport expires in less than six months. Why? If for some unexpected reason you get stuck overseas longer than planned, that country wants to ensure that you have a valid passport to eventually travel back to the United States. To avoid any problems, it is best to renew your passport during a downtime in travel, about nine months prior to the expiration date.  Make copy of your passport and carry one with you in case yours is lost or stolen.
  2. Credit/Debit cards
    Notify your bank and credit card companies that you are leaving for vacation and let them know where you will be traveling to.
    Getting cash. The way to get cash is usually an ATM, but many U.S. banks charge fees for using an ATM that is out of network. The best exchange rates are often found using your credit card. However, many credit cards will tack on a foreign transaction fee. Check with your credit card company on this. It is never advisable to carry large sums of cash.
  3. Fraud alerts
    Notify your credit card company’s fraud department of what countries you will be visiting and on what dates. This way, they won’t think your card is stolen and shut it off just when you need it the most. Be mindful of any countries you might be changing planes in; you might need to make a charge during your layover, especially if there’s a delay.
  4. Phone
    Check with your provider to see if you have international service or if you can temporarily get an international data plan.
  5. Medicine
    It’s a good idea to carry an eye mask and earplugs. You never know if there may be noises or light in your room that you are not accustom to. It’s also a good idea to carry Advil, NyQuil, Imodium A-D, Tums, Motion sickness, sleeping pills, a decongestant and a handful of other key medications. If you’re heading to third-world countries, stocking up on the right drugs is even more important. Many travelers fill a prescription in advance for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and bring it with them just in case.
  6. Power/Charging Electronics
    What kind of electrical outlets do they have in the country/countries you are traveling to? Do you need to bring an adapter? Be sure to also think of those countries where you only have a layover, so you can still get that quick charge between flights!
  7. Insurance
    Do you have Travel Insurance and DAN diver’s insurance or similar?  We very highly recommend this in case of any emergencies.
  8. Travel Alerts
    It’s a good idea to check the State Department’s travel warnings and alerts. It’s also smart to print out the address and contact information of the local embassy in the country or countries  you are travelling to.

BONUS tips!

  1. Going to Mexico?
    Did you know that for MEXICO they are allowing you to fill out and print your immigration form online? Some major airline carriers stopped handing out tourist/immigration forms on the plane so to ease the immigration process now you can fill out the Immigration form{s} online for FREE!Expedite your entry – when you arrive in Mexico you present your printed tourist card, your passport, and since your information is already in the system the Immigration Officer just needs to stamp your tourist card and that is it – Welcome to Mexico!

    What you will need

      • Contact information
      • Passport information
      • Full Name of the Hotel or Address in Mexico
      • Arrival flight information
      • Email to send yourself the Tourist Card
      • A printer to print the Tourist Card {EACH passenger needs their own Tourist card}For more information and to fill out your immigration form, CLICK HERE!

     

  2. Expedite your passport!
    Ready to go on a trip but realize you don’t have a passport or your passport expires very soon.  Did you know you can renew or expedite your passport here in Colorado?The Colorado Passport Agency in Aurora processes passport applications for U.S. citizens and foreign residents who need to travel within 14 days or within 28 days if they need to get a travel visa.  You can usually get your passport the same day or within 24 hours.The first thing to do is to call and set up an appointment at the Colorado Agency.  You do this by calling the automated service toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.  It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Appointments can also be made through the new online appointment system.

Colorado Passport Agency
Cherry Creek III
3151 South Vaughn Way, Suite 600
Aurora, CO 80014

Appointments available: 8am-2pm (Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Friday); 10am – 2pm (Thursday)
*Excluding Federal Holidays

 

Remember have fun, be safe and use common sense!