Top 7 Insider Travel Essentials You NEED!

Booking Trips, planning itineraries, packing; it’s all so exciting! But before you take off, here are some international travel essentials to cross off your travel checklist that will start your trip off right!

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1. How to get a passport

First things first, do you need a passport?

For domestic travel, NO. However, all international travel requires a passport!

Whether you need to renew a passport or this is your first one, I recommend going through USPS↗ (For U.S.)

You can of course capture/print these photos on your own and bring them with you however, I didn’t mind spending the extra $15 to have them print it for me, and it made the process a lot easier!

_{^{What to bring to the USPS passport appointment:}}

• Proof of citizenship– you will need an original AND a copy
  • (An original U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship).
• A completed Form DS-11 Application ↗ (For renewal, use DS-82 Application↗)
  • – Fill it out, but DO NOT SIGN THIS! An employee must witness your signature
• Form of I.D.
  • ex: driver’s license, government employee I.D.

Payment:

Now, there are two (3 if choose to have photos taken for you) payments you will have to fulfill the day of.

1. Acceptance Fee from USPS- $35
   • Can be payed by credit/debit, money order, and check
2. Booklet Fee from U.S. Department of State- $130 for new passport holders
   • Credit/debit cards CONNOT be accepted for this
   • Must be paid by exact cash amount, check, or money order addressed to the U.S. Department of State
3. Photo Service Fee- $15
   • Can be paid by credit/debit card, money order, and check

You can Expect your passport within 6-8 weeks!

Total Costs: $180

Is this a lot? YUP! And I don’t suspect travel prices to go down anytime soon, but remember, this is an investment. A door that will open up so many adventures for you!

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2. How to get a Visa

Does your destination require you to have a Visa?

186 countries allow entry for U.S. citizens without visas.

However, popular destinations such as Vietnam, Australia, and Indonesia require visas.

Some visas require payment and others allow free entry for x amount of days

To find out if your destination requires a visa, visit Passport Index ↗

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3. How to get international data

Let’s face it, most of us would be completely useless without our phones. Of course, traveling shouldn’t be spent on a screen, but instead of shaming our generational instincts, let’s use them!

You’re wandering the streets, you think “Mhhh… What’s that smell?!” Next thing you know, you’re now indulging in the most incredible scone while suddenly you find yourself scarfing it down to receive an entry on an art gallery you’ve stumbled upon. A few wrong turns and suddenly…

Uh Oh. You’re LOST!

There is nothing worse than having no idea where you’re going. Not saying that wandering around unfamiliar settings isn’t magical… it is. But when the time comes when you’re scrambling, missed your bus, all luggage in hand, stomach louder than hyenas, and the sun is setting… YOU NEED TO KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING.

The luxury of google maps, communication, and literally all of the information in the world will be greatly appreciated the moment you lose it.

The simplest way to acquire international data is by the use of a SIM card.

BUT FIRST:

Is your phone locked?

*SIM cards can only be used if your phone is unlocked. Many carrier providers will lock the set device until it’s completely paid off.*

To check if your phone is locked on iOS, go to Settings > General > About.

Scroll down until you see “Carrier Lock”, this will let you know if your device is locked or not.

For locked phones, contact your provider for international data usage plans! For example: AT&T offers $10/day to use your phone as normal in over 210 destinations!

If your phone is unlocked then no worries! Switch out your SIM card for the new one and you’re ready to go!

SIM cards can be found in most airports and convenient stores.

• SIM cards will vary in price and what they offer
• Make sure to research your destination on the best SIM cards available!

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4. Learn how to get around your destination

At last! You’ve made it to your destination! “Oh crap…. how do I make it to my hotel?”

• Before your tip, it is so so SO important to research how you will be getting around. This may seem like an after-thought, “I’ll figure it out once I get there”. Some don’t think about it at all!

This can turn your possible $5 bus ticket into a $50 Uber…..

And even worse…. what if they don’t have transportation apps such as Uber, Lyft etc.?

Public Transportation is your BEST FRIEND!

• Research how locals get around
  • Whether it be by bus, train, car, tuk-tuk; there is most definitely a preferred way that most people choose
  • Why not jump in with the locals! It can’t be that hard- people use it every day!
• Most public transportation systems have apps nowadays
  • download the app, research how to use it, and be prepared!

For example… Amsterdam, Netherlands has a transportation system that is very simple to use! The easiest way to get around the city other than walking and biking of course:), is by using the GVB↗app.

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6. International Charger Adapter

This one may seem obvious… but it might be one you overlooked! Whether you travel with equipment, laptops, cameras, or just your phone, I’m guessing you’d like to use them once you’re there 😉

• If you have multiple items you’d like to charge at once, I recommend this adapter from Amazon↗

It has 4 USB inputs and 4 adapters that work in over 160 countries!

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7. Travel Insurance

I get it. This may seem like just another expense that you don’t want to pay and perhaps may never use. But if you ever get into a situation where you NEED it…. trust me you’ll thank me later!

But which travel insurance is the best?

I recommend WorldNomads↗ Every traveler I’ve met uses them as well.

I promise it’s not as much as you’re thinking. And if you’re ever in a real emergency… you’ll be glad you have it. It’s an international travel essential must! click here↗ to receive a quote!

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Phewww! Now that you’ve got your travel essentials, let’s plan your adventure!

Though these may not be the most exciting aspects of your trip,

having them will ensure you have the best time possible!