Traveling out of the country - tips, tricks, tools
- Ash Leigh Majic
- Dec 27, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 27, 2023
Welcome to the Majic.
I may receive commission from these sales or any sales listed on the site.
If you're interested in any of the following topics, check out my other blogs: Travel, RV Life, Tutorials - Money making tips, Seasonal/Sustainable - Fashion, Food, Fun, and Mental Health.
Five Things to Know, Five things to Prepare: Links are specific to "United States"
There are actually quite a few websites that are available to make your life easier when you travel. Especially when you're traveling out of the country.
There are so many things you have to worry about. The correct paperwork, reporting the correct information on your paperwork, having a planned trip, packing, itinerary, costs, etc.
I'm going to put some really important sites that you can explore, and then explain how I used them.
Five things To Know:
Q: What Identification do I need to have at the airport?
A: I'm going to just let the website cover this.
Figure out your passport at LEAST 6 months ahead of time, or you will have extra fees for expediting.
Q: What can I bring on the plane? Are there restrictions?
A: There are a lot of restrictions, but maybe not as many as some people think. Your best solution is to use the mobile app or website for TSA:
Q: Is there a source for traveling outside the country, and what I should know?
A: YES and more YES. Not only is there a source, but it offers ALOT!
There is a section for: what to know. You can search by country for specific information.
There are LGBTQI+ travel information. You can even enroll in a few programs when you travel that helps you keep aware of travel concerns across the globe.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Q: What paperwork do I need?
A: this is fully dependent one where you are traveling.
Check out the specifics on: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Q: What's "Duty Free"?
A: The most convenient way we shopped! Not only was I worried about fees at customs, but I was worried about the carry on liquid rules. BUT with duty free items purchased at the Airport – those worries did not apply.
We were able to purchase a large bottle of Tequilla and returned home with a souvenir for no extra issues.
Q: What is Customs? A: The first thing that you do when you land in another country whether you're coming home or you're leaving is go through customs. Customs will inspect your paperwork for entering the country. You will be asked basic information and your bags may or may not be scanned or checked.
(Yes even after you have already been through security)
Anything that is out of the ordinary or is suspicious will be flagged for further inspection. It's so very important that you have all of your paperwork, you're ready to greet anyone who you're speaking with, and your bags are accessible enough to be checked.
(I am embarrassed to say that I was one of those people who made you wait in line. I attempted to travel without theft, and thought zip ties were a good idea. They were not. Customs was not too pleased with my delay. But all in all, I traded up for a suitcase "cover" that slides on and off easily for customs, but it keeps everyone else out while it's on. So out of my sight is safe.)
5 things to prepare:
Your preparedness is KEY - Additional Tips and Tricks from a long time traveler:
1. ALWAYS DOWNLOAD THE APP
Such as a converter app for money
An airlines app for ticket and flight info
An airport app for security wait times and maps
2. All in one Piece of paper. This is the life saver you didn’t know you needed:
Put all of the following info on this piece of paper. Store the paper with your passport and or visa. Also take a picture of the paper so you have a digital copy just in case.
If you are traveling to multiple places, have multiple sets of info as needed.
Hotel info. Confirmation number, telephone number, address, etc.
Travel info. Flight numbers, Airport address, car service info.
General itinerary of any dates that stick out.
Embassy or Consulate information closest to your hotel.
3. Air travel hacks:
Check your airlines and your flight information to see if you can pre-select your seat.
Always check your airlines for upgrades.
Check your flight information both 48 and 24 hours ahead of time.
4. Safety and convenience:
Have a way to lock or cover your suitcase that is NOT an inconvenience to Security.
Check in with someone from your home country every once in a while. Have a plan in case you miss checking in.
Take a picture of your luggage and the contents in case you have to prove its yours.
Take a picture of your ID and tickets. Screenshot any confirmations or travel plans. Having a digital copy and a physical copy of everything helps ensure your safety, and can help in those tough situations.
Have a small, zip able, wallet or book for your passport and other important trip details.
If your trip is less than a week long, use a carry on only. Air lock bags size down your clothes, but always check weight restrictions too.
You wont have to worry about lost or stolen bag.
Normally its cheaper to fly with only carry ons.
Travel comfortable and be ready to change if the weather changes.
Remember a blow up pillow, a sweatshirt, and any other comfort items.
Please leave me comments, suggestions or requests. I hope you find your Adventure! For more Videos and Content Check Out:
Comments