Travel Tips for 2019

January and February are cold and dreary and full of snow for many of us. Beat the winter blues by getting a jump on your travel planning. Where do you want to go? When do you want to go? What is your budget? Now is the time to brainstorm and get ready. I want to share some important travel tips:

1. Remember that most airlines charge high change fees nowadays.
   It costs $200 to change or cancel a non-refundable airfare on the major U.S. airlines (American, Delta, United, and US Airways). Changing or canceling an international airfare can cost much more.
2. Real ID law goes into effect at the end of this year for all domestic flights. Most states are now in compliance but approximately a dozen states are not. However, if you have a passport, that form of identification is accepted.
3. Be advised that most countries require that your passport be valid for three months after your travel is completed. Many countries require validation for six months after your trip, so be sure to check your passport. Click here if you need passport renewal information!
4. Be prepared with a back-up plan in case of delayed or canceled flights. Be sure to check in as early as possible to reduce the risk of being bumped.
5. Be sure you know baggage restrictions for your airline(s). This includes carry-on luggage. Also, some tour companies have restrictions, such as remote camps and safaris.
6. Be sure you leave home with your phone fully charged AND with your charger. You may also require an adaptor depending on your destination(s). Don’t assume your lodge, camp, hotel, or tour operator will provide them. Be sure to check with your carrier to verify roaming fees and international calling plans.
7. Bring paper copies of all your travel documents even if you have saved them on your phone in case it gets lost or stolen or your phone/battery dies.
8. Some places in Europe only accept chip credit cards now. Be sure to bring a back-up credit card and/or a pre-paid Visa card. Notify your credit card company about your travel plans so that they don’t put a ‘hold’ on your card for suspicious activity. FYI: Best European Bargains for 2019: Greece, Portugal, Poland, Prague, and Budapest.
9. Load up your mobile device with key travel apps, such as HotelTonight, Uber, Mapquest, GasBuddy, and FlightTracker.
10. Lastly, travel insurance is critical these days with most trips. Be sure to purchase from a third-party agent and it should include trip cancellation and medical travel insurance.

I will be sharing lots more key travel news, cheap tips, trip picks, resources, and more so keep checking back or sign up so you don’t miss any important info.

Click here for FREE TRAVEL REPORTS!

Click here to listen to my adventure travel podcasts!

Click here for a complete list of all my book titles!

Click here to visit my author site!