Check out these simple tips if your trip is six months out:
- Purchase airfare, especially if it’s international travel.
- Check time on connecting flights, if applicable. Do you have enough time to make your connection if your flight was delayed? Are the arriving gate and departing gate close together or will you have to make a dash for it?
- Check seats on Seat Guru. You can find seats based on the aircraft and the booking class.
- Book seats.
- Decide where you are staying. This may need to be done earlier than six months if you are traveling during a busy time of year. Contact the hotel or vacation rental in person or by email.
- Make sure you have all necessary documents. Do you know what you need if you’re visiting Africa? How about Canada?
- Decide if you should buy travel insurance. Make sure it covers what you might need, as they aren’t all the same.
- Download maps of the area. Paper maps are good, too. But, it doesn’t hurt to have them in your phone.
- Download books of the area. Guide books are great. They’re also heavy and cumbersome. Many guide books have digital versions you can download for a small price.
- Download public transportation maps and information in the area.
- Download apps for maps, public transportation, etc.
- Register your international trip with the State Department. This allows you to get assistance in an emergency, either abroad or at home. XXXXXXXXXX
- While you’re on the State Department’s website, check out where the nearest U.S. Embassy is located. Put that address in your phone.
- Check the exchange rate if you’re traveling outside the U.S. There’s nothing you can do about it. But, it will give you some idea of what things will cost compared to what you pay at home.