9 months out…
You’re excited about your destination. You could be going to visit grandkids, or you could be heading to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It’s exciting either way. What should you look at for your upcoming trip?
- Check airfare. I recommend checking several sites, including the airline’s site. You’ll have a feel for what the airfare prices are now, even though it’s too soon to book.
- Set up alerts with several different places. I like to use Kayak and the airline itself. When I receive an alert of an airfare that is in my price range…I check the airline and then book the fare. This usually happens about six months out for international and three or four months out for domestic. If your dates are flexible, you could wait and see what the airfares do for price.
- Sign up for individual airline’s websites and special deals emails. Think you’ll have emails flooding your inbox? Don’t worry. You can always unsubscribe after your trip.
- Inspect your luggage to make sure zippers and wheels work. If not, you might want to invest in new luggage. It’s no fun dragging a bag that should be effortlessly rolling.
- Check hotels, vacation rentals, or B & B prices. Start looking at places where you want to stay. This will give you an idea of costs and allow you to decide what type of accommodation you want.
- Check rental cars prices. Again, I recommend checking different sites. Prices do vary.
- Check your passport expiration date and make sure it doesn’t expire for at least six months from your return date. It you’re traveling with others, check the dates on theirs as well. If the expiration date is close to the six-month time frame, apply for a new one now. It could take six weeks or more, depending on the time of year, to get yours renewed.
- Check your driver’s license expiration date, and make sure it won’t expire while you are gone. You don’t need the surprise of returning, only to find you can’t drive home.
- Check with your physician, tell them where you are going, and refill any prescriptions you will need. Get copies of all prescriptions.
- Check the State Department’s website to see if there are any travel alerts where you plan to go. https://www.state.gov/
- Check to see if you need any shots or vaccinations and how soon you need to get them.