1. TSA PreCheck
Skip a trip to the airport and set up your TSA PreCheck appointment at your local Staples store. Do the application online and confirm your location/store for the interview. You can also get passport photos here, if that’s also on your list.
2. Global Entry
Customs and Border Patrol has a program called EOA (entry on arrival). If you get pre approved with your online application… you can do the interview when returning into the U.S. via a designated CBP pre clearance location. This can be a huge time saver, as interview appointments are backed up for almost a year in some places! Another way to cut down this time (and if you’re flexible and near the airport), is to get on the last minute cancellation list for these interviews
3. Sherpa Travel
When travel got more complicated during Covid – I started using this website navigate all the different restrictions and requirements. It’s still a handy one stop shop for an overview of what you’ll need traveling to each country (apply.joinsherpa.com)
4. CDC
Here you’ll find all the current health notices, vaccinations, and medicines required or recommended for travel to every country (cdc.org).
5. U.S. Dept. of State
Make sure to confirm the entry and exit requirements for each country you’ll be visiting through this website. Along with a ton of other info – it also details travel warnings, if you need a visa to visit, etc… (travel.state.gov)
6. Passports
With the continuing processing backups – I recommend expediting your application. Along with that – choose the $20 fee to get it returned to you with priority service. Don’t forget many countries require 6 months validity of your passport from the last date of your trip.
7. Air Tags
I’ve put these on all my lists the past 2 1/2 years and it bears repeating. With all the airline chaos/lost luggage of the past couple years – it’s worth the investment and peace of mind knowing where your stuff is! Besides our checked luggage – we put them in our carry on bags, my purse, and my husband’s camera bag.
8. RFID
Along with Air Tags, another security tip when traveling is using RFID technology to protect yourself from getting your information skimmed. I have a purse and backpack (Sherpani brand) that have RFID protection and my husband’s wallet has it as well.
9. Boarding Passes
I’m all for technology and using all the apps when traveling! But… I’m a little old school when it comes to boarding passes. Phones die, cell service can be spotty, and some smaller airports still require physical boarding passes. I also like to store my phone away going through security (and find it easier only holding my passport with paper boarding pass inside). And I prefer others not touching my phone (cuz gross! 😉 ).
10. Portable Charger
This is a must have item when you’re traveling! During long travel days, delays, or when you may not have a safe outlet to charge – you don’t want to get caught without your devices powered up.
11. Compression Packing Cubes
Where have these been all my traveling life?! I started using compression packing cubes a couple trips ago… and am finding them so helpful (don’t pack them with things you don’t want wrinkled)! Ironically, I’m finding them the most useful when packing to return home. You know how dirty clothes seem to expand when repacking… I’m shoving them in compression cubes for the trip home! 🙂
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
