1. Make sure your travel documents are up to date
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date. It’s recommended to begin your renewal process nine months prior to its expiration as it takes 10-12 weeks for processing. You can expedite your passport and receive it in four to six weeks for a fee, of course, but save yourself the stress and money and check your expiration date with plenty of time to spare.
You’ll also want to bring your vaccination card and verify if your destination requires additional vaccinations or boosters. Check with the CDC for the latest health guidelines and requirements.
2. Scan copies of travel documents
You’ll want to be prepared if anything happens to your travel documents or passport. Scan and print physical copies in case of an emergency. We all love to keep everything digitized on our phones, but you want to be prepared in case your phone is lost, stolen, or somehow ends up at the bottom of the ocean after a day of snorkeling.
3. Check your phone plan
Most U.S. phone plans extend some coverage to Mexico and Canada, but you’ll want to check with your provider to avoid unwanted and hefty charges.
4. Check your credit cards’ foreign transaction policies
Even if you’re going on an all-expenses-paid vacation to an all-inclusive resort, you should always ensure you have some accepted form of payment in a foreign country. Notify your bank or credit card company of your travel plans (this can typically be done in the app) to avoid your card being flagged for fraud, and you’ll also want to double-check that your card is accepted in your destination.
5. Bring cash
You should also always carry some local currency. Check the exchange rate before traveling to familiarize yourself with prices in your destination, that way, you’ll know what’s reasonable and what’s a tourist trap.
As for tipping, it's always appreciated to tip drivers and hotel staff like bellmen, housekeeping, bartenders, and masseuses, even at an all-inclusive resort. For hotel staff, you don't necessarily have to tip every single time, but if someone goes above or beyond or you're gearing up to check out, feel free to tip the folks who helped make your stay unforgettable.
6. Research your destination
You don’t need to do a deep dive into the history of your destination, however, you should know a thing or two about where you’re going. Are you traveling during the high season? What’s the language? What’s the weather like? Are there any must-see attractions?
7. Pre-plan for jet lag
Whether flying from Philadelphia to Honolulu or San Francisco to Tahiti, you will be wiped out from traveling. And the time change is no joke, so avoid planning excursions or additional travel plans the day after your arrival. You’ll thank us later.
8. Consider applying for Global Entry
Nothing’s worse than coming home to a long immigration and customs line, right? Global Entry is a Trusted Travel program that offers expedited entry into the U.S. and enrollment in TSA PreCheck to bypass general security lines. This is an optional tip, but if you travel out of the country often, Global Entry is well worth the $100 fee–and it’s good for five years! Submit your application here.
Now that you have your checklist on what to do before you travel, you need your checklist on what to pack for your travels! Check out our 10 must-have items you’ll want to pack on your next beach vacation.
