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Traveling, especially overseas, can be stressful. This is a checklist of things we do to make it all go smoothly.

• Organization – after the trip is booked, I transfer details from my notebook into a one page word doc; flight & Hotel information (dates, addresses, phone numbers, confirmation numbers, check in time, seat assignments…etc). Then we each take a copy with us.
• Passports – you can download the passport application HERE, then Google your local post office to see when they process passports and then get your butt over there. Expect 4-7 weeks for delivery of your passport.   If you didn’t think about a passport and have run out of time, RushMyPassport.com is the #1 U.S. Passport expediting courier service that will get you your passport within 8-12 days and even as little as 24 hours, but they do charge a hefty fee. Don’t forget to make a copy of your passport and bring it on your trip just incase you loose yours.
• Review & Confirm Reservations – Since you can actually book a trip with minimal information, later you need to sign onto your account, review your reservations carefully, add passport information, emergency contacts, phone number or emails for alerts, pick your seats, read about luggage rules etc.. confirm your reservations a few times!
• Ground transportation – know how you are going to get around before you get there. Start with your Hotel and see if they offer a shuttle. tripadvisors.com is a good resource. Don’t be afraid of trains and subways they are a very cheap way to get around.
• Money – we use a Charles Schwab visa debit card (zero ATM charges) a Chase Sapphire Preferred (no foreign transaction fees) and a Hyatt Visa (chip enabled and does not charge foreign transaction fees)
• Food – pack snacks! Plane food is just awful.
• Comfort while traveling – we put together a ‘gotta have it’ page of things to make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable.