Passports & Credit Cards - Travel Edition

Gentlemen… It is officially vacation and travel season.. Whether you’re going to Lisbon or Montreal… to Bahrain or Singapore there are going to be a few things you’re going to need..

First Pack and check in your bag for your entire trip, plus two days in case you get stuck in a foreign airport. Then Pack a carry on bag so that if your baggage gets lost you have a change of clothes.. Most hotels, even international hotels have laundry service (ask the concierge when you check in)… Dress appropriate for the weather…

Before you travel internationally, you will need a passport. There is really no reason a grown man over 20 shouldn’t have a passport. The process is very simple and homeland security department can usually turn it around in four to six weeks. All of the forms you need are available via http://www.usps.com/passport/welcome.htm

Once you’ve completed the forms bring all pertinent documents, proof of ID, proof of citizenship to your local post office… They will complete the process and submit it to the homeland security department… When you’ve received your passport you’re ready to go..  Ensure you KNOW where the state department is and take multiple forms of ID… If you lose your passport, the only way you’re getting home is through the State Dept.

Second, Given that you’ve paid for your hotel and flight before hand.. ensure you have enough available credit on your credit card… Not only for hotel incidentals but for dining out… Credit cards are the best way not to have to carry cash, and to control your spending.

Make a stop at the currency exchange..  and carry small amounts of cash with you. Large amounts of cash have a tendency to disappear. Being stuck in a foreign country with no cash is not good.

Last… Stay away from areas of town that are not tourist areas.  Everyplace is NOT safe for Americans to travel.. Know where you are, Identify landmarks, and don’t let taxi drivers drive you to places unfamiliar to you.. Especially in South America!!!!... Take time to walk around and discover.

I personally love the fact that Europe is mostly a backpacking continent. Walking and discovering is great..

In the end, have fun… Leaving the USA will open up horizons for you that traveling inside the USA can never give you..  Toronto is a beautiful city, as is Geneva, London, Paris, Rome… the list goes on…

I hope to go to Monte Carlo, Bahrain, Egypt and Singapore now that my kids are all out of high school and will be starting their lives as adults…   Thankfully I’m young enough to do so.. and still enjoy it…

Enjoy the summer… Travel… Chao…

Editor - DNYC