• MOST IMPORTANT: SOTG NEVER TAKES MONEY FOR TRIPS. ALL TRIPS MUST BE PAID THROUGH THE TOUR COMPANY. 

  The second most important item: DO YOUR RESEARCH! You must rely on yourself – not on your guide and fellow travelers. Information is key to having a great trip!

  This are two of the best sites for all things travel related –

  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ and https://travel.state.gov/content/travel

  Once the idea has occurred that “I want to go on a trip”, the fun begins. Choosing a location may be based on special events, exciting sights, a holiday, and traveling companions. You will consider the time of year and the weather, the length of the trip, and your budget. As you research the various travel companies, you will narrow your focus to one or two companies. Singles on the Go has many travelers, and we are available to discuss and help you obtain advice about how to prepare for your vacation.

  Once a destination is chosen, the travel plans should include estimating the costs for flights, accommodations, food, insurance, legal documents, and activities.

  PREPARATION

  PASSPORT - US

  A valid Passport may be required. Processing could take up to 6weeks. Some counties require at least 6 months validity after the date of return, and enough blank pages must be available for a visa stamp for each country. Passport photos must be obtained – Staples, AAA, some drugstore chains.. Passports/documents. MAKE COPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT MAIN PAGE and your credit cards/front and back. KEEP THEM IN YOUR HOTEL/SHIP SAFE!

  It may also be helpful to have 1 or 2 additional Passport photos with you when traveling, if your Passport is lost or stolen, and you must obtain a new passport. You may make a Passport application online at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

  VISAS
  
  Several countries may require an entry visa. It is up to the traveler to obtain any necessary visas.

  Links to two online visa companies are shown below. The Schengen area in Europe requires an ETIAS visa – link shown below. The British Isles require the ETA visa – link shown below.

  GLOBAL ENTRY

  Apply for the Global Entry program. It will give you access to a shorter security line; you won’t have to remove your shoes nor take electronics from your bag. Link show below.

  STEP

  Enroll in STEP-Smart Traveler Enrollment Program-a free service offered by the U S State Department for U S citizens traveling abroad. It enrolls your trip with the nearest U S Embassy or Consulate in your destination, so you can be better assisted in case of emergency. Once enrolled, you will receive travel alerts, get instructions in case of natural disasters or civil unrest, get help with serious legal, medical, or financial issues, and have a point of contact in case of a family emergency.

  GENERAL

• 1. Make digital and 2 physical copies of all important documents-tickets, driver’s license, passport, visa and ETIAS, credit cards-front and back, debit card-front and back, prescriptions, (including vision), and travel insurance. Scan or take photos of both sides if applicable. Then email them to yourself, save to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive or iCloud. Keep the copies in your room safe.
• 2. Credit/debit card. ALWAYS take 2 credit cards and a debit card. Keep one credit card in the safe in case one gets lost or stolen. Check the expiration dates and credit limits for each card. Pay for everything with a credit card. Check the credit limit on each card. Make sure that your credit cards do not charge a Foreign Transaction Fee. If yours do, apply for one that is fee free. Use your debit card for ATM withdrawals as the fee is less. Debit cards should be on the Cirrus or PLUS networks.
• 3. Pay for your goods and services with a credit card. Use a Chip Card-it is harder for scammers to skim. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Check your transactions online at the end of the day to make sure nothing suspicious is going on. Have sufficient funds in your account to use the debit card. Use a debit card for ATM withdrawals when abroad. The fee is much less than a cash withdrawal on a credit card. You want to make sure your debit card is on the Cirrus or PLUS network. Make the withdrawal a large enough amount to last you for the week, to avoid fees. When entering the PIN number into the ATM, use your hand or body to shield the view. Observe the ATM machine for any unusual features. Notify your bank and credit card companies of the travel plans.
• 4. Use local currency, which can be obtained from an ATM when you arrive. You may wish to have a small amount with you before you leave. It may be obtained from some banks, and from the Currency Exchange at University Town Center Mall.
• 5. If you are not already doing your banking online, start doing this now, before you leave on a trip. You will want to get used to using the bank’s website, and learn how to perform common transactions, and download your bank’s mobile app for your phone. Try not to use public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
• 
  

• HEALTH, SAFETY & INSURANCE

• a.        Health Preparations:
• 1. BE SURE TO PACK ANY PRESCRIPTIONS DRUGS IN YOUR CARRY ON!
  2. Stay hydrated. Drink water, not alcohol on your flight.
  3. Jet lag: You can adjust your body by either getting to your destination a couple of days before the tour or if you’re traveling west, go to bed an hour later or east – hour earlier. A few days before you travel, you can begin adjusting your body’s natural clock to the and managing jet lag.
  4. GET TRAVEL INSURANCE!!!  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.
  1. Personal Safety:
     1. Be aware of your surroundings! Stay with your group in a new city. Check with your Tour Leader as to where the problem areas are.
     2. Secure your belongings. Be sure that your wallet/purse/backpack is RFID protected.
•           i. Lock your suitcases with TSA approved locks. They can be cut off, but most thieves will pass them by. Mark your suitcases with something unique so you can identify them as they are on the luggage carousel.
•           ii. Anti-theft bags/backpacks. There are several brands, but I personally have bought from the following two brands. Check https://www.baggallini.com/securtex.html or https://www.travelonbags.com/anti-theft-bags
• 1. Scams – our friend, Rick Steves, has the best information.
•            i. https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/theft-scams/tourist-scams
• 
  

• PERSONAL SKILLS

• 1.        Know your travel schedule: airport procedures such as arrival times, how much time do you need for security, and check in.
• 2.        If your trip does not offer transfers to your hotel/air b&b, etc., research public transportation, download UBER and LYFT apps, where to catch a taxi, etc.
• 3.        Learn basic local phrases in the country’s language – hello, please, and thank you.
• 4.        Respect the local customs, dress codes, and social etiquette. Don’t be the Ugly American.
• 5.        Try the local cuisine. Remember, most countries do not cook “American food”.
• 6.        Prepare for the unexpected. Lost luggage, flight cancellations, and minor illnesses.
• 7.        Be sure to have the US and International phone numbers for your airlines in case your flight get disrupted.

LINKS:

GOVERNMENT SITES

State Department

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel - The best site for all things travel!)

Center for Disease Control – lots of information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Passport:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Global Entry Program (for US entry but accepted in a few countries)

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry

STEP enrollment:

https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/smart-traveler-enrollment-program.html

Center for Disease Control – lots of information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

VISAS

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

https://ukvisaportal.com/

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)

https://etias.com/etias-application

CIBT

https://cibtvisas.com/visa-quick-check (everything you want to know about visas)

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE BROKERS

www.squaremouth.com

www.insuremytrip.com

MISCELLANEOUS PACKING LIST – in no particular order

1.     Passport with an expiration date of six months past return date

2.     Prescriptions

3.     Cell phone with charger and adaptor, back up battery

4.     Earbuds if you use them

5.     Money of the country, money pouch

6.     Toiletries

7.     Band aids

8.     Small sewing kit

9.     Breathe Right strips (in case you snore)

10. Ear plugs (in case your roommate snores)

11. Sunglasses, hat, visor

12. Sunscreen, bug pads

13. Camera 

14. Binoculars

15. Small flashlight

16. Journal & pen

17. Whistle

18. Hairdryer (hotels may have)

19. Travel clock (hotels may have or use cell phone)

20. Pepto-Bismol

21. Packaged snacks/tea bags

22. Bring copies of both sides of credit cards so you can contact companies if they are lost or stolen and pack separately

23. Bring 2 copies of passport photo and copy of passport if lost or stolen and pack separately

24. Clearly mark name and address in and on luggage and pack a copy of itinerary in each piece

25. Some of us like to travel light:

a.     Buy clothes at Goodwill and leave in hotel trash

b.     Wear clothes you were planning to give to Goodwill and leave in hotel room

c.     Use smart cell phone instead of camera, flashlight or travel clock

d.     Packing light means if I can’t lift it, it doesn’t go