Helping clients be prepared
We have years of experience answering our cllients questions before and during their trips. Here we will try to address most commonly asked questions and offer important advice and tips.
Notify your credit card companies of your travel dates
Travel with at least two different cards in case one becomes compromised
Check what foreign transaction fees will be. Some cards have no fees.
Create a PIN for your credit card in case it is required.
Local currency (more details under ATM)
It’s helpful to have some local cash for tips or vendors who don’t accept cards
Order currency from your bank in advance or use a debit card at an ATM upon arrival
Cell phone & connectivity
Check with your wireless provider about international plans
Enable Wi-Fi Calling in your phone settings
Google Voice is another Wi-Fi-based option
To avoid accidental data use, turn on Airplane Mode, then enable Wi-Fi only
Electrical needs
Research electrical currents and bring appropriate plug adapters/converters. Visit HERE to learn more
Arrange care for pets and plants
Use light timers
Put mail and newspaper delivery on hold Mail Hold HERE
Do not forget your passports!!
Make color photocopies of each passport information page. (see photo)
Make a copy of of the back page that contains a bar code.
Place copies in a separate bag
Carry copies with you on tours and in public
Leave passports in the hotel safe (unless a tour operator advises otherwise)
Email yourself an encrypted copy or store securely in the cloud
Please remember that even if you do not need a visa prior to departure, check your passport well in advance of departure to insure:
1) It is valid for at least six months after the date of return.
2) You have sufficient blank pages for visa/entry stamps that will be added as you travel in and out of various countries.
RENEWAL TIP: Don't let your passport expire. It is much easier to renew than start over. Also, you can request a larger number of pages at no extra cost.
Review airline baggage policies
Check weight limits and restrictions to avoid surprises at the airport
Arrange airport parking or transfers
Your itinerary includes a resource for parking options
I’m also happy to arrange private transfers if needed
Online check-in
Complete check-in 24 hours before departure
Download the airline’s app for:
Digital boarding passes
Gate change notifications
Take a screenshot of your boarding pass in case the app won’t load
Boarding pass tip
Look closely — you may see a symbol indicating complimentary TSA PreCheck access
U.S. Passport holders should always check the U.S. State Department's website for verified travel requirements, restrictions and warning. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) will provide updates during your travel if any emergencies arise.
After selecting the destination they list lots of useful information. You can even download the U.S. Embassy's contact information onto your device for quick access.
Visit here to input the country you will visit and see all requirements. https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel.html
Don't panic if your destination has a warning. The U.S. is on many foreign countries warning list for them to reconsider travel.
In addition to the Trip Plans App we use to provide clients with their digital itinerary and documents, the following apps can offer some additional information we find useful. Please, note that free versions often have annoying ads.
Flight Apps:
FlightView App
FlightAware App
(You can screenshot delay/cancellation info for insurance or claims)
Navigation Apps:
Language translation:
Air Passenger Rights: (this is in addition to any travel insurance claims)
Flight Rights App or website (flights originating in the U.S.)
iPhone only / Android coming soon
The fastest ways to re-enter the U.S. at Passport Control & Immigration is to have Global Entry. This is something you pay for and includes TSA Pre-Check. If you are considering TSA Pre-Check I recommend paying just a bit more and include this if you plan to do ANY international travel. Check with your credit cards as some offer reimbursement for the purchase of either of these.
If you don't want to purchase Global Entry the next best thing is the FREE App called Mobile Passport Control (MPC). Download it before leaving the U.S. Just before you board your flight to return to the U.S. (while you have internet) fill out the form on the app so it is ready to use when you land. You can complete this for your family members or traveling companions at the same time.
Additional information can be found at this website: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control
Did you know that having a DUI can prevent you from visiting Canada? This is never a question we want to ask our clients, but it is good to know before you invest in an Alaskan cruise or other Canadian trip.
They do offer some ways around this, so learn more at the link below and please communicate this to your travel planner.
Understanding the details
Cash needs vary by traveler. Since most purchases can be made by credit card, many travelers prefer to start with a small amount of cash and withdraw more at their destination as needed.
Having small bills on arrival is helpful for tips, drivers, or luggage porters. In some countries, amounts under five are commonly coin
Using ATMs and credit cards in Europe can be one of the easiest and cheapest ways to pay, but only if you know how to avoid hidden conversion fees. Here’s how to keep more money in your pocket.
1. Always Choose Local Currency
Whether using an ATM or credit card machine, always select the local currency:
UK = GBP
Switzerland = CHF
France = EUR
If asked to pay in USD, decline it.
Why?
Choosing USD usually triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where the ATM or merchant uses their own exchange rate—often worse than your bank or card issuer.
2. Use Bank ATMs
Best choice:
ATMs attached to major banks
AVOID:
Airport ATMs
Tourist-area machines
Convenience store ATMs
These often charge higher fees.
3. Withdraw Cash Wisely
ATM fees are often charged per use.
✅ Better: One €200 withdrawal
❌ Worse: Four €50 withdrawals
Take out moderate amounts less often.
4. Use a Travel-Friendly Card
Look for:
No foreign transaction fees
Good exchange rates
Tap-to-pay capability
5. Europe Is Card Friendly
You may only need cash for:
Small cafés
Markets
Public restrooms
Rural areas
Quick Rule to Remember
If asked USD or local currency, always choose local currency.
That one choice can save more than any ATM fee.
6. Unexpected fee
If an ATM asks if you want to see your account balance always say 'NO".
This is a sneaky way to encounter an "additional" transaction fee.
Smart Traveler Tips:
What U.S. Travelers Need to Know
The European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in effect. This digital border-control system replaces traditional passport stamping for U.S. travelers entering participating European countries for short stays.
Key Points for U.S. Travelers
Who it applies to:
U.S. passport holders visiting participating European countries for tourism, business, or short stays.
What changed:
Instead of receiving passport stamps, border authorities now digitally record:
Passport details
Date and place of entry/exit
Facial image
Fingerprints
Where it applies:
At the external borders of participating Schengen Area countries in Europe.
First trip under the new system may take longer:
Initial biometric registration can increase wait times at airports, cruise ports, rail stations, and land borders.
Future entries may be faster:
Once biometric data is on file, future arrivals may move more efficiently depending on location and border traffic.
Length of stay is monitored electronically:
EES now tracks the 90 days within any 180-day period rule for U.S. visitors in the Schengen Area.
Tips for U.S. Travelers
Allow extra time when arriving in Europe.
Keep your passport readily accessible.
Have hotel details and return/onward travel information available.
Follow instructions at kiosks or biometric checkpoints.
Be patient during the rollout phase as procedures continue to improve.
Important Warning About Third-Party Websites
Some unofficial websites charge fees or imitate official European travel systems.
Always use the official European Union source for EES information:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu
Important Note About ETIAS
ETIAS is a separate travel authorization system and is not the same as EES. When ETIAS officially launches, travelers should also use only the official EU website for applications.
Our Recommendation
If you are traveling to Europe, expect a more modern border process with possible delays during the early implementation period. Arriving prepared and informed will help make your arrival smoother.
United Kingdom Entry Requirement
It costs £20 to apply online or through the U.K. ETA app. You cannot get a refund after you apply. Once approved it is good for 2 years.
You cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.
You’ll need:
When you apply, you’ll need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying.
The ETA app will make the process much easier.
Download the UK ETA app on:
You do NOT need to apply when passing through an airport in the U.K. and other reasons found HERE.
For more details visit https://www.gov.uk/eta
Note: You will be charged in British Pounds be aware of any foreign transaction fees your credit card may charge.