A few things worth knowing before you travel. This is general guidance to help you prepare. When we plan your trip together, I will share details specific to your destinations, and I am always here to answer your questions along the way.
You are responsible for making sure your travel documents are in order before you go. Please check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date, since many countries require this, and that it has enough blank pages, as some destinations ask for two.
Visa requirements vary by destination and by your nationality. US citizens can check current requirements at travel.state.gov, and Canadian citizens at travel.gc.ca. If you hold another passport, check with the relevant embassy. Requirements can change, so it is always worth confirming close to your travel date.
One small but important detail: the name on your airline tickets must match your passport exactly. And it is smart to keep a photo or scan of your passport saved somewhere you can reach it while traveling.
I strongly recommend that every traveler purchase a travel protection plan. A good plan can cover trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical care, emergency evacuation, travel delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.
Travel is an investment, and the unexpected does happen. Insurance is the one thing that protects both you and the money you have put toward your trip. If you would like, I am happy to point you toward reputable options so you can choose the coverage that fits your trip.
Please tell me before booking if you or anyone in your party has a disability, a pre-existing medical condition, or any special requirement that could affect your trip. The earlier I know, the better I can help make sure your arrangements are a good fit and that you receive the right support along the way.
It is also wise to check whether your destination has any recommended or required vaccinations, and to speak with your doctor or a travel-health clinic well before departure. Requirements and recommendations vary by destination and can change.
If you have food allergies or dietary needs, let me know when we plan your trip. I will pass your requirements along to hotels, airlines, and other partners wherever possible.
Please understand that the awareness and handling of allergies varies around the world, so I cannot always guarantee your needs will be met exactly as they would be at home. Take sensible precautions while traveling. If you have a serious allergy, such as an airborne nut allergy, tell me early, since many airlines need this noted well in advance, and special in-flight meals usually must be requested at least 48 hours ahead.
If you take prescription medication, carry it in your hand luggage in its original labeled packaging, and bring enough for your whole trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. It is a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription or a note from your doctor.
Some medications that are routine at home are restricted or prohibited in other countries. If you are unsure, check the rules for your destination before you travel.
When I arrange your flights, I often use special fares that offer excellent value but tend to be inflexible, meaning changes may not be permitted, or may carry an airline fee or require a new ticket once issued. If flexibility matters to you, tell me early in the planning process so I can look for the right fare.
If you collect frequent flyer miles, share your membership details and I will add them to your reservation, though please note that some discounted fares do not always earn miles, and only the airline can determine that.
Double-check every travel document as soon as you receive it, and let me know right away if anything looks incorrect, especially the spelling of names, which must match your passport.
If a child is traveling with only one parent, or without either parent, many airlines and destinations require documentation, typically proof of your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, and a notarized letter of consent from any parent or legal guardian who is not traveling. Requirements vary, so let me know your situation early and check the specific rules for your destination well before you travel.
Part of the joy of travel is experiencing places that work differently from home. Standards for comfort, service, timing, and safety vary around the world, and what feels unfamiliar is often part of what makes a destination special.
I choose partners with care and share honest guidance about what to expect. I also encourage every traveler to stay aware of their surroundings, follow local guidance, and travel respectfully and responsibly, taking care of the places and communities that welcome us.
To plan and arrange your travel, I collect the details you share with me and pass along only what is necessary to the hotels, airlines, and other partners involved in your trip. Some of these partners may be located in countries with different data-protection standards. I do not sell your information or share it for unrelated marketing purposes.
Have a question about any of this? Reach out at Krystal@travelingta.com or through the contact page, and I will be glad to help.