Are you traveling abroad for the first time? Are you already starting to feel anxious about the big trip? No need to worry! Traveling abroad does not need to be anxiety provoking. Although you may hear horror stories associated with international travel, with these helpful suggestions your first trip abroad will be a stress-free adventure full of life-long memories and unforgettable experiences.

Plan Ahead

Since you are going to a foreign country, one thing you must have is a valid passport. All people traveling from country to country must have a passport because this acts as your official identification as a citizen of the US. One of the worst scenarios people run into on the day of their departure is looking at their passport only to discover that it expired the month before and is no longer valid. Passports are issued by the Department of State and are good for a period of 10 years. It is for this reason people often forget to check when their passport expires. It is imperative you verify that your passport is still valid well in advance of your scheduled departure date. If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you will need to do this in person at any office of the U.S. Passport Agency or through one of the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications. If you are renewing an expired passport, you can do it by mail. Most importantly, however, is allowing enough time for your application to be processed since this can sometimes take up to 8 weeks!

Be Smart

When traveling abroad, it is a good practice to record your passport number and its date of issue and put these details in a secure place separate from your actual passport. It is also advisable to make a photocopy of your passport (usually inside the back cover) and leave this with a friend or family member who will not be traveling with you. Although you will have your actual passport with you at all times during the trip, it is also good to take one other form of photo ID with you. This normally would be your driver’s license. If you take these added precautions, you will be able to handle any unexpected mishaps that come at you like a veteran IT (international traveler).

Travel Safe

Lastly, for added security when traveling abroad, it is smart to use TSA locks on your luggage. Every passenger’s baggage is screened before it is loaded onto the airplane. Sometimes this screening process entails physically inspecting a piece of luggage. You may have heard one consequence of this type of thorough inspection means that you cannot lock your luggage anymore because the locks will be cut. However, this is no longer accurate. TSA locks have been developed to address this issue specifically. These locks can be opened by security officers using a universal master key. Using TSA locks means you can secure your baggage without violating TSA regulations. These locks are a great way to protect your belongings while you are traveling abroad.

Follow these tips and you will have an enjoyable travel experience.

Labels: passport, travel, travel abroad, Travel Luggage

More engaged couples than ever before are skipping out on traditional church weddings in their hometown in favor of Destination Weddings. The allure is undeniable – you can exchange vows in a romantic, exotic location, and afterwards, move right on to the honeymoon. What is more, many couples love the idea of having close friends and family join them before the ceremony for a joyous, weeklong celebration. It’s a vacation that happens once-in-a-lifetime.

The Basics of the Destination Wedding

A destination wedding is generally more expensive than a traditional one, which usually means a relatively smaller guest list. While the wedding reception and related activities are paid for by the bride and groom, guests are expected to pay for their airfare and accommodations, and the reality is not everyone can afford this. Still, don’t put away your travel luggage just yet – many destination wedding packages feature discounted rates for guest rooms at certain hotels.

Most couples start to plan a destination wedding a year or more before the big day. Many send “Save the Date” cards to alert guests in advance, to give them ample opportunity to ask for vacation time and start scouting airfare. If you are invited to a wedding like this, view it as an opportunity to enjoy two wonderful experiences at once – attend a beautiful wedding and take a fabulous vacation with some of your closest friends and family. After all, if you’ve made the “short list,” it is clear the couple considers you one of their nearest and dearest friends.

For those who can afford the extravaganza, the planned activities leading up to the ceremony are usually a blast. When is the last time you had the chance to snorkel in coral reefs, sail a boat, and hop from island to island in celebration of a marriage? Couples usually plan at least two days worth of activities before the reception. After the ceremony, you can extend your vacation as long as you like!

What Do You Take to a Destination Wedding?

If you’ve decided to attend a destination wedding, take care with what you throw into your travel luggage. Consider the locale and type of ceremony. If you are heading to the tropics for a daytime wedding on the beach, you have no need for high heels and an elaborate cocktail dress. A beautiful sundress and flat sandals are more appropriate and will be much more comfortable on the sand. However, although dress codes are generally more relaxed in the tropics, it doesn’t mean men can wear cut-offs and a t-shirt with a beer logo to the ceremony. Be sensible.

In addition to your outfit for the main event, other items to pack include swimsuits, sunscreen, a camera, and a few versatile pieces to take you from day to evening. Consult the given itinerary when packing and remember to keep it simple and fun.

One last thing to consider when traveling to a tropical location is the weather. Evenings spent near water can be quite chilly, so you definitely want to bring a light sweater or jacket. Finally, don’t forget to bring the couple’s wedding gift in your travel luggage – and make sure it’s cushioned by clothing so it stays safe.

A destination wedding is bound to be an unforgettable experience. No other type of trip combines family, friends, an exotic vacation, and the momentous occasion that is marriage – not to mention the chance to get a tropical tan while sipping cocktails on the beach.

Bon voyage.

Labels: Destination Wedding, innovation luggage, luggage online, online luggage, Travel Luggage, Tropical Vacation

You’re probably thinking of nothing more than relaxing in the sun and enjoying the warm weather while on vacation, but it’s essential you pack your travel luggage properly to avoid inconveniences down the line. Since it is easy to be carried away, we have put together a quick list of packing “do’s” and “don’ts” to make the packing process easier.

Keep it simple.

Even the nicest resorts are relatively relaxed in tropical areas. There’s no need for high heels or a full suit. Women can wear a nice sundress and men can get by with dress slacks and a polo shirt in the evenings. Keep accessories in mind for dressing your look up or down. Strappy sandals and the right earrings can take you from a casual day to an elegant evening in a snap. The only exception is if you are going on a cruise - you may need to wear formal attire for the captain’s dinner. When in doubt, call and ask.

Bring two bathing suits.

Your travel luggage should have a compartment for wet or damp items, so take advantage, and pack two swimsuits. If needed, a Ziploc bag will also do the trick, but either way, you’ll want an extra suit - there is nothing worse than putting on a damp swimsuit because yours didn’t have time to dry.

Don’t forget sunscreen.

It’s tempting to plan on buying sunscreen and bug repellent once you get to wherever you’re going, but don’t. The last things you want to do when you arrive are look for a drugstore or gift shop, and then pay an arm and a leg for what costs a mere 6 bucks at home. Just pack it in advance.

Bring extra sunglasses.

The sun’s glare can be blinding, especially near beaches where it reflects off sand and water. You’ll need sunglasses just about everywhere you go, and you’ll probably lose or break a pair. Toss at least one extra pair of inexpensive shades into your travel luggage and you’ll be safe.

Don’t over pack.

Base your wardrobe around mix-and-match items in neutral colors for versatility. You can always add a punch of color with bright accessories. You may want to bring one colorful piece that coordinates with the rest of your items. Finally, avoid white – it becomes dirty quickly and isn’t practical for travel.

Versatility.

For men, there’s nothing more versatile than khakis. They look great with tees during the day and can be dressed up with a polo or button-down shirt at night. For women, a sarong can be worn as a cover-up at the beach or a wrap on chilly evenings.

Don’t bring lots of shoes.

High-heels and dress shoes aren’t needed on most warm weather vacations. Sandals, flip-flops, and a pair of comfortable walking shoes for long days of sightseeing should be all you need. Choose neutral tones to match most of your outfits and avoid anything too dramatic.

Remember to bring a sweater.

Sea breezes can turn into cold winds at night, even in tropical climates, so pack a light sweater or jacket in a neutral or dark color. You’ll appreciate having something warm and cozy to wear for late-night walks on the beach, afternoons spent sailing, or in the midst of a surprise storm.

Everyone needs a tote bag. Vacations usually mean shopping and a sturdy, versatile tote is a great way to carry around your finds. Check out online luggage stores for bargains on durable folding totes that will slip into your travel luggage and last for years.

Follow these simple packing tips and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fabulous warm weather vacation without being bogged down with more luggage than you need.

Labels: how to prepare for vacations, luggage, luggage online, online luggage, packing for warm weather, Travel Luggage, vacation packing

When you’re finally ready to take a lengthy vacation, make sure you can enjoy it. Make a list of the things you need to do before you leave and start doing them well in advance of your departure. To protect your home and privacy, and make life easier while you’re too far away to take care of unexpected problems, there are several things to consider.

1. Pay any bills

due during the time you’re traveling. It’s best to check credit card statements online rather than looking through your most recent statements. Some only arrive in the mail a week or so before they’re due, and if you’ll be gone for three weeks or more, you could be hit with hefty late fees.

2. Forward your mail

to a friend or relative and cancel your newspaper delivery until you return. Nothing alerts burglars like mail piling up in your mailbox or newspapers stacked on your lawn – they are practically invitations to come look through your mail for something worthwhile. If taking credit cards with you, tuck them into your travel luggage or purse and you’ll be fine. If leaving any credit cards behind, store them in a safety deposit box or leave them with a trusted friend.

3. Remember important documents.

It sounds simple, but many people don’t plan far enough in advance to secure their passports and visas. Apply for these documents months before your vacation to avoid the possibility of having to cancel your trip. The process has become more complex in the last eight years and takes quite a while.

4. Arrange for a house sitter to visit your home periodically.

Signs of life reduce chances of a break-in. Ask a house sitter turn the lights on and off in different rooms, make a little noise, and stay for a while, whether watching television or reading a book. The point is for your house to seem occupied. A house sitter can also care for plants, adjust your thermostat as needed, and open windows to let in some fresh air.

If you cannot arrange for a house sitter, invest in a few automatic timers to turn your lights on and off automatically while you are away.

5. Get a physical.

This may not seem like a priority in the days of before you leave, but the last place you want to be when you have an unexpected health problem is thousands of miles from your doctor. A routine physical will give you peace of mind on your trip, and any concerns can be addressed before you leave. Tell your doctor about your travel plans, too, as he or she may recommend preventative care

6. Refill your medications.

If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last for the entire length of your journey. If you’re going on a cruise for two months or renting a cottage in the south of France for the summer, you may need to talk to your pharmacist, doctor, and health coverage provider in advance to get a two-or-three month supply of your medication at once. Take care of any needed refills several weeks before you leave so there is time to handle any paperwork or red tape involved. Overseas regulations may be different and you don’t want to go through a battle to get your refills while you are trying to relax. Also, tuck copies of your prescriptions and your doctor’s contact information into a safe corner of your travel luggage, just in case. You never know.

7. Organize emergency contact information.

Give relatives and friends your itinerary and emergency contact information before leaving. Likewise, print out their information, including phone numbers and addresses, on a small sheet or card, laminate it, and tuck it into your travel luggage. It will come in handy for sending postcards, mailing packages, or as a quick reference if you have an emergency overseas.

If you take care of these details well in advance, the days leading up to your vacation can be stress-free – and knowing you have what you need will help you truly relax and enjoy your trip.

Labels: how to prepare for vacations, Travel Luggage, vacation packing, vacation planning