The First-Time International Traveler
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
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on the day of their departure is looking at their passport only to discover that it expired the month before and is no longer valid.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!
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).
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.
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
posted by Innovation Luggage at
8:49 PM
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