LAS VEGAS, Nev. (CONSUMER REPORTS) – A great travel adventure begins with preparation, from making sure your passport is ready to use to checking travel restrictions.
Consumer Reports has essential tips to help you get started and avoid last-minute headaches.
For renowned travel expert and author Rick Steves, traveling is about stepping out of your comfort zone. He considers it the best memory, and traveling abroad offers many such moments.
Before embarking on your adventure, there is one essential document that you cannot neglect: your passport. Consumer Reports recommends checking your passport's expiration date before booking your trip. Some countries won't let you in if your passport expires within six months of your travel date.
Some airlines may not let you board a plane if you violate this rule.
The good news is that if you need to renew your subscription, you can do it online. There are, however, certain requirements. Be sure to check if your current passport is or was valid for 10 years, if you are at least 25 years old, and if you have not been traveling for at least 6 weeks from the date you submit your application.
You can ask someone to take your photo and upload it. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid delays. And remember, no selfies!
If this is your first time applying for a passport, you must submit your application in person at a passport acceptance center, such as a post office.
Visit the Department of State website for travel advisories or alerts. This is a great way to stay informed about potential security risks at your destination.
Don't forget to check if your travel location requires a visa.
Some medications legal in the United States may be illegal in other countries. To avoid any problems, check the regulations and required documents with the destination embassy before your trip.
While you plan your getaway and take care of these essentials, consider setting aside part of your budget for meaningful experiences, like guided tours, to make your trip unforgettable.
Just a warning: Americans will soon need a new travel document to enter 30 European countries, including France and Italy. This authorization, called ETIAS, will be valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, or whichever comes first, and it could come into effect as early as the middle of next year.
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