Pre-Departure To Do's & Tips

Published Sunday, September 17th 2023 - Updated Thursday, September 12th 2024

Preparing for your upcoming adventure can be demanding, but rest assured, we've crafted a last-minute checklist to ensure you are thoroughly prepared!

 

To Do
  • Put your mail on hold. 
  • Charge all electronic devices before departure. 
  • Check your credit cards for ones with no foreign transaction fees.
  • Check with your phone provider about how your phone will work internationally.
  • Alert your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans so you don't get frozen out of your accounts! 
  • Send a copy of your Trip Summary to a family member or friend at home so someone else knows your plans.
  • Upload a backup copy of your passport and any other important documents into your Travel Vault inside your Cruise Planner Account just in case.
  • Have a handful of $1 & $5 bills for tips. We generally recommend about $40 per person per week in small bills to use as trips for drivers, anyone who handles your luggage, tour guides, etc. Better to come home with extra cash than run out and have to sneak away from a tour guide or a driver cause you ran out of cash!
    • Order your foreign currency for home delivery from our Orlando-based partners at Currency Exchange International. TIP: Getting your foreign currency before you depart from Currency Exchange International helps save you the added fees the currency exchange airport kiosks add or the markups banks add when they order from CXI! 

 

Download
  • Download the apps for the airlines, cruise lines, and hotels you will using.
  • Download the Cruise Planners app so all your travel information is at your fingertips.
  • Download WhatsApp to easily communicate with us in the unlikely event you need to reach us after office hours (M-F 10 am-6 pm EST).
  • If you purchased Allianz travel protection, download the Travel Smart app and make sure to save their 24/7 numbers in your phone.
    • Medical Assistance 8667375828
    • Customer Service 8004974029
  • Download the Google Translator app
  • Download the XE Currency Converter app

 

Verify
  • Verify you are all checked in for your flights, cruise, and accommodations (when applicable).
  • Verify you have completed/ been approved and have in hand any visas/entry requirements for your destination(s).
  • Verify any vaccination requirements have been met. 

 

Prep Yourself
  • What is your destination number for "911"?
  • Will you need a power converter at your destination? 
  • If you are renting a car, do you know the driving laws/signs of your destination?
  • Have you familiarised yourself with basic customs and the do's and don'ts of your destination?
  • Do you know the currency at your destination and the basic exchange rate? Do you know where to get cash?
  • Are you aware of common pickpocket/scamming schemes in your destination and how to spot and avoid them? 
  • If you traveling to a destination where clothing is different, are you aware of what is expected of you and how to dress?

 

Protect Yourself
  • Review your travel protection policy so you know your basic plan benefits and coverages.
    • Remember your medical insurance here at home doesn't matter once you leave the US.
  • If you are renting a car make sure you have primary rental car insurance, most credit cards' rental car coverage is secondary, not primary. If something happens and you don't have primary coverage you are on the hook for the entire cost, normally before you leave the country! If you're not sure, just ask us, we can help! 

 

A Few of Our Tips
  • Have pictures of your luggage on hand, it will make finding lost luggage easier for airport staff.
  • At the airport ALWAYS follow business travelers, they know the shortest lines and better places to eat!
  • Place Airtags or similar GPS/Bluetooth trackers in your luggage, so you always know where your bags are. 
  • Pack a carry with basic toiletries and at least two days of clothing, in incase the airline misplaces your luggage, thank us later! 
  • If traveling with more than one checked bag or with another person, pack half your outfits in one bag and the other half in another, same thing for your traveling companion. This way if a suitcase gets lost, at least both of you still have a few day's worth of clothing, instead of one person having all their items and the other without anything. 
  • Do not travel with all your cash and cards in one place! Heaven forbid something happens the last place you want to be is unable to buy food or basic necessities.
  • Winging it can be fun, but be a smart traveler and prebook any ticket attractions to avoid wasted hours in queues or finding out they sold out. 
  • Your carry-on should always contain your passports/tickets/necessary visas, car keys, prescriptions, basic toiletries, emergency snacks, hand sanitizer and sanitizer wipes, charging cables and a backup battery for electronics, a light jacket, basic medications, an empty water bottle (to fill up after security), lotion, a first aid kit, and earplugs just to name a few.
  • A good rule of thumb, for every 3 days of exploring, tours, and activities, your 4th day should be a day to rest, relax, and recover for the next round of days exploring. 
  • Write down your hotel name, address, and phone number on a piece of paper or get a business card when you check in, this way if you get a taxi driver who doesn't speak good English you can simply hand them the paper/card. 
  • Don't eat anywhere with colorful pictures of food on big boards outside the restaurant, its normally an overpriced microwaved tourist trap. 
  • Check out the Global Blue/Tax Free Shopping program/app. You can be reimbursed for taxes when purchasing certain items, why spend more than you really need to!

 

 

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns!