Before you arrive at the airport for your international trip, it's a smart idea to do a couple of things:
1) Check with your travel agent (if you used one) to make sure everything is in order. If you have to make any changes (like a name change) try to do it well enough in advance because your airline ticket must be an identical match to what's on your passport.
2) Check on travel restrictions. Depending on where you're going will determine what restrictions are in place due to COVID. This website has information to help you know what the restrictions are: INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL Although we didn't need to show proof of vaccination prior to leaving, it was mandatory that we be tested prior to arriving back into the United States. It's also important to know what type of test is required for you to return. And be sure to set up that test with the hotel once you get there because you probably won't be the only one trying to get tested on the same day.
3) Check in with your airline. When you go online, you can choose your seat or get an upgrade and get additional information regarding the flight's status. You should also check to see how much you'll be charged for your baggage. American charges $30 for EVERY bag.
4) Know what to pack in your carry-on. If you pack toothpaste, lotion, or face cream, it will be confiscated. The smart thing to do is to put those items in the checked luggage so you won't end up without them.
5) Once you arrive at the airport and check in with your passport, you may find out you have to complete paperwork in order to get into the foreign country. (We learned that if you don't fill it out PRIOR to arrival at your destination, you will not be admitted until it's completed---no matter how LONG it takes).
6) Be prepared for some discomfort on the plane. Depending on where you sit and how long your legs are, you could in for some discomfort. The longer the flight, the more discomforting it could become. If you can afford it, you should do business or first class. Our flight took approximately three and a half hours so it wasn't too bad. And thankfully, there were no Karen's, Becky's or Billy Bob's on any of our flights!
7) You may be subject to a random customs check in the foreign country. There is no rhyme or reason for it. Some people just get singled out.
8) Look out for the hustlers! Prior to traveling to the Dominican Republic, we were warned about people who would be trying to talk us into buying timeshares:
TIMESHARE ADVISORY - When you arrive at your destination, even before you leave the customs area, you may be approached by many aggressive timeshare sales agents. Timeshare sales agents are very persistent and may entice you with offers of complimentary breakfasts, free transfers, discounted tours, etc., in exchange for your attendance at a presentation designed to sell their property. Timeshare selling can and does take place in many locations, including the airport, hotel lobbies, and even on the beaches and streets. These sales agents are in no way associated with your ground transportation operator or with Costco Travel.
In my next post, I will share some do's and don't while vacationing in a foreign country.
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