Tips for Traveling Abroad- Passports

ONLY 234 Days till my 

Eat, Paint, Cook Tour of Tuscany!  

 It's time to begin the fun of anticipating our upcoming adventure.  In today's blog I have some important tips that might surprise even seasoned travelers regarding passports, credit cards and how to keep track of paperwork and documents while traveling.  All of these will help you get ready to GO.  There is still time to sign up by following this link:
SIGN UP HERE- Eat Paint Cook Tour of Tuscany Oct 3-10, 2015 with Rebecca Zdybel

Anticipation of a big trip is part fun and part challenge.  While I look forward to going, there is a lot to think about in order to get ready.  I have a checklist which ideally begins about 7 months prior my trip.

First on the list:  Check my Passport!
Mine is due to expire in about 9 months.  Even though it will expire after I return, I need to renew now.

News Flash!  If your passport expires 6 months from your date of entry, you may be prevented from traveling abroad!  In fact, most countries require that a passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of a trip. Check your passport early and renew well in advance to avoid trouble getting on the plane.

Renewing a passport is no big deal...It will give you the chance to take a good photo instead of settling for that old one taken 10 years ago on a day you forgot to wear lipstick. ;-)

Renew Your passport by Mail if All of the Following are True

Your Most Recent U.S. Passport:

• Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application;
• Was issued when you were age 16 or older;
• Was issued within the last 15 years; and
• Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change with original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change.

Be aware that there are lots of "agencies" online to help you get passports and give assistance.  They often charge for the privilege of their help, so I make sure to only deal with US government run sites.  That way you avoid paying the middleman.  

For more passport info you can visit:  http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports/renew.html

Keeping track of your passport, travel documents and cards is also important while traveling. Here are some tips that have helped me stay together and organized.  

Bubble Boys- Tuscany
11 X 15 Watercolor- Castellina, Italy  by Rebecca Zdybel

• Make a photocopy of your cards, passport and ID before you leave and put them in your carry-on.  When you arrive at the hotel, put them in the safe so you have access to information in the event of theft.  
• Contact  credit card companies before you leave to tell them the dates and places you'll be traveling abroad.  It avoids fraud protection issues that can impact your ability to use the cards while traveling.  (God forbid we can't spend money!)
• Check to see if your card charges foreign transaction fees.  Ask your credit card representative.  If you will be charged fees,  think about getting a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.  Barclay and also Bank of America both offer them. 
• Bring medical insurance cards and your healthcare savings credit card if you have one.  
• Always keep your passport in your hand...do not set it down or let it go out of your sight with employees of any restaurant or rental companies.  Hotels sometimes keep your passport on tours, and though this really bothers me, I will cooperate if they insist. .  
• Consider money belts or bra-wallets to increase the safety of your cash, cards and identification. 
• Keep your paperwork together and secure:  I generally make a manila envelope as my travel file.  I keep my boarding pass there, and I put copies of my itinerary there and any travel emails sent to me by my carriers or travel companions.  That way I have one place to look when I want to refer to travel arrangements.  I keep this with me while I travel in my carry-on.  I also make a copy for my husband to keep at home if he's not traveling with me. 

"A Whole Lot Going On Upstairs" Watercolor Diptych of Siena, Italy Rooftops

If you'd like to have my help in making a trip to Tuscany EASY, deliciously fun, and relaxing with opportunities to dabble in painting and Cooking then Sign up Today!
SIGN UP HERE- Eat Paint Cook Tour of Tuscany Oct 3-10, 2015 with Rebecca Zdybel

View the complete description of the tour in the brochure below.
Eat, Paint, Cook Tour of Tuscany 2015- with link .pdf

SIGN UP HERE- Eat Paint Cook Tour of Tuscany Oct 3-10, 2015 with Rebecca Zdybel

"San Fedele Awaits"- Watercolor by Rebecca Zdybel
Our Home away from Home in Tuscany 

Watercolor and Ink on Paper Rebecca Zdybel 

If you have travel tips to share, please leave your comments below.  I love hearing your ideas!

Rebecca Zdybel
Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor
Art Lessons in all media
Myrtle Beach, SC
rebecca@artmyrtlebeach.com

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Rebecca Zdybel is an artist and instructor in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Follow her and see her work at http://www.artmyrtlebeach.com/

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