Information Before Destination…

Traveling to an unknown destination ignites our passion and a desire for adventure. It opens the door for us to step outside the “box” and enter a world of possibilities.

However, there is also the practical side of traveling: rules and regulations, navigating airport security, entry/exit requirements for foreign countries, safety and health considerations when traveling abroad, and what your budget allows.

We don’t have to let those “necessary evils” steal the excitement of our travels.  Oftentimes, we spend two or more days just traveling to and from our destination and several days/weeks in preparation. This somewhat daunting part of travel can be made easy.

To travel from one side of the world to another, we need to know what is required — and the list is long. There is more apprehension about traveling abroad, as well as within the U.S. The increased vulnerability to terrorist attacks and security threats equates to heightened security measures at airports, hotels, train stations, and other public places. This necessitates forethought when traveling.

Missing a so-called “minor” detail (such as not having enough blank pages in your passport or not having a visa when required) can cause significant problems. You may be unable to board the plane or enter the destination country. You could find yourself abroad with no way of getting cash because the ATM PIN number is not accepted at foreign ATM machines. Or you could find that your passport is invalid because it will expire within six months of your return date.

Many travelers (including myself) have experienced complications that could have been avoided had they known what to expect. Here are some common issues:

• Paying exorbitant fees to get cash or when making purchases abroad
• Having no cell phone reception or paying a lot for roaming fees
• Becoming ill or injured while abroad and finding out your medical insurance will not cover you
• Having a minor accident in a rental car that ends up costing thousands of dollars
• Paying numerous foreign transaction fees
• The so-called “waterfront” hotel is on a duck pond, or the “beach” vacation spot has steep, jagged rocks or rough surf — and the list goes on.

Many a vacation has been ruined by the unanticipated “potholes” in the roads of travel.

Did you know that when traveling by road to Mexico, if you do not declare personal items at the “Merchandise to Declare” lane at the first checkpoint (items such as cell phones, CDs, cameras, computers, etc.), these items could be seized (as well as your vehicle) for attempted smuggling?

Are you aware of the dangers of rip currents (and how to spot them) that pose a threat to swimmers on many oceans and large lake beaches worldwide? Would you know how to swim out of a rip current if you get caught in one?

Did you know there are alternative lodging options that could make your travel more affordable?

The articles on “Know Before You Go: Traveling the U.S. and Abroad” will guide you through the different phases of travel guidelines.  It will include planning and packing for your trip and provide you with resources on how to stay healthy and safe, avoid jet lag, and much more. You’ll be informed on how to avoid scams (such as criminals that use children to distract tourists) and how to protect yourself from typical crimes (pickpocketing, computer or cell phone hacking, and more).

You’ll get answers to questions that have left many a traveler confused. You’ll stay informed about the ever-changing airport security and customs requirements and be made aware of hidden or less commonly known facts.  Advanced planning will ultimately reward you both financially and emotionally.

If you are traveling with children and/or your beloved pets, there’s detailed information that will help ensure they have a safe adventure.

Stumbling upon the unexpected should become a treasured memory — not the culprit that ruins your trip.

Stepping outside the good ol’ U.S.A. means leaving behind any preconceived ideas that all countries are the same and that they offer the same conveniences that you are accustomed to. Each country has its own set of laws, customs, language, currency, electrical and cell phone requirements, and more.

Accessibility for people with disabilities differs from what you can expect in the U.S. Having an accurate picture of the country you travel to will produce real expectations. This will help alleviate disappointment. You’ll be ready to adapt to new customs and overcome the challenges of visiting a foreign country.

While at an international corporation (and as a traveler myself), it was my responsibility to stay within the budget and ensure the safety and health of our employees. I let experience and research be my guide. I wrote corporate travel manuals, researched countries and their entry/exit requirements, established travel and medical insurance plans, and provided assistance to employees facing hardships abroad. We had corporate travelers who experienced medical emergencies, injuries, car accidents, were victims of crime, and even an unlawful arrest.

Stuff happens — know what to do if it happens while traveling.

As part of the research for this site, I stationed myself at security in one of the largest airports in the U.S. I saw firsthand the problems travelers faced. There was a lot of apprehension and frustration among rookie travelers who were not prepared.

Let’s plan on having the “unexpected” be that moment when you reach your destination and think…Wow, this is way more than I expected!

Some of the areas that will be covered in future posts include:

• Determining your destination, alternative lodging options, and budgeting your expenses
• Cruise options, road or train travel, and purchasing airline tickets
• Travel/medical insurance – Do you need it?
• Passports, Visas, and Trusted Traveler Programs – application requirements and where to apply for them
• Packing, airport security, and going through customs
• Traveling with health or disability issues and safety abroad
• Communication, cell phones, and internet abroad – How to stay connected and avoid hefty charges
• Acceptable methods of payment and using ATMs abroad – How to avoid foreign transactions and unnecessary fees
• Dos and don’ts when renting a vehicle
• Traveling with children and pets (keeping them safe, healthy, and entertained)
• Being prepared in case of an emergency or unexpected event when abroad

I look forward to sharing more travel news with you!

— Editorial Review from Readers’ Favorite – Sarah Stuart, United Kingdom

“Traveling to an unknown destination ignites our desire for adventure.” Know Before You Go: Traveling the U.S. and Abroad by Stephanie Patterson is designed to make those adventures easy to plan and ensure the reader is not the person left trying to cope with an impossible situation which, forearmed, they could have avoided. Also, what to have in place in case the unforeseeable happens and, in the worst case scenario, where to look for help. Know Before You Go is a comprehensive guide to traveling by land, sea, or air, which contains everything you’ve wondered “what if” or “how” about, and even more that you had no idea that you needed to know. Arranged in twenty chapters, each divided into titled sub-sections that enable fast reference, it is invaluable to all, but a must-read for anyone with disabilities, children, or pets.

Know Before You Go: Traveling the U.S. and Abroad was written for American citizens so I wondered how useful it might be to a UK reader. Dipping in for references is certainly possible, but I found it a fascinating book from start to finish; so much of it is applicable to all nationalities, from simple tips to previously unseen dangers. Turbulence in the air can cause a plane to drop several hundred feet without warning. Most of us know that, or have experienced it, but have you ever thought about the baby in your lap? Could you hold it or would it be thrown about the cabin like unsecured baggage? It’s a terrifying vision, but there is a very simple answer. Stephanie Patterson is to be congratulated for providing so much vital information in a reader-friendly style.”