What happens if I don’t have the confirmation number and the hotel doesn’t have my reservation. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened to me, but I don’t like running the risk which means my travel documents are reviewed in detail prior to leaving, and I have copies with me.
Document Details
All it takes is missing one small detail and my trip can be delayed or worse. To prevent accidental oversights, I am aware of check-in, check-out times, mealtimes, a lift (elevator), or stairs, lodging and excursion cancellation dates and prepayment obligations. For excursions, it’s when and where do we meet, when do we return, are meals included, and what I should or should not bring.
Additionally I do the following:
- Gather copies of documents a few weeks prior to leaving. May be digital or hard copies.
- Give a travel companion a duplicate copy of our itinerary.
- While traveling during the day, I carry my small travel wallet and phone. I keep a the hotel name/address, embassy address/phone number, emergency contacts and my medication list written on a postcard, and I leave it in my wallet.
- Keep the travel insurance policy, credit cards, and passport information digitally.
- Record my travel plans on One Step for State Department alerts.
When traveling, I make sure I have all my documents with me and I leave copies at home, including the travel itinerary.
Passport, Global Entry, and ETIAS
It’s important to know requirements for passport entry, since some countries have a six-month expiration date rule. I know of someone who was denied boarding their flight because they weren’t aware of this requisite and their passport was expiring in four months. It’s an easy but reckless mistake.
When re-entering the US, passing through customs can be time consuming. Waiting up to two hours in line is expected at some airports. After a long flight and feeling exhausted, the wait is a nuisance. Customs digital entry is a quick method. I use the global entry card, and it’s the fastest process through US customs.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), beginning in 2025, is requiring travelers entering 30 European countries to secure a visa. The application, cost, and terms for validity are provided on their website. It should only take a few minutes to complete the online process.
