You can learn a lot of things from travel but what if you’ve never traveled before? Where can you turn to get the most up-to-date information about where you are going and what to expect? The U.S Department of State has a website full of valuable information! Here are some travel tips for cruising from the U.S Department of State.
1. Research your destinations at travel.state.gov/destination.
2. Apply early for your passport, or make sure your current one will be valid at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and has 2 or more blank pages.
3. Always bring your passport in case of an emergency, even if your cruise says you won’t need it. You may need your passport in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port. Leave a color copy of your passport, foreign visas and itinerary at home with a family member or friend.
4. Make sure you have the right foreign visas for all of your stops, even if you do not plan to disembark.
5. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to get important travel and safety updates. Follow us @TravelGov on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for travel and security information.
6. Check with your doctor to see if you should travel or if you will require any vaccinations for your trip.
– If you take any prescription/OTC medications, get written prescriptions and bring extra medication in case of delays. Know the generic name for your meds.
– Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
– A letter from your doctor stating you are required to take the medications is recommended.
(Medications that are legally prescribed in the United States are not always legal abroad. Check with the destination country’s embassy or consulate about local laws regarding your prescribed medicines. For more information, go to travel.state. gov/destination.)
7. Get insurance coverage for medical, emergency evacuation, and other unexpected expenses while abroad. (U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas.)
8. Tell your bank and/or credit card company that you will be traveling overseas so they do not freeze your account.
– You may want to bring one or two credit cards, or travelers checks, if ATM service is not readily available. Any cash advances may charge fees. Check with your bank.
9. Follow local laws and customs. If you break the law, you will be subject to the justice system of the host country. Be sure to write down the phone numbers of the U.S. embassy or consulate in every country you plan to dock in, even if you don’t plan to disembark.
(For more information, visit our page at travel.state.gov/cruise. TravelGov @TravelGov Before traveling, look up your destination at travel.state.gov/destination and write the address/ phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.)
Kelly Gilbert
Happy Traveler Dream Vacations, LLC
479-481-1725
