1. Travel Documents

International Travel: Based on the destination and your country of residence, you might need a visa to travel. Please check with your local authorities and the embassy/consulates of the visiting country and initiate the visa process. This at times can be time-consuming so would advise initiating the process in advance

Domestic: Even for domestic air travel within the USA, starting October 2020, every traveler above the age of 18 will need to carry a REAL ID-complaint ID card. Read More

Other Documents: Yes, in this era of digitization, there are still a few places where you may be asked to produce hard copies/printouts. So it’s a good idea to take printouts of your tour tickets, hotel bookings, show tickets, etc.

2. Transportation

Book Flights: If not done right, flight tickets can become the most expensive part of your trip. I highly recommend reading more on my Travel Resource Page, where I talk about the entire process that I follow to book my flight, rental cars, and hotels.

Book Rental Cars: Rental car prices fluctuate a lot based on the availability of cars. I follow a method that’s detailed in the Travel Resource Page’s – Rental car section.

Get Your Car serviced: If you’re taking your car, it’s a good idea to get it serviced.

Know the Airport: Get to know the airport you’re flying to, Rental car – location, shuttle services, timings, restaurant & lounge – timings and locations; Inter-Terminal transportation, hotel shuttle – location and schedules and ground transportation options. I have tried to capture the airport details, where ever possible, in every city guide for each state in the US.

3. Accommodation

Book Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, or Rent a house: These are the most common options you would have based on your destination and budget, but the most important thing is to feel and be safe. I also highly recommend that you finalize the list of places you want to visit and then plan your accommodation around those places to reduce the commute time. Selecting good accommodation can give you peace of mind and save you a lot of money, read more in my Travel Resource Page.

4. Activities & Food

Things to Do: It’s always a good idea to do some research about the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do and prepare an itinerary. To help you with this, I have listed all major points of interest, the best way to explore them, and tips in my travel guides. I, at times, also like to use local tour companies so that I can cover more in less time. You will find the tour recommendations in my travel guides.

Restaurants: I am a foodie! I love to try different cuisines, while not absolutely necessary, but knowing the local restaurants and delivery options come quite handy and can help you save money. You will find my reviews and recommendations in my travel guides.

5. Currency, Credit/Debit Cards

If traveling to a foreign country, it’s always a good idea to carry some foreign currency. I recommend an international travel credit card, read my in-depth review of travel rewards credit cards.

6. Travel Insurance

This can be a game-changer, I have had some situations which without insurance would have cost me a fortune. So I highly recommend getting travel insurance or a travel credit card that comes with travel insurance. Read more on My Best Travel Resources.