If you’re getting ready to travel, you probably have a pre-trip checklist that you follow. TSA pre-check? Active. Passport? To check. But if you haven’t traveled in a while, you might not know where to start checking for the necessary information and documentation.
Following the record number of passengers screened in 2023, David Pekoske, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), said earlier this year that the agency expects the trend to continue this year. In fact, 65% of people over 50 plan to travel this year, according to the AARP 2024 Travel Trends survey.
As you prepare to travel this summer, here are eight tips you never knew how to follow before traveling.
1. Call the 800 number outside the US for airlines
Peter Greenberg, travel editor at CBS News, wants travelers to not rely solely on online searches when booking a trip. “Websites are deceptive by nature because the assumption people make, which is false, is that they are seeing all the availability and inventory on their screen. They are not.”
Greenberg suggests talking to a travel agent, travel consultant or travel provider to find out full availability that is often not shown online. Instead of being put on hold at a U.S.-based airline’s 800 number, call an 800 number for United Airlines in London, American Airlines in Dublin or Delta Airlines in Paris, he says. “They are open 24/7. They won’t put you on hold. And they’re seeing the same thing on the screen that headquarters is seeing” in Chicago, Dallas or Atlanta, Greenberg says.
2. Check your passport’s expiration date
Many countries, including most of Europe, Morocco, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand, will not allow entry if your passport expires in less than six months. Check the U.S. State Department’s travel website for more details.
3. Get an international driver’s license
Do you plan to drive abroad? If so, there are some countries that require an International Driving Permit, says William Lee, head of marketing for Chima Travel in Northeast Ohio. According to usa.gov, if you visit Canada or Mexico, your state driver’s license is all you need. However, a trip to Spain or Greece will require an International Driving Permit. “The process for getting one is actually very simple,” says Lee. Before you travel, visit AAA in person or online. AAA is the only entity issuing the license in the US. Provide two passport photos or have photos taken at select AAA offices. The fee for the license is $20, plus processing and delivery fees. You do not need to be a member of AAA to use this service.
