If your honeymoon will be the first time you have traveled abroad, please review the following tips and suggestions on successful travel abroad. Of course, your HG Travel Specialist will work closely with you to ensure that you are well versed and covered in all your travel needs, but these basics will be a helpful start:
Verify your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your return trip – make a copy of each passport and take 2 additional passport photos with you in case you lose your passport. It will make it easier to replace your passport as many countries don’t take official passport photos. The same applies for any visas you might need. Keep important documents someplace safe either in your wallet or travel folder until you get to the hotel and can place them in the safe.
Travelers can register with the state department prior to leaving for a honeymoon. Log onto https://travelregistration.state.gov for a free online service that contacts you if there is an emergency or crisis in the United States or a situation where you’re traveling.
In addition to registering with the state department, it’s also helpful to leave a copy of your travel itinerary with family and friends prior to leaving. Your HG Travel Specialist will provide copies of travel itineraries that include phone numbers of where you’ll be staying if you request it.
Ask your cellular phone provider what coverage is available in the areas to which you are traveling. Review your medical insurance and see what coverage is available for overseas illness and accidents.
Work with your HG Travel Specialist to learn where the medical services are in relationship to where you are staying. If your medical coverage does not extend overseas, speak to your HG Travel Specialist about recommendations on purchasing supplemental insurance for you and your spouse.
Work with your HG Travel Specialist and visit the state department’s website to familiarize yourself with local laws, rules and regulations of the places you’re visiting http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html If in doubt, ask the authorities to avoid any unwanted conflicts with the law.
Don’t be an easy crime target. Carry limited cash and wear simple jewelry. Carry purses, cameras, cell phones and souvenirs close to your person. If you happen get lost, find a store and ask to use their phone. Stay in well lit areas and places where there is a lot of foot traffic. Be aware while still having fun.
Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.
Relax and enjoy!
