I just returned from a 6 day whirlwind trip to Istanbul and Athens

Wow! Last week I shared with you that Executive Travel was sponsoring a trip for our customers to Istanbul, Turkey. While our group was enjoying all the highlights of Istanbul, which includes the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Bopherous cruise, spice market along with amazing food and drink, I decided to venture over to Greece and Italy to inspect some short term rental Villas for investors. I love the weather in April in southern Europe. Even though the planes are full the crowds are still light in hotels and tourist areas. I like to get away into the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist centers. CLICK HERE to hear more.

Here is a list of 18 things you need to make sure you do before traveling internationally – Returning back from an international trip always reminds me of a list of things that I need to share with our readers that they need to do before they travel internationally. 

1. Check your passport to make sure it does not expire within 6 months of your date of return. CLICK HERE for more.

2. Check to see if a Visa is required for the countries you are traveling to. CLICK HERE for more.

3. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Program with the U.S. Embassy  CLICK HERE for more.

4. Check for vaccination requirements. CLICK HERE for more.

5. Check in with the airlines 24 hours prior to travel to confirm your flight and get seat assignments. CLICK HERE for more.

6. Confirm your hotels, rental cars, etc with your travel advisor. Also secure their 24 hour emergency phone number. CLICK HERE for more.

7. Purchase travel insurance. Your health insurance will not cover you abroad, Also you need to protect your investment if you can’t travel or things go bad along the way. CLICK HERE for more.

8. Call your bank and tell them you are traveling internationally to make sure your credit card can be used. Give them the dates and countries you are visiting. Double check you know your PIN code. CLICK HERE for more.

9. Call your cell phone provider and enable their international calling plan ($10 a day). Don’t rely on Wi-Fi.  CLICK HERE for more.

10. Purchase an electric converter/adapter so you can charge your phone. Purchase a battery charger. CLICK HERE for more.

11. Double check your medications to make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip. Don’t pack them in your checked luggage only in your carry-on. Make copies of your prescriptions on your phone.  CLICK HERE for more.

12. Enroll in the Global Entry program and the TSA PreCheck program for expedited security clearance. CLICK HERE for more.

13. Take $500 in cash in the currency of the country you are visiting to pay for incidentals. CLICK HERE for more.

14. Download the airline app you are flying on. Also other apps like google translate, etc. CLICK HERE for more.

15. Purchase an international travel permit if you are renting a car. CLICK HERE for more.

16. Check the 10 day weather forecast for the destinations you are traveling to to pack accordingly. CLICK HERE for more.

17. Do not check on luggage. Pack only carry-on luggage so you don’t waste time waiting for your luggage at the airport carousel. This also gives you the freedom to easily change flights if your flight is canceled or delayed. Every place on the planet has a place to do laundry. Use it. You will pay ($150 X 2 = $300) to check one bag on some international flights if you bought the cheapest basic economy ticket. CLICK HERE for more.

18. If your trip is longer than 7 days take an Uber to the airport or have family or friends pick you up. You will be shocked that you might see a $250 parking bill when you return home and drive your car from the airport parking garage. CLICK HERE for more.

Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – Did you know our Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast ? Each week we are adding new and upgraded features. Please jump on board. CLICK HERE to see the Weekly Travel Alert podcast that is hot off the presses.

Dream of rolling hills, charming villages, and delicious Italian cuisine? The luxurious Villa Destino nestled in the heart of Umbria, Italy can make it a reality! When you book this month, get a special discount on your stay and experience the magic of Italy. Visit our website at VillaDestinoItaly.com or call (402) 435-8888.