Travel tips

• US Citizens traveling anywhere outside of the United States will be required to present a valid US passport and possible other documentation. Please refer to travel.state.gov for requirements. If traveling within the United States, a Real ID is required. 
• Passports must be valid for 6 months past your return date to the US. 
• Some countries require a visa for transit or entry.
• Immunizations may also be required.
• When traveling with minors without both parents, a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent(s) or other accepted documentation may be required.
• If you plan to rent a car and are traveling abroad, I highly recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit.  Some countries require it while others do not but even if  your destination does not require it, the rental car company may ask for it or you may be asked to present one in a traffic stop/incident.  They are easy to obtain from your local AAA office (even if you are not a AAA member).  You can read more about the International Driving Permit here.
• All names on travel documents must match the legal name on your passport.
• Failure to comply with these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry and/or other government-imposed fines.
• Passengers are responsible to ensuring they have the appropriate documentation. Please refer to travel.state.gov for further information and requirements.

 Tip 1: Beware of tight connections - Ensure you have enough wiggle room in your flight connections as delays can occur. As a rule of thumb, I recommend having a minimum of 1 hour connection for USA domestic flights (although I prefer 1.5 - 2 hours) and a minimum of 3+ hours connection for an international flight. 

Tip 2: Be prepared in case of lost baggage - Lost baggage happens. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend carrying the following items in case of a lost checked bag: travel size deoderant, travel size toothpaste + toothbrush, travel size contact lens solution + case, hairbrush, eyeglasses, change of clothes. Additionally, if you are traveling somewhere warm, carry-on your bathing suit + flip flops. If you are traveling somewhere cold, carry-on your coat. Always carry your passports, ID, cell phone, medications (in original prescription packaging), devices and chargers in your personal items bag. 

Tip 3: Track your belongings Utilizing air tags can help you better track your belongings in the event your checked bags go missing. I recommend putting them in the lining of your checked luggage (or in a discreet pocket area inside your luggage). 

Tip 4: Have your booking credit cards with you - Sometimes hotels, airlines, rental car companies, etc... may ask to see the credit card that you booked with. It is best to travel with these credit card(s) to avoid any delays, extra steps or travel headaches.

Tip 1: Know the local emergency numbers

Research and save the local emergency numbers for police, medical services, and fire departments in your destination country. 

Tip 2:  

Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) 

Register your trip with STEP at travel.state.gov for these reasons: 

• Real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country. 
• Information from the local U.S. embassy. 
• Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency. 

Tip 3: Keep important documents handy 

Carry copies of your passport, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Keep digital copies accessible as well. 

Tip 4: Have a communication plan 

Ensure you have a way to communicate with family and friends. Consider international phone plans or local SIM cards. 

Tip 5: Know your insurance coverage 

Understand what your travel insurance covers, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost belongings. 

Tip 6: Read up on local laws  

Before your trip, familiarize yourself with local laws and travel tips at travel.state.gov 

Tip 7: Familiarize yourself with local tipping practices

Have an understanding of what tipping practices are customary in your travel destination.

Tip 8: Be proactive in your communication with allergies and/or mobility requirements

Arrive prepared in your destination with translations of any food allergies you may have.  Additionally, make sure all lodging, drivers, tours, etc.. are aware of and can accommodate any mobility requirements or food allergies you may have.  Research and utilize apps such as Spokin for personalized restaurant recommendations for people with food allergies and understand labeling laws in your travel destination.

Always consult with your physician before planning a trip.

Tip 9: Obtain an International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a car while traveling abroad.

If you plan to rent a car and are traveling abroad, I highly recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit.  Some countries require it while others do not but even if  your destination does not require it, the rental car company may ask for it or you may be asked to present one in a traffic stop/incident.  They are easy to obtain from your local AAA office (even if you are not a AAA member).  You can read more about the International Driving Permit here.

• An ETA is required for United States citizens to travel to the UK. Apply at gov.uk/eta at least 2 weeks before your trip. Read more about the requirement here.
• I recommend obtaining an ETA even if you are only transiting through the UK because if anything happens and you have a flight cancellation or significant flight delay, you will want to have the ETA on hand.  It is an easy and inexpensive process to obtain one, so I highly recommend.

• Starting October 12, 2025, most European countries will begin using a new Entry/Exit System (EES). United States citizens should expect fingerprints and facial images to be collected at borders.  Learn more here.

• Passport Requirements:  In Italy, it is the law that you must carry your original passport with you at all time. A photocopy is not sufficient, A U.S. passport card is not valid for identification in Italy. Your original passport is the only accepted federal ID.
• If your passport is lost or stolen do not panic—replacement is fast and straightforward in Italy. Contact the nearest U.S. Consulate (Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome Embassy). They can issue an emergency passport the same day in most cases, allowing you to continue your travels without interruption. You’ll need: police report of loss/theft, a passport photo (easy to get near any consulate), and proof of identity (copy of your old passport, driver’s license, or digital ID is helpful).
• Recommendations: Always carry your passport in a secure crossbody bag or money belt, never in a back pocket. Keep a photo/copy of the ID page stored on your phone and email just in case—it speeds up replacement if needed. Don’t stress: millions of tourists pass through Italy every year, and the U.S. consulates are very efficient in helping Americans.

• Venice Access Fee - Venice charges an Access Fee for day-trippers on designated peak days, with the standard fee being €5 and a last-minute fee of €10. The fee applies to visitors who enter the historic center on specified days, typically Friday through Sunday and public holidays between mid-April and late July. Exemptions are available for overnight visitors, children, some workers, and those visiting specific outer islands like Murano or Burano. You can book and pay for the fee or register for an exemption on the official city website.