Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Checklist before traveling & returning

Before traveling:

  • Renew passport or passport card if traveling internationally
  • Finish Visa requirements if traveling internationally
    • Submit OCI passport changes if applicable & traveling to India
  • Take ID depending on nature of travel (Real ID driver's license, passport, passport card, TSA card or Global Entry card). 
  • Take lounge access cards to use in airports if flying
  • Any health insurance & vaccination cards (such as COVID vaccine proof)
  • Take glasses (driving, reading, sunglasses)
  • Take chargers
  • Book ride from home to airport or train/bus station
  • Hold postal mail. Request neighbors to hold postal mail for longer periods.
  • Prebook baggage for airlines if cheaper
  • Take passes, such as national park, state park, theme park pass. Print tickets.
  • Take credit cards useful for travel, such as no foreign transaction fees, earns points.
    • Notify credit cards & bank
  • Suspend auto insurance
  • Put water heater in vacation mode or turn off. If turning off a gas heater, turn off gas.
  • Turn off all devices to save power
  • Cancel internet service for longer trips. Return any equipment.
  • Switch phone plan to enable international access if traveling internationally
    • Install mobile apps for local travel that are supported in that country
      • India: Uber, Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri. Fastrak rates are cheaper for airport to home travel, compared to prepaid taxi.
      • Hong Kong: Uber, Didi
  • Install any required apps such as theme park planners
  • Update GPS maps. Download maps on phone for offline use
  • Inform school for kids. Cancel any private classes & schedule make-up classes.
  • Keys to trusted neighbors for emergencies
  • Pack medicines
Before returning:
  • Reinstate car or auto insurance
  • Book ride from airport or station to home
  • If applied for Global Entry, plan for Enrollment on arrival
  • Switch phone plan to domestic cheaper plan if returning after international travel
  • Reinstate internet service
After returning:
  • Turn on water heater
  • Uninstall apps required for traveling

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