I have never travelled internationally. What do I need to do & how far in advance should I start?

Answer 1

Here we go.
Get travel insurance. It is not expensive and can save you in nasty situations. Make sure to inform your Credit card companies that you are going to be out of the country so they don't freeze your accounts when they get a charge from Saigon or where ever you end up. It can be a real pain trying to straighten that out over the international phone.
Carry copies of your passport and visas, your birth certificate, air line tickets and driver’s license in 3 or 4 different places. If your primary bag gets lost or stolen this will help you get back on track. Don't carry a lot of money with you. ATM's are just about everywhere now, so you can get more cash when you need it. Pack light. Most of the places that you are going have nice inexpensive clothing shops and you will need room to bring them back. Leave your computer at home. There are internet cafes everywhere and they are very inexpensive. Use them. That way you don't have to worry about someone stealing your brick and you don't have to lug it around. Keep your passport, tickets etc in a sturdy pouch that goes around your neck. Never wear it in back. I haven't lost mine in over a year on the road and there have been a couple of attempts. Bring your cell phone. Make sure it is unlocked so you can use different Sim cards from different countries. In most places, incoming calls are free. So your friends can reach you in an emergency and you can do the same. This works good. Just email the new number to those who need it and you have a safety net. Bring a basic medical kit. Band-Aids, antiseptic and antibiotics. Anti diarrhea meds, aspirin etc. If you get food poisoning to the point that you have a fever go the doctor immediately. (The Hotel usually has one on call) You can die from food poisoning so don't screw around. Wear slip on shoes. It saves time and trouble in airports and all Asian countries. Always let your hotels know when you leave. It’s best to give them the key, and tell them where you are going. Get a card from the hotel so you can find it again in case of extreme drunkenness or just a lack of directional ability. Also. Read your passport. It can pay to have the various Embassies know when you are in the country. They are not much help but they are a safety net in emergencies. Have I forgotten anything? I am sure I have but this is a good broad list to remember. and... Let the hotels handle booking your tours and local stuff. It costs a little more but it is worth it. Hey, Have fun. You are on vacation! Here are some good Web sites to remember.

Lonely planet.com
http://www.xe.com/ucc/ for currency quotes
Google earth for finding where you are.
Oh... get a good travel book. Lonely planet is good and gives you ideas about scams and rip offs in the areas where you are and good maps and directions to hotels and restaurants. Worth the money.

Now, Here are some tips on the passport from a Disney web site
On October 4, 2006, the U.S. Government extended the deadline for Guests to obtain passports for sea travel to the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Mexico. The deadline is now expected to be as early as January 2008. Please note, however, that recent legislative changes may permit an even later deadline depending on whether certain requirements are in place by January 1, 2008.

For air travel, however, the deadline is January 23, 2007. This means that all travelers, including U.S. Citizens* and all foreign nationals, traveling to the United States by air on or after January 23, 2007, such as Guests flying to Orlando, Florida from Canada, are still required to carry a valid passport after the effective date.

Despite these new requirements, we encourage you to obtain your passport as soon as possible. Having a passport allows you to always be prepared to travel wherever you wish, and offers an added measure of security when you're traveling. For more information on the benefits of acquiring a passport, visit our FAQ.


Passports are taking anywhere from 3 to 5 months!
What You Need
You must appear in person at the passport location when you are applying for a passport for the first time. This includes minors (see Passports for Children under the Age of 14 below).
Here are the documents you will need in most cases:
1. The U.S. Government's DS-11 Application – Download the application from the government site to be certain you have the latest form.
Tip: You will need to complete this form, but do NOT sign it until you are at the passport location where the Passport Acceptance Agent will instruct you. If you sign the application form before you get there, it will not be accepted and you will be asked to fill out a new form!

Tip: Don't use white-out or correction tape on the application; you will be asked to fill out a new form.

2. Proof of Citizenship – Visit the US Government website for a list of acceptable proof of citizenship, including the particulars of what is considered a certified birth certificate.

Tip: Your certified birth certificate will be submitted with the passport application. That means you will not have it for approximately eight weeks. If you will need the certificate during that time — for example, to register your child to attend kindergarten or to play soccer — be sure to make a copy.

3. Current valid identification with a signature, photo and physical description (your height, weight, etc.) – Visit the government site for examples of valid identification.

Tip: A social security card is not considered valid identification.

4. Two current color photos – Visit the government site for the particulars of a passport photo, including size and acceptable attire.

Tip: Some passport locations offer photos at an additional charge. Call your location to find out.

5. Methods of Payment – Visit the US Government site for the methods of payment. Different locations accept different forms of payment. Be sure to check with your individual passport location to verify its acceptable methods of payment. You can request Expedited Service to obtain your passport faster than the normal processing time.


Passports for Children under the Age of 14
To submit an application for a child under the age of 14, the child must appear in person. Visit the U.S. Government's information on passports for children and the U.S. Government's issue of Consent for an Application of a Minor for information on obtaining passports for children under the age of 14.

If your child is adopted abroad, we recommend you visit Child Citizenship for information on appropriate documentation requirements.

Tip: You must use a birth certificate that includes parents' names. The credit card-sized birth certificate you may have for your children may not include your names. You will need a certified birth certificate.

Where To Go
There are 14 Passport Agencies and over 7,000 public places that accept passport applications. To find the locations nearest to you, including locations that offer handicap access and photos on-site or nearby, enter your zip code in the form at the US Government site.

Tip: Be sure to contact your location to verify acceptable forms of payment, hours of operation, and need for an appointment.

Age 16 and older: The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97 .

Under Age 16: The passport application fee is $52. The execution fee is $30. The total is $82 .


Here is a website for Passport forms, but you can also get them at Post Office, library, etc.:
http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/forms/c2100...

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/dcl/en...

Answer 2

I guess that it depends on what you are looking for and how well organized you are. Besides if you plan to go to the country in which visa is required it may take some time to do the paper work. But if you're planing to visit Europe, for instance, just a little more then usually. From my own experiences I can tell that the most time consuming is actually deciding where to go, where is so much to see! :) Have a nice trip

Answer 3

First apply for a passport. It is currently taking about 16 weeks to get a passport. Better to start way ahead of time. You can go to the first website below to get all info you need to apply for a passport.
When you have decide what country or countries you are going to travel to, go to the second website. Scroll down the alphabetical list of countries and read the paragraph. It will tell you if that country requires U.S. citizens to have a visa or not. If a visa is required, it will give you the website to go to to get info on applying for the visa.
Don't hesitate to consult a travel agent, they are very helpful and they do not charge YOU.
I think it is wise to start one year ahead of time to do your research...gives you time to change your mind if you like, and to really research the places you plan to visit.
I believe it is better to use an ATM card to get money as you travel...you will get a better exchange rate and it is easier to use than traveller's checks. Talk to your bank and be sure their card can be used internationally. If not, get one that can be...like Bank of America.

Answer 4

Start by figuring out where you want to go, then go to the on-line CIA world factbook and look up the country to see what they say. Also check the state department website.

If you are going to a place known for it's corruption and inspection, you may want to put everything in zip lock plastic bags.

Get traveler's checks. When you carry cash, carry it split between two places. Button your pockets and keep your purse zipped in crowded locations.

If you don't have a passport, you should start now, because there is a huge wait.