Important Travel Tidbits 🌍

Please contact me anytime if you experience issues while traveling—especially if you feel you are not receiving the accommodations or services you paid for.

Sherry Pritz Enderle
Call or Text: 1-815-670-4441

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Highly recommended for international travel. Enroll your trip with the U.S. Department of State to receive emergency alerts and assistance while abroad. Link

Pre-Trip Planning

Two valuable travel resources I personally follow are Peter Greenberg and Frommer's. Both frequently participate in travel industry conferences and presentations.

Peter Greenberg - An Emmy Award-winning journalist and Travel Editor for CBS News, often referred to as “The Travel Detective.” His reporting offers in-depth destination insight and practical travel intelligence. Link

Frommer's - Founded by Arthur Frommer in the 1950s and now led by Pauline Frommer, Frommer’s remains one of the most respected travel research resources available today. Link

Documentation

·       Verify passport validity (many countries require 6+ months remaining)

·       Confirm visa and transit requirements well in advance

Backup Copies

·       Keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate bag

·       Store passport and insurance card photos on your phone

·       Email yourself scanned copies securely

TSA PreCheck | Global Entry | CLEAR

Verify Known Traveler Number expiration: Link

Consider enrolling in:

·       TSA PreCheck ($78-$85 for five years)

·       Global Entry ($100 for five years; includes TSA PreCheck)

·       CLEAR ($189 per year

United Kingdom - Travelers visiting or connecting through the U.K. may require authorization or visas. Link

European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) - A new automated entry/exit system replacing manual passport stamps for non-EU travelers. Link

Health & Insurance

·       Review required or recommended vaccinations

·       Carry documentation if needed

·       Purchase travel medical insurance and understand exclusions

Travel Insurance Resources

·      Squaremouth - Link

·      InsureMyTrip - Link

·      TravelInsurance.com - Link

I also offer quotes through Allianz

Financial Readiness

·       Notify banks of travel

·       Carry at least two forms of payment

·       Keep a small amount of local currency

Helpful Travel Resources

Airfare Search Engines

·      Momondo - Link

·      Skyscanner - Link

·      Skiplagged - Link

Multi-Day Tour Finders

·      TravelStride - Discover, plan & book extraordinary trips - Link

·      TourRadar - Guides, local transport, accommodations, and like-minded travelers are always included. - Link

Culinary & Cultural Experiences

·     TravelSpoon | “Travel off the eaten path” | Book private cooking classes with the best home cooks in their homes in 200+ destinations around the world. - Link

·      Eatwith | Join local hosts near you or abroad for intimate dinner parties, hands-on cooking classes, and interactive workshops. - Link

• International Greeters - Free walks all over the world. Come as a guest, leave as a friend! Let one of our Greeters take you on a free walk through their home city for 2-3 hours. Link

Miscellaneous

Learn tipping practices, power plug types and emergency numbers.

Pre-book high-demand sites (e.g. Anne Frank House, Statue of Liberty) weeks or months ahead.

Packing & Carry-On Tips

Carry-On Essentials

·       Medications

·       Chargers & adapters

·       Travel documents

·       Valuables

• Toothbrush

·       One change of clothes

·       Swimsuit (if applicable)

Smart Packing Techniques

·       Roll outfits together by day

·       Use packing cubes

·       Pack shoes toe-to-toe

Place rolled sock & belts inside shoes (preserves shape & saves space)

·       Bring an empty laundry bag

·       Weigh luggage before departure

Helpful Extras

·       Binder clip for hotel drapes

·       Tissues & sanitizing wipes

·       Small detergent packets

·       Backpack instead of purse

·       Compression socks

·       Neck pillow

·       Earbuds or earplugs

·       Always keep medication & vitamins in your carry on

·       Water shoes (hikes & beach)

Tech Preparation

·       Download offline maps and boarding passes

·       Bring a universal adapter

·       Pack power banks in your carry-on only (TSA requirement)

Hair devices - cordless curling irons/flat irons with lithium or butane fuel are banned from checked luggage, but allowed in carry-on.

During Transit

If Your Flight Is Canceled

·       Call or text me immediately

·       Stand in line at the airline service desk

·       Ask:

o   Why was the flight canceled?

o   What is the next available option?

o   Can another airline assist?

o   Are nearby airports available?

Airline app - always download your airline’s app for real-time updates

Helpful Flight Apps

·       Flighty - keeps all your information in one place, which can also predict the likelihood of delays on your route using historical data.

·       FlightRadar24

·       FlightAware

·       FlightBoard

Stay Connected Internationally

·       WhatsApp - free global messaging/calls.

·       Airalo - (eSim) - Cost-effective international data.

·       USB data blocker - ideal for public charging stations

·       Add an international calling plan for the length of your trip.

Hotel Safety

·      Stay on lower floors when possible

·      Count doors to the nearest exit

·      Use hotel safes

·      Avoid displaying valuables

At Your Destination

Transportation

·       Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services

·       Photograph rental cars before driving away

Cultural Awareness

·       Eat where locals eat

·       Learn basic phrases

·       Respect local customs and dress norms

Data Backup

Sync photos and important documents daily to cloud storage.

Common Cruise Questions

“What if I get seasick?”

Modern ships use stabilizers, and remedies are widely available. Larger ships and calmer itineraries generally reduce motion.

“What if I miss the ship?”

Always stay on ship time and be punctual. Cruise-line excursions provide extra protection if delays occur.

“Do I have to dress up every night?”

Dress codes vary, but one versatile smart-casual outfit is usually sufficient.

Bonus Resources

·       Travel Fashion Girl Packing Lists - Link

·       Sudoku 3x3 Packing Method - Link

·       Noise-Cancelling Headphone Guides - Link

·       Long-Haul Flight Comfort Tips - Link

·       Codeshare Flight EducationSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - Link

May your journey be seamless, your experiences memorable, and your return home filled with wonderful stories. If you need anything along the way, I’m always just a call or text away.