Travel Planning Tips
Required Travel Documents
For International Travel:
You will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled return date.
For Domestic Travel:
A valid U.S. driver’s license or another acceptable form of government-issued photo identification is required.
REAL ID Notice
The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline for the REAL ID to May 7, 2025. Starting on this date, all airline passengers flying domestically within the United States will need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of photo identification. This change is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act, aimed at enhancing airline security.
Passport Holders: If you have an up-to-date passport, you will not need to show a REAL ID to fly.
Non-Passport Holders: If you do not have a valid passport, military ID, or another federally approved document, you will need a REAL ID for domestic air travel.
Until May 7, 2025, travelers on domestic flights can continue to use a valid U.S. driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or ID card) for boarding. For more details on REAL ID, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID webpage.
When renewing your driver’s license or other photo identification, request the REAL ID-compliant version. Even if you’ve renewed your license recently, it may not be the compliant version. Many compliant states indicate this by placing a star in the corner of the card. To confirm if your ID is compliant, contact your local DMV.
We recommend obtaining a REAL ID-compliant form of identification well ahead of the deadline. Visit the TSA’s official website for a list of acceptable alternate forms of ID, including valid passports, passport cards, trusted traveler cards, and active or retired military IDs.
Packing and Luggage
Keep Important Items with You
Pack important items such as prescriptions, travel documents, electronics and money in your carry on or personal item. It’s also a good idea to include 1-2 days of clothing in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or rerouted by the airline.
Do not bring any liquids, gels, creams, or oils through U.S. airport security checkpoints, except for those in a 3.4-ounce bottle or smaller. Per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), remember 3-1-1: your liquids must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less; your liquids must fit in one quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag; and you are allowed one zip-top bag per passenger. The 3-1-1 restriction applies in foreign countries as well.
Easy to Identify Luggage
Make sure to use a TSA approved luggage lock and some kind of marker to make your luggage easy to identify. This can be a ribbon, sticker, or keychain to help you easily recognize and secure your luggage at the arriving airport. Also be sure to use airline approved luggage tags with your current name, address, and phone number to help locate you in case of luggage delays.
Keep Room for Souveniors
Pack an extra empty bag or make sure you have plenty of space left in your luggage to pack souveniors and purchases for the trip home.
What to Bring
Not every trip is the same, nor is every person, so what to pack is largely up to what you need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable. Be sure to pack for the appropriate season of where you’re traveling. We do suggest you bring:
- Extra chargers/batteries.
- A small backpack for sightseeing/day trips
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Adapters for the region/continent you’re traveling to
- Soap, shampoo, lotion, and a washcloth
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Cell Phones
If you are traveling outside the United States will may need to purchase a short-term international plan to maintain service. Alternatively you can use an international SIM card, prepaid calling cards, or an app such as WhatsApp or Skype to make international calls (when connected to internet).
Foregin Currency
Cash
When traveling internationally you will want to exchange your cash for local currency. There are many ways to exchange currency and exchange rates vary depending on where and when you make the exchange. You can exchange prior to your tip using your bank, AAA, or American Express. Many airports have currency exchange services but these can come with higher fees. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs at your destination. Many international destinations also accept US currency although you may end up paying more than you would in local currency.
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all widely accepted worldwide and one of the safest ways to make purchases during your trip. Please note that foreign transaction fees of 2-3% may apply when making purchases abroad.
Airline Travel
Due to the fact that the majority of our tours start in the destination city, we cannot be held responsible for flight delays or cancellations. Please make sure to book your flight with plenty of time to arrive and check in before the tour begins. We’ve been doing this a long time, and we do take precautions to ensure that there are no major activities or events planned on travel days, but we cannot be held responsible for arrival times.
Because air travel requires you to be in confined spaces for long periods of time we recommend taking health precautions prior to and during your flight. Jet lag, dehydration, and swelling/muscle fatigue are also side effects of prolonged air travel that can negatively impact your trip. To make sure you have the best experience possible we recommend:
- Drink plenty of water on long flights
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- If possible take the occasional walk up and down the aisle to circulate blood and oxygen through your legs.
- Wear compression socks
- Take vitamins and health supplements many days before your flight
- Wear a mask on the flight
- Use hand sanitizer before eating or touching your face
- Nap if possible. This helps prevent jet-lag.
Health Protocols
Please make sure you visit your doctor and obtain all vaccinations and inoculations before any international travel. Some regions may require additional vaccines not required in the US.
Bring written copies of all prescriptions with you on your trip. Some countries laws may require you to show a written prescription from your doctor before refilling.
If you suffer from allergies or have any special medical needs, it’s important to learn how to communicate that information with locals in the area you’re traveling to. Learn to speak phrases or wear a medical bracelet or carry a card with you that you can show restaurants, hotels, and medical providers.
Local Customs
Part of what separates Geographic Journeys from other travel guides is our commitment to exploring the history, culture, and “why of the where” from the places we visit. As responsible travelers it’s our obligation to understand and respect the local customs and laws of the lands we visit. For example, in muslim countries women may not show bare shoulders and in some places may be asked to wear a scarf or headcovering before entering. In other asian countries it is considered rude or impolite to wear your shoes inside someone’s house or place of worship. Understanding and respecting local customs makes for a more immersive and enjoyable trip, and gives you insight into the personalities, lives, and cultures of the world.