Tried and True

Travel expert Johnny Jet answers your most common questions.

Travel expert Johnny Jet answers your most common questions.

TRAVELING 150,000 MILES A YEAR, IT’S NO WONDER

Johnny Jet knows a thing or two about the subject. From money-saving tips to how to get an upgrade, he’s constantly asked travel-related questions from both firsttime and experienced travelers. So in each issue, we’re bringing you answers to your most frequently asked questions in order to make your next trip even smoother.

Q. What are your tips for traveling out of the country?

If you’re planning to travel outside your country this summer, these tips should help make your travels go a lot smoother.

Check Your Passport

Don’t wait until the last minute to find your passport and make sure it’s valid. Many countries require that it be valid for at least six months (some just three months) after your arrival date before they’ll grant you entry. It doesn’t matter if you’re only going for a day; if you don’t have at least six months validity, you could, and probably will, be denied entry.

Pack Light

Packing light will make your travel experience so much easier. The benefits of traveling light include not paying for checked luggage, not having to show up extra early to the airport, not standing in long lines to check your bag, and not waiting around for your luggage at baggage claim. You also don’t have to worry about the airline losing your bag, and you’ll be able to switch to an earlier or non-delayed flight more easily. Even more importantly, you’ll be able to take public transportation to get around, which is usually faster and cheaper than taking a taxi — especially in Europe. Protect Your Jewelry I always recommend that women turn their engagement rings around when traveling through local markets and train stations, so that the stones of the ring are facing their palm. If you’re bringing expensive jewelry, carry it on the plane with you, and don’t wear it out on the town every day. I suggest leaving your valuables in your stateroom or hotel room’s safe, or better yet, leave your expensive jewelry at home. Pack an Extra Bag I suggest packing light when you are headed to your destination, but coming home is a different story! If you think you might do a fair bit of shopping, then pack a thin, lightweight duffel bag in your carry-on or checked suitcase. That way, if you accumulate too much stuff, you can check an extra bag on the way back. If you purchase expensive items, then put your dirty clothes in the checked bag and carry the more valuable items on the plane.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Before you leave on your trip, inform your bank and credit card company that you are going out of the country. Let them know the destinations and the dates you’ll be away because (due to credit card hacking) the banks might put a block on your card(s) immediately, which can put a real damper on your trip. So make a quick call in advance to avoid this hassle.

Always Pay in Local Currency

Paying in your own country’s currency might seem to be the more convenient option, but in reality, it’s not. Since the stores charge a higher exchange fee than your bank back home does, always pay in the local currency of the country money.• you’re in in order to save