ITCHING TO TRAVEL?
Take these steps now so you’ll be ready to go when restrictions end
While it is hard to predict when travel restrictions will be lifted and it will be safe to take vacations again, there are things you can do now to scratch that wanderlust itch without leaving your home. h And accomplishing some of these things could put you in a great position to book that next trip once we have the go ahead to travel.
Make a list of your credits and vouchers
If you had to cancel a trip because of the coronavirus, chances are you received a credit with your airline or hotel instead of a refund. If so, make a list or spreadsheet of all the outstanding credits and their expiration dates so you remember to take advantage of them. Some info to include:
❚ Company name.
❚ Amount of credit.
❚ Original travel date.
❚ Original confirmation code/itinerary number.
❚ Expiration/book-by dates.
❚ Website/customer service numbers.
Study your credit card travel insurance
A lot of people don’t realize that their credit cards offer some consumer protections. While you have the time, read the fine print of your
credit card benefits and see what is offered.
Beyond the typical trip cancellation insurance, a credit card might offer trip delay insurance that would help reimburse you if your flight gets delayed. Trip interruption insurance would help if your trip is canceled while you’re on your way to depart or after you depart. Consider switching to a card with such benefits if you are a frequent traveler.
Check your passport expiration date
One common travel mistake people make is not realizing their passport essentially expires six months before its expiration date.
That’s because the receiving country often requires you to have six months of passport validity remaining to enter the country.
If you need to renew, go to travel.state.gov for the latest information on how the coronavirus pandemic is delaying renewals and other services.
Gift the memory of a past vacation
Everyone could use a little lift during this time of self-distancing. So why not surprise a travel companion with a memento of a fun time? It could be as simple as a postcard or picture from a great trip or as elaborate as gifting a photo album or ordering a special meal or wine to be delivered that makes you think of that vacation.
Buy a gift card or start a travel fund
Consider starting a travel fund to give yourself something to look forward to. Maybe it’s just a piggy bank where you drop that extra change you find while reorganizing your home. Or maybe you take the time to open a checking or savings account where you’ll put a little money each month to save up for that bucket list destination.