I would like to share some of the U.S. Government sites we use when traveling. These sites provide a wealth of information about travel, and I hope you find them to be useful in your future travel plans.
TSA PreCheck®
If you travel by commercial air, you know the standard security screening process can have long wait times and requires you to take off several items before you can pass through the security machines. (It’s almost like playing strip poker without the possibility of winning a pot of money in the end.) So, if you routinely travel, you may want to consider TSA PreCheck®. If you have TSA PreCheck®, you are able to go through security quicker and don’t need to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. Information on TSA PreCheck® can be found here.
Global Entry
If you frequently travel to international destinations, you may want to consider Global Entry. Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports.
At airports, program members proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingerprints on the scanner for fingerprint verification and complete a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. Additional information about this program can be found here.
Passports
If you plan to travel outside the U.S., you will need to get a passport. The routine process can take up to 8 to 10 weeks, so the earlier you start the process the better off you will be. If there is an issue, it could take longer. Use this site Processing Times for U.S. Passports (state.gov), to get an idea of how long passport services may take. (For example – during Covid it took longer to get or renew a passport.) Information about the passport process (new and renewals) can be found here.
FYI - The Department of State will be hosting special passport fairs across the United States to help people apply for a passport. Most events are for first-time customers and children using Form DS-11 to apply. Additional information about site locations can be found here.
International Travel
The Department of State has a thorough, well thought out and very informative website on international travel. You may want to bookmark this site as a favorite. Examples of topics are listed below:
Travel Advisories – Conditions can change very quickly in other countries. So, it is very important for you to check the travel advisories before you go. There are also several ways to receive safety and security updates by staying connected. You should try to explore these sites before traveling.
Crime Victim Assistance Information – This brochure helps explain how the State Department can assist you if you become a victim of crime while abroad.
COVID 19 Travel Information – This site provides a global picture of COVID 19. You should review the information on this site prior to going to your destination(s), so that you understand the COVID risks.
Travelers Checklist – This site is jam packed with useful information about traveling abroad. It includes a travel checklist, information on safety and security, documents needed to travel, crisis planning, etc.
U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Missions, and Offices Providing Consular Services – This site provides addresses and telephone numbers for the nearest embassy or consulate. During our travel planning, I create a document and list every embassy or consulate for each country/destination we visit. This document goes where we go and I also send a copy, (along with our itinerary), to my children prior to leaving so they know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Tips for Older Travelers
The Department of State also consolidated a wealth of travel information targeted towards the older traveler. Topics I found helpful are listed below:
A travel handout provides information to ensure you travel smart, safe and well.
A travel checklist for older travelers.
Safety and security information. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so that you can receive new Travel Advisories and Alerts.
A section on traveling with disabilities.
I hope you find this information useful.
Safe travels...........................
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