I’m calling this my travel documentation check-up you see it’s been over a year since I’ve traveled. The pandemic of 2020 left me at home enjoying the backyard, but like many people I’m ready to get back out in the world and explore. Before I do that there are a few things that I need to do.

REAL ID 

First, I noticed that my driver’s license expires this year on my birthday. I will need to get a new one and have a REAL ID created. I’ve previously written an article all about it, which you can read about by clicking here. And since all of my bills are sent to me electronically, I’ll be printing a copy of a bank statement, and a medical bill, and taking my passport to the DMV office for my renewal.  So to make my travel easy within the US, starting in October 2021, I’ll need to have my REAL ID as my travel documentation.

Passport Checkup

Next, I want to check out my Passport. To make sure that it is ready to travel again. What do I mean? I want to make sure of the following:

 There are no torn pages.
 There are no missing pages.
 There is no water damage.
 Is there any type of damage to it?
 Does it expire in the next six months? I need to renew it.

 

It’s always good to make sure your passport is ready for travel, as it’s your travel documentation.

 

Wait, Global Entry – what is it?

Now – I think that I’m going to have to apply for Global Entry.

Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program for travelers who want to have an expediated travel through Customs and Immigration when returning to the U.S.A. For an international traveler, having the Trusted Traveler status is beneficial and a timesaver.  Since travelers undergo a rigorous background check and an in-person interview before enrollment, you will get to “skip” the line. This is such a great convenience when you have a connecting flight and the lines are long, and the staff is limited. Another bonus – Global Entry includes TSA PRE-CHECK when you depart the USA. The TSA Pre-check line will allow you to go through security with your shoes and light jack on and your computer and bag of liquids with stay in your carry on.
The government even created such an easy website to start the Global Entry process. To start just click here.

Now that your “check-up” is done, contact me and let’s start planning your next adventure. Just CLICK HERE and let the planning begin.