U.S. Citizen Travel Resources

If your trip requires a passport, it must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date. If you do not already have a passport, or if yours will expire prior to the required time period indicated above, you should begin the procedure for obtaining or renewing one as soon as possible. Visit the U.S. Department of State's Website for more information and assistance.

Always remember to keep your passport with you at all times—never pack it in your suitcase. You will need it at check-in for international flights as well as other situations such as identification when cashing travelers cheques and at hotel reception desks.

It is always a good idea to carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport that has your photograph, along with a spare passport photograph. In the unlikely event that you lose your passport, these can be used as proof of identity and speed the process of obtaining a replacement. Keep these duplicates in a place separate from your passport.

A visa is a permit from a foreign government for you to enter their country. It is issued as a separate card or stamped entry in your passport by that country’s Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. Visas can take several weeks to obtain. Most countries do not require a visa for American citizens. If you are required to have a visa, it will be noted in your brochure and Travelink will send you forms and information at the appropriate time. You must already have a passport before you can obtain a visa. Costs of the visa and the processing fees are generally not included in your tour price.  For more information visit the U.S. Department of State's Website which provides information on every country in the world whether you need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical conditions, drug penalties, or localized hot spots.  

Travelink recommends Allianz Travel Insurance, and MedjetAssist, the premier global air-medical transport membership program in the U.S. Ask your Travel Advisor or visit our Travel Insurance Page for more information.

US State Department

• Travel alerts and warnings issued by the US State Department. Search for your destination to see if there are any alerts in areas where you plan to travel. Visit Website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Get up to date information from the Centers for Disease Controland Prevention on what vaccinations are needed for different countries and any health concerns pior to travel. Visit Website

 STEP - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

• The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. When you enroll, you will receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. You will also be able to give the U.S. Embassy your contact information in case of an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family. Enroll Here

Travelink App

• Travelink's Mobile Travel App makes it easy to stay on schedule, track flights, receive notifications for itinerary updates, get driving or walking directions, view hotel and activity websites, communicate while you're away with your travel advisor or others in your travel group, share your itinerary with friends and family, view past itineraries, and collaborate with your travel advisor on future trip. More Info
• Available On: Android, iPhone 

TripCase 

• Organize your entire trip with just this one app by having all of your confirmation numbers or hotel addresses in one place.  It also will alert you with flight delays and helpful tips and tools when you need them. More Info
• Available On: Android, iPhone 

Google Translate 

• This app provides both text and audio translations for 17 different languages.  All you need to do is speak into your device and the app will translate into the language you require. More Info
• Available On: Android, iPhone

SeatGuru 

• Tired of having to curl up to fit into your economy seat on a plane?  This app will help you do the legwork so your legs can stretch out next time you fly. More Info
• Available On: Android, iPhone 

iFly 

• This app provides you with extensive collection of terminal guides that has everything from parking information and flight statuses to restaurants, nail salons, and day tours of your locale at more than 700 airports around the world.  For $6.99 the Pro version even has a GPS-enabled maps of airports so you won't miss your connection flight by taking the wrong turn. More Info
• Available On: Android, iPad, iPhone 

The Weather Channel 

• Always know what to wear for your day of sightseeing with this app.  Not only will it provide you with the current temperature at your location, but it will also provide you with the humidity, UV index, sunset, sunrise, and much more! More Info
• Available On: Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, Windows Phone 

Traveling East

1. Follow the feast–fast–feast diet with the day of departure being a very light breakfast. You may have coffee with breakfast, but again, do not drink caffeinated or carbonated beverages on the flight.
2. Plan to get a good night’s sleep the night before departure. As all or most of your trip will be during daylight hours you will not find it easy to sleep on west bound flights.
3. Eat light and drink juice and plenty of water on the flight.
4. As soon as you arrive at your final destination have a light evening meal and go to bed. The later you are able to stay up, the better chance you will have of sleeping a full seven or eight hours and getting back on schedule.

Traveling West

1. Follow the feast–fast–feast diet with the day of departure being a very light breakfast. You may have coffee with breakfast, but again, do not drink caffeinated or carbonated beverages on the flight.
2. Plan to get a good night’s sleep the night before departure. As all or most of your trip will be during daylight hours you will not find it easy to sleep on west bound flights.
3. Eat light and drink juice and plenty of water on the flight.
4. As soon as you arrive at your final destination have a light evening meal and go to bed. The later you are able to stay up, the better chance you will have of sleeping a full seven or eight hours and getting back on schedule.

What you pack depends more on the season than on any particular dress code. Casual, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are the order of the day. Don’t buy everything new for the trip — worn and washed is better. Jeans are acceptable for sightseeing and informal dining. Certain religious sites will not accept shorts or sleeveless tops. Plan layered outfits to accommodate temperature changes, i.e., cool mornings and evenings and warm days. If you are going to a hot destination, include a hat and sunscreen.

Couples should split suitcases in two and pack clothes for both in each. If a suitcase is delayed en route, then no one is left without clothes. Always put documents, medications, travelers cheques, keys, reading material, and other valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Reminder: Take half as many clothes as you think you will need and twice as much money. Pack less and enjoy more!