Travel Tips

Luxury Rides is here to help you prepare for your next adventure. We believe that your trip starts when you leave your door and return, not just at your destination.

As a traveler, embarking on a trip either locally or abroad can be both exciting and intimidating. Before you leave, there are essential preparations that should be considered to ensure a successful journey.

It’s been said that no job is complete until the paperwork is completed. And unfortunately, that is also true when it comes to traveling. Below is a comprehensive list of the most common things to have readily available, but each country is different, learn more by visiting https://www.state.gov/travelers.

1. TSA / Clear Screening. While this is not required, we STRONGLY recommend this for anyone traveling by plane within the USA. Apply online, schedule your in-person “interview” which includes getting fingerprinted, and authorizing a background check. Shortly thereafter, you’ll receive your “Known Traveler Number” that you will include in your traveler profile. Once done, it is good for 5-years.
   
   
2. Documents you will need (DO NOT PACK – HAVE READILY AVAILABLE)
   
   All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the “Traveling with Children” section. If you do not already have a passport, apply several months in advance, furthermore, if you do have one – it should be valid for at least 6 months AFTER you return home with at least 2 or more blank pages (Otherwise some countries may not let you even enter).
   
   
3. Visa(s) for the countries you plan to visit if necessary. Contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting for more information.
   
   
4. Form I-94. This form is needed by ALL visitors to the USA except: US Citizens, returning resident aliens, aliens with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens visiting or in transit.
   
   
5. Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.
   
   
6. International Driving Permit. Many countries do not recognize a US Driver’s license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you are planning on renting a vehicle abroad, check with the embassy of your foreign destination before you arrive.
   
   
7. Receipts or registration (CBP Form 4457) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop, that you are taking abroad. (Only suggested if the goods are less than six months old.)
   
   
8. Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad. Check the requirements for other pets at www.aphis.usda.gov.
   
   
9. Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products - go to www.aphis.usda.gov.
   
   
10. Envelope to hold the receipts of your purchases abroad.
    
    
11. Consent for Travel with minors. If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent.
    
    
12. Medications. Medications in their original packages. Bring only the amount of medication you will need. Prescription medications have to be under the traveler's name. Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination(s) before you travel.
    

Other nice-to-haves with regard to International Travel:

1. Travel Insurance. Consider both trip-based insurance (covers airline and lodging) and health insurance (as most US Carriers offer very little in terms of coverage outside of the US, let alone outside of your “network”). Contact a Luxury Ride travel agent who can recommend several options for you to consider.
   
   
2. Enroll in the Global Entry Traveler Program. This allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States at selected airports. It is a real time saver!
   
   
3. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive travel and security updates about your destination(s).

Once your paperwork is sorted out, start considering other transportation options.

1. Ground Transports (Transfers): Uber and Lyft, while nearly a decade old and has nearly replaced the taxi industry globally, is not always the most reliable when it comes to getting to a fixed point on time. Many a family faced the challenges of making last-minute arrangements because a rideshare platform had limited if any drivers available. When booking through Luxury Rides, we match you and your party to the right sized vehicle(s), from your doorstep through to your destination, and then back.   
   
   
2. Air and/or Sea: Luxury Rides travel agents ensure you have digital access to all of your flight and cruise information, including updates and/or changes. You are welcome to print these out if you so desire.  

Now that the paperwork is done, it’s time to have some fun!!!  Keep in mind these things in order to make

the most out of your experience.

1. Familiarize yourself with local customs such as language and etiquette so that you can better interact with locals during your stay.
   
   
2. Take some time to explore popular tourist sites – but don’t forget about those hidden gems off the beaten path!
   
   
3. Make sure to sample some local cuisine!

On the return journey home, there are several tips worth keeping in mind in order to make the transition back into everyday life smoother.

1. Try not to book any flights too close together if possible; this will give you some extra time just in case of delays or cancellations along the way home.  
    
2. Try not to sleep too much during layovers; instead opt for short walks around the airport or light stretching exercises. This helps reduce jet lag once you get back home.
   
   
3. Plan a buffer day(s) between the trip and your first day back to work, this will give you enough time to re-adjust before jumping back into everyday life!

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