Do you have any suggestions for planning an international trip?

I would really suggest that you use a travel agent for international as there are so many steps along the way to make sure you have the best time and smooth sailing along the way. We also get reports of any issues to be aware of. Once a travel agent knows what really matters to you they can set up a perfect customized trip for you.

This is a great question.  From logistics to currency, it can be quite confusing and maybe even scary if you have not been overseas before.  I have found that people are so friendly and helpful abroad, you can rest easier knowing that most of them speak English and will take care of you. 

Your best source of information is from a travel advisor that has experience with the places you want to visit.  From airlines to avoid, transfers to be made, hotel suggestions, tour packages, and a suggestion on the best restaurant,   these are the services you want from an advisor. We are able to provide services with preferred vendors that are reputable and safe.  

Happy Travels,  Pat & Candy Schoelen ([email address])

The first thing will be to determine where you will like to visit. The culture, how long you want to be there for. The weather will help you to pack accordingly. What is there do, adventures or just lay back. Find out about the currency, hotel type luxury or mid class. Get a travel advisor that will guide you through the process to ensure that your vacation is worry free, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy your vacation.

1. Make sure you both can secure a valid passport, if you have a valid passport already -check the expiration date and make sure it is valid for the destination you  are looking at, and see if a VISA is also required. 
2. Have a realistic budget for both time and money that it will take to complete the trip in mind ( for instance you can't do a 3 stop Italy trip in a 5 night stay ) 
3. Hotels are varied in most destinations - keep in mind what you will be doing like tours,theater ,shopping -- sure hotels further away from city center are cheaper, but you will take time and taxi fare to get back into city center  to do the activities you plan on doing. 
4. Must dos - Book a private tour with English Speaking guide - they know everything about the destination, they live there - they will enhance your visit , give you tips on best restaurants and so forth for the remainder of your time. 
5. If trains are involved - book the first class section if offered so you are guaranteed a seat - not very comfortable standing for a long time on a crowded train. 
6. Leave copies of your passports and itinerary with your travel agent and someone at home in the event yours gets lost or stolen and  you have to go to the US Embassy for assistance. 
7. Luggage - know before you pack - if you will be using different airlines during your trip - keep in mind while most US airlines have a 50 pound limit , man international carries  will have different limits and they do not weigh in pounds ,the cost for excess baggage can be very expensive - so think about your outfits and pieces that can be changed by adding a scarf  and so forth to limit your weight. 
8. Know if there are restrictions on clothes that can't be worn in the destination - for instance - Throughout the Caribbean it is illegal for visitors to wear camouflage - as it is allowed only by members of their citizen armies -- for many here in the USA,  wearing camouflage is popular  and most have a pair of shorts or something, but just know the rules for destinations you are visiting to prevent you getting in trouble in destination. 
9. For complicated international itineraries you should always booked with a travel professional, to help you think about all the details you would have never know on your own.  

For international travel there are several ways to approach this. What area are you wanting to travel to? Are you traveling with a group, companion or alone? Are you looking to have a specific itinerary built to you or possible explore some great guided tours that have already been put together? As you can see there are so many options that a consultation would be needed. If you are interested in discussing this further please let me know and we can set an appointment. 

There is no pat answer to your question. Find an agent/advisor you are comfortable working with. In-person or on the phone, start brainstorming about every possible place you "might" want to go and then the two of you do the research. The info you need will differ for every destination. The thing that is important at the moment: what agent am I comfortable with?

Yes- Contact an expert in the region/style of travel you're interested in. Travel agents, good ones, have worked in the industry for years and are passionate about educating others while showing their clients the world in a safe way- exactly the way they want to see it. 

To help you qualify the agent properly ensuring they are the expert, ask the following questions.

1. Have you taken a trip like this before? For example, you want to make sure if you are planning to backpack Europe for 2 months that your consultant has been backpacking at least once.

2. How long have you worked in travel? While someone new to the industry can be enthusiastic it is important, they are part of a strong team that can make sure you, and the consultant, have the tools and resources needed.

3. Have you been to the region? Ideally your consultant has been to the destination you have chosen but there is value if they have been to the region or similar places. If they have never been to a third world country, they may not be the best person to advise you for that particular trip.

4. What is your specialty? While many agents are “jack’s of all trades”, the best ones are not. The best ones know where they have the most value and limit their client base to those that would benefit the most. Would you really want a plumber to paint your kitchen and wall paper your bedroom? Probably not.

Best of luck, let us know if you have any follow up questions. =)

First, I'd suggest you call a travel agent and narrow down what type of international trip you want and what your goals are, most of your questions will be answered after to talk to an agent.  If it's your first international trip, I'd suggest narrowing down your choices to a cruise or tour in a few European cities and focus on that.  Once you decide which one, other things will fall into place. 

I would be glad to help you plan your trip.

My suggestion would be to get in contact with me

you can call me or if you want come in to our office and meet with me.

I have been in the travel business since 1978 and I have a lot of knowlege regararding int'l travel

Thank You,

Jeffrey Eggert | Travel Advisor

9755-B Sam Furr Road | Huntersville, NC 28078

Direct: xxx.xxx.xxxx ext. 226

Cell:     xxx.xxx.xxxx

click pic for my bio

Member of Signature Travel Network

The question is kinda broad, but if you mean advice, the things I tell people not to forget are: notify your bank and credit card company where you'll be traveling (and keep the emergency number handy in case plans change or they mess up -- in either event, they usually respond immediately; get a good international phone plan either on your own phone or a burner. Since you're in Northern Cal, Asia is 6 hours away. I had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful temples in Cambodia. Ate deep-fried spiders and cobra -- speaking of dining. Think about what you pack in terms of airport security (no knives of course; no harmonicas, as they look like gun clips in x-ray). I hope that's the kind of advice you need. Or else, could you be clear in your question?