Resources
Before You Go
Keep your travel documents up to date with the latest from the U.S. Department of State. If you need help renewing a passport or securing a visa quickly, The Passport Experts can expedite the process.
Passport & Visa Guidance
The State Department's site also has guidance on what to do if something goes wrong abroad, including how to locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. I'd also recommend enrolling in the STEP program before you go, it's a free way for the State Department to reach you in an emergency and share updates for your destination.
In Case of Emergency
Requirements vary by destination and can change, so The State Department is the best place to check what applies to your specific trip. The UK, for example, now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most visa-exempt visitors, and the EU is rolling out a similar system (ETIAS) for visa-free travel to much of Europe.
Entry Requirements to Know
Customs & Trusted Traveler Programs
Global Entry offers expedited re-entry to the U.S. and includes TSA PreCheck enrollment. The TSA app is also worth downloading, it shows real-time security wait times at U.S. airports.
Check the CDC for health advisories, country-specific vaccination requirements, and general travel health guidance, and always confirm any recommended vaccines with your own doctor before you go.
Travel Health
Let your bank and credit card companies know you're traveling and check with your phone provider about an international plan if you're headed overseas, always worth a quick call before you go.
A Couple of Reminders
Explore More
Familiar peaks and easy weekends away, planned with the same care as anywhere else.
Mountains: US & Canada
Mountains: Abroad
From the Alps to Japan, the trips worth crossing an ocean for.
Tipping Guide
Gratuity guidance by destination, so you're never left guessing what's appropriate.
Worth Reading
Helpful Services
Trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, and lost or delayed luggage are all real risks that most standard health insurance won't cover once you leave the country. I recommend reviewing coverage through Allianz before you travel.
Travel Insurance
For $5, they'll track your checked bags and send $1,000 per bag if one goes missing for more than 96 hours, no chasing the airline yourself.
BlueRibbon Bags
The Passport Experts
Passport renewals and visa applications expedited when you're short on time.
Send your luggage ahead so you're not carrying it through the airport, quick to set up directly through the link, or I'm glad to handle the details if you'd rather not.
Luggage Free
Small-group and private tours you can book directly through my link, or I'm happy to help coordinate.
Context Travel
Professional vacation photography to capture the trip, book directly through my link, or let me set it up for you.
Pix Around
Hydrate, get outside, and adjust to local time as fast as you can, the basics still work best. If you want something more precise, Timeshifter is a science-based app built on NASA circadian research that a lot of frequent travelers swear by, worth trying before a long-haul flight.
Beating Jet Lag
NYT Wirecutter
Reliable, well-tested recommendations for travel gear, adapters, luggage, and more.
Prefer to Book It Yourself?
For most trips, I recommend booking through me directly, it's how you get access to rates, upgrades, and promotions that aren't always visible through a consumer login. But if you already know what you want and would rather handle it yourself:
Create a free account through my Virtuoso link.
Search and book directly from Virtuoso's hotel catalogue.
Email me once you've confirmed your room, and I'll make sure your stay is set up exactly right.
Questions that come up before almost every trip are covered on the FAQ page.