{Guest Post} WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

June is travel month here at Well-to-Do, and we’re bringing you tips, guest posts, and fabulous give-a-ways to get you ready and fully prepared for all your summer travel adventures!

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First things first: meet our friend and travel maven Erin — today's guest blogger. She says a relaxing vacation starts with ample planning and preparation. Use these helpful tips to ensure your trip starts off on a smooth course.

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• Call your cell phone company and have them enable international calls, and inquire about the roaming price — you may need it in an emergency.

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• Notify your bank of your travel destinations and dates so they don’t freeze your account! Also, although the commercials claim it, Amex is not everywhere you want to be, but Visa and Mastercard are!

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• If traveling internationally, keep exchange rates in mind. When shopping with your credit/debit card, you usually will have the option to let them pick the rate or let your bank do it ---> go with your bank! It is generally easier to use an ATM and complete your transactions with cash, but it's important to know local exchange rates.

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• Print out your itinerary and include maps — try using your iPad or other tablet.

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• Scan your passport photo to have an electronic copy in your email just in case you lose it. This makes obtaining a replacement passport much easier.

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• Additionally, leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with family and friends in case of emergency.

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• Register your trip with the Dept of State. 
• Check the Dept of State website for important country info (such as travel visa requirements) and know emergency phone numbers:
• daytime — 212-661-79-70-00 
• night-time — 212-661-13-19-39 

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Ready your smart phone or tablet for traveling:

• Take note which applications require the internet. You may not have cell phone service or are roaming overseas & thereby won’t have access to the apps you’re relying on.

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• Most large cities worldwide have transit smart phone or tablet map apps — some are free too.
• Download “My Language,” a free translator tool — very helpful, but needs the internet.
• Tripcase is a great program that will organize all aspects of your travel (flight, rental car, hotel) and it will notify you, or others you designate, if there are changes in your flight, and also can do take-off and landing notifications. This app does not require the internet once the information is e-mailed and downloaded to your phone.

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Whether your beaching it or traveling overseas this summer, Well-to-Do has you covered during the month of June with tips and giveaways for a safe, relaxing & fun-filled excursion!


Bon Voyage!

Meet Our Guest Blogger

Erin is a Maine native who loves to travel the world with her husband, and experience different cultures and cuisines. Her trips always involve outdoor activities, with ice climbing and scuba diving at the top of her list. She has been to more than 50 cities in 30 countries, including 17 Caribbean islands. So far, Erin's favorite destination is a tie — South Island of New Zealand & the Greek Island Santorini. Keep your eyes open for her travel blog she is working on, set to debut in July, "Just a Girl From Maine, Out to See The World."