Travel Smart from the Start - 5 Smart Travel Tips

[TEXT: Whether it’s for a bucket list, business trip, or straight up get-away, traveling abroad is always an exciting adventure! Check out these 5 quick tips to help you travel smart from the start! TIP 1 Check your passport [TEXT: travel.state.gov/passports] Before your purchase that international flight, be sure to check your passport’s expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months beyond the date of your trip. Look up entry requirements for your destination at

travel.state.gov/destination TIP 2 Review travel advisories Before you confirm plans, go to travel.state.gov to review the travel advisories for your destination. [TEXT: travel.state.gov/destination] The Department of State assesses safety and security conditions in countries around the world. Find travel advisories at travel.state.gov/destination TIP 3 Know what you can & can’t bring Careful! Packing something not allowed in a foreign country could derail your trip. Go to travel.state.gov/de

stination to search for your destination country. Get important information under “Local Laws and Special Circumstances.” TIP 4 Sign up for STEIP [TEXT: step.state.gov] What would you do if there was an emergency while you were abroad? The free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) shares key updates from the nearest U.S. Embassy. STEP provides information during events such as natural disaster. Step up your travel game! Sign up with STEP before you go. Enroll at step.state.gov TIP 5 Save con

tact info before you go! [TEXT: usembassy.gov] You’re traveling abroad and you’ve lost your passport! Now what? Our U.S. embassies and consulates around the world are there to assist U.S. citizens. Save the contact information for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to your phone. Find the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at usembassy.gov to save info before you go! The happiest travels are ones where you Travel Smart from the Start! U.S. Department of State]