One of my favorite things to give my nieces and nephews when they turn 16 is: The Gift of Travel. They chose a trip anywhere in the world, and we start packing. This might sound outrageously expensive, however, I’ve learned how to save thousands of dollars (and a lot of stress!) with advanced planning. Here are some of my favorite tips:

Start Early 

Apply for your passport, visas, travel inoculations, etc. well in advance. Even if your travels are within the U.S., I still recommend having a passport (you might change your destination during the planning stages!)  My niece and I just returned from a trip to Costa Rica and we had lots of quality time together applying for her passport. If you’re new to the process, check out www.travel.state.gov. As well, most AAA’s have passport forms and can assist with questions, photos, etc. It’s always a good idea to work with a travel agent to ensure you’re totally prepared for your trip.

Travel Healthy

Have a health/dental check-up before you go and make sure you know any medications and allergies that your niece or nephew might need to have. If you’re flying to your destination, always keep medications in your carry-on bag and also carry a copy of prescriptions with you. For more medical info: www.tsa.gov.

Guided Vacation or On Your Own?

Most teenagers are always seeking excitement and when you’re traveling on your own, that can equate to total fear for some Aunties! Yes, you can probably do most excursions on your own for less money, but when money equals time & stress, why not spend a bit more for peace of mind? This entirely depends on your travel experience and comfort level. On our Costa Rica trip I did a combination: I planned our flights with miles, our hotels on line, and had a travel agent book our land transportation: 3- five hour long van transfers from the mountains to the ocean to the airport. There’s nothing better than being met in the baggage terminal after a long flight with a smiling face and a sign with your name on it! On our way back to the airport, our driver over-heard my niece say she wished we’d had more mangos and, in a flash, he found a local stand and with machete in hand: we had fresh mangos! Buy Travel Insurance

You never know how much you need it until you do. Whether you’ve booked your trip entirely on your own, or you’re booked on a guided vacation, I always recommend travel insurance.  Best money I’ve ever spent.

Money Matters

It’s fun (and smart) to arrive at your destination with some local currency. To make it special for my niece, I put $50 of Colones into a zippered travel wallet and gave it a surprise gift on the plane. I also included a conversion chart of what it’s worth i.e. $1USD = 541. CRC. You can get foreign currency at your bank; don’t wait until the last minute. I travel with the following variety of payment options:

•    $100 US cash in small bills
•    $100 currency of country I’m landing (Colones for Costa Rica)
•    Pre-loaded VISA® Money Card (great for nieces/nephews!)
•    2 different VISA credit cards (at least one with a security chip)
•    ATM/Debit card

Reminder: Travelers checks are no longer used in most countries, so plan accordingly.
Travel Safe

Scan and email copies to yourself of your passport, credit cards, prescriptions, photos of you and your niece/nephew (be sure you have a secured email address). Also, take a photo of your luggage and all your electronics (for insurance purposes). Carry your passport, credit cards, etc. in an RFID security wallet. 

Smart Phones &Tablets

Technology rules these days, so I always travel with my iphone & ipad. Be sure to change your cell phone plan if traveling internationally and know how to use it wireless, and in airplane mode, to save money (my niece knew more about this than almost everyone we met while traveling!). Pack chargers in your carry-on bag (so you can use them in the airport, if needed) and check in advance what adapter you might need depending on the countries you’re visiting.

Pack Light

Save baggage fees and pack just a carry-on & a personal bag. Know the 3-1-1 carry-on liquid rules (www.tsa.gov). If you want to take more (your niece can’t possibly live without 5 pairs of shoes or you need extra sunscreen and hair product) then pack one checked bag with your combined extra items. Know your airline’s baggage fees & restrictions before you arrive at the airport.  Most importantly: Pack your sense of humor & adventure!

Photo: arztsamui

Published: August 3rd, 2014