Traveling overseas is an adventure that requires significant preparation. Before you can stroll the cobbled streets of Lisbon, watch the gondolas float by in Venice, or sip wine at a café in Paris, you need to put some initial thought and effort into your travel plans, even before you schedule a consultation.
1.) Make sure your documents/identification are in order.
Before we even begin to discuss travel details, look at your passports. Are they in pristine condition with intact pages? When do they expire? Some countries require a certain timeframe for validity or a certain number of blank pages, and you don’t want to face issues boarding an aircraft due to a passport problem.
When we begin discussing your travel plans, we’ll talk about requirements for travel and I will remind you about passport applications, renewals, and other documents necessary for your destination.
2.) You need a realistic budget (and an ample amount of time!) to accommodate your wish list.
The demand for travel has exploded within the past couple of years, and rates reflect this. All aspects of travel arrangements have increased in price, so if you haven’t planned a vacation for a long time, prepare yourself.
Also, just because countries are near one another on the world map doesn’t mean it makes sense logistically to include them on the same itinerary. You can lose a lot of time trying to get from place to place, even if a destination seems so close.
We’ll talk about where you want to travel, the number of days you’d like to travel for, and the types of activities you want to do. Are you interested in fully guided tours? River cruising? A completely independent and custom trip? We can walk through options, what makes sense, and what you get for your dollar.
3.) I strongly recommend travel protection.
Life presents us with challenges outside of our control, whether it’s health-related, work emergencies, or travel snafus. Purchasing travel protection to cover your vacation gives you peace of mind and can help when the unexpected catches you by surprise. In my decade+ in the travel industry, I can’t begin to describe the number of horror stories I have read from other travel advisors whose clients didn’t purchase travel protection. You don’t want to be a cautionary tale.
I offer travel protection through the suppliers I partner with and can provide you with options to choose from that suit your needs.
4.) Packing appropriate clothing and shoes can make or break your day-to-day experience.
Don’t overpack – pack smart! Buy and break in shoes that allow you to walk comfortably throughout the day while navigating stairs, uneven roads, cobblestones, and slippery walkways. (All common in Europe!) Plan your clothing in layers, choosing items you can piece together to create multiple looks. Consider rain gear, winter-weight clothing, and activity-specific items you might need for your destination or planned excursions. Skip the athletic gear, skip the team spirit wear, and dress in neutrals to blend in more.
Closer to your departure date, I can assist with packing list ideas for your cruise, tour, resort vacation, and destinations.
5.) Booking excursions and activities in advance truly allows you to immerse yourself in the destination.
Leisurely exploring a new city can be romantic and exciting, albeit a bit intimidating for some travelers. While there is something to be said about wandering, planning destination-specific excursions in advance allows you to maximize your time and learn from locals with a passion for sharing their love of art, history, architecture, and culinary pursuits. Make sure to budget for these activities.
Europe is an incredible destination, and some of my clients’ favorite countries to visit are just an ocean away. The intricacies of planning a Europe trip are best organized with the guidance of an experienced professional, and I am happy to help both seasoned travelers and newbies alike.
Travel by Stephanie 
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