Leaving on a Jet Plane: Travel Tips from The Apartments at Charlestown Crossing

Welcome back to the Apartments at Charlestown Crossing Blog! We know North East, MD is an amazing place to live, but sometimes it’s just time to take a vacation and explore new spaces and places — and if you’re headed out, dream big, go international. This month we are taking a look at international travel including some tips about what you’ll need to do to be on your way.

First Things First — Passports

If you are planning on doing any international traveling, you will need to make sure your passport is valid (or get one if you don’t currently have an active passport). If you need to make a name change or get a passport for your child, make sure you do it as early as possible to avoid paying fees for expedited shipping. Also, make sure you have all of the required documentation you need on hand BEFORE you submit your application. Review the requirements for getting a passport from the U.S. Department of State —Bureau of Consular Affairs for the definitive rules.

The whole process can get expensive, particularly if you are in a time crunch. One way to save some money is to print your passport photo yourself. This tutorial gives you step-by-step directions to print your passport photos at home — all you need is a digital camera, a computer, and a printer capable of printing a color photo on glossy or matte photo paper (or you can have the photo printed through a photo service).

Budget & Logistics  

Where you are going, how long you will be there, where you are staying, and how much it will cost are all considerations that are interdependent. A good place to start is with how long you are planning to be gone and where you are going. This will help you determine what your budget will need to be. Also, plan a time frame. You may need time to save up enough money for your trip, so planning three to six months in advance can be to your advantage. Start checking into lodging options. Airbnb and VRBO are both great alternatives to traditional hotel stays and pricing (be sure to read the reviews and complete descriptions before booking). Watch for deals on airline tickets and places attractions you want to visit on your trip and plan for transportation when you arrive.