Vacation season is in full effect. The temperatures are warming up, travel restrictions are lifting, and students are gearing up for the end of the school year. It’s time to get out of the house, leave everyday routines behind, and take your mind off the chaotic year we’ve encountered. As you’re thinking about details like travel destinations, hotel accommodations, and itineraries, there are some essential factors you don’t want to overlook.
Driver’s License or State ID
Imagine being on your way to your travel destination only to realize you’ve forgotten your driver’s license or state identification. You won’t get very far without them. These cards not only help legitimize your identity, but they ensure you can rent a car, check in a hotel, and make credit card purchases.
Insurance Cards
There are two types of insurance cards you should have on you when traveling – car and health insurance. Drivers are required to have insurance coverage if they get into an accident. It can cover the expenses of damages to your vehicle, other vehicles or property, and medical expenses for you, passengers, and other drivers. They’re also a legal requirement for motorists in the US.
Though most medical facilities will provide medical treatment to individuals in need, it comes at a hefty price. If you or someone you’re traveling with gets sick or injured, you could end up on the hook for several hundred or thousands of dollars. You may also have a difficult time gaining access to specific prescriptions. With a valid health insurance card, you can save money on medical expenses and get the best care possible no matter where you are.
Passports
If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need to have a valid passport book or card to gain entry into other countries. Failure to have such documents could leave you stranded at an airport or US embassy until you can obtain the proper identification.
COVID-19 Vaccination Card
While there haven’t been any set rules on COVID-19 vaccines and travel, keeping your vaccination card on you may be ideal. As the world is still trying to gain control of the coronavirus and its various mutations, leaders in high-risk countries may require proof. If you’ve gotten the vaccine, chances are you received a card or official documentation verifying your status. Bring a copy with you just in case someone asks.
Cash
Most people travel with credit cards. They’re convenient and are accepted virtually everywhere. Be that as it may, you don’t want to go on vacation without a few bucks stashed away. If you lose your card, become a victim of identity theft, or come across a cash-only vendor, you want to have money to continue enjoying your trip. Before your vacation, pull a few hundred dollars out of the ATM. Keep the money in a hotel safe or on your person while traveling.
Acquiring These Important Items
You’ll need things like your social security card, birth certificate, and proof of address to acquire a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. “What do I do if I lost my birth certificate?” Unfortunately, the process will take longer as you’ll have to apply for a new one in the state you were born.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a fee for each of these documents that can be $15 or more depending on where you live. Most people have the documents mentioned above already. If you don’t, you must apply in advance. As many state and government buildings are closed to the public, it could take longer to obtain the documents you need to travel safely.
Life amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of insane. As things begin to clear up, it’s only natural that you want to plan a trip to get away from the madness. Although things like plane tickets, hotel stays, and activities are high on your list of priorities, don’t forget the list of documents listed above. Leaving any of those items home could throw a monkey wrench in your entire experience.
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