International Roaming Plan from Your Carrier

What I typically can use for shorter trips where I don't expect to need much roaming, leveraging wi-fi for most of my needs.

• Best for: Convenience — keeping your U.S. number and everything working normally

• Options & Approximate Costs:

  • Verizon TravelPass: $10/day per line (only charged on days you use your phone) 

  • AT&T International Day Pass: $10/day per line 

  • T-Mobile (Magenta Plans and Up): Unlimited text and basic data at no extra charge; high-speed data $50-$85 extra for a 30-day pass.

  • Other carriers (like Google Fi): $10/GB for data; calls at 20¢/min.

• Pros: No setup needed, your phone number and apps work normally.

• Cons: Adds up fast if you’re using your phone daily. Slower speeds sometimes unless you pay extra.

Buy a specific country or International eSIM or SIM Card

• Best for: Saving money on data-heavy use

• Options & Approximate Costs:

  • Airalo eSIM (Europe-wide): ~$15-$30 for 5–10GB for 30 days.

  • Orange Holiday Europe eSIM/SIM: ~$50 for 20GB + calls/texts across Europe for 2 weeks (buy 2 for full 3 weeks, or add top-up).

  • Local SIM (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre): ~$20–$30 for ~50GB data + local calls and texts.

• Pros: Much cheaper than roaming. Fast local speeds. eSIM means no swapping physical cards (on newer phones).

• Cons: You may have a different phone number if you switch SIMs (unless using dual SIM or eSIM with your home number for texts).

Wi-Fi Only + Minimal Data Plan

• Best for: Light users who mainly use Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, etc.

• Options & Approximate Costs:

  • Stick to Wi-Fi for data, and:

    • Use your carrier’s minimal plan (e.g., T-Mobile’s free basic data).

    • Or pay for a few days of roaming only when you really need it (~$10/day).

• Pros: Cheapest option if you’re disciplined.

• Cons: Limited access for maps, ride shares, translation apps when outside Wi-Fi zones.

Rent a Pocket Wi-Fi Device

This is what I have decided to do because of my regular travel schedule. I purchased my own device (SIMO) and then purchase a plan based on my trip and usage needs.

• Best for: Groups or families wanting shared mobile data

• Options & Approximate Costs:

  • Rent from companies like Tep Wireless, TravelWifi, or local provider. ~$7–$12/day rental

  • Unlimited or high data caps.

• Pros: Share Wi-Fi with multiple devices (good for tablets, laptops too).

• Cons: Have to carry and charge another device. Limited range (only around you).

What is a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server, making your online activity private and protecting your data — especially when using public Wi-Fi.

Pros of Using a VPN While Traveling

• Protects Your Personal Information:
  Encrypts your data when you’re on public Wi-Fi (like at airports, hotels, cafes) — reducing risk of hacking or data theft.

• Secure Banking & Sensitive Transactions:
  Safer to log into your bank accounts, email, or shop online without fear of someone spying on you.

• Access Content Like at Home:
  Some U.S. websites, streaming services (Netflix, Hulu), or even certain apps might not work properly abroad — a VPN can make it look like you’re still in the U.S.

• Bypass Local Restrictions:
  Occasionally, countries may block certain websites — a VPN can help you bypass these blocks.

• Peace of Mind:
  You just worry less when your connection is private, especially when booking tours, flights, or logging into accounts.

Cons of Using a VPN While Traveling

• May Slow Down Your Connection:
  Encrypting your traffic and routing it through a server can cause slower browsing, video streaming, or uploads.

• Not All VPNs are Created Equal:
  Free VPNs can be risky (they may log or sell your data), and even good paid VPNs sometimes have server outages or glitches.

• Some Services May Block VPNs:
  Some streaming services (like Netflix) actively block VPN traffic, meaning you might still run into errors even with a VPN.

• Extra Setup and Management:
  You need to install the VPN app, set it up before you go, and remember to turn it on/off. Not a huge deal, but an extra thing to manage.

• Cost:
  Good VPNs typically cost around $3–$10/month — not a huge cost, but it’s an extra subscription if you don’t already have one.

Good VPN Providers for Travel

• NordVPN ~$4/month (with 2-year plan) Fast, easy to use, good for streaming 
• ExpressVPN ~$7/month Very reliable, especially for streaming, faster servers 
• Surfshark ~$2–3/month Great budget option, allows unlimited devices (this is the VPN provider I use)

Quick Summary:

If you...Then...

• Use a lot of public Wi-Fi (cafes, hotels) VPN is highly recommended 
• Plan to do online banking or shopping abroad VPN strongly recommended 
• Just browsing tourist sites and social media VPN is "nice to have" but not critical 
• Want to watch U.S. streaming services VPN might help, but not guaranteed 

In short:

• A VPN is a smart, affordable security tool for travel, especially if you’ll use public Wi-Fi or log into important accounts.

• It’s less essential if you mostly use mobile data and don’t do sensitive transactions.

Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, but you must follow the immigration rules of your layover destination. For domestic layovers, American travelers can leave the airport freely. Internationally, you'll need visa-free entry or a valid visa. The same applies to American travelers with international layovers.

Types of Layovers

• Standard Layover: Less than a day between flights.
• Stopover Program: More than a day, with airlines often offering discounts on hotels and tours.

Factors to Consider

• Layover Duration: Ensure you have enough time to go through security, customs, and immigration (typically 2-3 hours). Allow extra time for transportation and avoid tight schedules.
• Customs and Immigration: Check visa requirements (transit versus tourist) and ensure your passport has blank pages for stamps.
• Carry-on Luggage: Consider storage options for your luggage if you plan to explore, or if you rent a car, you can keep your luggage in the trunk.
• Time of Day: If your layover is during business hours, you can more easily explore. For overnight layovers, you’d likely want to book a hotel where you can take advantage of a shower and a good night’s sleep.

Planning Tips

• Check a map to see the distance from the airport to your destination. Most airports are pretty far from the center of the city where most sightseeing would take you.
• Plan transportation ahead of time.
• Confirm opening hours of attractions (many museums, for example, are closed on Mondays).

Stopover Programs

Many airlines offer stopover programs with extended stays at no extra flight cost. Examples include:

• Iceland: Icelandair and PLAY offer up to 10 days in Iceland.
• Qatar: Qatar Airways allows up to 4 days in Doha with hotel discounts.
• Panama: Copa Airlines offers up to 6 nights in Panama with tour options.

These programs can turn a layover into an opportunity to explore a new destination.

REAL ID Goes into Effect May 7, 2025 – Are You Ready?

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers flying domestically within the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification (such as a passport). If your license doesn’t have a star in the top right corner, it may not be REAL ID-compliant. Check with your state’s DMV to ensure you’re prepared well before your next trip!

ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a completely electronic system that allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. In a way, it resembles the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose for visitors to the US.

Originally it was going to go into effect next year, but now is slated to begin in 2025. It will be an online application and is proposed to cost €50.

Wondering what you might need for your travels? Sherpa has a very user-friendly tool to help search destinations worldwide.

The EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES) to replace passport stamps when entering or leaving the Schengen Zone.

• Who it affects: All non-EU visitors (including U.S. citizens) entering Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period).

• What happens: At your first entry, border officials will collect your passport details, fingerprints, and a quick facial image. Future trips may require only a scan.

• Why it matters: EES will digitally track your days in Europe to prevent overstays. No more passport stamps.

• What to expect: Slightly longer lines the first time you enter after October 2025. Plan a little extra time at the airport.

Tip: Always keep your passport valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates and make sure you don’t exceed the 90-days-in-180 limit.

Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland

• Get your bearings in a new city with a simple tour. Could be a hop on/off bus, audio tour, guided tour, whatever. Food tours are great, as you get fed and usually leave with lots of great restaurant recommendations for the rest of your stay.
• Avoid tourist traps like waiters inviting you into a restaurant and stores filled with identical merchandise.
• Educate yourself on how to get a taxi or ride share, as it varies by country and city.
• Always have some tissues and small bills or coins on your for restrooms. 
• A good itinerary gives you time to breath and enjoy where you are (by looking at the big picture you can avoid overscheduling yourself)
• Pack light! (See my article about Mastering Carry-On Travel)
• Avoid Sunday travel if you can because it tends to be crazy by land, sea and air.
• Go out early in the day to avoid crowds (and the afternoon heat).
• Learn a few polite phrases for the country you are visiting, such as: hello, goodbye, please, thank you
• Carpe diem! Take a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, and find a way to enjoy the gift of travel.

Though air travel poses significant environmental challenges, it's hard to envision completely abstaining from flying. Therefore, it is important to contemplate our influence on the destinations we visit.

Here are some strategies to mitigate your impact:

• Opt for flights with lower carbon emissions or airlines engaged in carbon-neutral initiatives. Consider alternative modes of transportation when feasible.
• Participate in carbon offset programs (Impactful Ninja offers some great recommendations).
• Work with B Corporations or other environmentally conscious service providers whenever possible (which I try to do as much as possible).

We can further reduce our impact by adopting mindful travel practices:

• Respect local cultures.
• Patronize local businesses.
• Select wildlife experiences prioritizing animal welfare and conservation.
• Dedicate your time or expertise to support local communities and conservation endeavors.
• Inspire others to embrace sustainable travel.

By opting for sustainable choices and embracing responsible travel habits, you can embark on worldly adventures, create enduring memories, and play a part in fostering a healthier planet for generations to come.

So, where will your sustainable journeys lead you next?

Imagine this: You’re hiking the cliffs of Ireland, savoring every breathtaking view, when a simple misstep leaves you with a twisted ankle—or worse, a trip to the local hospital. Or maybe you’ve finally made it to Italy, only for your luggage to get rerouted to another country entirely. Suddenly, the dream trip you spent months planning feels overwhelming.

This is where travel insurance steps in.

It’s not just about preparing for the worst; it’s about traveling with confidence. A good policy can cover unexpected medical expenses abroad, reimburse you for canceled flights or lost bags, and even provide emergency assistance when you need it most. It turns the unexpected from a disaster into a manageable detour.

You hope you never have to use it—but when you do, you’ll be grateful you took that small step to protect your adventure. Travel insurance isn’t just paperwork; it’s peace of mind, tucked right into your suitcase.

I can quote products from Allianz and Travel Guard, or check out Squaremouth for more travel protection options.

Even with a valid passport and ticket, travelers can still be denied entry. A recent Fodor’s article highlights common reasons—and how to avoid them:

• Entry Requirements: Some countries require visas, proof of vaccination, or other documents—even for short stays. I always verify what’s needed and can help you apply. Sherpa is a great tool for checking, too.
  
  

• Passport Validity: Many destinations require your passport to be valid 3–6 months past your travel dates. Damaged passports or too few blank pages can also be a problem. That’s why I ask for your passport early in the planning process.
  
  

• Proof of Plans & Funds: One-way tickets may trigger questions. Be prepared to show your return flight or itinerary, and possibly proof of funds. If traveling with kids or medications, bring supporting documents—some prescriptions (like ADHD meds) are banned in other countries.
  
  

• Local Laws & Customs: Items like camo clothing, binoculars, or plastic bags are restricted in some places. Legal issues, immigration history, or even gender identification can cause complications in rare cases.
  
  

Need help sorting through the fine print? I’ll make sure your trip is seamless—from the first detail to the last.

As a frequent flyer through Delta's hub, you may have a Skymiles account. Not only can you use these miles for buying airfare, but you can also leverage them for booking Delta Vacations.

Delta Vacations provides bundled rates including flights, accommodations, transportation, activities and more. These miles can be redeemed for yourself or extended to friends and family. Furthermore, with Delta Vacations, you continue to accrue miles even as you use them.

When you use your miles toward a Delta Vacations package, their value is enhanced by at least 15%* to any destination, at any time. Whether you opt to allocate your miles for a portion or all of your vacation, you can do so either through me (or other travel advisors) or directly when booking your trip.

*More details are on the Delta website.

Did you know I offer engaging travel presentations for groups and organizations? They’re a fun, interactive way to spark travel ideas, answer questions, and share insider tips.

Topics I currently offer:

• Reducing the Stress of Travel — Practical advice on planning, packing, and making the journey smoother.
  
  

• The World of River Cruising — What makes river cruising a desirable way to travel, information about how each cruise line is unique, and why river cruising is such a great fit for so many travelers.

I’d love to connect with book clubs, community groups, churches, alumni associations, or active adult communities who are looking for a fresh, inspiring presentation.

If you know a group that would enjoy learning more about travel, please reach out — or pass my name along. Presentations are no-pressure, conversational, and customizable to the audience.

I recently had the pleasure of being part of a webinar, offering insights on reducing stress from the initial stages of trip planning to the return home.

Apart from adopting an open and flexible mindset while traveling, you can watch the presentation (linked below) for more details, but here are some key takeaways:

• Take the time to understand the purpose behind your travels so you can plan with intention.
• Crafting an itinerary can help identify areas of over-scheduling and allow you to build in time to relax.
• Embracing packing light can significantly alleviate stress, even if it means doing some laundry en route.
• Leverage technology for help during your journey, including walking directions, subway tickets, real-time translation (consider Google Translate's camera feature!), and more!
• Have a clear plan for leaving the airport and reaching your initial destination, whether by taxi, private driver, or train.
• Travel insurance provides vital protection against unforeseen health expenses and other challenges abroad.
• Consider how you wish to capture your travel memories, such as through collecting keepsakes or creating a photo album.

May your travels be marked by more smiles than stress. Now, it's time to start envisioning your next adventure! 

Link to the presentation on Vimeo

In the age of Chat GPT and AI, the question arises: Will AI replace travel agents like me? Having experimented with AI-generated itineraries, here are some of my observations.

Despite inputting detailed traveler information, the results often resemble generic Google search outcomes, lacking a personalized touch.

AI struggles to grasp the individual traveler, evident in generic plans for family trips that overlook nuances like catering to a 6-year-old's interests. Additionally, it lacks the insider's perspective, missing out on local favorites born from personal experiences—hidden gems, exceptional dining, and captivating neighborhoods.

While AI serves as a valuable knowledge base, offering generic trip plans, it falls short of the imaginative and personalized touch I provide to travelers.

Despite this, tools like Google Explore prove beneficial for flight cost comparisons, allowing you to refine a search based on factors like your travel window and layover tolerance.

I will continue to use AI as a research tool, complementing it with my insights and expertise to offer travelers a truly enriching experience.

Embarking on a carry-on-only lifestyle may appear challenging, but fear not—it's a conquerable feat with rewarding outcomes, at least in my opinion!

Meet the Travelpro Maxlite, one of my travel essentials. Its feather-light design and adherence to international carry-on dimensions make it an ideal choice.

During my 3.5-week European trip last fall, this trusty bag joined me every step of the way. While I did perform a bit of laundry wizardry—once—the sheer convenience of navigating trains, cobblestone streets, and snug accommodations without cumbersome luggage made it worthwhile.

The key to success lies in pre-trip wardrobe strategizing, focusing on versatile pieces for a capsule wardrobe.

Packing cubes, a personal favorite, not only maintain order but add a touch of magic with their compression capabilities, especially handy for new discoveries on your travels. 😁

Say goodbye to lost luggage, check-in fees, and tedious waits at baggage claim. A carry-on-only lifestyle offers the freedom to anticipate your destination with peace of mind.

For those seeking expert advice on downsizing toiletries, breezing through airport security, and more, I share a wealth of tips and curated lists with my clients. 

When traveling, even small details like your luggage tag can make a big difference in keeping your belongings safe. But including too much personal information can put you at risk. Here’s a quick guide on what to include—and avoid—on your luggage tag, along with an important tip for what to do inside your bag.

What to include:

• Your name (first name and last initial are usually enough)
• Phone number (a cell number works best)
• Email address (a secure, non-work account)

What to skip:

• Your full home address (instead, you can use a business address if needed)
• Sensitive information like passport numbers or social media profiles

Pro tip: Place a card inside your luggage with your contact details and the local address of your first hotel. If your tag falls off, this gives the airline or finder a second chance to return your bag.

1. Find the airline baggage desk in the airport (typically in the baggage claim area). If you don't see your airline's desk, call them so you can start the claim immediately so they know it happened. 

2. Do not leave the airport without making a claim. This is a crucial step.

3. You will be provided with a tracking or reference number. The airline should keep you apprised of the bag whereabouts but if they don't, be proactive and monitor the status online or using the airline app, if applicable.

4. Save any receipts for items purchased.

5. If you purchased trip protection, take photos of each receipt for items purchased and keep on file. You will need these when filing a claim with your travel protection upon your return.

TIP: Use a luggage smart tracking device like AirTag or Chipolo.

Artificial intelligence has made its way into nearly every corner of modern life — travel included. Type “10-day Italy itinerary” into a chatbot, and in seconds you’ll have a tidy list of cities, trains, and landmarks. It looks impressive. Until you try to follow it.

That’s when reality sets in:

• The train you’re “taking” doesn’t actually exist on Sundays.

• The recommended restaurant closed last year.

• The “hidden gem” beach is now on every influencer’s feed.

AI is a great tool for inspiration. But it doesn’t travel. It doesn’t feel the pulse of a neighborhood or know that the museum it suggested is under renovation. It can’t sense when a client needs a slower pace, or suggest an evening walk that ends with live music and a glass of local wine.

A professional travel advisor brings something algorithms can’t: judgment, connections, and context. I know which local guides turn a tour into a story, which boutique hotels balance comfort with character, and how to navigate the ever-changing world of flights, regulations, and reservations.

AI gives you a starting point. I make it real.

Because when it comes to your time, money, and memories — you deserve more than a prompt.