Last-minute international travel tips
Do you know what to do if you need to travel internationally at the last minute?
By Aimee Heckel
Last-minute vacations can be fun, but they also can be stressful — especially if you’re headed overseas. Whether it’s an impulsive choice, a business demand or a personal emergency, if you are traveling internationally and you don’t have much time to pull it all together, you will have to make some special arrangements.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of last-minute international travel:
1. Get a last-minute passport.
Many companies (like RushMyPassport.com) can expedite your passport in a matter of just days for an added fee. But we still recommend the old-fashioned way: Call and make an emergency appointment to visit to your state’s nearest passport agency in person.
Start by visiting the U.S. Passports and International Travel website to locate your nearest agency. Some agencies will require proof of your travel in the next two weeks (like your plane tickets). You can often get an appointment in just a few days, and you can talk to an expert in person about what you need to do to get your passport on time.
If you need to get a last-minute passport for a minor, you must go in person — and both parents must be present, or the one that is not present needs to sign a waiver that must be notarized. You can often find a free or cheap notary at your local bank or at a FedEx office (even on Saturdays).
2. Get a quick passport photo.
The best, easiest place to get a quick passport photo is a pharmacy, like Walgreens. Get your passport photo printed instantly. Use this coupon to get $2 off your passport photo at Walgreens.
3. Pre-order your travel essentials online and run in and pick them up.
If you are short on time, pre-order whatever you need for travel on your computer, order it to the nearest store, pay online and pick it up. Whether you need to stock up on allergy medicine or contact lens solution, you can quickly order online, use a Walgreens coupon to save money, pair it with 5 percent Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com and order it for quickly pick-up at your nearest store. If you have a few days before you must least, you can also have it delivered to your house (Walgreens delivers for free with a $25 or more order).
Read more articles about saving money at Walgreens here.
4. Book your airfare, rental cars and hotels online to save money, using travel coupons, paired with Cash Back. Here is a list of the best travel coupons out there.
Other articles you might also enjoy:
