Rossen Reports: Do this before traveling this summer
Summer travel season is here, and no matter where you’re heading off to, you’ll want to avoid issues that could ruin your trip. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist to help you get ready for your next vacation.
Getting packed
Visiting a new place and want to know what to pack? It may sound simple but always search your destination online first. A quick web search of “packing list for Florence, Italy in June” will generate a bunch of ideas you may not have even thought of.
Download Google Maps
On Google Maps, drop pins to save all the different places you want to visit. Then search the city you plan to visit and click “download offline map.” Now you’ll be able to view your maps offline if you end up in a place with spotty internet access.
Traveling abroad
You can also download Google Translate and use it offline. Open the app, click the icon on the top right, then click “download languages,” and choose whatever language you need. If you’re traveling out of the country, make sure you also notify your bank and credit card company. That way if you try to buy something, they won’t think it’s fraud and deny the charges.
Take photos of your documents
Make sure you take photos of any travel-related documents you have, including your driver’s license and your passport. Even if you lose your passport and have to go to the U.S. Embassy to get a new one, having that photo can help prove U.S. citizenship.
Have a question for Jeff Rossen? He’s answering your consumer questions every Friday in the new segment "Rossen Responds." Email your questions to him at RossenResponds@hearst.com.