Going on vacation should be an exciting time for you and your family. However, the more organised you are, the better your trip will be. If you are heading to the Big Apple, here are a few ways on how you can prepare for international travel, ensuring your journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Check Your Passport

The first and most important step you need to take before heading on vacation is to check whether your passport is in date. If you do not own one, the application process can take up to 6 weeks, so ensure you apply for your passport as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to provide two passport-size photos, and two forms of identification to prove your citizenship in the country you were born in. If you have a passport, you will need at least six months of validity left as many airlines will not allow you to board otherwise.

Travel Insurance

If you have an accident while on vacation, having travel insurance will ensure you are covered for any medical expenses. It’s better to be safe than sorry when you take your health into account, so make sure to check out the different types of travel insurance available. There are other reasons why people take out travel insurance too, such as if your flight gets postponed or cancelled. To save hassle, money and time, ensure you book your travel insurance as soon as possible.

What to Pack

Whether you are heading to New York for a short trip or a long vacation, you should make a list of what items you want to bring with you. There are all sorts of factors to consider regarding what to pack such as weather conditions and the time of year you visit the city. You should also check out your airline’s weight regulations so you can get an idea of allowances, avoiding any overpacking issues. There are plenty of useful packing tips that can help you save room in your luggage. Try not to pack too much, instead, focus on bringing the essentials for your trip. You should also be aware of what items you shouldn’t bring with you as each airline will have items that are strictly prohibited.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of hotels and apartments dotted across New York City. No matter your budget, you are sure to find accommodation that is suitable for you. Many accommodation providers give special discounts to those who book early, so if you can, secure your booking sooner rather than later. However, bear in mind that hotels located in the center may cost more. If you don’t mind travelling, it could be worth looking at accommodation options just outside of the city, such as in Queens, Brooklyn or New Jersey.

Create an Itinerary

If you are an organised person, the chances are you already have an itinerary in place. However, for those who need some structure, outlining every little detail of your trip can make a huge difference. Jotting down the attractions you want to visit, your accommodation details and flight times can take the weight off your shoulders, making you feel more relaxed and prepared for your trip. You should also make note of any relevant telephone numbers such as your hotel, insurance provider, airport pickup and your credit card company. The more prepared you are, the less chance you have of anything going wrong.

Leave Plenty of Time

No matter what time your flight is, you should leave as much time as you can to get from your home to the airport. Rush hour can be incredibly busy at the best of times and may see you missing your flight if you’re stuck in traffic. If you don’t live close to the airport, it’s always best to add an extra 30 minutes to an hour to your journey to ensure you arrive at the airport with no hassle. If you are using public transport to get to the airport, make sure to catch the earlier bus or train, rather than running the risk of delays.

Keeping Everyone Entertained

Flying can be a stressful experience for even the most frequent traveler. Therefore, you should arm yourself with items to keep you entertained throughout your flight, helping you to relax and be comfortable while on board the aircraft. Whether it be an iPad to watch one of your favourite films or a book to get lost in, there are all sorts of ways that you can keep yourself occupied when on the plane. If you are travelling with children, the last thing you want is for them to throw a tantrum and cause a scene so make sure you bring toys and games that can keep them busy.

Transport Links

Once you have arrived in New York City, you will need to use public transport to get to your accommodation. The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming at the best of times, so it’s best to do your research before you arrive. You can get around New York City via various transport links such as taxi, bus or using the subway. Make sure you map out where your hotel is located so you can work out how close you are to bus routes and subway stations.

Stay Safe

Travelling somewhere new should be filled with excitement and adventure. However, when in a big city like New York, there are unfortunately thieves who operate in tourist areas. Therefore, make sure that any valuables you have on you are stored in zipped up and hard to reach places. It’s always best to be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially if you are in incredibly populated areas such as Times Square. Keeping an eye on your personal belongings will reduce the risk of theft and keep you out of danger. If you need to use your mobile device when out and about, refrain from using it in busy areas as all it can take is a split second for a thief to encounter you and snatch your device out of your hand.

Getting to New York

As New York City is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the United States, you will be happy to know that there are daily and direct flights to New York, courtesy of Porter Airlines. When on their website, simply input the dates of when you want to visit and return for great deals on flights. What’s more is that you can track your flight status before you travel which will leave you feeling confident and ready for the trip ahead. Porter Airlines are an award-winning service and provide comfy flights with extra leg room, so they are definitely worth checking out.

Note that the time of year you visit New York City will have an impact on price. If you are heading to the city in the school holiday period or at Christmas, expect to pay much more for your flights and hotel.

Whether you’re heading to New York alone, with friends or your family, there are all sorts of useful travel tips and techniques that you can use to your advantage, ensuring your trip goes off without a hitch. As long as your passport is in date, you know what to pack and you have a structure in place, your visit to the city that never sleeps should be stress free and enjoyable.