The summer travel season is finally approaching.
Maybe you’ll visit one of the United States’ many national parks, explore a historic European city, or jet off somewhere tropical like the Maldives.
It all sounds like fun, but unfortunately, accidents can also happen while traveling. Your luggage may get lost, your passport may get misplaced, and your phone may become unusable without Wi-Fi at your international destination.
To avoid headaches and be prepared for whatever happens (or is accidentally left behind), follow these simple tips.
Watch this video to learn 4 things to do before your next trip.
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Pre-travel tips
All you need to prepare for your trip is your smartphone.
take a picture.
Before you leave for your trip, take photos or screenshots of important items and documents.
This includes:
Luggage Passport photo page Identity documents Travel related confirmations Accommodation location and contact details
Create albums and mark images as favorites on your phone to make them easier to find when you need them.
It’s okay to share these photos with loved ones you trust, such as your significant other or close friends.
Turn on notifications when left behind
If you use an Apple product, turn on notifications when you misplace it.
This feature, available on select iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods, notifies you if you leave your AirPods unattended, such as if you left them in your hotel room.
To turn left-behind notifications on or off, open the Find My app, select your device, and turn the setting on or off.
Tell your credit card company about your plans
Have you ever tried to pay for something while traveling and your card was declined? It’s likely because your credit card company has detected unusual activity and flagged it as suspicious.
Prevent this from happening by setting up travel notifications to notify your credit card company about your upcoming domestic or international travel.
Many credit card companies allow you to set up notifications online or via an app, but some don’t require notifications at all.
Check international calling plans
If you’re traveling and want to use your phone when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, check out what international calling plans your carrier offers to suit your budget. International plans let you make and receive calls, access social media, get directions, and more, as long as you have cell service. Without a plan, these features are only available when your device is connected to Wi-Fi.
As a bonus tip, download maps to use offline to easily navigate to new locations.
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