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Make sure your passport is up to date
Many countries now require that your passport be valid for six months after your return to the United States . If you don ’ t have a passport , or need to renew one , apply for one as soon as possible . ( Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart .) Remember , you can renew a passport even if it has not yet expired . For more information , visit www . travel . state . gov / passport .
2
Check on visa requirements
You may need a visa to visit certain countries . The requirements are always changing , and places where Americans could once travel visa-free may now have different standards . Some visas can be obtained at the airport where you land or issued online ( e-visas ). Others are still issued on paper and could conceivably involve an embassy visit . Fees range from $ 50 to $ 200 . If you ’ re traveling with a travel company , they will likely offer a visa service to handle the details . If not , check visa requirements well ahead of your departure , starting with the Country Information section of the U . S . State Department website ( www . travel . state . gov ).
3
Enroll in STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) is a free service offered by the U . S . State Department for U . S . citizens or nationals traveling abroad . It enrolls your trip with the nearest U . S . Embassy or Consulate in your destination , so you can be better assisted in case of an emergency . By enrolling you can receive travel alerts ; get instructions in case of natural disasters or civil unrest ; get help with serious legal , medical , or financial issues ; and have a point of contact in case of a family emergency . This is a great service for any traveler , but especially for women traveling solo .
4
Get a medical and dental checkup prior to your trip
It goes without saying that you want to feel your best while overseas . Consider this your reminder to set those appointments now .
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