Colleen's Travel Tips

Reconfirm flights up to 24 hours prior to your departure. Schedule changes may occur and can be last minute.

Check in for flights at least 3 hours prior to departure for International Travel and 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure for domestic flights.

Have your proper ID readily available. Domestic travel requires a drivers license and passports are required for all international travel including infants and children. Please ensure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your travel dates. We advise you to leave a copy of your passport with a friend or family member at home as well as keeping a copy with you. For Illinois residents who fly domestically, the federal government has extended the deadline to May 3, 2023 that will require you to use a valid U.S. Passport or obtain a REAL ID from the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. Click here to learn your options.

For information on other types of identification accepted by TSA, please visit the TSA website.

Be prepared to show your ID/passport and boarding passes multiple times. Known Travel Number or Global Entry members will speed through TSA. For more information on Global Entry and Known Travel Number visit www.dhw.gov/tt

Children under the age of 18 traveling with one or no parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent (or parents) stating permission to travel internationally. The letter should have specifics such as name, where they are traveling, dates of the trip, name of the hotel/ship, etc. You may be denied without this letter.

Please check your airlines requirement as they each vary by airline. Standard checked bags are 50lbs. max and 62 inches linear (length+width+height). Airlines charge for checked bags and some for carry on. Please be prepared by contacting the carrier direct. Bag fees are not included in your package price.

Carry on liquids and gels must be in a 3 oz. trial size or less and fit in a 1 qt. Ziploc bag. This should be taken out of carry on while passing through security. Prescribed medication should be in your carry on bag and kept in the original container.

We advise you carry a pen with you to fill out the customs forms on the flight.

Many flights offer meals which are available for purchase, but it's quite often a limited selection.

Seat assignments are often assigned at check in. Check in early for the best selection. It may be possible to purchase seat assignments in advance with the airline directly so may all sit together. Please note, if you want to sit together, it is best to purchase seat assignments in advance when offered, otherwise, it is subject to availability.

Contact your Cell phone carrier and your credit/debit card companies before traveling. Note ahead of time your daily limits and pin number. Hotels and car rentals do not accept debit cards, ONLY credit cards.

When traveling to Europe, a debit card with a PIN can be one of the best ways to obtain cash in the local currency fast. Fees may apply.

US hotels commonly have resort fees that cannot be paid ahead of time and will be collected upon check in.

The name of the primary driver must match the name on the credit card when picking up your car. You must be 25 years or older to rent a car.

Check with your insurance company prior to renting to if it warrants you purchasing rental company insurance. Know your coverage ahead of time.

Taxes and fees will be paid when you pick up your car.

Bottled water is your best friend when traveling internationally, especially to the Dominican Republic. This includes when you brush your teeth or are in the shower. In other less traveled areas, this is also a good idea to follow.