GETTING TO YOUR GATE ON TIME

PREPARING DOCUMENTS

Getting your papers ready is the first thing you do before a trip. The first document you need is a passport. You can apply for one at an immigration office or at an embassy. Most countries charge a fee for passports. If you have a passport, make sure that it is valid for six more months. Make copies of it. Keep copies with you, in your suitcase, and with a friend or family member.

Another thing to get ready is a visa. A visa is a stamp or sticker in your passport. Some visas are for business. Others are for study or travel. Sometimes you need to get your visa before you travel. Each country is different. You can apply at the embassy for that country. In other countries, you can get your visa when you land at the airport.

Your travel itinerary is a list of your plans. You need to keep it safe. Keep a copy with you all the time. Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member.

When traveling to another country, your vaccinations need to be up to date. Go to your doctor. Tell the doctor where you are going. He or she will give you the vaccinations and then give you an immunization record. This is a small booklet with your vaccination history in it. Take it on your trip.

Think about buying travel health insurance. Most insurance companies will give you a card that has your insurance company name and number. You can use this card if you have an accident.

Now that all your documents are ready, you can start making reservations!

AVOID STRESS, RESERVE!

Making reservations can lower stress. Book hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions early.

Plan flights three to six months before your departure. It will be busy ¡n high season. High season is June, July, or August. Also think about the popularity of your destination. When reserving your flight, choose a one-way or round-trip ticket. Also, choose first or economy class. First class offers bigger seats, better service, and luxurious food. Economy class is the most popular and cheapest, but it's not as comfortable. Finally, if you need specific food because you are a vegetarian, tell the airline before you leave.

You need to book hotel rooms. Tell the hotel what kind of room you want: standard, deluxe, single or double. You can get a suite if you need more than one room. Tell the hotel if you want a smoking or non-smoking room. You may need to reserve a rental car or transportation tickets. There are many types of cars. You can choose small, mid-size, or full-size. Trains are popular for travelers. You have to make reservations. Good restaurants are popular. If you want to eat somewhere famous, you will have to make a reservation. It's a good idea to book tourist attractions early. They often sell out quickly!

Reservations for your trip can be made at a travel agency. A travel agent will book your tickets and give you a paper ticket and itinerary. The internet is an easy way to plan. It provides information, reservations, and travel tips and advice. You can get discounts for booking online. To make a reservation, fill in the reservation form, and make your payment with a credit card. You will get an e-ticket (electronic ticket).

CHECKING IN THE MODERN WAY

Check-in is the service that helps you to find a seat assignment, check your suitcase, and get your boarding pass.

There are many ways that you can check in. The most common way is the

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