SURPRISING Travel Tips **You Need to Know Now!**

[@MsSadeBrown]

I live in DC and I recently had my global entry interview. I applied in April and got conditionally approved after two days. My interview date was for May. I had a 12:15p appointment, but I arrived at 11:50a. They took me right away. The entire process including fingerprints and picture took less than 10 minutes!

[@kimberlyann1029]

I've watched hundreds of cruise and travel videos. Nobody has ever mentioned the STEP program, Mobile Passport Control, or TSA CARE (thankfully we don't need that one). Kudos to you for this!

[@goldsilvertravel]

I have some on my channel too, although it's more for those based in the UK

[@R0swell5104]

Totally agree with getting lounge access if you have either a layover of more than a couple of hours or if your flight is delayed. It makes the whole experience far more tolerable as you get free food, drink, comfortable seats and facilities to freshen up.

[@goldsilvertravel]

Me too. I normally find Revolut the best value for lounge access - only £20 or free if your flight is delayed by 1 hour or more

[@margaretames6522]

You can’t find your AirTag without your phone or a computer. Don’t lose your phone!

[@bethbowen4612]

I have had TSA Pre for 5 years and consider it the best travel accessory I have ever purchased. Last year, I changed over to Global Entry. Wow!! When I got back from Europe, there was no waiting. Yes, there was a long, snakey line for regular people, but Global Entry? Remove glasses at the kiosk. The machine takes your picture and spits out a piece of paper telling you who you are, and you are through Immigration.

[@lynetteduncan9007]

I’ve been watching lots of videos in preparation for an upcoming international trip, and yours is the the first one I’ve seen to mention the Mobile Passport Control app. Thanks for that tip!!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

You're welcome 😊. Have a fantastic trip!!

[@imscanon]

I traveled last Oct from KC to Chicago to Kalamazoo and I was scooted right through TSA and didn't even have to take off my shoes! Here I was all prepared, and they just said you don't have to take anything out and you can leave your shoes on just go through the scanner. I was kinda blown away. Happy, but shocked. lol I was all ready for a hassle. lol Oh and that's just regular line, not pre-ck or anything.

[@suzyinstitches273]

I have to add, bring your own food. Some airlines, aka Southwest, don’t even sell snacks or meals.

[@belindaslomp1253]

Wow passport was back in three days in Australia for me

[@mayakobi]

As a person that just got their passport mailed to them IT TAKES AWHILE! I’m lucky i’m leaving in July . I took my photos and submitted them in March and got my passport in late May!

[@reneeblack2783]

Extremely helpful! Thank you!❤

[@ohashig]

One of the best & most comprehensive coverage! Will be watching more of your videos!

[@yvettewilliams5967]

I so enjoy your delivery of vital travel information. Thank you so much, I have been helped. I subscribed after watching and listening to you. Continue on bringing us the real deals. Thanks again!

[@ready2escape100]

I recently returned to USA through Houston IAH and Global Entry wasn't working with digital access. The airport agent advised ALWAYS carry my GE card, which isn't the advice from GE. My travel buddy used the standard customs entry route and completed her process 45 minutes before me. There was no TSA precheck ability to get to my connecting flight and the delay caused me to miss my flight causing stress for rebooking. Houston is a MESS!

[@omara9205]

I got TSA pre-chek before the Pandemic. It took a few months. Instead of renewing, I applied for Global Entry because I got a new credit card that would pay for it. Almost a year later, I got conditional approval. My interview was another 6 months away. A loophole for applicants is once approved, you can have a sit down interview if you're returning into the country. I was able to reschedule an earlier interview. Took ten minutes, and I was accepted three hours later. 5 years left.❤

[@omara9205]

@@jshinanigans5471 Capitol One Venture X

[@heidifritz3053]

Thank you for all of the great tips. We’re flying my son from So Cal to Austria alone this summer, so I’ve got a lot of homework to follow up on all of this helpful info.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

How fun! Have a fantastic trip 😊

[@racheljacobson9826]

I bought a set of compression packing cubes specifically to put a few days of clothes and my PJ's in my personal item. I feel better knowing IF my bag gets lost, I have my PJ's and a couple days of clothes and when my bag is open they are contained in a cube and I'm not rummaging past my undies to find something in the bottom of my bag.

[@MissCatigbian]

I listened to a ton of videos about the same content, you have the most sense. Your list has all the things that travelers may tend to forget and not pay too much attention and yet more important.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you!! I'm glad it was helpful 😊

[@karidufur8908]

Thank you for all this great travel info!!! 🎉

[@cynthiachazen3420]

what a great and useful video, thank you!

[@AnneMB955]

Thx so much for all your wonderful ideas. I have 2 suggestions that work for me as carry-on only traveller for over 20 years. 1. TripIt app is free and I key in all my itinerary including transportation, photos and documents. When I book anything online the app automatically senses this and adds it in. I then share this with family. 2. I have an over the shoulder bag that fits my iPad and anything needed on the plane. Inside I have a thin adjustable small bag that I use for everyday. Have my phone, passport, wallet. It fits snuggly under my arm and under a jacket. Very secure. Thx again for helping all of us. BTW I love your hair. 😊

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Great suggestions!! And thank you 😊

[@desireeworthy677]

Thanks for the info

[@chrisdemnianyk4357]

Excellent and well explained VITAL travel information!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@Video4jeff]

Very informative tips! Thank you so much for your effort to share with all of us!

[@priscillajacko7577]

Just downloaded the mobile passport control app it was quick and easy!! Thanks for the tip I have not heard anyone else mention this

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@valatchison1126]

I must have been one of the lucky ones. Got my expedited passport renewal in less than a month. Got (expired) TSA precheck renewed in less than a week. Then, gave Global Entry a try and got my number in less than 5 days from time I applied and had interview. Now, I did sign-up for a service that queries the global entry interview location(s) that you want to utilize for availability. Without the service, my appt was scheduled for 2 weeks from when I applied. With the service, I was able to obtain an interview the same week I applied. We did have to drive to Gulfport from Bham but it was worth it. Applied on May 30th. Had my interview and number on June 3rd.

[@astheteabrews]

Thanks for all the tips! 😊

[@laura_and_shanman]

Great video!!! You always have such helpful tips and links! ❤

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you 😊. I'm so glad they are helpful!!

[@PraveenSrJ01]

My 30 year old younger brother has cerebral palsy and migraines and gets special accommodations at the airport. I might also qualify since I have high functioning autism but I would only use it if absolutely necessary since I’m quite smart but just get stressed 😩 out easily in new difficult situations.

[@lmahiram]

There are local passport expedition services that can get you a same day passport. I don't think that it applies to new passports. But it dos cover renewal. It will cost you thought. $500 or more.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Do you have any Travel Updates or Tips to share with the community so we can all travel with less stress in 2023?? ** One new tip that came out after I published this video**. Avoid using the public USB charging stations at the airports, hotels and other public spaces. Unfortunately hackers have discovered a way to gain access to your information stored on your phone through these charging portals.

[@R0swell5104]

My tip, especially if you are someone like me that get's anxious, is to plan everything well in advance and plan for contingencies if things don't go quite right. I make checklists for all the documentation, bookings packing items and things that need to be done. Some would say that's over planning but it works for me.

[@P0WSEETr]

Arrive early to the airport!

[@barbaralyons7887]

I too am an anxious traveler..flying especially. Some things I definitely need to do is make lists and update them often, arrive to the airport EARLY to get checked in then I can relax a bit. Since I tend to overpack (we women have so much extra stuff for various reasons) I usually make piles of clothes I think will work then as date of trip approaches I narrow it down). I also try on those outfits to be sure they still fit comfortably with perhaps a little extra room. 😀🌸✈️

[@PraveenSrJ01]

Air tag your luggage 🧳

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

About beginning-ish or mid-summer 2022 I randomly started getting into travel videos. I then sort of randomly got a job that took me overseas a few days during Fall of 2022. Was my first time traveling on a plane for many years, even prior to lockdown. Fortunately I binged a bunch of travel videos that summer, not knowing some of the information would come in handy. Decided to apply for global entry and was able to schedule my interview upon return to the States. Which EVERYONE in customs and security seemed to know. It was a long wait in line for that interview, but far more economical than the regular wait time and the commute getting to the location. Something I'd heard, but didn't experience til a domestic flight in December, was not being able to go through TSA pre-check despite having it. Having pre-check was acknowledged but every passenger had to remove shoes and get a pat down. It was an inconvenience I wasn't prepared for, but sharing it so others won't be caught off guard.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

TSA Pre-check is absolutely included in Global Entry…. You just have to make sure you’ve added your KTN (known traveler number) in when you either book your domestic tickets or when you are checking in for your flight 😊. They don’t make it super obvious during either, but it is included!!

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

@@GenxGypsy1968 due to my travel binging, ever since I got approval I know to make sure my KTN is on my ticket. That trip was no different. It was on my ticket, but I still had to do the shoe removal and got the pat down with everyone else. Pre-check doesn't matter when that line is down.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

@@marisgoldenhour6212 Ahh, I see what you were saying! True, it’s not a guarantee that Pre-check is available at the airport. Depends on time of day, size of airport, etc. I’ve had that unexpected surprise before, and now I just always pack like I’m going to have to go through regular security 😊

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

@@GenxGypsy1968 I dressed, and packed, like that as well. But the ONE time I thought, "nah, I got pre-check, I'll be fine," it of course came back to bite me on the rear. Or, pat me down, as it were.🙄 Was on a fantastic streak up til that point. 😋 Thank you for being a part of my travel bingeables!

[@wasabiginger6993]

So my sense about this paying for a service not guaranteed is their “pay to play” game … collecting more money off of us anyway that they can!

[@candicewaller403]

That passport control app is a great tip! Glad I stayed through to the end. I pack personal item only, so a bunch of your tips didn't apply to me. Still, they were well thought out and covered a LOT of bases.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you 😊

[@suewolf3279]

Annual travel insurance plans have much lower dollar amount of coverage. So really look at that and decide if that's good for you. If you're staying mostly within the us and that should be fine, and hopefully you have health and medical insurance through employment or Medicare Etc. A couple of countries we're considering travel insurance as a necessity to enter their country during covid. I don't know if this actually happened or not, but Japan was among those countries.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Good point! Thank you 😊

[@goldsilvertravel]

There are a few countries that demand this, but not many these days. It's always advisable to have it anyway.

[@travelaroundlife]

Coming back to the US after 4 years in China. Reverse culture shock in my future.🤪

[@GenxGypsy1968]

So true!! I bet you've had some great experiences!

[@aprilrichards8343]

My travel tip is to bring some OTC medicine. It is miserable to have an ailment and not be able to treat it. If you have a head cold it is much easier to seek out medicine if you can take a DayQuil and find medicine. Someone go to medicine may not be available in an international location. I had terrible heartburn on a cruise and the ship’s store was closed. I was desperate for some Tums. Also being superstitious, if I bring OTC medicine I will probably not need it.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Very good advice!! I too am superstitious, that's why I always bring a rain jacket, LOL 😊

[@barbaralyons7887]

Love your travel videos..so many great tips..have you ever been to Ireland? ☘️😊

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Not yet, but it is high on my list! My ancestry has quite a bit of Scotch Irish, so I'd love to see the "homeland" 😊

[@barbaralyons7887]

@@GenxGypsy1968 we have a trip there soon..very anxious and totally excited ☘️☘️☘️I have been binge watching your videos and love them..so much helpful info. Thank you ❤️

[@billroettgen7099]

Lithium batteries of 100 watt hours or less, such as apple Air Tags, are usually allowed in checked baggage.

[@salliestephens1252]

Wow! New subbie here. What an amazing amount of great information!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you and welcome 😊

[@karlapardo2235]

Should I take my AirTag out of my carry-on when they ask me to take electronics out while in TSA? Or can I just keep it in my carry-on without a problem?

[@kellycarlisle9209]

Thanks, I really enjoy your vids! I plan to use the Mobile Passport Control app next time I travel abroad. PS, can you share the source of your olive green jacket behind you? It’s fab!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you!! The jacket is a Lucky Brand from years ago, but this Levi's version is very similar: amzn.to/46eO83t 😊

[@teresashelley]

My question about medications … does it only apply to your destination country? For instance we will be going to the Maldives next year and flying through Doha airport. We are not leaving the airport, but do I need to be concerned about my medications in Doha or just the Maldives? I know Doha has stricter considerations regarding medications than the Maldives. For instance, HRT is restricted there.

[@erestube]

Japan just dropped its Covid requirements near the end of April. You're good to go!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I saw that!! Was very relieved 😊

[@jo-annr.1291]

Great video!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Thank you 😊

[@J-Dot73]

I’m also going to Japan this summer! It’s going to be very hot and humid! I’ve been researching for several weeks about travel in Japan!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I know! Luckily I live on the coast of NC, so I’m used to hot and humid 😂. What part of Japan are you going to? Having my daughter there right now helps a lot with the planning. I’m so excited!

[@J-Dot73]

@@GenxGypsy1968 we are going to Tokyo and Kyoto! I’m so excited too! Taking my 18 year old son to celebrate his highschool graduation!

[@GenxGypsy1968]

@@J-Dot73 That’s so awesome!! You guys are going to have a fantastic trip 😊

[@Foodi7218]

Great👍🎉

[@kazs1408]

Unfortunately Oz citizens aren’t eligible for global travel

[@sherrytolbird154]

Passport expedite required my friend to be traveling in a week! She missed the first trip because her passport expired! Rebooked trip and then buy nails until she got passport

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Oh no! It's crazy how backed up they are right now. 😔

[@imscanon]

I always bring a couple clean, extra 3.4 oz bottles that I save to fill with a little wine for the trip back and drop them into my liquids bag. Then I just get a Sprite on the plane and make a wine cooler. I'm not a get-drunk person in the least, so it's never been a problem. I might do it on the way there too if I have room, but I don't like putting my toiletries in my checked bag on the way there in case it gets lost. lol On the way home though, I don't care, and after all the crazy of a vacay, I NEED a lil wine and chill with a book on the plane. lol I don't love the idea at all of giving them carte blanche to charge me for anything on the plane. That sounds iffy to me. I want a signed receipt for anything I'd do on the plane.

[@conniekershaw4412]

My TSA precheck expired this year in May. I decded to do Global entr dince it only costs $20 more than TSA pre check. It only took two days to get approval on application. The appointments were back log. I has my application approved in mid April, The appointments were booked throughtheend ofJune. There is a service that cost $12 for a month and they will email you when there are cancelations for appointments. I got my appointmentthroughcancellations in 3 days. I got the appointment for my husband also since they keep sending you emails until you unsubscribe. It was definitely worth the $12.. its called ttp alerts

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Great tip!! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@MsLizzy_T]

I'll be going on my first international flight in just over a month, and have purchased an e-sim for my phone, because the roaming charges with my Aussie mobile provider are ridiculous. I'll be away for 24 days, so $5AUD per day roaming with a total of 5GB of data vs $75AUD for 30 days with unlimited data and calls... It was a pretty obvious choice to go with the e-sim.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Good advice!! 😊

[@AnneMB955]

Only costs me $10 a day for international roaming and I get to keep my phone number. Easy for family to keep in touch. Used this for my last 6 trips. Cheers from 🇦🇺

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

That cost difference is crazy! These companies everywhere are gouging way too much no matter where you live. My carrier has a plan that charges pretty cheap per day but only begins to charge if you decide to make a call, text, etc. As opposed to paying a high flat rate for international use for the month. That particular plan was relatively recent. They used to have extremely expensive international roaming and such.

[@kd-CarvingAway]

Apparently, TSA Precheck lanes may only open certain hours. I'll be taking a redeye soon and according to Airline website the lane will be closed. Plan accordingly.

[@ticalinda1969]

Great video, thanks! Very helpful tips 👍🏼 One question: doesn't the Lounge daily (one day pass) access allows to bring another adult and a child with one pass? For American Airlines? For example, I pay $60 for my partner, my child and myself, one flat rate? Or do I have to pay $60 for each of us? I thought I read that on the website but I might misinterpreted it 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you in advance for your answer

[@GenxGypsy1968]

It depends on the lounge. I know if you have "free" access through your credit card or miles, then I believe you can usually bring a guest with you. However, if you are paying, it is for one person. Again, it just depends which lounge you are going to. I would look it up again and if it does include everyone for the one rate, I would take a picture of that statement so when you get to the lounge they don't tell you something else 😊

[@ticalinda1969]

@@GenxGypsy1968 thank you! Great idea 💡

[@kimfite6014]

I have never flown before and I can't find the answer to this simple question. Do you have a specific weight for a carry-on and personal item bag and how big can your personal item bag be? Thanks so much.😊

[@P0WSEETr]

9:34

[@kathyn1343]

I don’t believe they weigh your carry on or personal item. But many airlines have certain size requirements for personal items, and it varies by airline so you can find it on their websites.

[@kerrysmith8411]

They most certainly can and at times do weigh your carry on and/or personal item especially if the flight is full or your bag looks heavy.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

I do have a link listed in the description for a website that has compiled most airlines bag restrictions including size and weight restrictions. Hope that helps!

[@stephkachel9191]

In Australia - internal flights - they may weight your carryon. Usually 7kg but you can purchase up to 10kg.

[@marlengaddis5491]

If your passport is 20 years old it's time for another one how long would it take to get a new one

[@R0swell5104]

It depends on your citizenship and what country you live in. Genx mentioned near on 3 months for the US, presumably for US citizens living in the US. Just check on your government's passport website, or consulate website if you are resident in another country.

[@travelaroundlife]

🙌👍

[@lindaconnell903]

My husband and I are traveling to Rome from Houston at the end of this month. We applied to Global Entry/TSA Pre Check last October and we were approved but have not been able to interview appointment. Will we be able to go through TSA line since we have already paid?

[@GenxGypsy1968]

My guess is No because when you go to the interview for both TSA precheck and Global Entry they get your fingerprints and picture. However, you might check with TSA directly about perhaps being able to go through the TSA precheck interview process while you're waiting for a Global Entry interview spot to open up. I would even use the askTSA Facebook or Twitter page to send a message since they tend to respond fairly timely. Have a fantastic time in Rome!! 😊

[@AELwriter]

When you come back from Rome , check into getting an interview prior to leaving customs back into the United States. That used to be possible, check if it is still true.

[@jenamann3484]

Hi! Houston has the interview on arrival program. See if you have enough time before departing for Rome. I was able to mine at Houston without appointment!

[@marisgoldenhour6212]

On the off chance you didn't receive the info, unless the rules have changed, you'll have to go through the standard security lines. Upon return you'll be able to have your interview at your city of return. I can't remember if you have to schedule that, or if you just go directly to that line once you've exited the plane but before you leave the airport. Depending the time of day you arrive home, your wait time may take a few hours. The interview itself is pretty quick.

[@mysewingpractice]

I am confused, did you say you can add your passport to apple wallet? Also, it appears only 3 states support apple wallet state ID. Can you explain how to add these two things, if it is possible to add them.

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Sorry I somehow missed this comment! It's not your passport you add to your Apple Wallet, just your state ID. And yes, the use of them at the airport is very, very limited at this time. However, if it works out, they will probably start adding more airports to the program. To add your ID to your Apple Wallet, just open the app then tap the plus (+) sign at the top right hand corner. At the bottom of that menu there is a choice for Driver's License or State ID. Hope this helps 😊

[@missbg33]

ATL does not have a Global Entry appointment for the next 5 years (that is as far as I looked, maybe more than 5) 😔

[@GenxGypsy1968]

Ugh!! That's crazy!! And the other problem is there are limited other International Airports that actually do the interviews. Hopefully they will get more open soon.