It seems our world is smaller
than ever – and we want to see
every corner of it. Whether
you’re planning – or just
thinking about – a trip to
Europe, Africa or Asia, we’ll get
you started with interesting
facts and helpful tips.
Courtesy of the Fast Park family of Airport Parking Solutions
International Travel Tips
International Travel Tips
https://oke.io/Te8c

1 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
See the World
Let’s get your trip started! Whether this is your first
trip out of the country or you’re a jetsetter crossing
more international destinations off of your list, we can
help ensure your next trip is relaxing and fun. At the
beginning of the trip, we know you’re excited about the
destination you’re about to visit and are paging through
your guidebook while waiting in the custom’s line. On
the way back, you probably can’t wait to share those
vacation photos and stories, but you have a long flight –
and another custom’s line – standing in your way. We’ll
help you navigate the ups, the downs, the requirements
and policies and even help you find a little extra room in
your suitcase for that one final souvenir.
• First-Time Travelers
• Best International Trips
• Tips for Families
• Business Trip Basics
• Frequently Asked Questions
InternationalTravel

2 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
First-TimeTravelers
Planning your first international travel experience can
be exciting, but you also have a lot to consider. From
packing well to planning the perfect itinerary and
everything in between, it may feel a little overwhelming
at times. We’ll get you started on two very important
pieces: getting your passport and managing your
money. Without those, you aren’t going to get too far.
Get a passport
Ready to apply for your first passport? Here is your
simple checklist to obtaining one:
Plan ahead: Applying for a passport can be a long
process. Allow at least ten weeks to process your
application, or you could face steep fees and last-minute
approvals that could have you sweating it out right
before you’re supposed to depart.
Have important documents ready: You need a proof
of citizenship (i.e. a birth certificate) and a proof of
identity (i.e. your driver’s license or government-issued
ID). Send in original copies of these documents with
your passport application.
Get photo-ready: A passport photo must be provided
with your application. Among other specifications, it
needs to be a specific size (2x2 inches), taken within
the last six months and feature a neutral expression.
While you can take the photo yourself, we recommend
putting the smartphone away and having a professional
passport photo service take it for you. Most chain
drugstores offer this service at a very reasonable price.
Complete the paperwork: Fill out the DS-11 form and
take it to the nearest acceptance facility.
Calculate the fees: For adults, your first passport book
will cost $135. A minor (under age 16) passport book is
$105. Passport card options cost less, but can only be
used when traveling to certain countries by land or sea.
Track the application: You can easily keep track of
your application’s status online.

3 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
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Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
First-TimeTravelers (continued)
Money matters
Almost as important as your passport is understanding
how to manage your money overseas. Credit cards,
cash and traveler’s checks are all options, but the right
choice for you should be based on where you’re going.
Below is a general list of the pros and cons of each; you
should always research the country and/or city you’re
traveling to, so you understand your options fully.
Credit cards
Pros:
• Credit cards typically offer the best-possible exchange
rate.
• You can cancel the card easily if it is lost or stolen.
• You can review your purchases when you return home
to avoid fraud or identity theft.
Cons:
• Some cards aren’t universally accepted. Always check
to ensure your card is accepted before you try to make
a purchase.
• Review guidelines to determine whether your
destination transitioned to “chip and PIN” credit cards,
which are making their way to the U.S. in 2015.
Also, make sure you call your credit card provider before
you leave to alert the company that, yes, the Parisian
pastry will be an authorized transaction.
Cash
Pros:
• Cash (in the country’s currency) is accepted
anywhere, whether you’re at a small vendor’s booth or
a nice restaurant.
• If you have a few small coins or bills leftover, you can
take them home as inexpensive souvenirs.
Cons:
• Currency conversion fees can change frequently and
depend on where you’re changing your money. Make
sure you research ahead of time and exchange or
withdraw from an ATM large amounts to cut down on
the number of fees.
• If you misplace your wallet or your purse is stolen, you
are not able recover any of your cash.
Traveler’s checks
Pros:
• They can be replaced within 24 hours if lost or stolen.
• Traveler’s “checks,” which are now in the form of
pre‑paid cards, are a great item to stow in a safe
place – in case of emergencies.
Cons:
• Many vendors do not accept traveler’s checks.
• Exchange rates are not as good as credit cards or cash.

4 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
Whether you’re looking for a couple’s trip, a solo
getaway or a destination for the entire family, we found
a few spots that are sure to provide an educational,
memorable and worldly experience. A quick Internet
search will uncover innumerable lists that highlight
the best international vacations, but we’ve summed
up a few of our favorites and why we think they’ll be
adventures of a lifetime!
Travel alerts and warnings: always research as much
as you can about the international destination you’re
interested in exploring. The U.S. Department of State
provides safety and security information as well as up-
to-date travel warnings.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Official language. Danish; most Danes understand and
speak some English.
Currency. U.S. dollars
must be exchanged
for the Danish Kroner;
all international credit
cards are accepted,
although many shops
require a card that
uses the “chip or PIN”
system.
Where is it? Denmark is a country in Northern Europe.
It borders the Baltic Sea and the North Sea on a
peninsula north of Germany. In comparison, it is slightly
less than twice the size of Massachusetts.
Must-see attractions. The Christianborg Palace is a
great place to spend the entire day. You can see the
royal stables, climb the tower and even venture under
the palace to see ruins. Treat yourself to some shopping
at Strøget, and be sure to climb The Round Tower – it’s
the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
Family-friendly tips, Denmark is a safe and relaxed
country with many family-friendly sites. Copenhagen
is home to The Little Mermaid statue in the harbor,
Amalienborg Palace (the Danish royal family residence
since 1794), Tivoli Gardens, Wheel of Copenhagen (a
Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye), Bakken (the
world’s oldest amusement park) and a wonderful zoo,
aquarium and national museum.
When to go. June is highly recommended with its long
days and warm weather, while July and August are good
alternatives. However, July and August are also the most
popular tourist months, so you will experience more
crowds. If you want to avoid the high season altogether,
May and September are good months to target.
Belize
Official language.
English, but unique
dialects are spoken
throughout.
Currency. U.S.
dollars are accepted
throughout the
country but can also
be exchanged for the
Belize dollar. Most
accommodations and tours will be listed in U.S. dollars
while most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in Belize
dollars.
Where is it? Belize is located in Central America. It is
bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west
by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.
Must-see attractions. Grab your hiking boots and climb
Ca’ana, the tallest Mayan structure in Belize. Towering
140 feet high, the pyramid has amazing views of the
jungle surrounding it. No trip is complete without a stop
at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. As the
world’s first jaguar preserve, it has made great strides to
protect the animal in its natural habitat.
Family-friendly tips. The average yearly temperature
in Belize is 84°F, so it’s always warm, yet comfortable. If
your family loves to be outdoors, this is the place for you.
From exploring ancient Mayan temples to scuba diving
inside and outside the Belize Barrier Reef, the incredible
beauty of this country will not disappoint. There are also
beautiful beaches where “shirts, shoes and worries are
optional.”
When to go. While the weather in Belize makes it a
great place to visit nearly year-round, the high season
is from November to May while the low season is from
June to October.
InternationalTrips

5 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
Florence, Italy
Official language.
Italian
Currency. The Euro is
the official currency.
Where is it? Florence
is in northern Italy.
Must-see attractions. The city has an endless number
of stunning cathedrals that could fill days of sightseeing.
Rent a Vespa to tour the town instead of booking a bus
or renting a car. Art lovers will get lost in the Uffizi Gallery.
Try to pre-purchase your museum tickets, otherwise you
could be waiting in a five-hour-long line!
Family-friendly tips. Italy has a reputation for being very
child-friendly. Its paved streets make Florence easy to
navigate with strollers and with gelato on every corner
travelers of all ages will be very happy. From its antique
wood carousel in the Piazza della Repubblica to its many
museums and tours, Florence makes for the perfect
family trip.
When to go. High season in Italy is mid-June through
August, while low season is November through March.
The Galapagos Islands
Official language.
Spanish
Currency. The U.S.
dollar is the official
currency on the
Galapagos Islands.
Where is it? The
island group is located
on the Equator in the Pacific Ocean.
Must-see attractions. If you’re feeling adventurous, take
a hike through the island’s lava tunnels. While the trek will
involve a little crawling, we promise it’s worth the effort!
Don’t miss your favorite bird, reptile, mammal or fish
while you’re on the islands. Visit the Galapagos Island
online photo gallery to see where each animal lives.
Family-friendly tips. You will be following in Charles
Darwin’s footsteps when you travel around the
Galapagos Islands. Animal lovers will have a great time
exploring the islands and seeing the amazing natural life.
From walking paths to boat rides, you’ll find a tour the
entire family can enjoy.
When to go. While it’s never a bad time to visit the islands,
high travel season usually ranges from mid-June through
early September, then again from mid-December through
mid-January. The rainy season lasts from December
through May, but it’s a little warmer during this time.
Quebec City, Canada
Official language.
French, but more than
a third of city residents
can also speak English
Currency. The
Canadian dollar is the
official currency, but
the U.S. dollar is widely
accepted.
Where is it? Quebec City is the second largest city in
Quebec after Montreal. Located on the north bank of the
Saint Lawrence River, the low-lying city is surrounded
by the Laurentian Mountains and Cap-Diamant (Cape
Diamond).
Must-see attractions. Take a stroll through Old Québec.
This UNESCO World Heritage site has beautiful
architecture, horse-drawn carriages and street performers
– you’ll think you stepped back into history! Before
you leave, stop by Montmorency Falls Park to see the
83-meter-tall waterfall. Even taller than Niagara Falls, this
breath-taking site is visible from either a gondola ride or by
trekking along walking trails.
Family-friendly tips. The French-Canadian culture is very
child-oriented with walkways built to accommodate strollers
and breastfeeding-friendly decals in many restaurant
windows. Families love the annual Expo Quebec, not only
for the fun rides and activities for all ages, but also for its
farm animals, science pavilion and fascinating exhibits.
When to go. The best times to visit Quebec City are June
through September and December through February.
These times are packed with festivals and seasonal
celebrations like Carnaval.
InternationalTrips (continued)

6 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
Paris, France
Official language.
French
Currency. The
Euro is the official
currency.
Where is it? Located
on the bank of the
Seine River, the city
of Paris is in the northern central area of France. With
more than two million inhabitants, it is the fifth largest
city in the European Union.
Must-see attractions. After your obligatory stops at
the Eiffel Tour and L’Arc de Triomphe, tour the city’s
amazing museums. Say “hi” to the Mona Lisa at the
Louvre or visit the Musée d’Orsay to see the world’s
largest collection of Impressionist art – in a converted
railway station. Shop for food and wine on Rue des
Martyrs. From fruit and fish to high-end pastries and
chocolatiers, you’ll find great food – and enjoy great
people watching.
Family-friendly tips. Paris is often recommended as
the best place to visit for families traveling to Europe.
The city is packed with child-friendly activities like the
bird market, marionette shows, and the Luxembourg
Gardens’ toy sailboats and carousel.
When to go. The best time to visit Paris is from June
to August. The temperatures are in the mid-70s and
the days are longer, allowing more time to enjoy all the
outdoor dining and cafés the city has to offer.
Sydney, Australia
Official language.
There is no official
language, but
around 75 percent
of the residents
speak English.
Currency. The
Australian dollar is
the official currency.
Where is it? Sydney is located on Australia’s east
coast, surrounded by one of the world’s largest natural
harbors and the Blue Mountains to the west.
Must-see attractions. If you can plan a trip in January,
stop by the Sydney Festival. The city center transforms
into a cultural event filled with music, art and surprise
performances. Even if you can’t make it to the Sydney
Festival, you’ll find great live music throughout the city
all year long. From major concerts to local performers,
you’ll find something to fit your tastes.
Family-friendly tips. Australia offers lots of great
opportunities for family fun including Bondi Beach,
the Royal Botanic Gardens and the famous Sydney
Opera House. The view from Mrs Macquaries Point is
renowned for being one of the best in the world, with
full views of both the Opera House and the Sydney
Harbour Bridge.
When to go. Although Sydney has comfortable
temperatures year round, the best time to visit is from
late September to early December to avoid the high
tourist season during the start of America’s winter.
InternationalTrips (continued)
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7 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
TipsForFamilies
Everyone needs a passport
Yes, even the baby needs a passport to travel internationally.
Once you apply, it could take anywhere from four to six
weeks for the passports to process, so plan accordingly.
For first-time applicants a passport book is $135 (age 16+)
or $105 (under age 16). Passport applications for minors
must be submitted in person with the child accompanied by
both parents or guardians. If one parent/guardian is unable
to appear in person, a signed and notarized Statement of
Consent form must be submitted. Visit the U.S. Passports &
International Travel site for more info.
See a doc before you depart
In fact, you may want to schedule doctor visits for each
family member a couple of months in advance of your trip.
Some immunizations and vaccinations can take up to six
weeks to be fully effective. Also, check your health insurance
to understand what it covers if you need medical attention
overseas.
Research the best time to go
Those darn work and school schedules often dictate when
we are able to travel. However, if you are afforded some
flexibility, it pays to research your destination’s high and low
seasons. It could save you significant time (less crowds)
and money (better rates).
Learn about the culture
The best part about traveling internationally is teaching
your kids about a culture that’s different from their own.
Travel books and online resources are readily available
and can help prep them for all kinds of exciting adventures.
Visit our Family Travel pages for more tips on planning an
educational vacation.
Talk about the food
Depending on where you’re going, this can be a tricky
venture in particular for picky eaters. All the more reason to
explore and talk about local foods ahead of time. Buffets are
often good choices abroad to offer a wide range of options.
Or visit an ethic restaurant or grocery store and plan a meal
or two to get them acquainted with what they may find on
the trip.
Discuss the importance of safety
Without scaring the kids too much, it is important to talk
about being vigilant and staying safe in a foreign country.
Depending on where you’re going, it’s important to talk
about being respectful of the culture and understanding the
differences. It’s always important to be vigilant and alert while
sight-seeing. Make sure you have a pre-determined meeting
area; know where the U.S. consulate or embassy is located
and show the kids what local law enforcement officers look
like if they get lost. If your children are younger, write down
your contact information on an index card and place it in
each child’s pocket.
Prepare for the long flight
Let your little ones pack their own small carry-on so they
can make decisions on activities to bring – coloring books,
electronics, headphones, you name it! Don’t sit idle in the
terminal. Let them burn off some energy before you board.
Many airports now have interactive play areas for kids. Our
Family Travel section has more tips on keeping your children
amused during the flight.
Pack smarter
Instead of having a suitcase for each person, mix up the
clothes inside. This way if one luggage gets lost or delayed,
one person isn’t completely out of luck. Again, have the
kids participate in packing so they can decide which favorite
outfits and toys they want to bring. And pack lightly! You can
(and should) repeat outfits. Most accommodations have
washers and dryers, but it’s a good idea to check ahead of
time just to be sure. Check out more Last-Minute Tips in our
Family Travel section.
Update your child’s teachers
As much as you try to avoid it, sometimes planning a trip
during the school year is your best option. If you need to
schedule a getaway while your little one is still in school,
work with his or her teachers to develop a plan. Not only
can your child do a little homework on the flight to avoid
getting far behind in classwork, they might be able to give
a presentation when you return about everything they’ve
learned. It’s never too early to start working on those public-
speaking skills!

8 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
BusinessTripBasics
Many of the international jetsetters we see are heading
off to a business trip. But, it doesn’t have to be all
business and no pleasure! From fighting jetlag to
squeezing in some incredible sightseeing, we’ll help you
make the most of your next international business trip.
Overcome jetlag faster
Often, there’s little time between stepping off the plane
and heading into your first meeting. Jetlag can easily
delay you from giving an important presentation or
impressing a key client. Instead of suffering through the
time change, these small changes could save your trip
and get you back on track faster.
• Shift your bedtime before you leave: Check the
time difference and start moving your bedtime by an
hour or two in the weeks leading up to your trip so
your body adjusts faster to your destination’s time
zone.
• Eat right: Choose the chicken breast instead of the
heavy pasta for your in-flight meal. A lighter, protein-
packed meal in the air will help you recover faster on
the ground.
• Avoid alcohol or caffeine: Don’t sip on anything that
might prevent you from sleeping those first couple of
nights. Keep yourself awake as long as possible, but
relaxed enough to fall right asleep when it’s time.
• Change your watch: It may sound simple but
before you take off, set your watch to the local time.
Getting your mind adjusted is part of the battle. Avoid
calculating what time it would be at home – that may
just make you even more tired.
Schedule sightseeing
We know your schedule is probably going to be packed
with meetings and important dinners. Even if you only
have 30 free minutes, squeeze in any opportunity to see
the sights. Try these tips:
• If you book your own travel, choose a hotel located
near attractions. Keep in mind, prices will be higher
near the hottest sights.
• Talk with the concierge as soon as you arrive to
identify the quick tours or must-try restaurants you can
squeeze in before you leave.
• If appropriate, suggest meeting your contact at a
museum café or a restaurant near an area you’d like
to explore. What could be better than talking shop in a
restaurant within walking distance of the Louvre?
• Give yourself a little extra time when you’re heading
back to the U.S., especially if you’re gaining time when
you fly back. Those extra minutes will pay off as you
marvel about life’s mysteries at Stonehenge.
Use your phone
It’s critical to check your phone plan before you leave.
If you want to use your smartphone to stay connected
to the office, or your loved ones, you’ll need to do a little
pre-trip planning.
Most major U.S. carriers offer pay-as-you-use-it voice
and data packages for customers traveling overseas.
Check your carrier’s website for the cost of roaming fees
for calls, text messages and data.
If you’re a frequent overseas traveler, consider
upgrading your plan to include international travel.
These packages add an extra fee to your monthly bill,
but will “unlock” your phone to use anywhere in the
world.
Make sure you can drive
While many countries will accept your U.S. license,
some will not. If you are traveling to an English-speaking
country, you should be just fine. For those traveling to
a non-English-speaking country, consider getting an
International Driving Permit (IDP). The permit will allow
you to get behind the wheel of vehicles in more than
150 countries.
You can get an IDP from AAA or the National Auto Club.
Just visit one of these organizations with your valid U.S.
driver’s license, $15 and two passport-size photos. The
entire process should take around half an hour, and you
can walk out with your permit. No driving test required! If
you cannot visit an office, just fill out the application and
send it to one of the organizations. Mail requests are
usually processed in two days.
Remember that the IDP is just a permit. You will still
need to present your U.S. license to drive a vehicle.
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FrequentlyAsked
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International
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International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
BusinessTripBasics (continued)
Be on your best behavior
Even if you’re well acquainted with the customer or
client you’re flying to visit, it’s important to research
common etiquette and culture for your destination. A
guidebook and a quick Google search are great places
to start. Understanding nuances, like Spanish business
dinners lasting long into the night, Germans preferring
to avoid business talk at a meal and Japanese people
appreciating the time you take to admire their business
card, will keep you from accidentally offending your
hosts or their colleagues.
If you’re traveling to a non-English-speaking country,
try to learn a few basic phrases in the native language.
While no one will expect you to be fluent, being able to
say, “hello,” “thank you” and “nice to meet you” will go a
long way.
Gift giving can cause another sticky situation. In
some countries, like Poland, China or Hong Kong, a
gift is expected. Elsewhere, like Portugal, Finland or
Venezuela, gifts are only expected if you’re making
multiple trips, and in countries like the U.K., Australia
and Italy, gifts are infrequently given. Guidebooks will
help you determine whether you need to bring a gift and
what kind would be well received.

10 Published December 2015 | www.TheFastPark.com
FrequentlyAsked
Questions
Business Trip
Basics
International
Travel
International
Trips
First-Time
Travelers
Tips for
Families
FrequentlyAskedQuestions
We asked around and found some of the most
frequently asked questions about international travel.
Did we miss your question? Ask us on Facebook or
Twitter, and we’ll find an answer for you!
1) How can I pay less for my plane
ticket?
We know international travel can be pricey. Our blog
post about when to book your flight helps suggest good
times to purchase your tickets; but the number of days
before your trip is only part of the equation.
You might also save money if you are able to book your
flight out of one city and into another. For example, if
you live in Washington, D.C., you could save some
money by booking your flight out of DCA and your return
flight into BWI. Don’t forget to drop your car off at BWI
before you leave then hop on the Metro!
2) Do I really need travelers
insurance?
The short – and indecisive – answer is maybe. Travelers
insurance can cover trip cancelations, lost luggage and
even medical expenses during your trip. The price you’ll
pay varies by the state you live in and what is included
in each package, so you can tailor your insurance to
your needs. Do your research before you buy and make
sure you’re not purchasing more insurance than you
need.
3) Where can I find travel warnings?
The U.S Department of State keeps all alerts and
warnings updated on its website. Alerts are generally
issued for any events travelers should be aware of, for
example, an upcoming election that could draw protests
or an area prone to hurricanes during a specific season.
Usually, it’s fairly safe to travel during these types of
events, as long as you are aware of your surroundings.
Travel warnings are much more serious. These are
issued when the State Department suggests you
reconsider your visit to a country because of civil war,
frequent terror attacks or general unrest. For some
countries, like Iraq, Afghanistan or North Korea, travel
warnings can be in place for many years.
4) What can I bring home?
Whether you’re a coffee lover trying to bring home a few
bags of a great new blend or you found an exotic fruit
your loved ones have to try, you likely won’t get them
past customs officers. When you arrive at U.S. customs,
you’ll be asked to declare any fruits, vegetables or plant
products you plan to bring back. If your specialty coffee
isn’t on the list of permitted items, get ready to leave it at
the airport. The USDA has a full list of regulations about
what you can and can’t bring back with you.
5) What if I lose my passport?
Misplacing your passport in a foreign country can be
scary, but don’t panic. Ask your hotel concierge to help
you find the U.S. embassy and the staff there will help.
They will ask you for a passport-size photo, identification
(i.e. a driver’s license), proof of citizenship (i.e. your
birth certificate), your itinerary, a police report if your
passport was stolen, a completed DS-11 application
and a competed DS-64 statement about lost or stolen
passports.
They understand you probably won’t have a birth
certificate and may not have your driver’s license. Just
stay calm, the embassy staff will help you get back
home.
6) Do I need shots or a visa?
The need for a visa or immunizations varies by country.
The State Department’s website is a great resource to
see requirements for any country you’d like to visit.
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