American Express Travel: Tips for Safe Travels
Ready to escape from it all with a great vacation? American Express Travel has compiled these handy tips and resources to help get you started.
Whether you're thinking about exploring the great outdoors, relaxing on the beach, or just planning an upcoming holiday getaway— it's time to book your next vacation. We've compiled the latest information, resources and helpful tips to ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to Stay Informed: Travel Resources
Planning ahead is the first step to a positive vacation experience, whether you’re traveling locally or abroad. Having your documents in order, staying up to date about any travel advisories and restrictions, having emergency contacts handy and more are all key to enjoying your upcoming getaway.
- Sites like sherpao have information related to travel guidance, restrictions and government requirements. This includes information at a state and country level.†
- World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates.
- U.S. state-specific travel rules.
Hotel Safety
From safety policies, to access to dining and attractions, to available amenities, to hours of operation, to cancellation policies – be sure to have a good understanding of what to expect to avoid any confusion. You can also contact your hotel directly to see how they are focusing on guest safety, which may include mobile keys with encryption, in-room safes, disinfection and cleaning, contactless payment and more. You can find information directly from most of the hotels we work with, including Hilton and Marriott, or choose from a dropdown list here.
Airline Safety
If you're thinking about booking a flight for your upcoming trip, be sure to review the policies of your airline of choice. From flight schedule changes, to baggage and safety requirements, to cancellation policies and beyond, you can check your specific airline's policies directly, including those from major carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines. To view the latest health, travel hygiene and safety policy information, you can select your airline from a list here.
Booking Cruises and Tours
Much like hotels and airlines, you'll need to stay in-the-know about travel requirements, cancellation policies, safety information and more if you've booked a tour package or a cruise. Major cruise lines like Celebrity, Princess and Holland America, for example, have created helpful FAQ pages to help keep you informed. The same is true with major tour providers like Abercrombie & Kent and Kensington. For more information, view our travel help center.
Travel Documents to Have
From flying, to checking in at your hotel, to booking excursions, rental cars and beyond, you’re going to need ID and, depending on where you’re traveling, proof of vaccination. Before leaving home, be sure you have this important documentation with you and easily accessible, including:
- Any official documentation such as Driver’s license or Travel ID
- Flight tickets
- Reservation information
If traveling internationally, depending on location, you’ll need:
- Proof of citizenship, such as a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised seal – or a valid passport. (Tip: Apply for your passport well in advance of your international travel date. U.S. Passport Offices are experiencing backlogs that are causing major processing delays.)
- Travel visa, if required by the country you are visiting.
- Customs declaration form, provided by flight attendants.
- Covid-19 and/or other country-specific vaccination records (The State Department provides updated information about country-specific vaccine requirements for travel abroad.)
Things to Pack on International Flights
To make travel even smoother on those long flights, be sure to pack key items in your carry-on bag, so they’re readily available regardless of delays or cancellations:
- Mobile Device(s)
- Device Charger(s)
- Travel Adapters
- Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses and Solution
- Extra Masks/Hand Sanitizer (COVID-19 or compromised immune system)
- Wallet/Purse (with emergency cash, credit cards)
- Essential Medications (consider taking extra in case of any delays.)
- House/Car Keys (for your return home)
- Umbrella
- Special dietary snacks (e.g. gluten-, diary-, peanut-free items, vegetarian or kosher snacks) in case of long gate delay)
Travel Safety Tips
Regardless of where you travel, whether it's domestically or internationally, it’s important to stay safe. Before you go, be sure to research the area you’ll be visiting. When traveling abroad, check current advisories and sign up to receive up-to-the-minute alerts about your destination in areas across the globe. In addition, before you travel, be sure to:
- Check for any weather advisories in the U.S. and abroad.
- Be aware of common tourist scams.
- Research foreign currency ahead of time.
- Keep documents safe and have paper backup versions.
- Know before you go. From health and travel insurance, to information for students traveling abroad, travelers with disabilities, LGBTQI+ travelers and more, this is an excellent source of information for those headed to international destinations.
Are You Traveling with a Pet?
According to a recent survey, approximately 78% of Americans who have pets travel with them each year. For a pet-friendly vacation experience, keep in mind that travel requirements, costs and policies often change, so check with the airline, the hotel and the country you're traveling to before booking.
No matter where your travels take you, knowing the facts can go a long way in keeping you informed and in control for a more relaxed travel experience.
†sherpa and Travel Vitals are third party websites that are provided for informational purposes only; American Express does not (in any manner) verify or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided on those websites; by clicking “Learn More” you will leave AmexTravel.com and be directed to those websites. Always review applicable government websites for travel restrictions and requirements before booking and traveling.