Traveling out of the country is exciting! One of the most beautiful and relaxing places on earth is the Bahamas. Once making the decision to travel, there are a few things you and your travel mates should do to prepare. Keep this checklist handy as you prepare for your first time crossing the border!

Get Your Passport

The first thing you will need to do when deciding to travel outside of the United States is obtain your passport. Applying is simple and can be done at your local post office. You can ask your local office for a form or visit the U.S. Department of State’s How to Apply for a Passport. It can take up to six weeks to receive your passport in the mail after filling, so be sure to get the process started as soon as you know when you would like to travel. In extreme circumstances at an additional cost, you can utilize an expedited service and get your passport in three weeks. Once it comes in the mail, make a copy of your passport to have with you in the event yours is lost or stolen.

Learn about the Area

Once you find the place you would like to travel, it is important to get to know the area. While you won’t fully know until you arrive, there are some things you can search for online in advance. As you find hotels you are interested in, check out the area. Is there a lot of crime? What is it like? Does it have all the amenities you are looking for? Are there any travel warnings? One of the best ways you can find out more information is by visiting the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program’s website. It is a free service that will keep you in touch with the area’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If anything is going on in the area you should know about, it will tell you. Also, look to see what the currency of the country is and what the conversions are from the U.S. dollar. Upon arrival, get local cash in case certain areas do not accept American money or credit cards.

Credit Cards and Phones

Speaking of credit cards, it’s important to notify your credit card company and bank that you will be traveling. Why? As a form of protection, your credit card company or bank may consider your out-of-the country transactions as abnormal. Once this activity is detected, they will turn off your card. To avoid this from happening, simply call companies that you will be using those cards in and inform them when you will be traveling and where. Next, you’ll want to take some precautionary measures with your smartphone so your bill doesn’t skyrocket. Contact your phone provider to look into plans for your international travel. You can also download apps to enable you to text, such as WhatsApp. This app is compatible with both Android and iPhone. It also allows you to call people as well.

One of the most gorgeous places you can travel overseas is the Exuma, Bahamas. From Bonefishing and sightseeing, to spending afternoons on the beach, you will love this relaxing experience. During your travels, make the most of your trip and contact Bonefish Drex. We offer Bonefishing and sightseeing tours, as well as boat rentals and massages. Be sure to read up on the ins and outs of Exuma Bonefishing for first timers. Contact us at 242-357-0243 to see how we can make your trip memorable.