A TRIP GONE WRONG? HOW TO AVOID IT!

    In 31 days we take off for 31 days to explore Europe, with a pit stop to Morocco. With our backpacks picked out and all the little gadgets we will need for our trip, we are ready to take this exciting journey. I mean what can go wrong? I know things can happen and planes can be missed or delayed. Heck, we already had a flight change without even knowing it. Good thing I was checking all our flights before we left.  The last time I flew to Europe I missed my connecting flight and had to sleep at the JFK airport overnight in NYC. That trip had disaster after disaster happening the whole way until I finally made it home. I want to make sure we don't have a repeat of that nightmare.

   Having a hassle free trip will let you focus on enjoying your vacation. A few weeks before you leave, make sure you have checked all of these things off your list. 

1. Reconfirm Flights: always check your flights a month before you depart on your trip. Your flight can apparently change not only the times, but a whole day without your knowledge. 

2. Copies: Always keep a photo copy of your passport, credit cards your traveling with, hotel confirmations, and flight numbers. 

3.   Give yourself TIME: Always give yourself time to get to the airport or train station. Having to sleep overnight at an airport is not fun. Having to wait for hours to catch another Euro rail train isn't that great either. Show up at least 2 hours ahead of time to get to your next destination. 

4. First Aid Kit: Make sure you pack your Airbourne, aspirin, Ibuprophen, band aids, neosporin, Pepto Bismol, and Zantac. You never know when you'll need to medicate yourself while traveling overseas. Having to go out in unfamiliar territory to find medication can be a hassle. 

5. Travel Insurance: Before leaving on a long trip, make sure you have travelers insurance. If something was to happen while traveling abroad, you health insurance at home will not cover you. Having coverage if you need an emergency evacuation back to the U. S. can save you thousands of dollars.