Page 9 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

1 Make sure your passport is up to date.

Many countries now require that your passport be valid for six months
a er your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need

to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. (Ideally you should have
your application in six months before you depart.) Remember, you can
renew a passport even if it has not yet expired. For more information, visit
www.travel.state.gov/passport.

2
Check on visa requirements.
You may need a visa to visit certain countries. The requirements are
always changing, and places where Americans could once travel visa-free

may now have di erent standards. Some visas can be obtained at the airport
where you land or issued online (e-visas). Others are still issued on paper
and could conceivably involve an embassy visit. Fees range from $50 to $200.
If you’re traveling with a travel company, they will likely o er a visa service

to handle the details. If not, check visa requirements well ahead of your
departure, starting with the Country Information section of the U.S. State
Department website (www.travel.state.gov).

3
Enroll in STEP.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service o ered
by the U.S. State Department for U.S. citizens or nationals traveling abroad. It
enrolls your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your destination,
so you can be better assisted in case of an emergency. By enrolling you can
receive travel alerts; get instructions in case of natural disasters or civil unrest;
get help with serious legal, medical, or financial issues; and have a point of
contact in case of a family emergency. This is a great service for any traveler,
but especially for women traveling solo.

4
Get a medical and dental checkup prior to your trip.

It goes without saying that you want to feel your best while overseas.
Consider this your reminder to set those appointments now.

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