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The term "travel vacation" probably brings to mind finding your swimsuit and sandals. But there are a few key things you can take care of before your travel vacation that can really boost your enjoyment. First ensure that you have obtained a valid passport when traveling outside the US. Next book your spa and shore excursions online. Lastly assess your credit and cash situation to make sure you aren't caught off guard during your dream cruise. These may seem like small steps but they can add up to a travel vacation disaster if you don't take care of them.

Depending on where your travel vacation takes you it is a good idea to get or renew your passport. Recent changes in US law mean that a passport is required to reenter the States from Mexico and the Caribbean. If you already have a passport check the expiration date and make sure it has blank pages. You don't want to be on the high seas when you realize that it expired a month before or worse during your trip.

Those who don't yet have a passport should pay the extra money for faster processing in order to get it as soon as possible before your trip. Make a few copies of your passport before the trip. They will come in handy if yours is lost or stolen. It's a great idea to put one in your suitcase and give one to your emergency contact back in the states.

A month or so before your travel vacation you'll receive your documents. These contain vital information about the amenities on your ship shore excursions and all the activities available. You can probably make your reservations online. Those who wait until they board their cruise ship to do this will find a long line and inconvenient times available. If you book ahead you can step on board knowing that your spa appointment was not booked during dinner.

Many people book a travel vacation to celebrate a milestone like a birthday honeymoon or anniversary. To make your festivities extraordinary check with your cruise line to see what kinds of special packages are available. It's a great idea to do this well in advance of your trip so that there is plenty of time to make arrangements. It's best not to risk disappointment by waiting until you are at sea to request twelve dozen orange roses.

One of the most important things you can take care of before your special travel vacation is to assess the amount of credit you have access to. Whether you must pay down your balance move money around or simply open another card you need to know as soon as possible. Upon check in expect that your cruise line will place a hold on your credit card to cover incidentals during your stay. You can expect a hold ranging anywhere from $50-200 per day.

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It is a great idea to call ahead and find out your cruise line's policy. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a hotel or rent a car since there will be multiple holds on your credit card. Even though your charges are adjusted to reflect the money you actually spent it can take several days for it all to catch up. You don't want to find out that your card is declined during your trip because of holds.

A few days before leaving you'll want to get some cash. Even though you'll use your credit card a lot there are times when you'll need cash. Because of the high rate of fraud traveler's checks aren't taken as often as they used to. Most ships these days have ATMs but you can count on a high fee and they sometimes run empty. When you're on shore you'll find that street vendors and smaller merchants will only accept cash. Recognize your cruise ship staff for all their great service with cash tips. To avoid a lot of inconvenience on your dream vacation pack some cash.

Even a chaotic person can get organized for a travel vacation. Just a little bit of preparation can ensure that you arrive at your ship prepared to delight in every minute of your travel vacation. Make sure your passport is current reserve your shore excursions and spa appointments ahead of time and assess your credit and cash needs. These are small steps that will help make sure you are able to relax and truly enjoy your travel vacation. Make sure you pack your sandals and swimsuit!