Hot Tips for Preparing for International Travel (Revisited for 2025)
The travel industry is definitely booming and many travelers, tired of local haunts, are heading to far-flung destinations post-pandemic. At Curated Travel, our clients are headed to St. Lucia, Bora Bora, Cancun, South Africa, Germany, European River Cruises, the British Isles, Slovenia, France, and the always-popular Italy in the next several months. With 3 trips to Europe last year and Italy on my horizon later this month, I will attest that travel is back and more exciting than ever!
The travel industry is booming, and many travelers, tired of local haunts, are heading to far-flung destinations. At Curated Travel, our clients are headed to the Lake District of Italy, Bora Bora, European River Cruises, the British Isles, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, France, and the ever-popular Italy in the next several months. With 3 trips to Europe last year and Italy on my horizon later this month, I will attest that travel is back and more exciting than ever!
Hot Tips for International Travel
Pack your passport first (be sure it’s valid for 6 months or more post-return). Your passport is your most essential item for international travel. Take a picture of the info page and upload it to your phone in case your passport is lost during travel.
Check the website of your airline for luggage sizes and weight limits. If you can manage to pack your essentials in a carry-on only (and congrats!!) do it! If not, I strongly recommend packing a ‘capsule collection’ of basics and necessities in your carry-on in case of delayed luggage.
While you are checking the airline website be sure you have created your account and have the latest apps (including airline entertainment apps) downloaded before travel. Check-in 24 hours before travel and turn on notifications for any changes.
Contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them of your upcoming international travel and charges.
Call your cell phone company for the best international phone plan options during travel. Travel Hack: If you keep your phone in airplane mode for your entire trip, you can use your phone functions on free wifi at hotels, cafes, and airports with ease.
Purchase a universal adapter or two to use in the hotels for plugging in phone chargers and computers, or request one at your hotel. Check the voltage ratings in the small print on your electrical items. Most are rated for 100-240V; however, some are rated only for 125V (my blow dryer), which requires a converter from 220V to 110V US to European Converter.
Download WhatsApp on your phone for free international texting and video calling with family and friends (be sure they have the app too!). For our travel clients, WhatsApp is frequently used by our international travel partners to keep in close contact with tours/guides/transfers while you travel.
Bring your state driver’s license if you plan to rent a scooter during an excursion. If you plan to rent a car, an International Driving Permit is strongly recommended. It’s easy to obtain ahead of your travels from the American Automobile Association here.
For dining abroad, apps like TheFork are available internationally for easy booking. Use the Michelin Guide (one of our preferred partners) for more dining and travel inspiration.
Download a language translation app like TripLingo, or, better yet, learn the language before you travel.
UPDATE: Here I am, packing for my spring trip to Italy for 2 weeks at a luxury travel event. I couldn’t quite believe I was able to manage it all (fancy events included) in carry-on luggage only. Trust me, it was so freeing not to worry about my luggage arriving with me. It was also freeing not to be schlepping extra baggage around for 2 weeks.
Notes on Packing: After too many experiences with delayed luggage, I’m a recent convert to carry-on-only luggage (I use a small roller bag plus a Beis Mini Weekender and a small crossbody bag). If you do check bags I highly recommend creating a ‘curated capsule’ in your carryon of at least 2 multi-use outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, makeup/haircare basics, deodorant, toothbrush/paste, medications, and scarves/jewelry to change up your look. If you do check a bag toss in an Apple Air Tag to track your luggage. I’ve written several articles about the fine art of packing for longer trips. Read more about my travel advisor packing strategies, including the essential Carryon Capsule Collection here. If you are curious about how I survived for 6 days at my first luxury travel event in Italy with NO Luggage read here.
Spending power: Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere these days- including from your phone with digital wallets. That said, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially for tipping or smaller purchases. Also, you will want to tip tour guides and drivers along the way in cash.
You can exchange for cash at the airport OR you can request your transfer/taxi driver make a quick stop at a local ATM on the way to your hotel for lower exchange rates.
Please note, Apple and other payment apps are widely used in Europe these days so going as wallet-free as possible is a good security tip. My husband learned this the hard way when pickpocketed on his first day in Lisbon. For your cash, use a money belt or clip and never put your wallet in your back pocket. For women, I’m all about the cross-body bag.
HOT Tip: My husband has started bringing home some leftover currency like euros or pesos to ease our arrival on our next trip to the destination.
Notes on tipping: Tips are usually included in the meal price (check the receipt) so it is not necessary to tip at a restaurant unless service is above and beyond. In Europe, your server typically won’t bring your bill until you request it. Essentially, the table is yours for the evening if you like. That said, tours/transfers/guides do not include tips in the pricing. In Italy/France the common practice for transfers with a short drive is €10-20, for a long drive is €40-50, and for private guides, a full day is €50 and a half day is €30.
HOT TIP - When you leave your hotel, grab a business card with the hotel address and phone number included or snap a photo of it. If you get lost (and don’t happen to meet an English speaker), showing a taxi driver or a passerby the card with the address is extremely helpful, even with a language barrier. If you have an itinerary app (such as UMAPPED which I create for my clients) show them the hotel address on the app to keep it simple.
My Must-Haves 2025 -
Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds (Noise-canceling)
Makeup Case (and I love this hanging bag too - Toiletry Bag)
I hope this list of tips for international travel is helpful as you prepare for your upcoming travels.
Ciao! Ciao!
Heather
Contact us to help make your travel dreams come true!
Lake Garda: Mercurial, Magical and Idyllic
Arriving at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an event in and of itself. Our driver whisked us through majestic gates, past antique statuary and formal gardens to this stately, historic property. It sits on 12 acres on the peninsula just north of Sirmione and is bordered on both sides by Lake Garda. This location yields the most amazing lake views from all angles.
Here I am! Popping back in with a blog post on my trip to Italy back in April. It’s hard to believe I’ve already returned to Europe for two weeks since I last posted. Needless to say, I’m catching up and am excited to have some new favorite destinations to share!
Here’s the scoop: Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, was one of my absolute favorite stays of this trip. I was invited to visit by the wonderful team at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel as a pre-stay before the Travelux luxury travel event in Venice. Trust me, it was an unforgettable experience.
Arriving at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an event in and of itself. Our driver whisked us through ornate gates, past antique statuary and formal gardens to this stately, luxurious and historic property. It sits on 12 acres on the peninsula just north of charming Sirmione and is bordered on both sides by Lake Garda rimmed with majestic mountains.
As you can imagine, this location yields the most amazing lake views from all angles.
As we pulled up to the hotel, I was greeted by the staff and our host, General Manager Giacomo Grossi, with a welcome drink and escorted to my spacious, luxurious suite where gifts and goodies awaited.
This is a tour of my lake view suite. The view is stunning as is the Murano glass chandelier!
The next day, graced with sunshine, a scenic boat ride on Lake Garda and a festive wine tasting at Contithun were on the itinerary.
Our select group of international travel advisors was invited to experience the charms of Villa Cortine Palace. We enjoyed luxury accommodations, private tours of the historic hotel, grounds and gardens, gourmet dining with impeccable service at Il Molo, cocktails at Maria Callas bar & bistro, and enjoyed a wonderful time together thanks to our gracious host, Giacomo Grossi.
As you can imagine, we were all thrilled to be traveling in Europe again, and to be here was magical.
A tour of the historic Villa Cortine Palace Hotel
This video is a peek of the historical section of the hotel by our host, Giacomo Grossi.
Not only is the rich history of the property celebrated, but there are also modern touches like the luxurious linens, designer bath products, and the oh-so-chic beach club and dock.
My thanks to Giacomo Grossi for the fabulous stay and the introduction to magical Lake Garda.
I can hardly wait to introduce this property to my Italy-loving clients.
To learn more about travel to Italy contact us.
Up next: Venice
Grazie Mille!
Heather
Announcing: Our Third Curated Travel Group Cruise Setting sail in Oct 2022 (Greece is the Word!)
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us. Bon Voyage!
In 2019 we set sail on our second Curated Travel group cruise on the Mediterranean/Adriatic on Azamara. We enjoyed ourselves, our fellow cruisers, and the fabulous destinations more than we ever imagined. Though we had to postpone for 2021, we are happy to announce that we are doing it again in 2022. This time, Greece is the word, and we would love for you to join us!
Itinerary: Greece Intensive Oct. 15-22, 2022
(8 Days/7 nights)
Sailing on the Azamara Quest (small-mid size 686 passengers)
Athens to Athens
Athens - Tinos - Mykonos - Ephesus - Rhodes - Crete - Santorini - Athens
Club Ocean View Stateroom - *$2,599 per person - double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
Club Veranda Stateroom - *$3,439 per person- double occupancy (excludes port taxes & fees).
This is also a Virtuoso Voyage available through Curated Travel: Virtuoso Guests booked in a Club Ocean View or higher category will enjoy an additional $100 USD shipboard credit per person.
Contact us to add your name to our group and reserve your stateroom.
View Cruise Details
We would love to have you join us (the second one was EPIC!).
Excited? Invite a friend to join our group! (Only fun travelers allowed.)
Bon Voyage!
Καλό ταξίδι
Heather & Scott Lindstrom,
Curated Travel
FAQ:
What are the all-inclusive amenities included for all guests?
Complimentary AzAmazing Evenings® event (on most voyages)
Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from port communities, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations
Does Azamara require vaccinations?
Currently, Azamara requires travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Revisiting Los Cabos for 2021 (plus a chic stay at Viceroy Los Cabos)
Hola Los Cabos, we missed you!! As I shared in a previous postcard here on the blog we flew to the desert meets the sea mecca of Los Cabos last May. The first several days we stayed at the chic, design crush Viceroy Los Cabos where we enjoyed stunning views, stellar service, sunsets from the rooftop deck, and PURE relaxation. As one of our Curated Travel preferred partners, it was exciting to experience this fabulous resort, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, firsthand.
Hola Los Cabos, we missed you!! As I shared in a previous postcard here on the blog we flew to the desert meets the sea mecca of Los Cabos last May. The first several days we stayed at the chic, design crush Viceroy Los Cabos where we enjoyed stunning views, stellar service, sunsets from the rooftop deck, and PURE relaxation. As one of our Curated Travel preferred partners, it was exciting to experience this fabulous resort, on the beach in San Jose del Cabo, firsthand.
A tour of our suite at Viceroy Los Cabos
(…and what’s not love about a bed and a bath on the balcony?)
Another of our preferred partners is the Auberge group and we thoroughly enjoyed our hosted visit to the iconic, sun-drenched Esperanza perched on the corridor near Cabo San Lucas.
On our itinerary was also a visit to the stylish and family friendly Chileno Bay, also an Auberge Resort.
Our beachside dinner at Sea Grill at Las Ventanas al Paraiso was a delicious treat.
A quick stop to check out the bougainvillea decked Mar del Cabo by Grand Velas Resorts.
A stop in San Jose del Cabo is a must when visiting the area of Los Cabos! Known as the slower-paced, artsier sister of the fishing village turned party scene turned luxury vibes of Cabo San Lucas. We love exploring the area around historic Plaza Mijares, the colorful streets, unique galleries, chic boutiques, and fabulous dining options in San Jose del Cabo.
Los Cabos at a Glance:
To Stay: Viceroy Los Cabos, Esperanza, Chileano Bay Resort & Residences, Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Le Blanc, Montage Los Cabos and the chic boutique hotel Mar del Cabo by Velas Resorts.
*Contact us to book with VIP perks and upgrades through Virtuoso
To Dine: Acre, Flora Farms, Cielo Rooftop at the Viceroy, Cocina del Mar (at Esperanza), 7 Seas Seafood Grill, El Farallon (at Waldorf Astoria Pedregal), French Riveria Restaurant, the Sea Grill at Las Ventanas and Choriarte in San Jose del Cabo.
To Do: Visit the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk (Thursday evenings November-June), hit up the taco stands in town, order ceviche, chips, and guacamole at the pool at noon, swim/water sports at Santa Maria Beach (in front of Montage), rent a car for a day for a spin along the coast to Todo Santos.
Our thanks to the Viceroy Los Cabos and the Auberge Hotels group for the lovely stays and visits.
Contact us to curate your next getaway here.
French Polynesia and the Breathtaking islands of Moorea & Bora Bora: A Visual Journal
When you dream of visiting a destination for your entire adult life you suspect it has the ability to take your breath away. In July, following a nearly year-long postponement, we were finally living this exact moment in French Polynesia, and we realized the beauty is absolutely as breathtaking as we had dreamed. I hope these images will speak for themselves of the tropical beauty we experienced on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.
French Polynesia: shimmering turquoise waters, fragrant tropical breezes, the shade of magnificent palms, glowing sherbet sunrises over the lagoon, all sprinkled with sugar-sand beaches.
When you dream of visiting a destination for your entire adult life you suspect it has the ability to take your breath away. In July, following a nearly year-long postponement, we were finally living this exact moment in French Polynesia, and we realized the beauty is absolutely as breathtaking as we had dreamed. I hope these images will speak for themselves of the tropical beauty we experienced on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.
First stop: Moorea
(Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort)
Next Stop: Bora Bora
(Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Spa)
Arriving by plane and private boat to the Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
A peek at our luxurious Diamond Villa Otemanu (with sweeping views of Mount Otemanu) and a video tour.
We couldn’t resist a spa day, with a couple’s massage, at Deep Ocean Thalasso Spa.
I celebrated a ‘BIG’ milestone birthday in Bora Bora. Turns out it was completely painless in an overwater bungalow, with room service, views of Mount Otemanu, sunrise swims, and my sweet husband.
Thank you to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Spa Resort and the Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso Spa Resort for making our celebratory stays so memorable.
To learn more about travel to French Polynesia and/or to book your getaway to a true tropical paradise Contact Us at Curated Travel.
Curated Travel Bio is Featured on CADENCE Travel
It was an unexpected surprise to pop open Instagram and see my Curated Travel bio featured on the CADENCE Travel Blog earlier this week. Since I joined the luxury travel agency team, as an independent travel advisor back in 2018, I’ve received the warmest welcome, made invaluable international connections, and gained a wealth of resources to enhance the art of travel for my clients. Not to mention the amazing travel opportunities that have come my way in the last three years. Thank you to CADENCE for the lovely shoutout for my travel business and the entrepreneurial life.
Heather Lindstrom, Founder/Luxury Travel Advisor at Curated Travel
“ Sharing the gift of travel with my clients brings me true joy”
It was an unexpected surprise to pop open Instagram and see my Curated Travel bio featured on the CADENCE Travel Blog earlier this week. Since I joined the luxury travel agency team, as an independent travel advisor back in 2018, I’ve received the warmest welcome, made invaluable international connections, and gained a wealth of resources to enhance the art of travel for my clients. Not to mention the amazing travel opportunities that have come my way in the last three years. Thank you to CADENCE for the lovely shoutout for my travel business and the entrepreneurial life.
And yes, as the post mentions, we are headed to a bucket-list tropical destination in the very near future. Follow along with us on this ‘pandemic postponed’ milestone adventure on our Curated Travel Instagram.
Thanks for being here today,
Cheers! Heather
