1.

Get prepared

If you want to travel the world, there are some planning measures you want to take first to
ensure you have durable luggage and the proper documents — a passport and possibly
visas — and figuring out how much time off you’ll need.

But first:

Get your documents in order

Those in the U.S. will want an up-to-date driver’s license because by Oct. 1, 2020, all U.S.
residents traveling domestically must have identification compliant with the Real-ID Act,
which increased security requirements for state drivers licenses and ID cards.

Residents in 24 states including Alaska, California, Idaho, Maine, Oregon and Washington
have until Oct. 10, 2018 get a Real-ID compliant card, though states have the option to apply
for exemptions through Oct. 1, 2020 when the last phase of the Real-ID Act is enforced,
meaning residents in those states should regularly check the status of their IDs before flying.

For travel outside of the U.S., passport cards or trusted traveler cards can serve as documents
at certain land and sea crossings. But you’ll want to make sure you have a passport book if
there’s any chance you might leave or enter another country via plane, where passport cards
won’t work.

Already have a passport? You’ll want check if it’s valid for at least six months after planned
trips. That’s because some countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Russia make this a
requirement for entering their countries. Renewing a passport takes at least six to eight weeks
through the mail, but those with proof of international travel (like a flight itinerary) can get
an expedited passport renewal for an additional $60 to the $110 fee and by visiting a passport
center in person.

International travel could also require a visa depending on the location and duration of your
trip. Some countries have agreements in place that allow travelers to enter and leave visa free.
For example, the U.S. and Canada don’t require visas for travel (except in certain
circumstances), and Europe’s 26 Schengen States have a system where a visa issued by one of
the 26 states typically allows travel throughout the others for up to 90 days.

To find out if your trip requires a visa, check your destination’s embassy or consulate website.
Some countries will allow you to travel visa-free for a short stay. Others, like Lebanon, also
allow citizens from destinations like the U.S. to get a visa upon arrival.

Get your vacation dates in order

Working while traveling can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can take that don’t
involve quitting your job to travel the world.

Start by saving vacation days if you work at a company that pays out for these dates. Those
looking to trade in vacation days can also check out companies like PTO Exchange, which
lets companies buy back unused vacation days so employees can convert these days into
travel, health benefits or charity credits.