7 Important Documents To Take On Every Trip
When you take a trip, you undoubtedly need at least your driver’s license and/or passport and now even your proof of vaccination card, but there are other documents that you may want to consider carrying with you. One of the things I’ve picked up for peace of mind is traveling with copies of everything in multiple places (1) in my suitcase (2) in my travel wallet inside my personal item bag and then (3) I have copies saved to my files folder on my phone so they can be accessed even if there is no wifi. If you ever were to lose originals of your license or passport on a trip, then with these copies you can at least identify yourself to authorities wherever you are. It’s better to take fifteen or twenty minutes before a trip to square all of this way than to be put hours or days out of your way should something happen on a trip. I also should mention that it’s not a bad idea to always register with the embassy of wherever you’re going in case of danger or unforeseen occurrences like natural disasters. Here’s what I keep copies of:
1.Passport and Visa
You want to make sure your passport copies are fully visible and preferably in color. You also want to make sure you are keeping your passport and copies.some place where it’s protected from water damage or tears because this is the main document that needs to be visible in full. It’s also not a bad idea to use a mobile passport app like Verifly that allows you to have an official version on your device should something happen to the hardcopy. A visa is not required for every country, but when you must have one it’s important to keep it with your passport while traveling.
2.Driver’s License
Scan the front and back of your license and if possible put them on the same sheet or into one document. Your license is verification of your identity, which is why it is now scanned at TSA. Even if you were to lose it, they could look at you and then look at your license copy to verify that you are the same person in the picture. It may not completely clear you, but it would at least be a start to getting your trip back on track if something were to happen.
3.Social Security Card and/or Birth Certificate
A copy of this is not absolutely necessary, but you never know when you may end up in a situation where you have to prove your citizenship, nationality or identity and these two documents (aside from your passport) are the only official ways to do that.
4.Proof of Negative Covid Test (for international trips)
This is a new addition to travel documentation and is in fact required for international travel currently. You cannot board most flights without proof of a negative covid test. The documentation must show a verified tester, the type of test you received, the date, time, results, your full name and birthdate.
5.Proof of Covid Vaccination
Currently you’re not required to show this but in the event that authorities suspect you may have covid or are showing similar symptoms, it may be beneficial to show that you’ve at least been vaccinated. This may prevent your having to quarantine in another country or from having to be seriously inconvenienced.
6.A Trip Itinerary Including Flight Information and Accommodations
A trip itinerary is beneficial when traveling because if you ever were to be misplaced from your belongings or something unfortunate were to happen, people will have a means of tracing your steps and knowing where you were supposed to be and at what time. It’s also helpful because when you go through immigration, you typically have to disclose the address and/or phone number of where you are staying. It’s helpful to have a copy of your reservation details or an itinerary that lists all of this information in one place.
7.Emergency contact information
Again, in the case of an incident, it’s important that people know who to contact. You’ll want to list at least two or three people and all of their information including phone numbers and email addresses. You also may want to list your medical and insurance information as well.
