Hi there,

As travel plans continue to evolve this year, staying informed can make all the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth, enjoyable experience. This month, we are sharing practical travel tips - along with a few lessons from our own travels - to help you prepare for your next adventure, especially if you are heading overseas.

✈️ Europe Travel Updates: What You Need to Know

1.EES (Entry/Exit System)​
As of April 10, 2026, the EU has implemented the new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control system that replaces traditional passport stamping for non-EU travelers.

When you arrive and/or exit in one of the 29 Schengen (European) countries not including the United Kingdom, you will go through a self-service kiosk where you will:

🛂 Scan your passport (your information is recorded digitally)
📸 Have your photo taken
✋ Provide fingerprints

Your entry and exit dates are tracked electronically to ensure compliance with the 90 days within a 180-day period rule.

Key things to know:

• Applies to all non-EU travelers, including U.S. citizens
• Free to use - no pre-registration required
• Your data is stored for up to 3 years (5 years if no exit is recorded)
• You must complete the biometric process - refusal will result in denied entry

We have seen mixed experiences so far. Some travelers are through the process in under 10 minutes, while others are waiting up to 2 hours. It really depends on how many international flights arrive at the same time - so be patient and allow extra time, especially if you have a connection.

2.ETIAS (Coming Late 2026 – What It Actually Is)

This is where a lot of confusion comes in, so let’s break it down simply:

👉 ETIAS is not part of the airport process like EES.​
👉 It is something you must complete before you leave for Europe.

​ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a pre-travel authorization - similar to what many countries already require for entry.

If you are a U.S. traveler flying to Europe, here’s what it means:

• Before your trip, you will complete a short online application
• You’ll pay a small fee
• Once approved, your authorization is linked to your passport

When you arrive in Europe, border officials will check your ETIAS along with your passport.

Important details:

• Start date: Expected in the last quarter of 2026 (not in effect yet)
• Cost: €20 (free for travelers under 18 and over 70)
• Valid for: 3 years or until your passport expires
• Approval: Usually within hours

How ETIAS and EES work together:

• ETIAS = before your trip (permission to travel)
• EES = at the airport (entry/exit process and tracking your stay)

ETIAS does not replace EES - they are two separate systems designed to work together.

As always, final entry into the country is determined by the border officer, so be sure to follow the 90-day rule and have proper documentation with you.

3.United Kingdom ETA (Separate from ETIAS)

If your trip includes the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), there’s one more thing to know:

👉 The UK has its own system called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

This is completely separate from ETIAS and applies because the UK is not part of the Schengen Area.

For U.S. travelers:

• You must apply before traveling to the UK
• It is a simple online application
• Approval is usually quick
• Once approved, it is linked to your passport

Important:​
If your trip includes both the UK and Europe, you will need the ETA for the UK and starting in late 2026, ETIAS for the Schengen countries (Europe).

🛂 Passport Check (Don’t Skip This!)

Before you travel, make sure your passport:

• Is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
• Has blank pages available for entry requirements

This is one of the most common reasons travelers are denied boarding - so double check early.

🛡️ Don’t Skip Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need - but you’ll be glad you have it if something goes wrong.

We recommend purchasing insurance as soon as you book your trip to maximize coverage, especially for trip cancellations.

A great place to compare plans is InsureMyTrip, where you can review options based on your needs and budget.

💳 Credit Cards & Money Matters

A few important tips to manage your money abroad:

• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees (many charge 1–3%)
• Some cards also include travel insurance, rental car coverage, and lounge access
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans
• Use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees for ATM withdrawals
• Withdraw local currency from an ATM upon arrival
• Carry some cash, even though credit cards are widely accepted

For added security, consider using a money belt to protect your cash and cards.

📶 Staying Connected Abroad

Before you travel, think about how you will stay connected - for navigation, communication, and peace of mind.

You have a few options:

• Check with your phone provider about international plans
• Use a portable Wi-Fi device

On our one-month trip to Europe, we used the Ryoko Pro portable Wi-Fi, and it was a game changer. It worked seamlessly across multiple countries, fit easily in my crossbody bag, and allowed us to use Google Maps without worrying about roaming charges or public Wi-Fi.

It connects up to 10 devices and made staying online incredibly easy.

🧳 Packing Smart = Traveling Better

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we are big believers in carry-on travel.

Why?

• Avoid checked bag fees
• Skip baggage claim
• Eliminate the risk of lost luggage

Be sure to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons.

👉 Check out my guide: How to Pack for 2–3 Weeks with Just a Carry-On​

🛋️ Airport Lounge Access

If you want a more comfortable airport experience, consider a lounge access program like Priority Pass.

We use this and love it - it gives access to lounges worldwide where you can:

• Relax in a quieter space
• Enjoy complimentary food and drinks
• Recharge your devices
• Use reliable Wi-Fi

It makes long travel days so much more enjoyable.

🍽️ Airline Meal Tip (Often Overlooked!)

Did you know you can often pre-order a special meal for your flight?

On many airlines, including American Airlines, the standard meal (for international flights) is typically limited (often chicken or pasta). However, you can request options such as:

• Vegetarian or Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Kosher or Halal
• Low-fat or Low-sodium
• Hindu or Child meals

These meals must usually be requested at least 24 hours in advance (and up to 30 days before departure) through the “Manage Trip” or check-in section on the airline’s website or app.

We have done this on long-haul flights (Europe and Asia), and it really does make a difference - especially if you have dietary preferences or just want something a bit different from the standard options.

🚗 Renting a Car Abroad? Read This

If you plan to drive internationally, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

In countries like Italy, it is mandatory - and without it, you may not be able to rent a car.

You can obtain an IDP through:

• ​AAA (American Automobile Association)​

Important:

• Carry both your IDP and your U.S. driver’s license
• IDPs are valid for one year and cannot be renewed

🌍 Enroll in STEP

Before leaving the U.S., enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the State Department.

This allows the nearest U.S. embassy to:

• Contact you in case of emergency
• Send important safety updates about your destination

It is quick, free, and worth doing.

📄 Important Documents

• Scan or photograph your passport, driver’s license, and credit cards
• Store copies digitally (email or cloud) and keep a paper copy in a separate bag

This can save you a lot of time and stress if anything is lost or stolen.

🔌 Travel Essentials

• ​Universal power adapter (Europe commonly uses Type C plugs)
• Small first aid kit (especially for blisters from walking!)
• Compression socks for long flights – women’s and men’s​

😴 Travel Comfort Tips

• Stay hydrated during flights
• Try adjusting your sleep schedule before departure to help with jet lag

🚕 Plan Your Arrival

Before you land, know how you are getting to your accommodation:

• Private transfer
• Taxi or rideshare
• Train or public transportation

Having a plan makes arrival day much smoother - especially after a long international flight.

🧍‍♀️ Stay Aware While Traveling

• Be mindful in crowded areas like train stations and tourist attractions
• Keep valuables secure and avoid easy-to-access pockets

A little awareness goes a long way.

🏡 Prepare Your Home

Before heading out:

• Arrange for a house sitter if needed
• Pause mail and deliveries – the Post Office only allows holding mail up to 30 days at a time.
• Pay bills in advance
• Notify your home security company
• Avoid posting your trip on social media until you return

Travel should be exciting - not stressful. A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

If you have questions or need help planning your next trip, feel free to reach out – we are always happy to help.

Safe travels,

​
Janet & Stuart
Practical Travel Concepts​

Disclosure: This email contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on these links and decide to make a purchase, I get a small commission, at no extra cost for you. Thank you for your support.

P.S.

✔️ Planning a road trip? We use DiscoverCars to compare rental prices and find the best deals - it’s an easy way to save both time and money before you hit the road.

✔️ Need reliable Wi-Fi while traveling? We recommend the Ryoko Pro portable Wi-Fi - it works in 112 countries!

✔️ Looking for travel tips? Check out our Resources & Tips page for our favorite recommendations we personally use and LOVE.

✔️ Know someone who loves to travel? Share this email and our blog post with friends and family - we truly appreciate it!