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Absolutely. Things happen all of the time (oh, the stories I could tell you!). From sudden illnesses and lost luggage to weather disruptions, having a comprehensive travel insurance policy is the only way to protect your financial investment and ensure peace of mind.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. This rule is strictly enforced by many countries and is actually written inside the front cover of the U.S. Passport book. If your passport is nearing its expiration date, make sure to renew it well in advance of your trip.

Always pack international converters and extra charging cords. Let’s admit it—we all have a lot of devices to charge these days! Many boutique hotels abroad may only have a single outlet on one side of the bed. Bringing your own adapters and long cords will keep you fully charged and connected without any headaches.

Yes, exactly. Always double-check that the name on your booking confirmation and airline tickets matches your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Even minor discrepancies or typos can lead to major complications or boarding denials at security checkpoints.

Pack your patience! Unexpected disruptions happen all the time—whether it's a nationwide computer system outage or an intense storm in the Drake’s Passage (both have actually happened to me!). The absolute best thing you can do is take a deep breath, smile, and show kindness to the staff working to resolve the issue. Staying calm gives you the mental bandwidth to figure out your next steps, and a warm smile can make a world of difference to a customer service agent who is likely having a very difficult day.

Book early! Especially for custom, specialized, or milestone trips, taking the time to plan ahead is essential. Booking early ensures you have the freedom to explore all of your options and secures the best boutique properties and custom itineraries before they fill up.