Shop around and ask hard questions". ( 22 ) If one decides to use a travel agent, he/she should make sure that agent is a member of the "American Society of Travel Agents.".
The next thing that should be done is to obtain a passport. If this will be the first time applying for a passport, it will need to be done in person. Passport applications can be found at the local post office; if the post office does not accept applications, then the federal, state, or probate court will have applications. One should bring two identical passport sized photos, a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship, and a state issued I.D. Travelers over the age of 15 can expect to pay $60.00 for a passport that is good for 10 years. For those under 15 the fee is $45.00 and valid for 5 years. It's a wise idea to keep the passport safe. If it happens to get lost, tourist needs to visit the nearest U.S. consulate for a replacement. It's also a good idea to make two copies of the most important documents like a passport, drivers" license, and social security card. The traveler should give a copy to a friend or family member at home and carry the other one separate from the originals. Visas are not required for U.S. citizens in most European countries with stays shorter than 90 days. There is still a small number of countries that require visas before entering their country, so the visitor needs to find out what their entry requirements are. .
The traveler needs to be aware of the monetary system in the countries they are going to visit. Traveler's checks are the safest ways to carry money but the credit card and A.T.M. are widely used throughout Europe. But still plan on having cash, as most major cities accept credit cards but little towns may not because sometimes the technology of their phone system has not been upgraded. When exchanging money be wary of the different exchange rates. It's usually more expensive to exchange the money at the airport; banks will give the best rates.
