Where can I go without a passport?

First of all, you should get a passport! There are so many places to see! But if you’re waiting on getting your passport, there are a few destinations you can visit without a passport.  The entire USA is open to you, along with Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands,  Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the American Samoa.

Where can I go with my USA passport without a visa?

Great question! The answer is lots of places!  A lot of countries will allow you to stay for a maximum of 30 days to 3 months without a Visa, which is plenty of time to go sightseeing. For a list of countries that allow visa free travel, go

Where do I need a visa with my USA passport?

For some countries getting a visa is as simple as requesting one online, whereas other countries require you to visit the local consulate. For a list of countries that require a visa for US citizens, go

Will my phone work in other countries?

On wifi yes, but otherwise it depends on your carrier and your plan.  Some carriers will allow you to use limited data and unlimited texting for free while traveling abroad, while others will require you to sign up for an international plan. Check with your carrier to get information.  If you can’t get an international plan to cover you while you’re away, don’t worry! Just keep your phone in airplane mode and connect to wifi (just make sure you download all your tickets and needed information on your phone before you travel).

How can I charge my device?

Check the voltage! A lot of devices now (cell phones, tablets, e-readers, etc) are dual voltage and only need a plug adapter for travelling but there are some devices that will actually require a voltage transformer.  Your device will typically say whether or not it’s dual voltage on the original charger it came with (good luck finding that) or can be found online. You can find out what plug adapter you will need

Help! High School [insert language] didn’t prep me for this!

Download the Google Translate app onto your phone and the language you will need for your trip. By downloading it onto your phone, you’ll still have access to the app offline. You can speak, type or scan text into the app to have it translated.

What should I pack?

Check the weather! Pack layers and try to go for versatile pieces that are comfortable (and won’t make you cringe in photos later). If you won’t have access to an iron, pack wrinkle free items and always pack some sort of jacket (airports are cold and let’s face it, it rains everywhere especially when you don’t have a jacket). Avoid the temptation of packing those really cute shoes that give you blisters and only match one dress.  Pack the flats that are comfortable enough to spend all day in and match every outfit your bringing.
After the clothes, don’t forget the essentials:

• Toiletries
• Chargers/cables
• Entertainment
• Passport
• Wallet
• Important paperwork (tickets,visas, medical information, etc)

Is it safe to travel to X?

The State Department updates its website pretty frequently with travel warnings (heavily recommend picking a different destination) and travel alerts (posted for short term events that could affect when the State deems it safe for you to visit). Airlines, cruise and tour operators will usually cancel, suspend or reroute services if a particular area is unsafe for travelers.
If you’re a woman travelling solo, there are many countries where it is considered unsafe to travel but that doesn’t mean these places need to be crossed off of your list! Travel smart and do your research prior to your trip. Book a hotel in a busy/high traffic area and only use certified taxis (the hotel or restaurant can order one for you). You can sign up for walking or cultural tours to get a better feel for the city and the security that comes with traveling in a group.