016 | To Passport Cover? Or not?
016 | To Passport Cover? Or not?
.
To passport cover or not to? It sounds silly, but this is a real thing. Some people (and governments) are totally against passport holders while others…such as me won’t leave home without them.
.
My passport cover is my “catch all” for travel. Not only does the passport cover keep your passport safe, but it is functional which I love.
.
I got my passport cover on my first trip to Italy in my 20s from a small leather shop in Florence. Not only was it a great souvenir, but it is functional as I use it daily…since I carry my passport every day. (Learn why in Passport 101.)
.
There are two (2) main things I keep in my passport cover:
· Important documents
· Extra cash
.
First and foremost, I keep my important documents in my passport cover. Think…prescriptions, global entry card, luggage receipts, and business cards of the hotel you are staying at or other important documents.
.
Prescriptions…drug regulations vary across the world just like they do in the states. Although your prescription may not always get you what you need, it does show what you have on hand is rightfully yours. (Always double check with local laws before traveling.) I also like to carry my contact prescription with me. Halfway around the world, I realized I was out of contacts, but I did have my prescription. Even with it, I was not able to buy contacts, but I did get a trial pair to hold me over until I got home. It has come in handy before and I am sure it will in the future, again.
.
Travel documents…customs, not a problem. Fill out the form and keep it with your passport which you need for customs. Global entry card? Again, you need it for customs just like you need your passport, so keep them together. If you are checking your luggage, your passport cover is the perfect place to slip in your luggage tags for safe keeping in the event your luggage gets lost.
.
My tried and true other recommendation is to carry a business card of the hotel I am staying at with address to keep in my passport cover. It is perfect to use to show taxi, ride share companies, or anyone you need to ask directions from. In some countries it is easier to explain your address than others, when I was in Beijing, this was the only way I got places.
.
The other reason I use a passport cover is for my hidden money stash on the go. Keep money in multiple places while you travel…wallet, hotel safe, suitcase, passport cover, etc. My favorite place to keep extra cash is behind my passport’s front flap. My “in case of emergency” stash while I am on the run is usually a few hundred dollars in my passport. It has assisted my friends, family, and I on numerous occasions as a lot of places in the world do not accept credit cards. As the saying goes, cash is king.
.
We all create our daily routines. As a frequent traveler, this is one of my travel routines which I believe is valuable and worth sharing with #kellystravelbugs. Try it out and let me know what you think.
.
With love,
Kelly
