Travel Questions Answered
Get clear, straightforward answers to common travel concerns—from booking details to packing tips—so you can plan your trip with confidence.

How far in advance should I book my vacation?
Booking 3 to 6 months ahead usually secures the best rates and availability, especially for cruises and all-inclusive packages.
Is travel insurance worth it?
Travel insurance is always worth it. A couple hundred dollars is nothing compared to the thousands you could lose out on if you were to miss your vacation due to the unforeseen, or if you were injured or became ill during your trip.
Do I need a passport or visa?
This will vary depending on the type of travel you're doing, however it is a good rule of thumb to obtain a passport if you don't have one, and take it with you whenever you will be leaving the US.
For a closed-loop cruise, a passport is not required, however it is a good idea to bring it with you. If you miss your ship departure from a port of call, it is up to you to find your way to the next port, and you will need a passport in order to do so.
For cruises that embark or disembark in another country, you will need a passport.
For any other travel outside of the country, a passport is required.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
This will depend on the cruise line, resort, or hotel's policies, as well as the airline's policies where your airfare is booked through. It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance, in case instances like this arise, and there is a no cancellation/change policy in place.
What should I pack?
This will vary depending on your travel type. Check out my Packing Essentials Guide blog post to know exactly what to pack for your specific vacation.
How do I find safety information?
As a travel advisor, one of the best ways to research safety before traveling is to use multiple sources, not just one. The U.S. State Department issues official travel advisories ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for travel locations.
Country-specific government pages provide more detailed information than the advisory level alone.
Local news sources for current events, weather issues, strikes, protests, or crime trends, local news can provide context that travel advisories may not yet reflect.
Travel insurance companies often publish destination-specific alerts and risk information.
Many cruise lines and resorts provide port safety guidance, excursion recommendations, transportation advice, and local customs and etiquette.
Can I customize my vacation?
Yes. I will work with you to ensure you get the best out of your getaway.
Got More Questions? I'm Here to Help
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, drop me a line. I'm ready to clear up any doubts and help you plan your perfect getaway.
Send your questions anytime, and we’ll get back to you with the details you need.
marissa@marissasdreamgetaways.com
Phone
Call or text your questions from 9am-5pm EST
+1 (586) 250-5388
