Several studies suggest that the impulse (itch?) of millennials to seek new experiences make them more inclined to travel as compared to previous generations.
AARP’s “2019 Travel Trends” reported that the average millennial (ages 21 to 37) has lined up roughly five trips throughout this year, three of which are international. That’s more foreign travel than Gen X (ages 38 to 53), and more overall trips than Baby Boomers (ages 54 to 72).
“[Millennials] have an openness to new experiences and a willingness to rattle the status quo,” Amadeus Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Asia Pacific Karun Budhraja said in a statement, as part of its 2018 report, titled “Journey of Me Insights: What Asia Pacific Millennial Travelers Want.”
That said, the biggest local travel story of the past week has served an importance notice with regards to the well-documented inclination of millennials to travel: If a beauty queen like Samantha Lo—who was on her way to Venezuela in good faith to represent the country in a global pageant—was hounded by travel issues surrounding her passport, then it can happen to anyone.
Here, we present a few important reminders on how to maximize your travel experience by eliminating the avertable hassle.
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
The amount of diligence exerted on scouring for the best airfares and accommodation prices should be extended to researching about the basics of one’s destination.
“Know before you go,” advised Maria Theresa Lazaro, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) executive director of Office of Consular Affairs.
She said study everything from basic survival words/phrases down to the needed vaccination in the area. This, of course, after making sure that the travel documents are taken care of.
CHECK YOUR PAPERS
Start by reviewing if your DFA-issued passport is valid for at least six months prior to the trip, according to Lazaro. First-time passport applicants or those up for renewal can check the documentary requirements at www.consular.dfa.gov.ph.
“Applying for passport is now very easy,” she said. “Applicants can book an online appointment and pay at any payment centers accredited by the DFA.”
The Bureau of Immigration has listed the other required travel documents on its web site at www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/travel-req.
Aside from a passport with at least six months validity, Philippine citizens with tourist-purpose visas need to prepare a unexpired visa, as needed, and a return ticket. More important information are on view on the web site, such as the specific documents for sponsored travel and OFW travel requirements.
WORK THE PAPERWORK
According to the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., the parents of Samantha Lo admitted that they have secured their daughter’s passport through a “fixer.”
Lazaro warns people that third-party processors could adversely impact applications, especially when the documentary requirements submitted are spurious. The applicants can be denied issuance of passports or be blacklisted from application.
Despite the repercussions, Lazaro acknowledged that some people still choose to deal with fixers for several reasons. Foremost of which, she said, is that people think that securing a passport is still a tedious process that requires a long waiting time.
Lazaro clarified that given the streamlined passport application process, applicants should see no need in approaching fixers.
“It is best that they lodge/file their own application,” she said. “This also ensures that the travel document they are getting is a genuine one.”
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
If one does goes for the DIY option, be meticulous in processing the documents.
Such is the advice of Edwin Villanueva, general manager of Light Miles Travel. He said the biggest problems in travel arrangements often root from one, tiny detail. It can be anywhere from visa protocols and passport validity to mistyped names or wrong dates.
“Make sure nothing is left unattended,” he said.