The most frequent mistake of travelers, how to get cheaper tickets and other keys to organizing a trip

Nobody has the recipe to make a trip perfectbut what is clear is that to the uncontrollable desire to travel, to the illusion of getting to know a different place or of returning to a city or a longed-for landscape, of enjoying a few days with the family in a different environment, we must add a very important share of planning.

In order to take full advantage and avoid stressing over things that can be foreseen, prior organization on a trip is essential: from checking that you have the necessary documents in order, deciding what type of suitcase to take based on the destination and the type of ticket purchased. , notify the bank/card if you travel abroad or have cash for tips or expenses in small towns, with little connection, or at street fairs.

It seems obvious, but it is not: for example, from Migrations they say that most frequent errors among Argentines who travel abroad are related to the validity of the documentation.

Let’s go here, then, with a pointer of some things that must be taken into account. It is useful for those who do not travel so frequently, and also for those who do, but a reminder is always good for them.

From the moment it occurs to one to take a trip, one must check the status of the documents. The DNI, in case of trips within the country (also works for Mercosur and associated countries), or the passport if the trip is abroad. And visa, if applicable (www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/migraciones).

It is essential that the document that will be used to travel is current, that it is the last one issued and that it is in good condition. The document records in process are not valid as travel documents.

“He most common mistake at checkpoints is not having the last copy of the DNI that was processed. Only the last copy is valid (once the last copy has been processed, the previous one is not valid),” they say in Migrations.

Los passports They expire every 10 years (minors, every 5 years). In addition, there are countries that, to enter, require that the passport have a minimum validity (that is, that it is not about to expire).

If you need it, there are three options to renew your passport.

He usual or regular procedure, requesting an appointment online and with delivery through the mail (costs $35,000); the express procedure, which is delivered by mail within 96 hours of the renewal ($70,000); and for those distracted who arrive at the airport and realize that the passport is of no use, there is the “instant passport”: the process takes 2 to 6 hours, costs $125,000 – it is expensive, yes, but it avoids missing a flight – and in both Ezeiza and Aeroparque it is available 24 hours a day.

At Aeroparque, the place to process the passport is on the ground floor, between the check-in area and the food court. In Ezeiza, also on the ground floor, Terminal A.

Separate topic, the visas. Some are processed in a few days, while others require more planning. In the case of the visa for the United States (tourist visa US$ 185), the estimated delay at the Buenos Aires consulate for those who obtain the visa for the first time and require an interview is 84 days. For those who apply to renew without the need for an interview, the delay is shorter (you can check the waiting time here: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html).

For Europe, for the moment you travel with the Argentine passport. But it is expected that from 2025 the ETIAS permit will come into force: it is processed online before traveling and will cost 7 euros. For now, there is no exact effective date and the official site is not operational.

Everything about the documents and some other questions is valid, especially if borders are crossed, whether to Brazil or China.

With the DNI, review the updates: the first from 5 years old and up to 8 years old; the second at 14 years old. To schedule if you need it: the procedure costs $3,000 in both cases (www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/dni).

When traveling abroad, if the child (under 18 years of age) is with both parents, they must present their current ID or passport (depending on the destination) and prove the link. For this, the Civil Family Book, Birth Certificate, Birth Certificate is valid and the DNI of the minor is also useful if the data that links him to the parents is included.

When the minor travels with one of the parents, accompanied by another adult or alone, a Travel authorization signed by both parents (or by the one who is absent).

This authorization or permit can be processed before notaries, Argentine consuls abroad, competent judges, authorities of the Registry of Civil Status and Capacity of Persons and also at the Central Migration Headquarters, delegations of the country and land, river and air border crossings. .

The authorization can be prepared for use on a single trip, for a specific period of time or, more broadly, until the minor reaches the age of majority. The cost varies depending on where it is processed.

At Aerolíneas Argentinas they remember that within Argentina, for trips with children by plane to/from the provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca, La Rioja and Tucumán, it must be taken into account that proof of connection can be requested or, if they go alone , authorization.

In general – and more so in times of crisis – we seek to make good trips, at the lowest possible cost. Logically, if the departure date is during the holidays and to the most classic destinations, getting an offer is complicated.

When it comes to air tickets -whether domestic or international-, anticipation and flexibility are two keys that help in the search for better prices. If today you look for tickets to travel during the winter holidays, chances are you will only find the most expensive fares. We are almost on the date and it is high season.

A useful tool is to activate alerts and notifications both from travel agencies and from sites that compare prices. This allows you to quickly find out about promotions that arise based on each person’s interest.

If you search and buy through a travel agency, keep in mind that the registry of the National tourism entity no longer exists, but there is a Travel Agency Registry monitored by FAEVYT (Argentine Federation of Travel and Tourism Business Associations), where you can check that the agency is enabled (www.agenciasdeviajes.ar).

A basic rule: if someone offers a price that is too cheap to be true, check that the agency in question exists and what the travel conditions are.

Pay attention to what is being purchased. Everything affects the final price.

In the case of flights – domestic or international – not all rates include hand luggage or suitcases in the hold, whether traditional or low-cost companies. It is also important to check the departure/arrival airport: in some cases it may not be the same.

Although one buys a trip without thinking about having problems, it is always advisable to check the policies regarding exchanges and returns at the time of booking, as well as other package or hotel issues such as check-in/out times, meal plan, inclusion or not of taxes or fees, transfers to/from the airport/hotel, among other things.

With travel on low cost airlines pay special attention to details, For example, obtain the boarding pass since otherwise, if it has to be done at the airport, it generates an extra cost. If you use low cost airlines in Europe, it is also important to pay attention to the airports: many use secondary airports.

A similar recommendation when booking a hotel: beyond the price it is important review the location based on what you want to know. Many accommodations on the outskirts of cities have very attractive prices, but you have to calculate the time to get around and the cost of public transport. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more, but have the tourist circuits at hand.

For trips around the country, the social work credential (or app installed with digital credentials). For trips abroad, traveler assistance: Medical costs in other countries are usually very high.

If you purchase a tourist package that includes assistance, check what type of product it is to know if it is appropriate for the type of traveler (and trip to be made).

For those who plan to buy the service, the first step is to be clear What type of coverage is needed depending on the trip. There is special assistance for those who practice sports or risky activities.

It is also important to recognize the pre-existing diseases and check what coverage they include in case you have a problem associated with that disease, even if it is chronic or “a thing of the past.”

Another point to be aware of: there are destinations that require medical coverage to enter. The most famous example is that of Europe, since the countries of the Schengen area ask travelers to have assistance whose minimum coverage is 30,000 euros.

General recommendations: have vaccinations up to datecheck if any particular care is required at the destination, chronic medication on hand, sunscreen and clothing according to the climate of the destination.