Travel Documents and Trip Preparation

Her Wild Life handles the expedition. Here is what you need to take care of before you leave home.

Ground transfers, accommodation, daily logistics, and expert guiding – all of that is managed for you from the moment you arrive. What you need to sort before you leave is a shorter list: your travel documents, your insurance, your health preparation, and your packing.

This page covers everything you need to have in order before your Her Wild Life expedition departs. If you have questions about anything here, reach out before you book. We would rather answer questions early than have you arrive unprepared.

Travel Documents to Have in Order Before You Leave

Start here. These are the items that need to be confirmed, copied, and carried before you board your first flight.

Your Passport

Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Many countries – including Mexico, Costa Rica, and countries in South America – require this in order for you to enter. If your passport is due to expire within that window, renew it well in advance. Processing times vary and can run longer than expected during peak travel periods.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Most U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Her Wild Life destinations, but entry requirements vary by country and change without much notice. Check the current requirements for your specific destination at travel.state.gov before you book and again in the weeks before you depart. Do not rely on information from a previous trip – requirements can change.

Check current entry requirements: travel.state.gov

Copies of Everything

This one is simple and worth doing properly. Before you travel:

• Carry a photocopy of your passport information page separately from your passport
• Store digital copies of your passport, insurance certificate, and emergency contacts somewhere you can access without cell service – downloaded to your phone or emailed to yourself works well
• Leave copies of all documents with someone at home who can be reached in an emergency

If your passport is lost or stolen while traveling, having a copy on hand significantly speeds up the process of getting an emergency replacement through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

STEP Enrollment

The U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is free and takes about five minutes to set up. Once enrolled, the U.S. Embassy in your destination country can contact you directly if there is an emergency, a natural disaster, or a significant change in local conditions. It also makes it easier for family members to reach you if something happens at home.

Enroll in STEP: step.state.gov

Health Preparation Before Your Expedition

Vaccinations and Your Doctor

Visit a travel health clinic or your doctor at least four to six weeks before departure. Let them know your specific destination and itinerary – recommendations vary depending on where you are going and what you will be doing. Carry any prescription medication for the full duration of the trip plus a few extra days, in original packaging.

For destination-specific vaccination recommendations and current health advisories, the CDC travel health resource is the most reliable and up-to-date source:

CDC travel health: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Pre-Departure Information from Her Wild Life

After booking, every Her Wild Life traveler receives destination-specific itinerary information ahead of their departure.

Useful Resources Before You Go

These are the official sources for the information that changes most frequently – entry requirements, health advisories, and travel alerts. Check them for your specific destination in the weeks before you depart.