Iceland

AmStar

Something may look a little bit different the next time you go on vacation. AmStar is now serving as the destination management company--that's the company that handles your airport transfers--for Funjet, United and Southwest Vacations. Just look for their Blue Hawaiian style shirts when you arrive at the airport and you'll be on your way!

Using your Smartphone Abroad

Connecting

Most of us can't live without our smartphones these days, and travelling abroad doesn't mean you'll need to completely disconnect.  Of course, you can always find free WiFi in your hotel room or a local cafe to update your Facebook, check your email, or send a message using Apple's iMessage service.  However, if you need all the time connectivity, most of the major mobile phone providers now offer international connectivity plans at a reasonable cost.  For example, Verizon offers Travelpass, which costs $5 a day to extend your plan to Canada or Mexico, and $10 a day for over 100 additional countries.  AT&T offers a service called Passport  which will give you 200MB of data and unlimited texting for $40 extra added to your bill per month.  Check with your cell provider for all the specifics. 

Plug-In

The vast majority of modern smartphones are designed to charge between 100 volts and 240 volts.  This means you probably wont need a voltage converter and can plug your smartphone directly into a wall outlet abroad, provided you have a simple plug adapter.  

Chances are you will be stretching your phone's battery with all of the pictures you'll be taking and social media updates you'll be making.  So, we recommend bringing along an external power pack so you never run out of juice.

Must Have Travel Apps

UBER

If we have not pre-arranged your transfers to and from the airport, UBER ride sharing service is a great alternative to taxi's when travelling abroad.  They are typically quick and efficient and you wont have to fumble with the local currency to pay for your ride as UBER operates as a cashless system.

Google Translate   

There you are at the most adorable bistro in Paris staring at a menu written only in French--its been years since your high school French class, and you don't want to order something you won't like.  Never fear, Google translate will come to your rescue.  Not only can you input words or phrases to translate, a more recent feature makes use of your smartphone's camera to translate menus and signs in real time augmented reality.  Don't leave home without it!

Google Maps

Don't get caught looking like a stereotypical tourist wandering around with a big paper map!  Utilize Google Maps or Apple Maps for walking and public transit directions when traveling abroad.  Nobody will know you are looking at your phone for directions, preventing you from sticking out like a sore thumb.  Pro tip: If you have an Apple Watch, Apple Maps will inconspicuously give you a tap on the wrist when its time to make a turn and display the next direction on your watch face.

Airline App

All the major airlines offer a mobile app these days.  Save time and aggravation at the airport and check-in for your flight with your airline's app.  Many airlines even offer a mobile boarding pass through their app.  You can also stay up to date with the status of your flight, and some airlines utilize their app for in-flight entertainment.    

Mobile Passport

Travel like a pro and save time upon reentry to the United States.  The Mobile Passport app is officially licensed by the US Customs and Border Patrol.  With the app you won't need to fill out the paper customs and immigration forms and can utilize an expedited line.  Just pre-fill your passport information into the app and you are all set to go.  Most major US international gateway airports, including DFW, allow you to save valuable time with the Mobile Passport app.  NOTE: If you are already a member of Global Entry, Mobile Passport won't offer you any added perks.