The Global Entry Program

Thank you to whomever at U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) who thought this would be a great idea for low-risk travelers (who hate lines) to expedite entry back into the U.S.  God bless you!

I learned about Global Entry when I was traveling back from Tanzania with a colleague who was in the program.  She had already retrieved her suitcase from baggage claim and while she waved goodbye to me, I looked on longingly as she exited the airport, and I was stuck still standing in the Customs line waiting for my passport to be reviewed.  I was instantly jealous!  So what exactly is Global Entry?  According to CBP’s website,

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program.

Not only does Global Entry provide an expedited exiting process, but it includes TSA Pre-Check as well.  With Pre-Check, travelers don’t have to remove their shoes, belts, coats, and laptops.  After applying online and paying the $100 fee, I went to the CBP office in DC for an “interview.”  The officer confirmed that my information submitted online was correct, reviewed my passports & license, and then took my picture.  She presented me with my ID card & I became the newest member of the Global Entry crew…at least for the next 5 years, which is how long membership is valid.

When I arrived at Dulles, I was able to bypass the rude Customs agents & headed straight to the Global Entry kiosk. After scanning my passport, the machine input all of my information, I filled out the electronic customs form, and the kiosk printed a receipt for me to present to the customs agent located at the exit.  Super easy!  My friend is not in the program, so while it was great for me, I still had to wait for her since we were riding together. I finished up at the kiosk and waited about 20 minutes for her at baggage claim.

Since there’s a separate exit for people with Global entry, after we gathered our bags, I bypassed 50 people waiting to have their passports checked a final time by entering the Global Entry line. Again, I found myself waiting for my friend for about 15 minutes. When she finally made it through she said, “So, looks like I need to get into this program.”  Yup!

Unfortunately, not everyone will be eligible to apply due to reasons they list here.  But if you are, just imagine how much time you’d save each time you were traveling (especially alone) if you didn’t have to wait in those pesky lines.  It’s definitely worth the $100 investment.

The Trouble with Travel: How to Adjust at Home After a Trip

“It is a strange thing to come home. While yet on the journey, you cannot at all realize how strange it will be.” – Selma Lagerlof

Traveling allows you to gain new perspective not only on the world, but in your own life as well. You can spend days, weeks, months or even years seeing new places, each day being different than the last and your adventurous spirit being satisfied daily.  But what happens when you return home after a trip?  Whether it was a long or short trip, returning home can be a cultural shock and frankly, a bit of a downer.  How do you adjust to now unfamiliar surroundings?

Hide out for a few days.  

This sounds strange and anti-social, but taking a few additional days to yourself for decompressing, sleeping and relaxing is perfectly acceptable.  Catch up on TV shows you missed.  Finish the book you started while on the road. Wander around your hometown and see what’s changed.  Do whatever you feel like doing.  Just take a few more days to sort out your feelings about being home. 

Catch up with family and friends.

After you’ve relaxed and unwound, make plans with family and friends.  Being around people who love and care about you will give you a warm feeling about being back home.  This brings me to my next point…

Only tell your stories to people who actually want to listen.

Again, this sounds strange but some people really don’t care about your trip when they ask “How was your trip?”  (By the way, I hate this question. It’s so broad. Ask specific questions!)  Learn to discern the difference between people who are genuinely interested in hearing about your travels and people who are simply asking to be polite.  No use in wasting your time or theirs with stories and anecdotes about your amazing trip when they aren’t really interested.

Give yourself time to adjust.

You won’t be able to get back in the swing of things immediately.  It’s ok to sometimes be sad or bored with your new surroundings. Your angst will lessen over time.

Look at pictures to reminisce.

You’ll remember the good times and people that made your trip so great.

Expect Change.  

Let’s face it; travel changes you.  You’ve changed and whether people or places at home have changed or not, things will never quite be the same again.  It’s okay.  Just find your new sense of normalcy.

Plan your next trip.  

What better way to get over your last trip than by planning your next trip?  Meet up with people you’ve traveled with before in a new place or go back to the place you loved.  Maybe your sense of adventure has rubbed off on your hometown friends and you can spearhead planning a group trip.  Whatever the case may be, planning a new trip will give you something to look forward to.

Bonus: Have a cocktail or two.  A good beverage can solve most problems

Believe me, each day you’re home gets easier.  Hang in there!