Before you start: Smart Travel: Plan, Save and Stay Safe pretest

About 10 minutes. Not graded. 12 questions, plus 3 quick confidence questions.

This is not a test you pass or fail. It is fine not to know these answers. Many people will not, because you have not taken the course yet. Your answers show your starting point, so at the end you can see how far you came.

Why we ask: it shows what you already know and which ideas are new to you. When you finish the course, you will see your before and after for each skill, so you can see where you grew and what to review.

How sure do you feel?

Rate each line from 1 (not at all sure) to 5 (very sure). There is no right answer.

I can build a trip budget, compare offers on total price, and use my flyer rights.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can prepare documents, pack for security, and choose travel insurance wisely.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

I can spot travel scams and plan for health and safety abroad.

1 2 3 4 5

1 = Not at all sure5 = Very sure

Questions

1. A traveler's budget lists only the fare and the hotel. What is the main risk?

A. The airline will ask to see the budget at check in. B. The plan will run under budget and leave cash unused. C. Costs like food, transit, and fees are left out.

2. What is the federal per diem from GSA useful for in a personal budget?

A. A range check on room and meal guesses. B. A promise that hotels will charge that exact rate. C. A coupon code that lowers the price of any room.

3. Stay A is $100 a night with no fees. Stay B is $80 plus a required $30 nightly fee. Which costs less per night?

A. Stay B, because its listed rate is lower. B. Stay A, at $100 a night. C. They cost exactly the same per night.

4. An international flight is moved 7 hours and you decline the new time and any credit. What does DOT say?

A. You must take a voucher. B. You get nothing, since the airline offered a new time. C. You are owed a full refund.

5. A traveler needs a new passport for a trip in 4 months. When should they apply?

A. After booking the return flight home. B. Now, since routine service can take up to 10 weeks with mail. C. A week before the trip, since passports print the same day you apply.

6. Which item can go in a carry on under the TSA liquids rule?

A. A full 16 ounce bottle of shampoo in a carry on. B. A large jar of salsa in a tote. C. A 2 ounce toothpaste in a quart bag.

7. Before buying travel insurance for a trip abroad, what should come first?

A. Ask your health plan what it pays abroad. B. Assume your plan covers everything. C. Buy the policy offered at checkout, since it fits the trip.

8. Which coverage helps move a patient to a hospital that can treat them?

A. Medical evacuation insurance. B. Baggage delay coverage. C. Trip cancellation insurance only.

9. Which offer shows the most red flags?

A. A tour with a clear address and written refund terms online. B. A prize trip that needs fees paid today by gift card. C. A hotel that lists its total price with all fees.

10. What is a good first check on a rental listing?

A. Search the address and see if photos match. B. Pay the deposit, then ask questions. C. Trust it because the photos look nice.

11. Where do you find the official safety level for a country?

A. Reviews from other travelers on a booking page. B. The State Department travel advisory. C. A travel ad on social media.

12. What does STEP do?

A. Pays your hospital bills abroad. B. Books flights and hotels for you at a lower government rate. C. Sends embassy alerts and helps the embassy reach you.

Save my starting point

Next up

Go to Lesson 1: Plan your trip and budget.

This self check is not graded.