One of the more exciting aspects of being a submarine spouse is the possibility of a port call. Sometimes, spouses, significant others, and families are lucky enough to be able to visit on a port call. I have been lucky to have been able to visit two port calls-one international and one domestic. On the flip side, I have also seen a few port calls canceled. With one cancellation, I canceled my own trip, and for another, I went with a friend anyway.
Below are some tips and tricks for a successful port visit, as well as the event it gets cancelled. And if you can’t make the physical trip, here’s some tips. As always, remember to follow OPSEC when considering visiting a port call. Failure to do so can have port visits canceled.
Flights + Lodging
Given the nature of a port call, you might not have the exact dates of the port call when you are booking your flights and lodging. If possible, try to book a flight for a day or two before and after the expected dates. As the schedule changes, you may be able to adjust your flight as needed, or enjoy more time in the port location.
For lodging, try to find a hotel or vacation home that is close to public transportation and that is not too far away from the base. Understand that your sailor may still need to stand duty while in port, and being close to base allows easy access. Your sailor can also get recalled quickly, so being close to base allows them to get back faster if they need to. Finding lodging close to transportation also allows you easier access to get out and explore the location you are in!
Passport + Visas
As for any international travel, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return from your trip. Some countries will not allow entrance if your passport will expire within six months. Remember that it can take months to get a new passport, so if you think you may attend a port call, check your passport expiration date well in advance and renew if necessary.
Visit the US Department of State Travel website to learn about your destination and whether you need a visa prior to arrival. You can see information quickly regarding visas, any travel restrictions, required vaccinations, etc. It is also recommended that you register for travel alerts with the US Embassy in the host country.
Phone + Data
These days it is hard to travel in a foreign country without a phone or Wi-Fi access. Contact your phone carrier ahead of your trip to learn of any options available to you regarding international calling. Be aware that some carriers have steep prices if you do not pre-arrange your international calling plan. You may also want to purchase an international plan for your sailor to help with coordination and communication.
If you cannot find an affordable international plan, some locations have Wi-Fi hotspots that you can rent for the duration of your stay (I did this in Japan in 2017). These hotspots can allow you to still access your phone as well as provide you with on the go Wi-Fi to check out travel information for your destination. Another option is to purchase a pay as you go phone and plan in the country you are in.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always recommended for any international trip. You never know what can happen internationally, and having trip insurance can help protect you in a number of ways-medically, financially and can even help with emergency evacuation depending on the plan you choose. I recommend shopping around for trip insurance that has certain military clauses, or pay for a premium plan that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Pay attention to the reimbursement rates, and the dates within which you have to purchase the trip insurance. With one of the canceled port calls, I was able to eventually get all $2,500 I had already spent on the trip (hotel, flights, transportation fees, etc.) because of my trip insurance. It is definitely worth paying for trip insurance.
The port call was canceled, now what?
It can be extremely disappointing and upsetting to learn that an expected port call has been canceled. Let yourself feel whatever feelings you have regarding the cancellation, then figure out what you want to do. There are three main options people tend to have 1) cancel the entire trip (see trip insurance section above); 2) rebook trip to another port call location (if available); and 3) go have fun on your own international trip!
I have personally done 1 and 3, and know of people who have done 2. I have completely canceled my own trip and used my trip insurance to recoup any money I had already spent. Recouping the money can take time and you may need documentation to submit to your trip insurance. It took me three months to get my reimbursement. For one port call cancellation, another spouse and I decided we were going to still go to our travel destination. We had a blast and got to do more activities on that trip than we probably would have if it had been a port call, because we could get out and explore farther away from the base.
Other Things to Consider
- Manage your expectations. And just like everything in the submarine service, there may be hiccups along the way. Remember that your sailor may not have as much time to sightsee due to things outside of their control (duty days, recall to the boat, shortened port call etc.).
- Follow OPSEC and PERSEC. Prior to your trip your ombudsman and FRG board will likely remind you, but OPSEC is absolutely vital before and during the port call. Wait to post on social media until after you’ve returned home (and the boat is underway).
- Visiting a port call can bring up a lot of emotions. Expect to go through a mini-cycle deployment emotional cycle before, during, and after the port call if you visit. Take some time for yourself after your port call to help readjust back to your regular routine.
What was your favorite port call? Any tips/tricks for having a successful port visit? Comment below!