Bon Voyage: Tips for Traveling Internationally from Williamson County, Tennessee
Traveling internationally can be as daunting as it is exciting. New places, faces, and enriching experiences are often accompanied by hectic travel days, time changes, and the inevitable hiccups. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Here in Williamson County, we are lucky enough to be in close proximity to one of the most well-known and efficient airports in the country, making it easier than ever to embark on your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a future trip or making sure you have everything squared away for a quickly approaching one, here are some helpful reminders and tips to ace international travel.
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Nashville International Airport (BNA), is the main international airport in Nashville, located in the southeastern section of Music City, about a half an hour drive from Downtown Franklin. The airport has access to 99 locations across the United States, plus a variety of International destinations. The airlines that fly in and out of BNA include American Airlines, Allegiant, Southwest, Delta, JetBlue, United, Spirit, Frontier, Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Avelo, British Airways, Contour Airlines, Icelandair, Sun Country, Vacation Express, Viva Aerobus, and WestJet. Non-stop, international routes available through select airlines can be found here.
BNA has 1 terminal with 2 sections and 5 gates (A, B, C, D, and T) and, though it is a large, international airport, it’s fairly easy to navigate. For an overview of the 4,555 acre airport, BNA provides a comprehensive terminal map. Due to Nashville’s growing reputation as a prime tourist location, the airport has experienced a growth in traffic and has undergone several expansion projects in recent years. On average, there are about 60,000 passengers who come through the airport daily, though busier times of year see an increase in number. The busiest times of year tends to be around holidays and early October (fall break), with about 94,000 passengers passing through on any given day. Daily, there tends to be morning and evening peaks in business, with surges in foot traffic from 5-8 a.m. and again from 4-7 p.m.
TSA checkpoint opens daily at 3:30 a.m. The new BNA Grand Lobby, which opened in January of 2023, is spacious and includes state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanning machines and scanners. The new technology and large space make the security checkpoint process much faster and more convenient. However, a 2-hour window between your arrival and the plane’s departure is still recommended to ensure smooth travel. If you have an international flight, arriving 3 hours early is recommended. It’s important to note that by May 7, 2025, Real IDs or passports will be required by TSA to board domestic flights.
If you opt to leave your car at the airport, there are various parking options, ranging from $20 (Economy lot) to $40 (valet parking) per day.
If you do have some extra time at BNA, there are over 38 dining options, including some Nashville favorites: Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Tootsie’s, Arrington Wine Bar and Grill, Old Red, and ACME Feed & Seed. Alongside these recognizable stops, there are also a wide variety of coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and breweries. In true Nashville fashion, many restaurants and public spaces at BNA have regular live music performances.
Pictured: “Silent Disco” Exhibit by Artist Laurie Shapiro
Arts at the Airport
While at the airport, keep your eyes peeled for the skylight Bonnaroo-themed art exhibits, “Arts at the Airport,” sponsored by BNA, the Arts at the Airport program (AaA), the Bonnaroo Works Fund, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Bonnaroo is a massively popular 4-day music festival that takes place in Manchester, Tennessee every year, located about an hour from Downtown Franklin. The Bonnaroo Works Fund, which is the charitable arm of the festival, funds the airport exhibits, which awards 4 artists with a $4,500 honorarium. Artists are selected annually by a team of board members, based on perceived artistic quality and representation of the Bonnaroo brand. Exhibits can be found displayed in concourses B and C. 2024 winners included artists Laney Baby, Kim Bernard, Karl Hale, and Laurie Shapiro. 2025 winners will be announced in the coming months.
Important Document Information
Passport
The most obvious obstacle to international travel would be forgetting your passport. If you’re planning a trip out of the U.S. and don’t yet have a passport, keep in mind that it takes 4-8 weeks for the document to arrive after application. Even if the passport is expedited for an additional fee, the process will take 2-3 weeks. To apply for a passport in Williamson County, you must go in-person to the Williamson County Clerk’s Office (1320 W Main St Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064). Required forms include a DS-11 application form, a birth certificate or equivalent for proof of citizenship, and a valid government-issued ID for proof of identity. If you’re an adult (over 16 years of age), a first-time passport will cost around $165. A renewal, required every 10 years, costs $130.
If you lose your U.S. passport while you are abroad, the best course of action is to contact the nearest United States embassy or consulate. If you believe the passport was stolen, you should also contact the local authorities. For more information and in case of emergency, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the online platform of The U.S. Department of State—Bureau of Consular Affairs, should you need to find the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Proof of Accommodation
Upon entering some countries, you may be required to provide proof of accommodation. If you are staying at a hotel, confirmation of your reservation with suffice. If staying with a friend or family member, a letter or confirmation of invitation may be required. Though this is not always the case, these are good to have on hand while going through international customs.
Additional Form of Identification
It’s wise to carry additional forms of identification on your person, such as your drivers license. As an extra layer of precaution, consider having a photocopy of your documents on your electronic device and/or in the possession of a trusted friend in the U.S.
International Travel: What to Bring
Here are some key items, beyond your essential documents, to keep on hand, ensuring your travel days go as smooth as possible:
- Correct currency cash: Most banks in the U.S. offer foreign currency exchange services, available either in-person or online. You bank might not have the currency on hand, so it’s a good idea to exchange your currency well in advance, should there be a lag. Keep in mind that your bank may charge an exchange fee.
- International charging adaptor: Many countries have differently shaped charging ports than we have in the United States, so if you want to keep your devices charged, it’s a good idea to invest in a universal adaptor, which you can find most places that sell electronics.
- Sensible shoes: Vacation is a time to explore new places, and exploring often requires a fair amount of walking. It’s a good idea to pack a pair of shoes that are durable and comfortable.
- A carry-on with wheels (or a book bag): Although this might come down to personal preference, racing through the airport carrying a heavy bag on your shoulder is not for the faint of heart. A carry-on with wheels or a sturdy bookbag is a good idea, given the weariness and unpredictability that can come with travel days.
- Appropriate toiletries: While this might be a given, it’s always a good idea to have an extra set of travel-sized hygiene essentials in your carry-on, should you not have access to your checked luggage for an extended period of time.
- An Emergency Kit: While we certainly hope you don’t need it, it’s always good to be prepared for minor illness or injury while traveling. Don’t forget that you might need band-aides, disinfectant, or medication throughout your journey.
- A camera: While most of our cellphones now have great cameras, you might consider bringing a small, digital camera or even a disposable to get some incredible photos. This allows more creativity and limits the distraction your phone might bring. Plus, you’ll look really cool.
International Travel: What Not to Bring
Besides the obvious prohibited items, traveling as light as possible is a must, especially if you and your luggage are going to be companions across international airports. Here are some of the items it’s best to leave at home:
- Excess clothing: When visiting somewhere amazing, it’s tempting to want to bring your whole wardrobe. However, narrowing down to a few key pieces and outfits will make your travels much simpler and your suitcase lighter. Leave room for souvenirs!
- Heavy shoes: If you don’t want to pay an overweight baggage fee, it’s a good idea to eliminate the heaviest items in your suitcase. Shoes are often the culprit, so consider leaving at least one pair of your heavy heeled boots at home, unless you want to rock them on the airplane.
- Uncomfortable heels: This tip depends on destination. However, many popular international vacation spots are known for sandy coasts or cobblestone streets, terrains that don’t quite mix with high heeled shoes. If you insist, however, definitely make sure to bring those Band-aids.
- Expensive or sentimental items: It’s a good rule of thumb not to travel with family heirlooms or your most expensive items, especially anything that cannot be replaced. Jewelry is the most common of these items, so consider traveling with costume jewelry to avoid any panic.
- Unnecessary Debit or Credit Cards: There is an increased risk of things being stolen while traveling, so make sure not to carry unnecessary bank cards or information that could give someone access to your accounts. If you do bring your cards, keep them in a secure location. Make sure to alert your bank or credit card company of your travels, if necessary, so your account doesn’t get locked while you’re away.
Destination Spotlight: Porto, Portugal
When planning an international trip, there are seemingly an overwhelming amount of options. Europe is a popular destination for Americans, and spots like London, Paris, and Rome are well-frequented for good reason. However, if you’re looking for a slower-paced trip or fewer tourists, there are lesser-known spots that can rival these incredible cities in both beauty and culture. A great spot you may not have considered is nestled near the Western edge of the continent—Porto, Portugal.
The city of Porto is known for a few key things: Port wine, colorful tile, local cuisine, and cork products.
- Port wine is a type of wine that comes out of the Douro Valley, a region that runs alongside the Douro River. Port is known for being sweeter, richer, and having a higher alcohol content than other types of wine. This is achieved through a special fermentation process, which adds brandy to fermenting grape juice to preserve the sweetness. There are 4 main types of Port: Ruby, Tawny, White, and Vintage.
- Colorful tile is a key factor of Portuguese architecture, and the product decorates buildings throughout the city of Porto. The tiles, most notably the blue and white “azulejos,” are a product of Arab influence on Portugal, and have been a symbol of beauty, wealth, and craftmanship in the region since the 13th century.
- Popular Portuguese Cuisine includes lots of fish, red meat, and pastries. Porto is especially well known for its canned fish production, particularly sardines. The most iconic dishes in Porto include the Francesinha, a sandwich made with meat, melted cheese, and sauce, and Pastel de Nata, a custard tart that is Portugal’s most famous dessert.
Cork products fill souvenir shops along the Douro River, alongside ceramic pieces. Cork, produced by Cork Oak trees, is one of the country’s most fundamental natural resources. The material is both versatile and sustainable, used to create a variety of products like wallets, bags, household items, and even shoes.
If you’re traveling to Porto from Williamson County, expect some jet lag, as Porto is 6 hours ahead. However, disrupted sleep and long flights are absolutely worth it to experience the incredible history, beauty, and culture the city has to offer. If you decide explore Porto on foot, expect lots of walking and steep hills that lead to incredible historic sights and gorgeous views. Though many Europeans speak some English, it is good to brush up on some key phrases when visiting somewhere new. An important Portuguese phrase to keep in your back pocket is “obrigado” (or “obrigada” in the feminine), which means “thank you.”
If you’re looking for additional information about European travel from the United States, or plan to stay for an extended period of time, you can familiarize yourself with protocol and resources provided by the U.S. Department of State: U.S. travelers in Europe.
Here, There, and Everywhere
Why travel? Immersing ourselves in other cultures, even for a short amount of time, can help us appreciate and take account of our own home, while simultaneously learning more about the world. Entering somewhere new with that goal is a great way to be objective and open to new experiences while remaining proud of where we come from.
Coming from the United States, it’s exciting to learn from different cultures and countries even older than our own. Europe, especially, is generally known for more walkable cities, sustainable environmental practices, and fresh, local food sources. While we make increasing strides towards these practices in our own country, witnessing them successfully in action across the world is inspiring. In Williamson County especially, there has been intentional movement toward a more sustainable future, including increased walkability, nature preserves, celebration of agriculture, and locally sourced foods.
New experiences await! We hope that your travels are joyful and fulfilling, whether you’re next excursion is over the Atlantic or over to your neighbor’s house.
