10 Essential Things to Do Before Traveling Internationally

Whether you’re traveling internationally for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, it’s important to have a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything vital before going abroad. Here is my list for the essential things I do before my international trip.

1. Make sure you have a valid passport

I cannot stress this enough as it is absolutely required for international travel. Not only should your passport be valid, but make sure it does not expire in less than 6 months from your return date. This is crucial as some countries won’t allow access if the expiration date is less than 6 months. If you don’t have a passport, start the application immediately as it can take time for approval and delivery.

2. Research what vaccinations are needed

Inform your provider of where you’re traveling to and for how long so you can get the necessary vaccines and malaria pills if needed. You can also check with the Center for Disease Control in the US by selecting your destination to see their recommendations. This should be done well in advance, especially if you’re traveling to an area where malaria is common since you will start taking the medication before you leave.

3. Ensure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip

If you take routine medications, check to make sure you will have enough for each day of your trip or get a refill if you’ll run out before you return. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, talk with your pharmacy to find out your options as they may be able to get an approval through your insurance to give you a large day supply.

4. Exchange your money ahead of time

Airport exchange rates are not the best and there’s normally a processing fee added on. Exchange with your bank a few days ahead of time for a better rate and if they don’t have the currency on hand they can usually mail it to you in a few days for no charge. Remember that you can’t exchange coins so be sure to use those up before you return!

5. Inform your bank of your travels

You can create a travel plan online, by phone, or in person and be sure to include all countries you’re traveling to. If you’ll be using multiple cards with different banks, be sure to have a plan for each of them to prevent the bank from declining them.

6. Print out all reservations, flight information, and make a copy of your passport

This is extremely important since electronic copies are not always reliable abroad even if you do have cell phone service. The service abroad is slow and there is always a possibility of a loss of your phone so it would put you in a pickle if your only outlet for information was not accessible.

7. Check visa requirements

Research ahead of time if a visa is needed so you can apply well in advance.

8. If you’ll be driving, get an International Permit

Research the requirements ahead of time for the country you’ll be driving in to see if you need a permit and options for insurance.

9. Register with your embassy

Go online to register so that the government will know your whereabouts in case of an emergency. Take note of the location and contact information of your embassy in the country you’re traveling in case of the event it is needed.

10. Get an adapter

Purchase this ahead of time since they are pricey at the airport. Make sure it covers the country you’ll be traveling to as there are some that are location specific.

I hope this checklist helps you have a less stressful trip! Let me know what’s on your list before traveling!

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