Suitcase…check. Passport…check. What else am I forgetting? This is the question every traveler has in the minutes or hours leading up to their trip. If you are traveling in your home country, you might be okay if you suddenly realize that you forgot your toothbrush or your high-blood pressure medication, but we are talking about international travel here people. You don’t want to be caught off guard in a foriegn country, with foreign policies and a foreign language, when something goes wrong.
This is why we have come up with these 20 important checklist items for you to consider before traveling internationally.
Topics:
Security & Health
Money
Research
Electronics
Packing
Security & Health
1. Check Prescription Drug and Vaccination Requirements
Make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations, and that you have refilled all essential prescriptions. Check with the airline to determine if you can take the medications you need in your carry-on bag. Call your destination country’s consulate to verify if your medications are legal or illegal in their country. Different countries have different laws on what you may possess.
The Food and Drug Administration has further instructions on this here.
2. Call your Domestic Insurance Provider
Ask your medical insurance provider if your policy covers overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, you should consider a supplement policy so that you can add options such as medical, emergency evacuation, or sports coverage. Luckily, TravelersAllyhas many plan options for every type of travel situation.
3. Bring Copies of Your Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, be sure that you can still get back into your home country or be able to prove your citizenship.
4. Leave a Copy of Your Passport
For extra backup, leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary at home with an emergency contact. Consider making an electronic copy you can store in your email account as well.
5. Register With Your Embassy
If there’s any problem, natural disaster, or if family needs to contact you, this will make it easier for your government to locate you and get you to safety. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trips with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Money
6. Check the Currency Conversion Rate
This will help to plan a budget and eliminate stressful surprises. Do your math before you travel to get a sense of the conversion rate. Make a cheat sheet. Download a currency converter app such as XE Currency.
7. Make Sure Your Credit Card Will Work
European banks have switched almost completely to the more secure chip-and-PIN technology, and fewer businesses abroad accept the outdated magnetic-strip cards. Some countries such as Cuba are not set up to accept credit cards, so check with your credit card company before you go.
8. Find a Bank or ATM in Your Destination
The conversion centers in the airport or around the city tend to be huge rip-offs. Even though it might not be as convenient, visit a bank or ATM; you won’t be charged as many fees and the conversion will be exact. Some banks in your domestic country have international debit cards that have lesser fees as well.
9. Plan on Using Local Currency
Important needs like trains, buses, airport tipping, and hotels will probably not take credit cards.
10. Notify Your Bank or Credit Card Company About Your Travel Plans
The bank issuing your credit card can turn off your charging privileges if they are suspicious of fraud because transactions are suddenly occurring outside your normal area. Before you leave, call your credit card provider and let them know where you will be traveling; sometimes they can flag your account.
11. Check for Entrance/Exit Fees
Some countries require travelers to pay in order to enter or leave the country. These fees are not normally included in the price of your airline ticket. You can view those guidelines here. Being prepared ahead of time can help you get in and out of the airport more quickly.
Research
12. Get Guidebooks
Obtaining guidebooks that include maps, key words or phrases, and give you enough detail on certain sites will eliminate the need to purchase the information at the venue. Research and download apps that might apply before you travel. This will help to avoid download charges from your wireless carrier and eliminate problems with weak wireless access.
13. Research the Culture and Special Events
This will help you make sure that you’re not missing special events going on in the city. Be sure to focus on fun things like festivals, ceremonies, and natural events. Also, be sure to research the local cuisine and decide on some new interesting options to try. You don’t want to leave the country without experiencing what it’s known for.
Electronics
14. Bring a Charger Adapter
You can often forget that most of your electronic devices will need a power adaptor to function properly depending on the country you are visiting. Most American-made devices operate at a voltage of 110 volts, while the majority of the world uses voltages between 220 and 240. Check here for specific country voltage information.
15. Check the Voltage of Your Electronics
Most electronic devices today are dual voltage, but be sure that you check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Don’t fry the most important hair straighter or electric razor right before the big night out!
16. Activate your Phone’s Global Capabilities
There’s usually a charge for adding this, but it is much less than the roaming charges, and much easier than phone cards.
Packing
17. Be Sure That You Know Local Customs Regarding Dress
It is always best to dress so that you don’t stand out; this makes you less likely to attract thieves.
18. Pack an Extra Set of Clothes in Your Carry-on Bag
If the airline loses your luggage, or if your baggage is delayed, you will still have something to wear and be comfortable.
19. Decide Whether or Not to Check Your Bags
Each airline has its own set of guidelines as to how many bags can be checked or carried on your flight for free. Also, most airlines have a weight limit for those bags. Make sure to look up your airline’s rules in order to avoid any incremental fees.
20. Bring Snacks
Traveling abroad is fun, but eating along the way can sometimes become a task. Bring small snacks to have on the plane, in the airport in case of a delay, and for a refresher when you arrive at your destination. This will help to tide you over until you find that perfect restaurant or food cart.
Lastly, enjoy your trip. If we at TravelersAlly can help you in any way, please let us know. We have fun enjoying your experiences, and would love to answer any questions you have regarding international travel.
We are, quite frankly, obsessed with taking pictures of ourselves. Especially when we are traveling abroad. It’s like a proverbial middle-finger to your less-traveled pals, or a digital bumper sticker to prove that you were actually there.
