INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST - WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR next TRIP
As we gear up for another international trip I thought I would share all my tips on what I do before each international trip.
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT: This is the most important tip I have. Before you book your international trip, check the expiration date on your passport. Many countries will not let you enter if your passport is within six months of the expiration date. Seriously, go check your passports right now.
CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS: Always check the VISA requirements of the country you are traveling to. You can’t expect the airline to check this for you. I like to check this site to see if I need to start the VISA application process.
CREDIT CARDS: Make sure that you set up travel notifications for both your debit and credit cards. While some don’t require it anymore, you don’t want to take any chances not being able to use your credit card abroad. Don’t forget to bring your debit card too. Many stores in Europe only take cash and you will need cash to tip and pay for bathrooms over there.
Also, make sure that the credit card you’re taking doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These are fees your bank tacks on to every single purchase and they add up quickly.
Pro Tip: I always bring at least two credit cards. It never fails that one won’t work and that way I always have a back up. Amex is not widely accepted in Europe so if you plan to bring yours, bring a second Visa or Mastercard as well just in case. If you plan to ride the Metro in most cities a Tap-to-Pay (contactless) card is ideal (or set up Apple Pay).
DON’T GET CASH: Long gone are the days where you need to get cash before you travel. Not only is it more expensive but you simply do not need cash before you arrive. We like to get cash at our arrival airport from an ATM machine (not the currency exchange counter). There is always one in baggage claim or after customs right before you exit.
Pro Tip: When getting cash out of the ATM you’ll be asked if you want to accept the conversion rate. Alway decline. You want to get local currency every time. When making a purchase, if you are asked if you want to pay in USD or Euro/Pounds - always choose local currency. Otherwise, you are accepting their currency exchange rate which is usually high.
CHECK YOUR CELL PHONE PLAN: Having a phone overseas is very important. We use our phones while traveling to navigate on maps, use Uber, etc. You don’t want to be caught with a huge phone bill when you get home, so I recommend calling your wireless provider and finding out exactly how much you will be charged every day or look into a more budget friendly option, like purchasing a sim card on arrival.
CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE: I pay for all of my flights with a credit card that provides trip interruption/cancellation insurance. It’s so important to have some kind of protection. Don’t have a credit card that comes with trip protection? Consider purchasing an annual plan. You’d be surprised how affordable they are. If you purchase travel insurance, make sure someone at home has a copy of it.
VACCINATIONS: Are you traveling to a country that requires vaccinations before arrival? I worked with a nurse that was traveling to the Philippines and was shocked to learn that her family needed very expensive Yellow Fever vaccines. Check the CDC website to see if the country you’re visiting requires vaccination.
HOLD YOUR MAIL: Did you know you can go online and hold your mail for the duration of your trip? You can even set the date you want your mail to be delivered after you get home. It’s so easy and completely free.
MAKE COPIES: I always make copies of passports and credit cards that I’m bringing. An alternative is to snap a photo of your passport and email it to yourself. If it should get lost or stolen, it will be much easier to replace if you have a copy.
DOWNLOAD APPS:
Always download the app of the airline you are flying. You’ll receive flight notifications, you’ll get real time date/delay updates, track your luggage and you can check out the seating chart in case you want to try to snag a better seat.
Google Maps - you can download maps to use offline in case you don’t have service
CityMapper - our fave for navigating the Metro system
City specific Train apps - for arrival, platform and ticket information
ARE YOU DRIVING? If you are renting a car, check to see if you need an International Driver’s Permit. I just got one before my trip to Italy this summer and it was so easy. You can print out the application online or just go into your local AAA office. I filled it out there, they took my photo, I paid $20 and walked out the door with it. (I was asked for it at the rental car counter in Italy by the way).
Pro Tip: When you pick up your rental car, take a full video of the entire car including the roof. It’s best to do this with the counter agent present. Pull on the bumper, make sure to get the driver and passenger mirrors. This may save you if you’re accused of damaging the vehicle upon return.
REFILL PRESCRIPTIONS: Make sure that you allow plenty of time to refill any prescription medications so that you don’t run out during your trip. Also, never put your prescription medications in your checked bag.
DOWNLOAD MOVIES AND PODCASTS: You’ll be spending a lot of time in airports, planes, trains and train stations so make sure that you have plenty of movies and TV shows downloaded to watch offline. We like to also have plenty of books and podcasts downloaded as well.
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
Travel adapters: you’ll want the two-prong adapters for the EU and the three-prong adapters for the UK. These are my favorites.
Portable chargers: you’ll be on your phone all day using maps and taking photos and videos.
Voltage Converter: You will need this in many countries so your electronics don’t get fried.
Noise canceling headphones: You don’t need to spend a lot of money but you’ll thank me for having these for your flight. These are pricey, but they are so comfortable and pay for themselves on your first flight.
ARRIVAL: Many people don’t think of this one, but you want to know exactly how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel.
Are you taking the Metro? Know exactly which line you need to take and make note of transfers. Screenshot directions just in case.
Taxi? Research local taxi rules so you don’t get scammed (I always ask for a quote ahead of time and ask if they take credit cards).
Private transfer? How will you find them on arrival? Trust me, you don’t want to be figuring this out on arrival after barely sleeping on a ten-hour flight. Make sure you screen shot directions just in case.
BOOK TICKETS/TOURS: Do you know that many popular sites require that you purchase timed tickets in advance? You don’t want to miss out on visiting a certain museum or site because they sold out. For example, tickets for the Anne Frank House museum go on sale every Tuesday for a visit six weeks in advance. These tickets sell quickly and there is no way to purchase tickets on site.
Make sure you research the city you’re visiting so you’re not disappointed that tickets sold out weeks before.
TSA PRECHECK/GLOBAL ENTRY: This one isn’t mandatory but if you are traveling 4-5 times a year, it’s a game changer. Many credit cards come with credits that will pay for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck: $78 - Good for five years. Expedited security line at the DEPARTING airport. You don’t have to remove your shoes/liquids or laptop.
Global Entry (Includes TSA PreCheck): $100 - Good for five years. Allows you to go through an expedited line upon RETURN to the United States.
Don’t travel often? Download the Mobile Passport Control app. It’s completely free and will help you avoid the long general customs line on RETURN to the United States. We flew into JFK from Paris this summer and there were zero people in the MPC line and hundreds in the general line. This is a no brainer.
Happy Travels!
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