Traveling internationally opens up a whole world of new adventures, but requires some advance planning to avoid glitches. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
√ Passport and Visa – Check the passport, visa, vaccination and other requirements for each country you will be visiting. I find the U.S. State Department has good information for U.S. travelers at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html You can email the link to your phone so you have it if you need it. The information also includes embassy and consulate contact information. In addition, consider registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to alert the State Department where you will be traveling and to get updated information about the area you plan to visit.
√ Cash and Credit/Debit Cards – I typically travel with my primary credit card, a backup credit card, my primary debit card, a backup debit card from a different bank, and a reasonable amount of local cash and U.S. dollars. While most restaurants and many shops will take credit or debit cards, some smaller merchants prefer cash. Most larger international airports and cities have ATMs where you can get local cash when you arrive. If you want to bring foreign cash from home, your bank or AAA can get it for you (check the fees). Also, note the conversion rate or use an app to convert the price of the item to U.S. dollars so you can make an informed decision about the cost of items you want to purchase.
Make sure you notify the bank for each credit or debit card, and ask them to put a travel alert on your card so that the unusual foreign transaction will not be blocked. Although most credit card companies will send a text to your phone when blocking a transaction, if your phone is in airplane mode, you may not receive the text in a timely basis. The travel alert informs the bank that you will be traveling in certain areas and to expect transactions.
Many credit cards charge transaction fees, as well as currency exchange fees for transactions in another currency. When choosing the credit and debit cards you take for travel, you may want to choose the one what has the most favorable fee structure. Also, for all cards, make sure you know the numerical pin in case you need it.
Separate your credit cards and cash so you are only carrying what you need and lock the rest in your hotel safe, if available. Consider the use of money belts or other underclothing document carriers to make it harder for thieves to steal your cards and cash. Carry your account numbers and emergency contact numbers for all cards separate from your cards in case your card is stolen. I email scans of my cards and documents to myself before I leave.
√ Hold Your Mail – The USPS has an easy online feature to apply for a mail hold while you are away, and either arrange for mail pick up or deliver all the held mail when you return.
√ Pay Bills – Pre-paying bills that come due while you are away can save you the hassle of trying to pay a bill from afar and avoid late fees.
√ Prescription Drugs – Many experts suggest bringing a copy of the prescription and keeping the medication in the original bottle. However, be aware that a number of countries have prohibitions about entering the country with certain classes of medications such as those containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, morphine, dexamphetamine, among others. Check with the official travel website for each country you are visiting to determine restrictions and other requirements.
√ Transportation System – Learn about the local transportation system if you plan to use public transportation. Make note of how and where to buy tickets, and the process of validating tickets. Some areas use only kiosks and require a chip id to purchase tickets, and others sell tickets in newsstands and other stores. Many now use an app. Carefully note whether tickets need to be validated and whether validation is done before you board or after. Some countries fine you if you fail to validate your ticket.
√ Health Insurance – Check your health insurance policy to determine whether you are covered out of network and/or outside the U.S. Most regular policies do not cover medical evacuation, but this coverage is available through travel organizations like AAA and insurance companies, and may be part of a more comprehensive travel insurance plan. Note: Medicare does not cover medical expenses outside of the U.S.
√ Travel Insurance – Many travelers choose to purchase travel insurance which can encompasses trip cancellation, various losses due to trip interruption, lost luggage, delays, and certain emergencies. Travelers can cover individual trips or a period of time or limit coverage to certain risks. Talk to your insurance agent or search the internet for more information.
√ Cell Phone – Using a cell phone outside the U.S. is a blog post in itself. Most importantly, learn what service you have to avoid surprises, which can be quite expensive. I don’t travel outside the U.S. for enough days to warrant the cost of a full international plan. Typically, I put my phone on airplane mode when I get on the plane and then rely primarily on wifi to get email, internet, and texts. My cell phone plan allows me to have international coverage for certain countries at $10 per day, should I need full service or want to check for messages mid trip. If you need to make or receive calls consider apps such as FaceTime Audio or What’s App.
√ Luggage Scale – Many of the international airlines have different requirements for weight and dimensions of luggage. Luggage scales are relatively inexpensive and weighing your luggage can save you from overweight bag charges and the hassle of redistributing weight at the airport. For carryon information, Skyscanner has size and weight restrictions for cabin baggage for most airlines. Double check the size and weight (for both cabin and checked baggage) for your specific flight on the airline website.
√ Food – Some countries are very fussy about bringing food into the country. I often take my own food on the plane/train because I must eat gluten free. Knowing about restrictions in advance can avoid problems at the border.
Taking the time to go through this or a similar checklist can help your trip go more smoothly. With less things to worry about, I have more time to enjoy my trip.