The Ultimate International Travel Checklist: Don't Forget These 14 Things!
Essential Steps: Everything you need to do before you take that next international trip.
Ever thought about the thrill of embarking on an international trip only to remember the daunting task of preparing for it? We've got you covered with this comprehensive international travel checklist. After all, proper preparation is the key to unlocking the gates to smooth and stress-free international travel. So sit back, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and let's get started!
Introduction
Traveling internationally is an exhilarating experience, but it's equally essential to ensure you're well-prepared. After all, who wants to be stuck in a foreign country without their passport or the right travel insurance? In this article, we'll delve into some key components of international travel preparation. Buckle up as we discuss everything from passports to packing lists.
Passport
Your passport is your key to the world – it's the golden ticket that lets you cross international borders. But what happens when that ticket expires? You're stuck, that's what. Before you find yourself stranded at the airport like a lost puppy, take a moment to check the expiration date. It’s best that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel date because some countries require it. And if it's not, don't panic! The long wait times for a new or renewed passport made the news last year, but they’re much better now. As of the publish date of this post, the wait time for a standard request is 6 to 8 weeks, and 2 to 3 weeks for an expedited request. You can apply for a new passport or renew your passport at the U.S. State Department website.
Visas
A visa, that little stamp in your passport, is your host country's way of saying "Welcome, come on in!" But remember, not all countries roll out the red carpet for travelers without a visa. Even the European Union will start requiring “travel authorization” in 2025. Check ahead to see if your destination requires one. When in doubt, a visit to your destination country's embassy website or the U.S. State Department website should provide the answer.
Vaccines
Going international means potentially exposing yourself to new health risks. That's where vaccines come in. Some destinations require specific vaccinations and sometimes it’s just a good idea to get a vaccine that’s less common in the U.S. The U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” page is a great resource for this!
If you’re wondering where you can get a vaccine, most major hospitals have travel clinics, which are really helpful. In my experience when you visit a travel clinic you sit down with a doctor and review where you’re going and how you’ll be traveling (because driving through Southeast Asia is different than flying through, for these purposes). The doctor then recommends and administers any necessary or recommended vaccines and prescribes any recommended medication (like malaria pills for certain destinations).
E-Sim Card
In today's digital age, staying connected is crucial. But staying connected no longer means exorbitant roaming fees from your cell phone carrier. An e-sim card can make this much easier and saves you from trying to change the sim card in your phone. An e-sim card is a sim card that provides data only, using a cell phone carrier in the country or region you’re visiting. Because the card is data only, it means you cannot make or receive calls. I also recommend not texting with the card, because it will appear as a different phone number than your usual number to the recipient. I usually deactivate the sim card for my normal phone number and only turn it on when I’m on wi-fi. I’m careful to only have one sim card active at a time, so I don’t accidentally use the wrong one and get charged roaming fees.
My favorite e-sim card provider is Airalo (this is an affiliate link, but don’t worry, I actually do love Airalo). They have great prices and an easy-to-use app. In the app you can purchase the appropriate card (they have different options, depending on your destination), and keep track of how much data you have left.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is your safety net when traveling abroad. From unexpected medical expenses to trip cancellations, the right travel insurance can cover you against numerous unforeseen incidents. Make sure you shop around to get the right policy for your needs.
But before you click that "purchase" button, take a moment to read the fine print. What does it cover? What doesn't it cover? Norah and I learned this the hard way when we thought we bought travel insurance that would cover cancellation for any conceivable reason (and made sure we had the COVID rider). A few weeks before we were scheduled to leave for the Galapagos Islands fighting broke out between the government and gangs, in the same city we were flying through and had to spend the night. When we started considering postponing the trip (again…it had already been postponed twice because of COVID), we learned that cancellation would not be covered unless the US declared war or the U.S. State Department deemed the entire city as High Risk. The U.S. State Department had deemed some neighborhoods in the city High Risk, but not where the airport was. Luckily it all worked out, but lesson learned, really read that fine print on what is covered.
Most importantly, look at how you file a claim if you need it. Does it include medical evacuation to the U.S.? If it does, how is that covered and can your travel group travel with you?
Travel Advisories
Travel advisories are like weather forecasts for your trip. They can alert you to any potential storms brewing in your destination country. The U.S. State Department's website is an excellent resource and lists both safety and health advisories on its “Learn About Your Destination” page.
International Driver’s Permit
Planning to rent a car on your trip? An international driver’s permit might be needed. This permit translates your domestic driver's license into several languages, making it easier for foreign officials to interpret. Again, the U.S. State Department's “Learn About Your Destination” page is an excellent resource and lists whether an international driver’s permit is needed. If you need an international driver’s permit, visit your local AAA website or branch.
STEP
Registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a wise move. Most importantly, it allows local U.S. embassy staff to know your location and reach you in an emergency. STEP sends you travel alerts, which helps you keep up to date on any travel advisories. Enrolling is easy – just visit the U.S. State Department’s STEP website and follow their guide.
Global Entry
If you frequently travel internationally, whether to apply for Global Entry is an easy decision. Even if you don’t travel internationally frequently, but do travel domestically frequently, Global Entry can make sense because it includes TSA Pre-Check. This program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers upon arrival in the U.S.
Apply soon, the application fee is going up to $120 in the fall. And make sure you apply well before your planned trip because the application process involves an in-person interview. You can apply on CBP’s website.
Nearest US Embassy
It’s always a good idea to plan for an emergency because then they’re less likely to happen. Knowing the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Find this information on the U.S. State Department’s website before you travel and save it on your phone.
Adapters and Converters
Oh, this is a big one. Especially if you plan to bring a hair dryer, straightener, curler, or anything that produces heat.
So what’s the difference between an adapter and a converter? An adapter simply adapts your existing plug to the plug where you are. These are usually fairly cheap and you can get them with multiple adapters, so you don’t have to buy a new one every time you leave the U.S. Adapters do not affect the voltage at all, so you can not use anything that produces heat with just an adapter because the voltage is likely not the same as the U.S. and you’ll end up blowing your hair dryer.
A converter converts 220V (used widely in Europe and other places across the globe) to 110V (used in the U.S.) If you don’t use a converter, you run the risk of too much voltage getting to your device and blowing it. This is really only a problem with devices that produce heat, so if you don’t bring a hair dryer, you may not need one.
When shopping for an adapter or converter, make sure that the model you are buying works with all the devices you’re taking with you. A lot of times you’ll search for converters but come across adapters. You can tell it’s an adapter if it won’t work with a hair dryer.
Luggage Restrictions
Did you know that some countries have restrictions on the weight of a carry-on? I learned this as I was trying to go through security at Charles de Gaulle and ended up with a hideous sticker on my carry-on that I was never able to get off. Countries and even different airports within a country have different rules about liquids. With my TSA Pre-Check, I am well out of the habit of collecting all of my liquids into a quart-sized bag. Luckily I checked when I was leaving for Gatwick, or I would have had to be digging through my suitcase.
Pack Essentials
You all know that I’m a big fan of only traveling with a carry-on. I’m hoping I never have to check another bag in my life (but that may be ruined by France and it’s 25lb rule for carry-ons). If you do check a bag, make sure anything you need and a change of clothes are in your carry-on. Important documents, medication, a change of clothes for when you land are all things that should go in your carry-on. Chances are you’re taking a long flight or even an overnight flight. Check out my recommendations in those blog posts!
Plan for When You Arrive at the Airport
Having a plan for when you land can save you a lot of stress. The last thing you want to do after flying for 6+ hours is figure out how to get to your hotel, when you’ve never been to this country before and don’t speak the language. Think about things such as: will you need local currency immediately; local customs, such as dress, that you should be aware of before leaving the airport; whether you’ll take public transportation, a taxi, an Uber, or hire a car.
And there you have it - your ultimate international travel checklist! Happy travels!
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