International Travel

Preparing for international travel can be extra stressful due to additional considerations and plans that need to be made aside from just booking the trip and packing. Here are a few things to think about (in order of how early in your planning process it should be considered) before you travel internationally.

• Passport - If you don’t already have a passport, start the process sooner rather than later. It can take a couple months to get through the whole process - and extra time if you want to also apply for global entry. If you already have a passport, make sure you have at least a six month buffer between your trip and the expiration date. Some countries will not accept a passport that is going to expire in less than six months.

• Cell phone plan - Look into the options your cell phone provider offers for international travel. Think about what your needs will be while you travel and choose the one that will best accommodate them.

• Plug adaptors - This is critical! You won’t be able to charge your devices (or anything else) if you don’t have an appropriate adaptor. You can buy most adaptors based on the country you need, so you don’t necessarily need to know the plug specs.

• Get currency from your bank - I recently discovered that this is an option. It’s probably best used for longer trips where you will definitely want cash on hand. Sometimes finding a good place to get cash that won’t charge you insane fees is difficult when you’re already in an unfamiliar place (even more so if there is a language barrier). Most banks offer online services that can provide you cash in the needed currency ahead of your trip.

• Travel notices on credit & debit cards - So so SO important. If you don’t put travel notices on all of the cards you are planning to take with you (even if one is just a back up), it’s extremely likely that your bank is going to freeze your card when you start using it. Having to talk to your bank while you are traveling, maybe without cell service or a good international plan, is not going to be ideal. So plan ahead! Banks and credit card institutions have quick and easy online forms you can fill out to put travel notices on your cards.

• Transportation planning - Make sure to plan ahead for getting from the airport or other arrival point (maybe the harbor?) to where you are staying. If you plan to taxi or take public transportation, make sure you have the address or route written down. Don’t rely on immediately having the internet or service on your phone. I’ve had issues in the past where it took awhile for my phone to adjust. I would also suggest at least having a tentative plan for getting back to your mode of departure at the end of your trip. You don’t have to have it as specifically planned, but having an idea in mind will be helpful. It can even be especially nice to have a ride arranged for when you get home, as you will probably be tired and want to get home as quickly and easily as possible.

• Packing - There are some things you might want to specifically think about packing that may or may not apply when you travel domestically.

Debit card: It is basically impossible to get cash abroad without a debit card, so it is always a good idea to have one with you.

Luggage itinerary: There are special luggage tags and labelled in multiple languages made for enclosing your itinerary in case you get separated from your suitcase.

Overnight flight: If your flight occurs overnight, pack comfy clothes and some basic toiletries in your carry-on so that you can help your body realize it needs to get some sleep. I would suggest at least some sweats or pajama pants, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and some face-wipes.

Snacks: International travel can really mess with your internal clock and forces you to eat meals when they are served, rather than when you are hungry. Pack a few portable and easy snacks, just in case!

Spare clothes: Pack at least one spare outfit in your carry-on, just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive with you to your destination.

Entertainment: Download movies, TV episodes, and podcasts to your devices so you have things to keep you entertained during your travels. Don’t forget to pack a portable charger or two, in case you can’t find a plug!

Weather: Check the weather for the days you will be abroad and plan your wardrobe accordingly. Don’t pack for what you want the weather to be, or what the weather is at home!

Are there any other quirks of preparing to travel internationally that you've encountered?