You’ve booked your international flight, scored a unique Airbnb, and your anticipation is at a fever pitch. There’s nothing left to do than count down the days until the trip of a lifetime, right? Wrong. There are so many things you need to do.
I’m here to help. I’m an avid international traveler and have curated a list of essential things everybody should do before traversing the globe. If you can complete everything on this list, consider yourself ready to travel.
1. Secure Your Passport
The most important thing to worry about while traveling is the physical possession of your passport, so keep your passport safe before and especially during travel.
If you still need to get a passport (or yours has recently expired), the clock is ticking. In the past few years, the processing time for new or renewed passports has been longer than usual, so take that into account if you still don’t have your physical passport.
2. Buy Travel Insurance
If you have health insurance in the United States, you may be surprised to discover that it does not cover health emergencies that may happen overseas. Fortunately, international health and travel insurance is more affordable than you think.
Thanks to a digital nomad plan that costs about $60 per month, I’m fully insured, no matter where I travel in the world. That’s not bad for complete peace of mind.
3. Research Your Destination
It’s best to familiarize yourself with where you’ll call home for the next days, weeks, or months. Research your destination thoroughly using all the tools at your disposal. Go down an internet rabbit hole and get all the details concerning where you’re going.
By researching ahead of time, you’ll find yourself infinitely more comfortable living in an unfamiliar location, and cultural differences won’t surprise you as much.
4. Learn To Speak a Few Key Phrases
No international locale research is complete without learning a few essential phrases in a new language. I advise you to learn common phrases like hello, goodbye, and “Where’s the nearest restroom?”
It’s time to think back to when you were bored in your high school foreign language classes and recall everything you can. You’ll find that knowing how to say crucial phrases makes your experience more enjoyable and garners much-needed respect from locals.
5. Make Copies of Documents
Although nothing beats having important physical documents (passport, driver’s license, credit cards) in your possession at all times, even the most seasoned traveler occasionally loses something. Protect yourself by making photocopies of essential documents before you leave.
If you somehow misplace your passport or it gets stolen, at least you’ll have something to work with as you attempt to rectify that particular situation.
6. Obtain an International Driver’s Permit
I admit it; I was woefully unprepared to travel through Europe the first time I went. “I don’t need an international driver’s permit,” I told myself. “I’ll just walk everywhere.” That was a bad decision.
Don’t get me wrong, I had an unbelievable time. But I would’ve loved to drive through the Italian countryside at least once or twice. Fortunately, I obtained my IDP through my local AAA location, and I’ve been driving through Europe ever since. Don’t overlook this often-forgotten checklist item.
7. Tell Your Bank Your Travel Plans
Imagine traveling halfway across the globe, attempting to buy something like toothpaste, and being horrified and embarrassed when your credit card won’t work. This situation happens more than you think.
Fortunately, all it takes is a quick phone call to your credit card issuer (or a few taps on your smartphone app). Your credit card use will remain unencumbered by “Wait, why is this card suddenly being used in Croatia?” alerts. Doing so will make using your card overseas far easier.
8. Give Pertinent Information to Family
Families worry. You know it, I know it, and the best way to put their minds at ease is to give them a few tidbits of information about your travels. I usually provide my parents with my Airbnb addresses and a light itinerary (“Oh, we’re going to Amsterdam that weekend.”), and that keeps their stress in check.
I advise against telling them every detail about your upcoming trick; offer just enough information to appease them (and whoever else who wants to know where you’ll be). Someone needs to know your basic schedule in case of an emergency.
9. Get a Travel Credit Card
Applying for (and receiving) a travel credit card has two significant benefits. First, you won’t be saddled with backbreaking foreign transaction fees that add a few dollars in conversion fees to every purchase. Perhaps more importantly, a sound travel credit card enables you to earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for even more memorable travel.
I live and die by my travel credit card (the Chase Sapphire Reserve), and thanks to my diligent use, I often travel for free more often than not.
10. Download Essential Smartphone Apps
Before you leave for your overseas adventure, download every smartphone app you think you’ll need. Uber, Google Maps (with pre-downloaded local maps), and a solid translator app are good starts.
With any luck, you’ll already have these apps installed on your phone. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check what apps you already have and what new apps have been created since the last time you traveled. Who knows — the app that transforms your travels could be only a few taps away.
11. Pack Light
When packing, I follow the “one week’s worth of clothes, max” rule. I also forgo packing toiletries like shampoo and full-size versions of toothpaste and deodorant because I can easily buy those items once I arrive.
Your shoulders and back will appreciate that you decided to pack so little. You’ll feel physically better and have plenty of room left in your luggage to bring home clothes and keepsakes you purchase along the way. Not only that, but the packing process itself will be a breeze.
12. Create a Rough Itinerary
One of the biggest mistakes a traveler can make is overplanning and creating a schedule that’s so hectic that finding a moment of quiet is nearly impossible. My advice is straightforward: plan one or two daily activities and wing the rest of your trip. Doing so will inject excitement into the proceedings.
You never know when an unexpected adventure will present itself. By keeping your itinerary open-ended, you can take advantage of golden opportunities for fun.
13. Clean Your House
I’m one of those travelers who can’t have fun if I know my home isn’t clean when I return. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Cleaning your house before embarking on your trip prevents pests (like ants) from invading your home, and it will put a smile on your face when you finally walk through your doors after a great adventure.
I know it sounds trivial to recommend this, but I can’t stress it enough: you’ll enjoy your trip more if you know you’ll eventually come close to a clean home. Trust me on this.
14. Double-Check Baggage Requirements
Unfortunately, in 2024, there is no “one size fits all” rule governing individual airline baggage rules and restrictions. In other words, a bag that may be allowed as carry-on luggage on one airline may be considered as checked baggage only on another. This can be a pinch point for many travelers.
Thankfully, a little research goes a long way. Familiarize yourself with your airline’s baggage policies and avoid paying unnecessary fees at your departure gates.
15. Arrive at the Airport Early
When the magical day finally arrives, the last thing you want to do is put yourself in a position where you could miss one of the most important flights of your life. Arriving at your departure airport is paramount. Don’t tempt fate by cutting it too close.
While missing your flight and taking a later one probably won’t ruin your trip, it’s nonetheless the worst possible beginning to something that should be fulfilling and wonderful.
