24 International Travel Checklist To Dos Before You Leave
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When you are planning an international trip, there are a lot of moving parts and considerations to account for. How do you make sure you have thought of absolutely everything before starting your worldwide adventure? To remove your doubts, we’ve laid the framework for all international travel must-do’s prior to departure.
One of the most fundamental and best mantras that experienced and successful travelers live and act by: If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
We’ve created an international travel checklist to help you get all of your international ducks in a row. Following a travel checklist will allow you to walk into an experience abroad relaxed, confident, and ready to wholeheartedly enjoy the present instead of being plagued by uncertainty and frustration with yourself for preparing as you should’ve.
Set yourself up for success by following this international to-do checklist!
Start planning way ahead of time
Hugely important and vastly underrated is starting your international preparations as far in advance as you are able to. For example, some visa and passport processes can take months to fully resolve and can be very unpredictable. You will drip with sweat and suspense if your travel dates approach, but your paperwork is still pending. So if you plan to travel internationally, it’s best to start preparing now, not later. Using time to your advantage will also provide you with the best deals and entry to popular attractions and activities that fill up closer to the travel dates.
Find out the destination’s visa requirements
Every country has different travel laws. Some countries (such as Australia) require a travel visa for entry, and some countries (such as those in the European Union) require travel visas for trips that are longer than a certain length, such as 30 days. Visa requirements will vary, so researching this should be a top priority for you.
See here for your destination’s visa requirements.
Ensure your passport is valid
Check your passport expiration date and make sure that you are covered for the entirety of your trip abroad! Some countries even require that passports be valid for six months after your arrival date.
Check vaccination requirements
Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. It is not extremely common but still applicable, and you should always check in advance.
Book airfare, lodging, rentals, and activities in advance
Those who want to get the most bang for their buck, get the best (and most) options, and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible will do well to book everything ahead of time. For lower costs and peace of mind, start looking as soon as you can!
Have two official forms of ID, and carry two copies of all IDs and documents
One ID should be your passport and the other could be your US Driver's License, passport card, or international driver’s permit, for example. Have several printed and digital copies of these!
Have a starting amount of your destination’s accepted currency
Go to your bank and take out some of your destination’s currency ahead of time. There are steep rates for currency withdrawal and exchange kiosks at, and near, the airport in tourist destinations. You will be best prepared to have some cash in hand as soon as you touch down! Since trip length, intentions, and penchant for the *posh* travel style varies a great deal, a good rule of thumb is to carry about 10% of your entire trip’s budget.
Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans
Let them know that there will be international transactions so that you are not denied access to your funds when halfway across the world!
Research your destination
Awareness and knowledge are your best friends when entering a foreign country, and that extends to exchange rates, local customs, recent events and natural disasters, common crime and tourist traps, and national holidays.
A great resource for up-to-date official security concerns is this Travel Advisory and Alerts page.
Make all necessary medical and prescription medication arrangements
Being physically or mentally unwell in a foreign country is unsafe, difficult, and expensive to resolve. You will want to take any necessary precautions to avoid a medical disaster! Consider getting medical insurance if you have pertinent medical circumstances or extended trip length. Have sufficient prescriptions and refills, and be sure to carry official documentation for prescriptions. Certain medications could be illegal in certain countries, so having documents can also prevent you from being stopped and questioned at official checkpoints like airports.
See the CDC’s resource list for traveling with medication.
Shop for necessary travel items for international travel
There are a few things you should always carry when abroad, no matter where the destination is. The essentials will help run your trip smoothly and still allow you to travel light.
Pocket translator (Or use a pocket dictionary, an app)
A physical travel guide to your destination with maps (or a free travel app like CityMaps2Go)
Image: Amazon
Hanging Travel Toiletry Bag
Tripped Travel Gear
Keep your personal items in one compact place to stay organized as you travel.
Image: Amazon
Leakproof Collapsible Water Bottle
Nomader
Hydration is ultra important while traveling to stay healthy and happy!
Image: Amazon
Compression Bags for Travel
Alming
Compression bags will ensure your things are tucked away, organized, and condensed in your luggage while abroad!
Image: Amazon
Quick Dry Microfiber Towel
Wise Owl Outfitters
It is really handy to have your own towel at your disposal when traveling. Towels can be a scarcity when you need them most.
Image: Amazon
Powercore Slim Portable Charger
Anker
A portable source of energy can save you in a number of scenarios and allow you to be flexible and prepared!
Image: Amazon
RFID Blocker Money Belt
eagle Creek
A hidden pocket belt can go under any piece of clothing to keep your cash, passport, ID, and keys secure and out of sight.
Image: Amazon
Worldwide All in One Universal Travel Adaptor
Mingtong
Traveling internationally will require various adaptors for your electronics, so you can stay charged.
Image: Amazon
Easy Spanish Phrasebook
Pablo Garcia Loaeza
A physical travel guide to your destination with maps (or a free travel app like CityMaps2Go). A travel destination guide with maps is a great resource to have in hand, so that you have consolidated, ready-to-go navigation and information!
Image: Amazon
Portable Two-Way Voice Interpreter
Pocketalk
A translator, dictionary, or translating app will be a huge help in navigating basic foreign language phrases and international communication.
Image: Amazon
Large Carry On Backpack
VGCUB
Choose a backpack or purse that is resilient, versatile, and compact so that it suits all travel occasions and destinations.
Image: Amazon
Mini First Aid Kit
THRIAid
To be prepared for all minor emergencies or medical situations, bring your own first aid kit.
Image: Amazon
Integrity Walker 3
Saucony
Since you will be walking a ton, shoes that are comfy and supportive are a must. Prioritize quality support over aesthetic!
Create a personal trip itinerary
A travel itinerary is for your own mental organization. Sketch out your lists, plans and ideas, and consolidate all bookings and relevant links in one place, such as a Google Doc that you could share with your fellow travelers.
Need more guidance on how to design a great trip itinerary for any destination? Read ours here!
Decide if you want travel insurance
It can be recommended but not necessary. Different situations and trips call for different protocols, but for the most part, deciding if you should get travel insurance is based on a number of factors, such as your travel experience, budget, travel destination, medical condition, and uncertainty of travel commitment.
More helpful resources include these articles:
Take care of any home arrangements
Make sure home won’t burn down while you’re gone and don’t forget those poor plants! Arrange for petcare, let your neighbors know you’ll be gone, and notify the post office so that mail doesn’t pile up for a month. It is also important to share your itinerary with family and friends so they know where you are located in case of a safety concern and how to best contact you in case of a situation at home!
Last action item: Triple-check everything
Triple-check travel requirements, restrictions, current safety concerns and conditions, paperwork, medications, and your suitcase. Throw in some more underwear, top off your plants’ water level, and give your dogs a few more kisses before heading out the door!
Recommended To-Do’s:
Make a list of personal intentions for your trip abroad
Learn local language phrases and keywords, using a resource such as Duolingo
Download helpful travel apps or maps
Bring a great book and your journal
Create a personal budget so that you spend responsibly while abroad
Buy international data or a phone plan
If you are planning to rent a car, get an international driver's permit
Find—or create—a sense of adventure
Peace the heck out!
Helpful resources:
US STEP: Smart Travel Enrollment Program: Free service to allow U.S. travellers to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.