Your To-Do’s Before International Travel
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Whether you’re taking an international trip for the first time or umpteenth time, it’s always good to have a checklist of things to do to feel prepared when you’re far from home.
Granted, I’m a type A person, but I think everyone feels this way.
So without further ado, don’t forget to do these 16 things.
1. Get local currency for your destination.
If you live in a big city, your bank probably has a central location that has in stock the most common currencies (euros, francs, yen, etc.). And if they don’t keep it in the safe, you can order it for pick up. There are some very uncommon currencies that cannot be obtained outside the country, though. For example, I just carried the US dollar when I went to Ulaanbaatar.
This is key because you won’t get screwed by a really bad exchange rate. Also, you might have a hard time finding a place to convert your currency, especially if you’re traveling at off times.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Even though credit cards are so readily accepted, you never know when you’ll need cash for a cab ride (or something more exciting).
2. Call your bank and credit card companies.
You don’t want to be caught in a pinch with your card declined because your bank/credit card company assumes it’s fraud. Most companies will let you do this online. It’s a small time investment to be sure you aren’t stuck making a bunch of phone calls when you would rather be out exploring.
3. Download TV shows, movies, books, and podcasts.
One of the ways I combat loneliness is to have plenty of TV shows to watch on my iPad. You never know what English-speaking shows will be available where you are! And for me, if I have some good TV, I feel normal. Like I’m not isolated halfway across the world.
Also, a long haul flight is the perfect time to read. I hear so many people saying they want to read more but just don’t have the time. Well here, you have nothing but time!
Podcasts are my go-to while I’m walking through the airport and waiting to board. They keep me from focusing on all the stresses around me. (Am I the only one who does this?)
4. Download Google Translate in the local language.
I don’t think I need to explain this one. This is a great modern travel convenience!
5. Pack snacks.
You don’t know what food or snacks will be available where you’re going. I love taking the opportunity to try a new culture through its food, but sometimes you’re starving but can’t just pop into a grocery store for your favorite snacks.
I like protein bars and nutrient dense foods. Consider this your insurance policy for off peak travel times or when you’re just really hungry and don’t have the benefit of your kitchen pantry at your disposal.
6. Send your itinerary to a few friends and family members.
This is just good sense, and not even for the worst case scenario. It does allow them to monitor in case of emergency though.
7. Screenshot the address of the US (or your country’s) embassy.
It’s a good idea to check the US State Department’s page on the countries to which you are traveling for any advisories or tips. (Or whatever equivalent for the country where you have citizenship.) It’s good to be aware of any issues and use common sense. Knowing where the Embassy is and how to get there in an emergency likely won’t be necessary, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
8. Make a copy of your passport to carry with you.
This is crucial if your passport is lost or stolen! FYI, if you’re checking a bag, make sure to pack this in your carry on. Put it with your medicine and keep separate from your actual passport.
As an aside, be sure you use the hotel safe to store your passport, just in case.
9. Get vaccinated.
I’m not talking about covid!
The CDC has a map of suggested vaccines for where you’re going. Things like yellow fever or malaria (there are pills for this) or typhoid.
Please remember that vaccines aren’t 100% though, so still be careful! In other words, don’t pet stray dogs, wear bug spray, don’t drink tap water (in many places), and wash your hands after using the restroom.
You will thank me for these!
10. Download Rome2Rio.
This is a great way to figure out how to get from here to there!
When my brother and I were in the Alps in northern Italy, we decided to add a spontaneous trip to our itinerary. This helped us map out how to get there (for us, it was a train).
If you google how to travel from X to Y during your trip planning, chances are this website pops up at the top of the Google results! So just download the app and make life easier (and more exciting!) for yourself.
11. Pack the right carry on.
This is two-fold: first, pack strategically (I’m one of those people who only carries on, so I’m very specific about what I pack), and pick the right bag.
I have a system here. I love a roller bag – this one is cheap but sturdy, so it doesn’t matter if you end up having to check it, and it gets banged around.
On top of that, I love a versatile tote and a cross-body bag that can go into the tote. (Most airlines will make you consolidate and only bring on two items.) The cross-body bag allows all your documents, Dramamine, lip gloss, etc. to be at your fingertips while you’re going through security and buying snacks pre-flight.
12. Call your doctor for an extra month of prescriptions to keep in a separate sub-bag.
When my mom and I flew to my brother’s wedding in Austin, she accidentally left all her prescriptions in the bin at the security line. We ended up having to track her doctor down to get him to call in prescriptions to a local pharmacy. Fortunately this was easy enough (though still a pain) – if you’re crossing international lines with language barriers and varied time zones, you will likely have a much less pleasant experience.
So get these additional prescriptions before you leave. Keep them in a separate bag in your carry on.
(This is also another reason to buy more cute cosmetics bags and organizers to bring with you.)
13. Download WhatsApp.
As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can keep in contact with family and friends back home. This is even more important if you’re traveling alone (my favorite!) – it prevents you from feeling lonely and isolated.
Added bonus: you can keep in touch with friends you meet when abroad. I still talk often to a dear friend I met on a flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, all on WhatsApp!
14. Double check that you have the right travel adapter.
“Universal” adapters aren’t always. Check the specifics (including illustrations) of the outlets in the countries you’re visiting.
15. Read my guides to enjoying a long haul flight, nutrition for a long haul flight, and how to prevent and beat jet lag.
16. Check a site like Viator for excursions.
I say this because I’ve found things here that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise (plus things I obviously needed). I used the site for a wine tasting tour through Tuscany during a trip to Florence and an English-speaking guide for a private day tour of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
FYI, that was one of the best experiences of my life. Thanks, Tuvi!
Did I miss something that’s always on your list? Let me know!
Whether it’s your first trip abroad or your hundredth, I’m excited for you! I hope this list helped you organize yourself - be sure to pin it so that you can come back for your next vacation!
If you’re looking to move more to the minimalist approach to travel and avoid checking a bag, sign up here for my free carry on packing checklist! I have traveled the globe without checking a bag, and I can tell you it is very possible and so much better to carry everything with you!
