INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Your first international trip can be overwhelming, to put it mildly. You have no idea where to start or what you need to do, and all the information you need is spread out over 100 different websites. All the while, it feels like seasoned travelers have some secret to the whole process that they’ll never reveal.
Well, after years of planning international travel, I’m revealing the secret … We made mistakes. I’m not talking “oopsie, silly me” mistakes.
I’m talking “I just flew 12 hours, and I can’t get into the country” big stinking piles of mistakes. Lucky for you, I already made all the mistakes for you so that you can have this convenient international travel checklist. So whether it’s your first trip or your 100th, check out these 10 steps to prepare for international travel.
1. Create an itinerary.
I know, I know we all want to be this spontaneous little fairy that jumps from city to city without a care in the world or a plan in sight. But as much as travel books want us to believe this romanticized view of international travel, you really should have your accommodations planned out along with an idea of how you’re getting from place to place. It’ll save you some headaches in the long-run, and it gives you more time to just enjoy your trip.
For accommodations, I recommend HostelWorld or AirBnB.
If you want to skip this step altogether, contact me for a custom travel itinerary. And remember, always give your itinerary with phone numbers of where you’re staying and flight numbers to a trusted family member or friend in case of emergency.
2. Check entry regulations.
Every country has different entry regulations, so it’s important that you look up each country’s specific requirements. These may include travel visas, traveler entry forms, 3 to 6 months validity on your passport, and more recently, COVID restrictions like providing proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test. This information can be found on any country’s government website (just search for “entry requirements”), or I like to use the U.S. Department of State website for a quick and easy view. If you’re ever unsure about what you need to bring, you can always contact your embassy for clarification.
3. Get your vaccinations.
Unless you’re going to a well developed country like Germany or Italy, I recommend visiting a travel doctor. She’ll give you whatever vaccinations you need for the specific countries you’re visiting as well as provide information on water safety and what foods to avoid. A travel doctor can also provide you with preventative medication for things like malaria and high altitudes. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time before your trip because some vaccines require multiple rounds over a longer period of time.
4. Buy travel insurance.
Travel insurance protects you against risks and financial losses while you travel. For example, if there’s an emergency that requires you to miss some or all of your trip, travel insurance will reimburse you. Or if you encounter medical problems while overseas, travel insurance covers your expenses, even medical evacuations. Many people skip out on buying travel insurance, but you WILL be glad you have it.
If you’re not sure where to start, I can personally vouch for WorldNomads. While I was in Chile, my dad had gotten very sick and ended up in the hospital. WorldNomads not only reimbursed me for my flight home, but they also covered the costs for the rest of my trip that I missed. They’ve also covered doctor visits and medication while I was abroad. Plus, the nice thing about WorldNomads, and the reason I started using them, is that they offer adventure coverage. This means that they’ll still cover you for high risk activities like bungee jumping or mountaineering.
5. Notify your credit card company.
I can’t tell you the amount of people I’ve met that had their card frozen on a trip because the bank thought someone stole their information. That is not a place you want to be in. So make sure you call your credit card companies to let them know you’ll be traveling internationally.
6. Know your money and a few key phrases.
There’s nothing more embarrassing than fumbling through your money or googling exchange rates at a convenience store counter. So try to do a little research on the country’s currency before you go. If you’re anything like me, exchange rates can be confusing or hard to remember. So what I like to do is write down a 1:1 list to keep in my wallet. For example, $1 = 19.58 MXN, $5 = 97.92 MXN, and so on. It’s also helpful to have a few key phrases memorized in your destination’s language. Most importantly, you want to know words like “help,” “doctor,” and “police” for safety purposes. But it’s also good to learn everyday phrases like “Sorry, I can’t speak ____,” “Where is ____,” “Hello,” “Goodbye,” and “Thank you.” Not only will it make you feel more comfortable getting around, but the locals will appreciate that you’re trying.
7. Print everything.
These days, all the information we need is on our phones, but it’s still a good idea to have a paper copy of your itinerary, accommodation information, and flight details because you don’t want to be stuck if your phone dies or gets stolen. You’ll also want to print copies of your birth certificate, social security card, and passport in case something happens to your passport.
8. Download maps and translators.
You won’t always have access to WiFi, so it’s nice to have downloaded maps and translation services like Google Translate that you can use offline. Do this for each city you visit.
9. Pack your bags!
Your departure date is almost here which means it’s time to pack. Remember to check the weather for each city you’re visiting so you can dress appropriately and research your destination’s clothing customs to avoid offense. Once you’re all packed, check your airline’s luggage requirements for weight and size specifications and rules like placing all your liquids in a clear, quart-size bag. And remember, it’s always better to pack light. You can always do laundry on your trip, but you can’t undo bringing a giant suitcase that you have to carry over cobblestone or lug onto a train.
10. Buy a SIM card, and visit the ATM.
The first thing you should do when you arrive at your destination’s airport is buy a SIM card. Yes, you could do a global roaming plan instead, but a SIM card is the same or lesser cost with way more data. Plus, you’ll have a new phone number for that country, making it easier to make local calls.
Next, visit an ATM. Even if you’re planning on using your credit card throughout your trip, you’d be surprised at how many places only take cash.
A lot goes into international travel, and it can be difficult to keep it all straight. If you’d like help preparing for your trip with a custom travel itinerary, easy booking, and all the documents you need in one place, contact me to join the Kelley Goes Rogue travel program.