Your Ultimate International Travel Checklist
Are you getting ready to take off on the adventure of a lifetime? Preparing for a big international trip can be a daunting task. I’ve put together a complete international travel checklist to make it easy for you. Checking off all the boxes on a travel checklist is an absolute must before taking any trip abroad. Do the work upfront, then rest easy knowing that everything is taken care of!
You do not want to waste a single minute of your vacation doing anything other than absolutely enjoying yourself. Scroll through the checklist to make sure you have covered all your bases and packed everything you will need. This will help eliminate any potential problems on your big adventure. Have a smooth trip!
Travel Documents
Passports
This one is pretty obvious, but it should still be the number one item on any international travel checklist. You aren’t going to make it very far without your passport. However, every day people show up at the airport only to realize they have left this crucial item at home. Check, double-check, and triple-check that you have your passport with you before leaving the house. Avoid making this devastating travel mistake at all costs.
Visas
Your visa should also have top priority on any travel checklist. Always check the entry and visa requirements of your destination. In some countries, it can be as easy as showing up and cruising through customs. In other cases, you may need to apply for a visa well in advance of your travel. You definitely do not want to land in a foreign country without proper documentation. Customs agents can deny you entry and require you to book a new flight home at your expense. Also, be sure that you have plenty of blank pages in your passport. Some countries take up an entire passport page per visa. Others may require at least six blank pages in your passport to be allowed entry.
Yellow Card
Some countries require certain vaccinations before they allow you to enter. You must get these vaccinations in advance. Then show that you have received them by obtaining an international certificate of vaccination (ICV), known as a Yellow Card. This will be provided to you and signed by the administering physician.
Boarding Pass
The digital boarding pass is a great example of technology making travel easier. For most flights, you will be able to download your boarding pass directly to your phone. However, technology occasionally fails us and often does so at the least opportune times. It’s a good idea to download your boarding pass, take a screenshot, and print a physical copy as well. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to being able to board your flight.
International Driving Permit
Want to rent a car while abroad? Always check the local laws and regulations on driving as a foreigner. Some countries and/or car rental companies require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs are valid throughout most of the world and are relatively simple to obtain.
Copies
This is something many travel checklists forget to include. However, copies of important travel documents can be a life-saver if you find yourself in a jam. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best is a good rule of thumb for most of life. Travel is certainly no exception to this rule. It is always a good idea to have both physical and digital copies of your important travel documents. Store them in a separate place from their originals. Also, consider leaving another set of copies back home with a close friend or relative just in case.
Safety
STEP
No travel checklist would be complete without mentioning a few easy steps to make your trip feel a little safer. One smart and easy thing you can do is enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program, commonly known as STEP. *Note, this service is available for US citizens and nationals only. If you are not a US citizen or national, please check with your government for similar programs. The US government runs this free service to you informed on important events or causes for concern in a given country. The Step Program website states the benefits of enrolling are as follows:
“Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. “
“Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.”
“Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.”
Sign up for the STEP program here.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance comes highly recommended as it provides you an affordable safety net when traveling abroad. It is easy to sign up and can cover things like lost luggage, injury, and illness during your travels. I always use World Nomads when traveling abroad. Do some research and find the company and policy that best fits your needs.
Emergency Contact List
When heading off on vacation, everyone wants to have a smooth trip. You should make a list of people to contact in case of an emergency. Include their name, at least one phone number, and an email address. It is best to have this stored digitally, as well as having at least one physical copy. Share the list with any relevant parties.
Vaccines
We touched on this in the travel documents section above. When traveling to certain parts of the world, vaccines may be required or strongly recommended. Be aware that some vaccines may require multiple doses spread out over multiple weeks. Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare accordingly. Again, be sure to obtain your Yellow Card (ICV) to show proof of your vaccinations when necessary.
Medication
You will want to be sure you pack any medication you may need during your travels. Especially prescription medications that may be difficult or even impossible to obtain at your destination. Pack a small kit with some basic over-the-counter medicines for headaches, nausea, allergies, and a sleep aid…
First Aid Kit
A good item to always bring along is a small and basic first aid kit. If you need a quick bandage, antibiotic ointment, or tweezers, it’s nice to have them on hand. Don’t spend your vacation trying to navigate an unfamiliar place to track down these items.
Research Destination
Language
Most people might not think of homework as something that belongs on their international travel checklist. A great thing to do, though, before traveling to any new country is a little research. Learn a few things about the local language. Take a little time to learn some basic common phrases in the language spoken at your destination. The locals will respect and appreciate that you have put in some effort to learn about the people and the place you are visiting. A few standards to familiarize yourself with are: hello, goodbye, please, and thank you. I find myself using “I’m sorry” quite frequently as well.
Currency
Exchange some cash into the local currency of your destination before departure. Then find out which major credit cards, if any, are widely accepted there. Another thing to look into is if ATMs will be readily available at your destination.
Local Customs
Every culture is different. Learning about and experiencing these differences is one of the best things about travel. It is important to be respectful of the locals in the country you’re visiting. No different than you would want them to be respectful of you and your home as well. Do some research on the cultural norms of your destination to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.
Weather
Knowing what the weather will be when you arrive at your destination is crucial, especially when packing. Some destinations are mild year-round, some have seasonal extremes. Others may see extreme fluctuations in temperature and weather patterns in a single day. Do you need to pack a heavy coat? Perhaps a rain jacket? Or, maybe a hat to protect you from the sun? Pack accordingly, and don’t let arriving without the proper clothing ruin your vacation.
Local Laws
Any run-in with law enforcement is usually something you want to avoid. Some countries may have laws in place that seem very strange or unfamiliar to those you are used to. Take a minute to research any strange or unfamiliar laws in your destination. Best to avoid any legal mishaps during your trip.
Scams To Avoid
Unfortunately, tourists frequently fall victim to scams of varying degrees while traveling abroad. The truth is that wherever there are tourists, there will probably be a few bad apples looking to take advantage. Do a quick online search of common scams to look out for when visiting your desired destination. Doing a little homework in this department can save you some major headaches while on your vacation.
Tipping Practices
To most of the world outside of the United States, tipping is a bizarre and confusing practice. However, with international travel being so popular, tipping is becoming more common in other parts of the world. Knowing who and when to tip and how much is appropriate can be tricky while traveling abroad. Most travel checklists overlook this one, but every country has different norms and expectations for tipping. It is worth it to do a little research on tipping customs in the country of your destination.
Appropriate Dress
Making sure you have and are wearing appropriate clothing can have a tremendous impact on your trip. It is important to dress appropriately for the climate and cultural and religious reasons as well. Some countries are quite strict about what is considered appropriate attire, especially when visiting holy sites. Many religious sites require your shoulders, arms, and even legs to be covered to be allowed entry. Be sure to do some research in advance whenever possible. Inappropriate attire may be viewed as disrespectful and might mean you have to miss out on a wonderful experience.
Home
Pets
Any pets you may have will need to be taken care of while you are away. Be sure to have a plan in place for your pets to be given food, water, attention, stimulation, etc., until you return home from your trip.
Plants
Like pets, some plants require a good deal of attention. If you want them to have survived and be thriving upon your return, enlist some help from family, friends, or neighbors to make sure they are watered and cared for during your travels.
If you plan on being away for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to have someone trustworthy to get your mail for you while you are traveling. Missing out on any critical mail or packages can put a major damper on your vacation. An overflowing mailbox is never a good thing. It can even be an invitation to criminals, signaling to them that your home is currently vacant. Complete the items in this section of your travel checklist to ensure you return to a healthy, happy home.
Banking
Communicate
Communication is key, so including it in your travel checklist is a no-brainer. Let your bank and credit card company know that you will be traveling, where you will be traveling, and for how long you will be traveling. This reduces the chance of your credit or debit card being declined at places like shops and restaurants. Being stuck in a foreign country without access to money is a bad place to be.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Check into any foreign transaction fees your bank and credit card company may charge. These can add up quickly, so best to prepare in advance. You might also consider signing up for an account and/or credit card that does not have any foreign transaction fees before you begin your travels.
Multiple Cards
You never know what major credit cards will or will not be accepted at a given location. It is a good idea to travel with credit cards from at least two of the major credit card providers (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Discover) to help avoid any payment issues while traveling
Cash
It is always a good idea to exchange some of your local currency for the country’s currency in which you will be traveling before departure. You may need cash shortly after arrival for things like taxis, tipping, or a bite to eat after a long flight in many places. Airports can charge high exchange rates, and it may also be difficult even to find an open exchange terminal or working ATM upon arrival. Exchange some cash before you set off on your trip, and consider keeping a separate stash of USD or local currency for any emergencies you may encounter during your trip. It is wise that you do not keep all your cash together in one place while traveling. If your wallet is lost or stolen during your travels, it is nice to have some cash tucked away in a separate bag or back at your hotel.
Communication & Technology
Phone and Electronics
No International travel checklist would be complete without covering all of your devices. Make sure you have your phone, tablet, and/or laptop with you for your big trip. Not only for entertainment but also to help communicate during your trip and navigate your new surroundings.
Camera Gear
Thanks to modern technology, most people use the camera on their smartphones to capture all of their travel memories. If you are someone who takes their photography a little more seriously, you won’t want to forget to pack your camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and accessories.
Stay Charged
Cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and camera gear are useless if their battery dies. Be sure to pack all necessary batteries, chargers, charging cables, and a portable power bank to keep your devices up and running while on the go. It can be both frustrating and heartbreaking to find yourself in some stunning location, wanting to capture a gorgeous photo or share a video call with friends and family, with a dead phone or camera battery and no way to charge it. Many countries use different power plugs and sockets than you may be used to. Be sure to bring a universal power adapter or all your cords and chargers will be useless!
International Phone Plan
Contact your wireless provider to explore options for a temporary international plan. It is reassuring to know you can use your phone without wifi while traveling abroad if need be. This also helps you avoid the high cost of international roaming fees.
Mobile Hotspot
Consider getting a mobile wifi hotspot. You can throw this in your bag or pocket and take the internet everywhere you go while traveling. This is great for navigating and communicating while in a foreign country.
Downloads
While you are at home with a reliable internet connection, it is a good idea to download some essentials for your trip. Downloading offline maps is critical when navigating a foreign place without cellular data or wifi available. Go ahead and download any travel apps and entertainment (audiobooks, podcasts, music, movies, and TV shows…) you might use along the way.
Flight
Airline Regulations
It is always smart to check with the airline you are using for hidden fees and baggage allowances. Airline policies may differ concerning things like choosing your seat, the number of carry-on bags and checked bags allowed, as well as the weight of your baggage. Familiarize yourself with these airline policies upfront to avoid paying any unforeseen fees.
Writing Pen
This little item made the international travel checklist because of how much time it can save you upon arrival. Always travel with at least one ink pen in your pocket or carry-on luggage so you can fill out any required customs forms prior to landing. This will help speed up the process of clearing customs, helping to get your vacation started as quickly as possible.
Carry On Essentials
Remember to pack all of the essential items you will need during your flight and once you arrive. Things like earplugs, a mask, headphones, snacks, and entertainment will go a long way towards making a long journey much more enjoyable. *Check out my complete list of carry-on essentials before you fly!
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