Are you ready to embark on your first international adventure? It can be exciting but navigating the paperwork can feel overwhelming. Worry not! We've got you covered with a step-by-step guide to ensure you have all the documents you need to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Check Passport Validity
Your passport is your key to the world, and its validity is crucial. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date, and you might be surprised how many people don't know that! Score one point for now knowing that.
Action steps:
Check expiration date: Look at your passport's expiration date immediately.
Renew if necessary: If your passport expires within six months of your travel date, apply for a renewal.
Time for processing: Allow sufficient time (usually 6-8 weeks, but expedited services are available) for the renewal process.
Obtain Necessary Visas
A visa is an authorization document that allows you to enter a foreign country for a specified period. Visa requirements vary by destination and travel purpose.
Action Steps:
Research Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your destination on their official embassy website.
Apply Early: Apply for your visa as soon as possible since processing times can range from a few days to several months.
Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents for your visa application, such as passport photos, travel itineraries, and financial statements.
This one item may very well be the best reason to hire a Travel Advisor.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for protecting you against unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Although Travel Advisor generally aren't insurance agents, they can lead you in the right direction.
Action Steps:
Compare Plans: Research various travel insurance plans to find one that suits your needs.
Purchase Coverage: Buy your travel insurance coverage well before your departure date.
Keep Documents: Print your policy documents and store them digitally for easy access.
Although many travel insurance companies will allow you to purchase travel insurance up until 7-14 days before departure, be aware that there is a strict time limit after booking in order to be covered for pre-existing conditions.
Notify Your Bank
Banks often flag international transactions as suspicious to protect against fraud. Notifying your bank prevents your cards from being blocked while you're abroad. And believe me, it's not fun to try to spend your precious time on navigating this frustration - and don't forget you have a time difference, so generally there is nothing you can do immediately when you run into a problem.
Action Steps:
List Destinations: Create a list of all the countries you’ll be visiting.
Contact Your Bank: Call your bank or use online banking to notify them of your travel plans and dates.
Record Confirmation: Make a note of any confirmation numbers or steps your bank requires.
Check Credit and Debit Card Validity
Ensure that your credit and debit cards won't expire during your trip and are compatible with international transactions. Take at least two credit cards so you have one as a back-up. And note that Discover Card generally cannot be use in Europe.
Action Steps:
Check Expiration Dates: Verify that your cards will remain valid throughout your trip.
International Usage: Confirm with your bank that your cards will work internationally and inquire about any foreign transaction fees.
Emergency Contacts
It's crucial to have accessible emergency contacts, both local contacts in the destination country and trusted contacts back home.
Action Steps:
Compile Contact List: List the phone numbers and email addresses of family, friends, and your destination’s embassy.
Share Your Itinerary: Provide a copy of your travel itinerary to emergency contacts.
Keep on Hand: Carry digital copies of this information with you.
Print and Copy Important Documents
Having backup copies of your important travel documents can save you in case of loss or theft.
Action Steps:
Make Copies: Print two copies of your passport. Leave one at home, and take one with you. It's also a good idea to have a digital copy with you.
Digital Back-Ups: Save digital copies in a secure, accessible place like a password-protected cloud service.
Vaccination Records
Some countries require proof of specific vaccinations before allowing entry. This is especially vital during times of global health concerns.
Action Steps:
Check Requirements: Visit the CDC or your destination's health department website to see if any vaccinations are required or recommended.
Get Vaccinated: Schedule vaccinations well in advance of your trip.
Carry Proof: Bring your vaccination card or a certified immunization record.
Driver's License and International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you plan to drive abroad, you'll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your regular driver's license, depending on the country and the length of time you'll be visiting.
Action Steps:
Check Requirements: Verify if your destination country requires an IDP.
Obtain IDP: Obtain an IDP through a recognized agency like the AAA (American Automobile Association) in the U.S.
Carry Both Licenses: Always carry both your IDP and your regular driver’s license.
Confirm All Reservations
Double-checking your reservations ensures you won't encounter any surprises upon arrival. This is something I do every time!
Action Steps:
Re-Confirm Flights: Verify the status of your flights and any connecting flights.
Check Hotel Reservations: Contact your hotel to confirm your booking and any special requests.
Review Activity Bookings: Ensure your tours and activities are confirmed and you have the necessary vouchers.
Health Information
Bringing a list of your medications and necessary prescriptions can be critical if you fall ill or need to get prescriptions filled abroad.
Action Steps:
Compile List: Write down all the medications you're taking, including dosages and purposes.
Obtain Prescriptions: Get copies of your prescriptions in both brand and generic names.
Carry Medications: Pack medications in their original packaging and bring enough for your trip plus a few extra days.
Currency Exchange
Having local currency upon arrival can make it easier to pay for immediate expenses like transportation or food.
Action Steps:
Exchange Before Departure: Visit your bank or an authorized currency exchange service to get some local currency. The bank is going to be more cost effective, but be sure to order in advance because they may have to order it.
Know Exchange Rates: Familiarize yourself with the current exchange rate to avoid unfavorable rates at airports or tourist areas.
Carry Cash Sparingly: Use a combination of cash and cards for safety and convenience.
Travel Itinerary
Creating and sharing a detailed itinerary helps ensure that loved ones know where you are and how to reach you.
Action Steps:
Write Itinerary: Include flight information, hotel addresses, and activity schedules.
Share with Loved Ones: Provide copies to trusted family or friends.
Keep Copies: Carry both printed and digital copies for easy access.
Local Emergency Numbers
Knowing how to contact local emergency services is crucial for your safety.
Action Steps:
Research Numbers: Look up and write down emergency contact numbers (police, ambulance, fire) for your destination.
Keep Accessible: Easily accessible in your phone and a written copy in your wallet or bag.
Download Travel Apps
Travel apps can be invaluable for navigation, translation, and finding local points of interest.
Action Steps:
Install Essential Apps: Download apps like Google Maps, a translation app, and local transportation guides.
Offline Access: Ensure some key apps are available offline in case of limited internet access.
Familiarize Yourself: Spend some time learning how to use the apps before your trip.
Custom Regulations
Familiarizing yourself with custom regulations can help avoid fines and delays.
Action Steps:
Research Customs: Learn about what you can and cannot bring into both your destination and home country.
Declare Items: Be honest and clear on customs declaration forms to avoid penalties.
Know Limits: Understand limits on duty-free items to prevent surprises during your return.
Being prepared for your international travel is the biggest and most important task you can undertake when you travel. Pulling it all together in an organized understandable manner can make all of the difference in the world in the event a snag should occur. Let us help you so that when you look in the rearview mirror after your vacation you see a seamless enjoyable process.
Bon voyage,
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