How to prep for an international trip: 15 things to check off your list

Going on an international adventure is definitely a lot of fun. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, visit historic sites, and discover hidden gems around the world.

However, before all the fun, you’ll need to complete your international travel prep. Now, this process isn’t the worst thing you’ll have to do, but it can be tedious and time-consuming if you aren’t organized and don’t have the proper tools and information to help make the process seamless.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly how to prep for an international trip and 15 things to check off your to-do list. This post can serve as a reference because many of the things on this list can easily be overlooked or forgotten.

How To Prep For An International Trip: Key Steps

International travel prep will look different for everyone. We all have different needs and lifestyles, so there is no one way to prepare that will completely work for everyone.

When you start to prepare, consider your everyday life. What are the things you use daily? Are there things you absolutely need to bring with you? Are there some items or routines you can do without while away?

Your Non Negotiables

My biggest advice is to make a list of your non-negotiables. These will be things like medications and medical needs you have. This should be your top priority before anything else you prepare, because your health and wellness, especially when traveling, are of the utmost importance.

Whether you prefer to handwrite a list or use an app on your phone, it’s essential that you create this list and allow yourself time to add to it as needed. Do not, I repeat, do not try to prepare your non-negotiables last minute. You really don’t want to forget something or realize you under-estimated the amount of something you needed and have to spend time in a foreign medical facility where you possibly don’t speak the language.

Your International Travel Prep Checklist

Your checklist is the backbone to ensuring you have packed everything you need and want to bring on your trip. It is so easy to forget something, big or small.

For example, I use Chapstick daily. And I keep one almost everywhere I frequent. There is one in my car, one on my nightstand, one in my purse, and one in my desk drawer. And yes, I know, it’s probably weird…But I digress!

So imagine my surprise and horror when, at the airport, I reached for my Chapstick and it was not in my travel purse. I forgot to pack one of my major daily items. Something I literally use multiple times a day. Luckily, I was able to easily buy Chapstick at the airport. But imagine if it were an item that wasn’t as easily associable. That would’ve been quite annoying and frustrating.

So all that to say, your checklist is very important in remembering everything you need, big or small.

15 Things to Add to Your International Travel Prep Checklist for a Seamless Travel Experience

You want your travel adventure to be as seamless as possible. And with international travel, there are quite a few things that can put a damper on your experience.

Traveling is often a big financial commitment, the last thing you want to do is spend time and possibly more money on an issue that could’ve easily been avoided if you had prepared properly.

The 15 things below are things that can easily be overlooked or forgotten. These are all things I personally do to ensure my safety, wellness, and finances are in order before takeoff!

1. Notify Your Financial Institution

You’ll need to notify your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to ensure a seamless experience when making purchases at your destination.

Banks have safety and theft alerts, and your card could be declined if it detects unusual behavior or an unfamiliar location. And if your bank is anything like mine, you won’t be allowed to use your card until you call and verify declined purchases.

You can submit a travel notification by calling your bank, online, or through your bank’s app. You’ll need to provide your travel dates and locations, and a notification will be put on your account, reducing the chances of declined transactions.

You won’t need to do this with certain credit card companies, such as Chase. There is a notice in the app that states there is no need to submit travel notices. I’m not sure how it works, but with my travel card, I never have to notify them, and everything has gone well so far.

2. Currency and Conversions

You’ll obviously spend money on your trip. This is why knowing what currency is used and being familiar with conversations is essential. You don’t want to get home and realize you have spent much more than expected because you didn’t understand the currency conversions.

The conversion rate is simply understanding the value of your currency compared to another. And remember, conversion rates fluctuate, but you shouldn’t see a huge difference during your trip, unless you’re on extended travels!

A quick Google search can tell you what currency is used at your destination and the values compared to your country’s currency.

You can see in the example below that 1 Euro equals 1.15 USD (my country’s currency). This means that if I were to go to Spain, for every 1 Euro I spend there, I would actually be spending 1.15 USD.

In the graph, you can see how the values fluctuate over time.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-4.webp

3. Communication And Languages

It is absolutely essential that you know the primary language spoken at your destination and whether your native language is commonly spoken there.

Many times, I can get away with speaking English easily in more touristy areas. Many locals have had enough interactions with English speakers to understand and communicate with me.

An example of this was my trip to Amsterdam. Most locals there spoke multiple languages, with English being widely spoken even though Dutch is the primary language.

Once again, a quick Google search will tell you the national language and if other languages are spoken at your destination.

Learning common words and phrases is a good idea if you’re going to a place where your national language isn’t widely spoken. You can easily do this with Google Translate for free. Not only is it good tool to help you communicate while at your destination, but you can also use it to practice and learn words and phrases.

Set it to your chosen language and type the words you want translated. You can hear it read back to you and see the text. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with how words look.

Common words or phrases to consider:

Where is the restroom?
Can I have the check?
Hotel
My name is…
I am from…
Hello
Goodbye
Thank you
Please
Excuse me
Passport
How much is this?

4. Get Outlet Adaptors

As technology advances, I have noticed that many hotels and airports offer USB and USB-C ports for charging devices. You can use your USB or USB-C cable to charge phones, computers, and other electronic devices without needing a block or adaptor. These ports are usually attached to lamps or nightstands in hotels and chairs in airports.

However, checking what plug outlet is used at your destination is essential because not all hotels will have this option. And items such as hair tools and electric toothbrushes will need to be plugged into the outlet.

You can buy an adapter on Amazon. And be sure to do some due diligence and read the description to ensure it is compatible with the country you’re visiting.

And as a side note, a hotel might have a U.S outlet, but your plug might not fit. I encountered this issue in Amsterdam, so it was a good thing I brought my adapter, as they aren’t easily accessible. Which means buying one before departure is a good idea.

5. Check Travel Advisories

If you’re traveling to a popular destination, you might think you don’t need to check for travel advisories. But I always like to do a bit of research on the country I’ll be visiting to make sure.

I like to check for things like protests, public unrest, and government issues that could affect my travels. I also check to ensure there aren’t any travel restrictions for US citizens or that the US government hasn’t increased the travel advisory to a higher level.

And know, protests and public unrest aren’t necessarily reasons to cancel a trip. But you should be aware that these types of things going on could potentially affect your trip. So if something like that happens, you can plan accordingly to ensure you steer clear of specific areas.

In the U.S, we have a tiered ranking system for travel warnings. These ratings consider things like crime rates, environmental factors, civil unrest, and health risks.

Below are screenshots from Google of the current tier list.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-1.webp

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-2.webp

This is a great way to see the current state of a county and the type of precautions you will need to take while visiting. This is especially helpful if you prefer to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations where current events are not as widely publicized as they might be in more touristy areas.

You can visit Travel.state.gov to check where your destination falls in the tier list. In the search bar, type your destination and travel advisory, and it’ll give you detailed information and safety precautions to take.

6. Verify Passport Requirements

When traveling internationally, most countries require that your passport be valid six months beyond your stay. And many airlines will deny boarding if you don’t meet this requirement.

So if your passport’s expiration date is approaching, it’s a good idea to check the dates in advance to ensure your passport will allow you to leave and return to your home country.

Passport Name

You’ll also need to make sure the name on your passport matches the name on your airline ticket. Avoid nicknames and shortened versions of your name when booking your airline ticket. Also, if you’ve had a recent name change, such as getting married, and haven’t changed the name on your passport, you’ll need to book your ticket under your maiden name.

It’s also essential that you have signed your passport. I’m not sure how strict every airport is about this. But I have seen an airport specifically say that your passport needs to be signed, and when a family came to board with their child, the child’s passport was not signed, and they weren’t going to allow the child on the plane.

However, the parent informed them that the passport didn’t need to be signed since the child was under a certain age. Another airline employee came over and verified this information, and they were allowed to board the plane.

I’m sure this was scary for that family, considering they would deny boarding for their child, so this lets you know how important it is to know and understand the policy regulations around your passport.

7. Verify Entry Requirements

Some countries will require additional documentation or temporary visas to enter their country.

For example, when I went to London, I had to submit an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) form. This is a pre-travel security and immigration clearance for visitors who do not need a visa to enter the UK. This form needs to be submitted and approved before boarding your flight.

This is why downloading your airline’s app on your phone is essential: Delta informed me that I had to submit this form. And if I remember correctly, there was a checkbox for me to check stating I had completed this task. Airlines can face hefty fines for allowing passengers to board without the proper documentation and completed forms. You can see how vital your airline app is, as it gives you additional information you may not have known.

8. International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you plan to drive at your destination, you’ll want to get an (IDP) international driving permit. This driving permit allows you to drive legally in other countries. It translates your license into 11 languages. The fee is $20, and it’s valid for one year from the issue date.

Keep in mind that an IDP is an addition to your national driver’s license, not a replacement. So you’ll need to carry your national driver’s license and IDP.

You can get your IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and apply with them online, in person, or by mail.

You can also apply online with the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) with your passport photo and driver’s license.

9. Emergency Numbers

I can’t stress how important it is to know the emergency numbers at your destination. This is equivalent to 911 in the United States. That way, if you have an emergency or someone around you has an emergency, you can contact emergency services and help yourself or someone else.

You can do a Google search to see the emergency services number at your destination.

It’s also a good idea to keep the numbers of important family members and friends written and stored in your hotel room or travel bag. Thanks to our smartphones, we rarely memorize numbers anymore. So, if you lose your phone or it’s damaged, you have the numbers you need and can stay in contact with people at home, letting them know what’s going on.

10. Emergency Contact Card

I often travel solo. And I try to ensure that if I have an emergency, I can be identified, and my family can be contacted. I believe this is essential for solo travelers, but it’s also helpful for anyone traveling to another country.

My emergency contact card consists of my name, date of birth, where I’m from, and the name and phone number of a family member, usually my mom. This is just an extra measure I take to ensure the information is available and hopefully easily found.

I usually make two cards; I keep one in my purse and the other in my hotel room. I typically keep it on the nightstand or on a table close to my hotel door so it can be easily seen.

Also, if you have a medical condition, you’ll want to get a medical tag to help others around you and medical staff assist in your care if you have a medical emergency.

11. Copy Travel Documents

A copy of your travel documents can help you replace lost or stolen items. This includes passports and visas, driver’s licenses, prescriptions you can’t miss taking, and any other forms that were required for travel.

You can keep a physical and digital copy of any important documents. A digital copy can be kept on your mobile device, and a physical copy can be kept in your hotel room’s safe.

Many travelers will also leave a copy of these documents with a family member so that they can be emailed if needed.

12. Plan For Medical Emergencies

We all hope for good health on our travels, but keeping extra funds can be helpful if you get sick or need to buy medical supplies, visit a hospital, or get medication.

And if you are a frequent traveler with pre-existing health conditions that could result in a medical emergency, having travel health insurance could be a great option to ensure you have the coverage you need while traveling.

Some insurance plans offer the option to add international coverage to your regular plan. Alternatively, you can obtain separate coverage through a company that specializes in travel insurance. Either route you choose, just be sure to prepare yourself in case you need medical attention.

13. Arriving Before Check-In

Most hotels’ check-in times will be between 3 and 4 PM. And with international travel, there is a good chance you’ll arrive several hours before check-in.

Some hotels will allow early check-in if your room is ready. But if it’s not, you could have the option to upgrade your room for a fee, which allows you to check in early. You can usually find this information on your hotel’s website.

However, I find that the cost isn’t always necessary. Generally, most hotels will allow you to check in early without a fee when your assigned room becomes available. The only issue is you won’t know what time that will be. So ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to wait or upgrade to another room.

I usually wait until my assigned room is ready, which is generally before the check-in time. Most hotels will have an area where you can wait, such as a lobby, bar, or restaurant.

It’s also a great time to explore the area around your hotel and get familiar with restaurants and potential sites you’ll want to visit. However, the idea is to be prepared for this idle time and plan to fill it with something simple, such as grabbing a bite to eat or a drink.

14. Check For Weather Trends

This may seem extreme, but I start checking the weather conditions about 4 to 6 weeks before my departure date.

Most people will check the weather a week or two before departure to see the temperature, precipitation percentages, and other relevant details.

However, the weather tends to change and fluctuate often, especially when traveling in the spring and fall. My strategy is to start checking the weather 4 to 6 weeks in advance, which gives me an idea of the weather trends before my arrival.

I check how much the temperature fluctuates from week to week, how much precipitation has been recorded, and whether any storms are approaching or have already passed. I also like to check the UV index and note which part of the day it’s highest and lowest. This information is essential and helps me pack and be as prepared as possible.

15. Diet, Hydration, and Sleep

Early flights, airport and plane food, and adjusting to a new time zone can wreak havoc on your overall wellness. This is why I like to take a few extra steps to ensure I feel my best before leaving and during my trip. I discovered this also helps me get back into my routines more easily when I return home.

The main way to reduce the bloating and tiredness is to put in a little extra effort to stay hydrated, eat healthier food, and get enough sleep before departure.

Traveling is expensive, and the last thing anyone wants to do is spend time feeling tired and unwell. So do yourself a favor and take the time to prioritize wellness for your trip!