Does anyone else find themselves with an endless “to-do” list before taking an international trip? I feel like I have been running a million errands before our flight on Thursday. No matter how many times I travel, I seem to always forget an item or two. Last week I posted a LONNNNGG list on my fridge, and of course, waited until this week to accomplish it.
Here is my standard list of “to-do’s” before I travel internationally:
Double-Check Foreign Policy/Documents
Right after we book an international trip, I ALWAYS make sure to check the State Department’s website. You can find all the required paperwork needed to enter a country (usually none) and any upcoming alerts on travel for the near future. Luckily, most visas needed for travel can be filled out on the plane and approved upon arrival.
Passport Check-Up
Before traveling, be sure that you have AT LEAST six months of travel left on your passport before expiration. Most European countries require this time, and the worst part is, you’ll find yourself being turned away at your destination (and not at the departing airport). I also make 2-3 copies of my passport to keep in my hotel room and carry separately from my passport for those worst case scenarios.
Cash in the Currency
I always try to pick up a small amount of currency before leaving the U.S. It is so easy now to get currency upon arrival, visit an ATM in the city, or use a credit card. However, I like the comfort of knowing that I don’t have to rush straight to a bank after landing.
International Phone Plan
Nowadays, most phone carriers have an affordable international calling plan. Up until this year, I usually traveled with no service (and just used wifi when needed). Since I need to be more accessible for work, I usually opt for a “pay as I use” plan. When traveling with a group, we usually elect one person to activate the plan, then split the payment.
Stock up on Medicine
Bring Advil, Aleve or whatever your simple go-to medicine is. Although most countries have an English-speaking employee in their pharmacy, it’s not always an enjoyable experience. Note: Be sure to keep these pills in their original packing when going through security!
Look up Directions to the Hotel
This is super helpful if you don’t have full access on your phone. I look up directions from the destination airport to my hotel/Airbnb on Google Maps and screenshot the directions to my phone. This way, after landing, I can pull up my photos and be on my way.
Charge the Electronics
I am terrible at this, just awful. It is soooo much more convenient to have all your electronics charged to 100 percent before boarding the plane. You have no idea how many times I board a long haul flight with a dying laptop and phone.
Research the Calendar
The week of our trip, I try to find the website for the cities we are traveling to. I look up what events will be taking place, what exhibits are on display, and if they have any travel advisories. You never know when a train strike might be planned for a small town (it happened to us in Cinque Terre), or a huge yearly festival will make hotels sparse.
Pack an Extra Outfit
If you travel with only a carry-on, no need to worry about this one. However, if you are someone that checks a bag, it is important that you pack a pair of pajamas and an extra outfit in your carry-on. If, for some crazy reason, your bag does not reach your destination, you’ll at least have fresh clothes upon arrival.
Final Tip: Grab a Business Card
Once you arrive to your final destination, grab your hotel’s business card. If you find yourself lost or in a cab, you can use the business card for reference. This has been a saving grace more times than I want to admit.
How do you prepare for an international trip?
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