This is the all-important pre-travel things to do list for worldwide travel. Go through this essential international travel checklist as soon as you book your trip. Some of the most important things need to be done well in advance–like checking your passport expiration date! Refer back to the list as your trip gets closer.
***Before booking your trip, check if there are any covid restrictions and requirements for travel. Keep checking for any changes until you leave for your trip.
After Booking Your Trip:
♦Check that your passports do NOT expire within 6 months of your return date (some destinations are 3 months.) Many people are turned away at the airport daily for this mistake!
♦Take a photo of each and make sure it is backed up to iCloud, or pack photocopies in your suitcase (keep them separate from your passports). *When booking airline tickets, make sure to enter names exactly as they appear on your passports.
♦If Visas are necessary, give yourself plenty of time to complete the process. *Choose dates with a cushion on either end of your time frame to allow for unforeseen date changes. Take a photoof each.
♦Book your trip on a credit card that offers free trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, car rental insurance, and does not charge a foreign transaction fee. I use the Chase Saphire Reserve Card.
♦Get an ATM card that you can use at ANY international bank, without paying any fees. Charles Schwab has an ATM that reimburses for any foreign bank fees for ATM withdrawals.
♦Request a letter of proof of car insurance from a credit card company, for a car rental, if necessary.
♦Make sure you have completed any recommended or required vaccines.
♦Check your medical insurance for coverage abroad and get any necessary medical documents.
♦Check the carry on bag size on the websites of the specific airlines you are flying.
♦Purchase one of the Best Carry On Suitcases for your trip. Click here if you need a new carry on bag
♦Line up someone to take care of your house, pets, etc.
♦Get airport club passes or membership. This makes the wait at airports so much better! Read
Closer To Your Trip
♦Read Carry On Travel Packing Listand order any necessities that you don’t have.
♦Check the weather for where you are traveling to so you can get an idea of the temperature. Pick out clothes that you plan to pack (shop if necessary.)
♦Email to confirm ALL of your reservations for accommodations and include any special requests and arrival times, transfers, tours, etc.
♦Confirm any car rentals *Check the pick up location and office hours, and get any special instructions if you will have an after-hours drop off.
♦Get an international plan on your phones for texting, internet, or phone calls, then record any details about the plan in your notes.
♦Download the airline apps for movies, check-in, etc.
♦Get your seats on the plane by looking at the seating map. Or, if you chose seats when you booked your flights, check to see if better seats have opened up.
♦Download any necessary travel apps– Click here to read Best Travel Apps
♦Choose and download audiobooks (click here for Audible.com), travel podcasts, walking tours, movies, or shows for your flights.
♦If you are driving to the airport, try to find an airport parking coupon and book online. Put snacks and water in the car for your return.
♦If you are staying the night at an airport hotel, Click here for the latest prices on airport hotels
♦Order special meals for your flights, or make a list of food to pack for your flight
♦Stop your mail if you don’t have someone picking it up.
♦Call your credit card company to notify them of countries you are traveling to, so they don’t think your card has been stolen.
Just Before Leaving Home
♦Print your Packing Checklist pdf from signing up to be on my email list (scroll up, and enter your name and email in the box on the right margin) and check off items as you pack them
♦Pack, using The Ultimate Carry On Packing List
♦Take a photo of your passport. In case something happens to it, having your passport number and photo will make the challenging situation easier.
♦Print or take a screenshot of your boarding passes– Make sure that the spelling of all names is correct and matches your passports exactly.
♦Print your itinerary, as well as any tickets or vouchers, and put it into a page protector OR use the Google docs app for your itinerary and take screenshots of your other documents
♦If you are using a travel guidebook, Separate the pages by the area
♦Pay any bills that will be due while you are gone.
♦Clean your house (or schedule your house cleaner for just before your return.)
♦Clean out the refrigerator.
♦Set your thermostat on hold with the desired temperature.
♦Unplug everything possible to save energy.
♦Turn a light on or set a timer for security.
♦♦♦Get all of this done early, so the evening before you leave, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your trip as a well-prepared worldwide traveler!♦♦♦
Travel Resources
- Save time and money by using the best companies! For a list of all of my favorite travel-related companies, check out Top Travel Resources
- Book your flight withSkyscanner or read 8 Ways to Find a Cheap Flight
- Book your accommodations with Booking.com
- Take carry on bags only! Get my ultimate Carry On Packing List, and learn how and what to pack for your trip!
- Get inspired by 66 Quotes About Travel
Happy Travels!
For more tips on travel, please read:
Detailed itineraries for Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North Africa
Make the Airport Quick, Easy, and Fun with these Airport Travel Tips
Plan Your Trip! How to Plan Worldwide Travel In 12 Steps
How to Find the Best Places to Stay For the Lowest Price
Get Tips on How To Make Travel Fun For Teens
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast-based assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in detailed discussions.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in this article, let's go through each one:
Checking Passport Expiration Date
It is crucial to check your passport expiration date before traveling internationally. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Some destinations may have a requirement of three months. Failure to meet these requirements can result in being turned away at the airport.
Taking a Photo of Passports
Taking a photo of each passport and backing it up to iCloud or packing photocopies in your suitcase is a good practice. This ensures that you have a backup in case your passport is lost or stolen. It is important to keep the photos or photocopies separate from your actual passports.
Entering Names on Airline Tickets
When booking airline tickets, it is essential to enter the names exactly as they appear on your passports. Any discrepancies can cause issues during check-in or security checks.
Visa Requirements
If visas are necessary for your destination, it is important to give yourself plenty of time to complete the visa application process. It is also recommended to choose travel dates with a cushion on either end to allow for any unforeseen date changes. Taking a photo of each visa is also a good idea.
Choosing the Right Credit Card
Booking your trip on a credit card that offers free trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, car rental insurance, and does not charge a foreign transaction fee can provide added benefits and savings. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is mentioned as an example.
ATM Card for International Use
Having an ATM card that can be used at any international bank without paying any fees is convenient. Charles Schwab is mentioned as a provider that reimburses for any foreign bank fees for ATM withdrawals.
Proof of Car Insurance
If you plan to rent a car, it may be necessary to request a letter of proof of car insurance from your credit card company.
Vaccinations and Medical Insurance
Before traveling, it is important to check if there are any recommended or required vaccines for your destination. Additionally, it is advisable to check your medical insurance coverage abroad and obtain any necessary medical documents.
Carry-On Bag Size and Suitcase
Checking the carry-on bag size on the websites of the specific airlines you are flying with is important to ensure compliance with their regulations. It is also recommended to purchase a reliable carry-on suitcase for your trip.
House and Pet Care
Arranging for someone to take care of your house and pets while you are away is essential. This ensures that your home and pets are well taken care of during your absence.
Airport Club Passes or Memberships
Obtaining airport club passes or memberships can enhance your travel experience by providing access to airport lounges, which offer amenities and a more comfortable environment while waiting for your flight.
Confirming Reservations and Special Requests
As your trip gets closer, it is important to confirm all your reservations for accommodations, transfers, tours, etc. It is also advisable to include any special requests and arrival times in your confirmation emails.
International Phone Plan and Airline Apps
Getting an international plan for your phone that covers texting, internet, or phone calls can be useful during your trip. Additionally, downloading the airline apps for movies, check-in, etc., can enhance your travel experience.
Travel Apps and Entertainment
Downloading necessary travel apps can provide useful information and assistance during your trip. It is also recommended to choose and download audiobooks, travel podcasts, walking tours, movies, or shows for your flights.
Airport Parking and Hotel
If you are driving to the airport, finding an airport parking coupon and booking online can save you time and money. If you need to stay overnight at an airport hotel, it is advisable to check for the latest prices and availability.
Special Meals and Mail
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, it is recommended to order special meals for your flights. Additionally, if you won't have someone picking up your mail, it is advisable to stop your mail delivery while you are away.
Credit Card Notification
To avoid any issues with your credit card while traveling, it is important to notify your credit card company of the countries you will be visiting. This prevents them from flagging your card as stolen due to international transactions.
Preparing for Departure
Before leaving home, it is advisable to print your packing checklist, pack using the ultimate carry-on packing list, take a photo of your passport, and print or take a screenshot of your boarding passes, itinerary, and other important documents. It is also recommended to pay any bills that will be due while you are away, clean your house, set your thermostat, unplug unnecessary devices, and take security measures such as turning on lights or setting timers.
By following these pre-travel preparations, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Remember to start early and give yourself plenty of time to complete all the necessary tasks.
