International Travel Checklist: What to Do Before Traveling Abroad
Planning an international trip? Whether you’re traveling to Europe, Asia, or beyond, there are several important things to do before traveling abroad. This international travel checklist covers everything from passport requirements and visas to credit cards, travel insurance, apps to download, and what to pack.
Before every international trip, I go through this exact checklist to avoid surprises, save money, and reduce stress. Here’s what to do before your next trip overseas.
Passport & Visa Requirements Before International Travel
Check Your Passport Expiration Date
This is the most important tip I have. Before you book your international trip, check the expiration date on your passport. Many countries will not let you enter if your passport is within six months of the expiration date. Double-check yours now so you have plenty of time to renew if needed.
Check Visa Requirements for Your Destination
Always check the VISA requirements for US travelers of the country you are traveling to. You can’t expect the airline to check this for you. I like to check this site to see if I need to start the VISA application process.
Money & Credit Card Tips for International Travel
Notify Your Bank Before Traveling
Make sure that you set up travel notifications for both your debit and credit cards. While some banks don’t require it anymore, you don’t want to take any chances not being able to use your credit card abroad. Don’t forget to bring your debit card too. Many stores in Europe only take cash and you will need cash to tip and pay for bathrooms over there.
avoid foreign transaction fees
Also, make sure that the credit card you’re taking doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. These are fees your bank tacks on to every single purchase and they add up quickly.
always bring a back up credit card
I always bring at least two credit cards. It never fails that one won’t work and that way I always have a backup. Amex is not widely accepted in Europe so if you plan to bring yours, bring a second Visa or Mastercard as well just in case. If you plan to ride the Metro in most cities a Tap-to-Pay (contactless) card is ideal (or set up Apple Pay).
Cards I hold that don’t have foreign transaction fees: Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
should you get cash before traveling
Long gone are the days where you need to get cash before you travel. Not only is it more expensive but you simply do not need cash before you arrive. We like to get cash at our arrival airport from an ATM machine (not the currency exchange counter). There is always one in baggage claim or after customs right before you exit.
ATM Currency Conversion Tip (Always Decline Conversion)
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: While I never recommend getting cash from a currency exchange counter, sometimes you have no choice. Did you know that their rates are negotiable? If you feel the exchange rate they quoted is too high, counter back with a lower rate.
Pro Tip: When getting cash out of the ATM you’ll be asked if you want to accept the conversion rate. Alway decline. You want to get local currency every time. When making a purchase, if you are asked if you want to pay in USD or Euro/Pounds - always choose local currency. Otherwise, you are accepting their currency exchange rate which is usually high.
You can read all about how to get TSA Precheck and Global Entry for free in this post!
Always decline the conversion when getting cash out of an ATM overseas
Phone Plans & Internet Access Abroad
Check International Phone Plans
Having a phone overseas is very important. We use our phones while traveling to navigate on maps, use Uber, etc. You don’t want to be caught with a huge phone bill when you get home, so I recommend calling your wireless provider and finding out exactly how much you will be charged every day or look into a more budget friendly option, like purchasing an e-sim card on arrival.
Travel Insurance & Health Requirements
do you need travel insurance before a trip?
Yes! You absolutely do. Although I pay for all of my flights with a credit card that provides trip interruption/cancellation insurance, last year I purchased an annual travel insurance policy through Allianz for Payton, Dan and me. The travel protection that comes with the credit cards I have do not cover emergency evacuation and some other items I feel are important. I recommend knowing what your credit card insurance covers before going on your next trip.
Required Vaccinations for International Travel
Are you traveling to a country that requires vaccinations before arrival? I worked with a nurse that was traveling to the Philippines and was shocked to learn that her family needed very expensive Yellow Fever vaccines. Check the CDC website to see if the country you’re visiting requires vaccination.
Important Documents & Security Tips:
Make Copies of Passports and Credit Cards
I always make copies of passports and credit cards that I’m bringing. An alternative is to snap a photo of your passport and email it to yourself. If it should get lost or stolen, it will be much easier to replace if you have a copy.
Hold Your Mail Before Traveling
Did you know you can go online and hold your mail for the duration of your trip? You can even set the date you want your mail to be delivered after you get home. It’s so easy and completely free.
Refill Prescriptions Before Your Trip
Make sure that you allow plenty of time to refill any prescription medications so that you don’t run out during your trip. Also, always carry your prescription medication with you on the flight and not in your checked bag just in case your bag goes missing.
Apps to Download Before International Travel
airline apps
Always download the app of the airline you are flying. You’ll receive flight notifications, you’ll get real time date/delay updates, track your luggage and you can check out the seating chart in case you want to try to snag a better seat and even access the airline’s entertainment menu which can include movies, TV shows, games, podcasts, etc.
Google Maps (Offline Mode)
Did you know that you can download map to use offline in the event that you don’t have service. This is a super easy way to get around if you do travel in airplane mode.
City Transportation Apps
My favorite app for getting around is the CityMapper app. It shows you every single step you need to take to get from Point A to Point B including which subway to get on and what time it arrives.
train and transit apps
I always recommend booking train travel with the specific train company (versus an aggregator like Trainline or Omio). Here are some tips:
Create a log in so your trips are saved to your account
Download the app so you have access to your trip on your travel day
The app will show you information like timetables, platform numbers, seats, etc.
Always screenshot your ticket in case you lose service while on the train
If visiting Italy, download the Trenitalia and Italo apps
renting a car abroad: what to know
Do You Need an International Driver’s Permit?
ARE YOU DRIVING? If you are renting a car, check to see if you need an International Driver’s Permit. I got one before my trip to Italy last summer and it was so easy. You can print out the application online or just go into your local AAA office. I filled it out there, they took my photo, I paid $20 and walked out the door with it. (I was asked for it at the rental car counter in Italy by the way).
Inspecting Your Rental Car (Video Tip)
When you pick up your rental car, take a full video of the entire car including the roof. It’s best to do this with the counter agent present. Pull on the bumper, make sure to get the driver and passenger mirrors. This may save you if you’re accused of damaging the vehicle upon return. Also make sure the video the entire car at drop off too.
Pro Tip: The past few times we’ve rented a car in Europe, the car only had a USB-c plug so we were unable to charge our phone while using navigation. So if you have an older phone, bring these USB-c to USB converters to you can plug your phone in.
What to Pack for International Travel
Travel Adapters (EU vs UK)
You’ll need the two-prong adapters for the EU and the three prong adapters for the UK. These are my favorite adapters for the UK as they have two plugins plus USB ports. And these are the ones I use for the EU.
Portable Chargers
You absolutely need a portable charger and make sure it’s charged to 100% before you even get on the flight (I can’t tell you how many times the power doesn’t work at my seat.
Get a portable charger with at least 10,000 mAh for one phone. We love this phone charger, no cords needed, and it has a spot for a USB or USB-c.
voltage converter
You will need a voltage converter in some countries like Greece and, I think it’s always best to use these with your hairstyling tools just in case. My sister’s hair straightener got fried while she was in Santorini and she pretty much had to do without until they got off the island.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
These are a non-negotiable travel essential for me. One long flight where a baby cries the entire flight or the people behind you engage in conversation for 10 hours and they pay for themselves. There are many price points for noise cancelling headphones. Just make sure that they are over the ear. These are what we travel with:
Airpod Pro 2 or 3: (the cheapest price I’ve found on these are during Black Friday for $149.
Bose QuietComfort - these are the best hands down
don’t check your bags without doing this
I am “Team Carry On” through and through but a year ago we checked our bags on an intra-Europe flight, and the airline lost my sister’s bag. She spent three days in Paris without any of her clothes because Air France couldn’t tell us where her bag was. If we had put an AirTag in her bag, we could have seen that it was at CDG airport the entire time and we could have gone to get it. Moral of the story:
Put AirTags or a Tile in every checked bag. I love the wallet Tile because you can ping it.
Take photos of your luggage so you can describe it if it gets lost
Have a least a days worth of clothes in your backpack if you do check a bag
Plan Your Airport Arrival Before You Leave
How to get from airport to hotel
Many people don’t think of this one, but you want to know exactly how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel after you land. Trust me, this is not something you want to figure out after a red eye flight. Are you taking the Metro? If so, research how to find the Metro Station after you pass through baggage claim. Know exactly which line you need to take and make note of transfers. Screenshot directions just in case you don’t have service.
Metro vs taxi vs private transfer
We typically prefer to take private transportation after a long flight. Here’s the research you do:
Taxis: Research local taxi rules to avoid getting scammed. Do they offer a flat rate into the city (they do in Paris which makes this a great option now over Uber). If there is no flat rate from the airport, I would do Uber or Lyft. If you must take the Taxi - negotiate the rate and ask if they take credit cards
Uber and/or Lyft: I have both apps downloaded and found there can be a significant price difference between the two so make sure to check both.
Private transfer? How will you find them on arrival? Trust me, you don’t want to be figuring this out on arrival after barely sleeping on a ten-hour flight. Make sure you screen shot directions just in case. We used Welcome Pickups in Athens and Joe Banana Limos in Naples, and it was worth every dime.
Book Tickets & Tours in Advance
Many popular attractions and museums in Europe require timed entry tickets. You don’t want to miss out on visiting a certain museum or site because they sold out. For example, tickets for the Anne Frank House museum go on sale every Tuesday for a visit six weeks in advance. These tickets sell quickly and there is no way to purchase tickets on site.
Make sure you research the city you’re visiting so you’re not disappointed that tickets sold out weeks before.
TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry: Is It Worth It?
This one isn’t mandatory but if you are traveling 4-5 times a year, it’s a game changer. Many credit cards come with credits that will pay for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
TSA PreCheck: $78 - Good for five years. Expedited security line at the DEPARTING airport. You don’t have to remove your shoes/liquids or laptop.
Global Entry (Includes TSA PreCheck): $120 - Good for five years. Allows you to go through an expedited line upon RETURN to the United States.
Don’t travel often? Download the Mobile Passport Control app. It’s completely free and will help you avoid the long general customs line on RETURN to the United States. We flew into JFK from Paris this summer and there were zero people in the MPC line and hundreds in the general line. This is a no brainer.
International Travel Checklist Summary
Before You Go:
✔ Check passport expiration
✔ Verify visa requirements
✔ Notify banks
✔ Download apps
✔ Purchase travel insurance
✔ Book tours
✔ Arrange airport transfer
✔ Pack adapters
✔ Screenshot tickets
Happy Travels!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you)