International Travel Checklist
At some point in everyone’s lives, we like a surprise; maybe a birthday cake, a gift, or flowers from a special someone. There are also surprises we don’t like, such as additional fees, getting scammed, or becoming injured while traveling on vacation. To avoid such annoying hardships, I have provided you with a checklist of things you need to do prior to your next international trip or vacation.
I know there are many other things you should do before preparing for a trip but this list is the simple, bare minimum checklist for the travel who is traveling through multiple countries, taking a last minute trip, or just doesn’t like to plan too much but still wants to stay safe while traveling. I hope you find this useful. Happy Travels.
Vaccinations
Before you leave for your next adventure you should check to see if there are any recommended or mandatory vaccinations needed to enter the country. I would especially research this idea if you are traveling to places such as South America, Asia, or Africa. Researching vaccinations is listed first on the list because some vaccinations may have to administered to you in certain doses and some vaccinations only become efficient after a certain time period has passed.
Visa Requirements
A travel visa is a conditional authorization granted by a territory to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, remain within, or to leave that country (Wikipedia). In some countries, obtaining a visa can be quite a process so it’s good to check into that as soon as you know you plan accordingly. If you are American, chances are it’s probably easy to get into whatever country you are visiting, especially if its Europe. Some countries charge visa fees which you need to know about so that you can budget that into your trip. Americans can check the US Department of State website for visa information on every country. Do keep in mind that not all international travel requires a visa, but you should always check just in case.
Travel Insurance
I’m going to admit that I haven’t always used travel insurance during my previous. Only recently, over the past 2-3 years, have I begun to purchase travel insurance for my trips. The reason you need travel insurance is because they will help you if anything goes wrong on your trip. Travel insurance, depending on what’s covered, can assist you if your luggage is lost, medical emergencies, your belongings are stolen or in the worst case, accidental death while traveling.
You may have travel insurance through your job or through your credit card already. I personally use World Nomads for travel insurance since I do not work full time or use credit cards. It’s the company I think would benefit me the most based on what type of travel I do. I would encourage you to do your own research on this topic to get a better understanding as well.
Luggage Fees
You do not want to be that person who gets to the airport only to find out that their luggage is over the weight limit or is too big to fit in the overhead compartment. This is another one of those types of surprised we don’t like and want to avoid. Checking the airlines luggage policy before you start packing for your trip will save you a lot of time, stress and money at the end of the day.
Call your bank
I recommend calling your bank and letting them know you are getting ready to leave the country. This is something you can do closer to when you will be leaving. If you don’t call your bank you run the risk of them blocking your card when you use it abroad. Once you leave the country it is going to be difficult to contact your bank if there is an issue. When you call your bank just ask them if it’s necessary that you contact them regarding this matter. One of my banks told me that I didn’t need to call and notify them of my travels so now I know not to call them. It’s good to be sure though.
Research Local Language, Scams, and Customs
It’s always courteous to learn at least the bare minimum of the language in a country you are visiting. Hello, goodbye, and thank you are a great place to start and download Google Translate to help you with the rest. Research local scams on the internet or YouTube so you don’t get taken advantage of during your travels. Google the local customs of that country so you can act accordingly. The last thing you want to do is offend someone or get in trouble for breaking a law.
