*Traveling Internationally Checklist: Essential Things to Do Before International Travel*
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.
International Travel Checklist
After Booking Your Trip:
♦Check that your passports do NOT expire within 6 months of your return date (some destinations are 3 months.) Take a photo of each and make sure it is backed up to iCloud, or pack photocopies in your suitcase (keep 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 photo of 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.
♦Request a letter of proof of car insurance from credit card company, for a car rental, if applicable.
♦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, and measure your luggage.
♦Line up someone to take care of your house, pets, etc.
♦Get airport club passes or cards, they will make your wait at airports so much better! Read How to Make Your Time In the Airport Quick, Easy & Fun
International Travel Checklist
Closer To Your Trip
♦Read my Carry On Travel Packing List and order any necessities that you don’t have.
♦Check the weather for where you are traveling to, and get a temperature estimate. Pick out clothes that you plan to pack (shop if necessary.)
♦Email to confirm ALL reservations for accommodations (include special requests and arrival time), transfers, tours, etc.
♦Confirm car rentals *Check office hours of locations and get any special instructions for after hours drop off.
♦Get an international plan on your phones (for texting, emergency internet or phone calls)-record any details about the plan in your notes.
♦Download airline apps for movies, check in, etc.
♦Download travel apps- See my post on Best Travel Apps
♦Choose and download audiobooks (audible.com), travel podcasts, walking tours, movies or shows for flights.
♦If driving to the airport, try to find an airport parking coupon and book online. Put snacks and water in the car for your return.
♦Order special meals for flights.
♦Stop your mail if you don’t have someone picking it up.
♦Call your credit card company to notify of countries traveling to, so they don’t think your card has been stolen.
International Travel Checklist
Just Before Leaving Home
♦Pack, using my Carry On Packing List
♦PRINT BOARDING PASSES- Make sure that the spelling of all names is correct and match your passports exactly. Many of the low-cost airlines need paper tickets and will charge you extra if they have to print them for you at the airport.
♦Print your itinerary, as well as any tickets or vouchers and put into a page protector.
♦Separate travel book by areas and staple.
♦Pay any bills that will be due while you are gone.
♦Clean your house (or have the house cleaner come 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!♦♦♦
Leave A Comment