All You need to Know About Traveling overseas, Learn about all the nuts and Bolts of International Travel

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: April 7, 2022 7:00 PM

• ​Passports: You need a valid passport to leave the U.S. The Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you return home. The Passport must be in good condition, without spills, torn pages, etc. Your Passport must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country you are traveling to. At least one visa page in your Passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas stamped into your Passport need an entire blank visa page. For additional questions on renewal or validity, visit Travel.State.Gov. The name on your airline ticket must be identical to the one listed on your Passport. Warning you may be denied boarding if there are any discrepancies.                                                                                           
•  Copies: Leave hard copies of your travel documents (Passports, Vaccine Cards, Itinerary, etc.) with a close friend or family member. Pack a duplicate set for your own reference in case your phone is lost or stolen.

 

• Currency: Obtain some local currency before your trip. You will be prepared if your debit or credit card is non-functioning or a digital malfunction occurs. Not all ATMs (especially in rural places) accept foreign debit cards, and not every restaurant and store will. Some merchants do not allow foreign debit cards. You should have some backup cash and a credit card. Be aware of where you swipe your credit card. Fraudulent transactions can prove disruptive to your vacation. Additionally, using debit or credit cards regularly could accumulate transaction fees. At ATMs, for instance, you'll be charged for converting funds into local currency and, if outside of your network, an additional ATM fee. Check with your bank before departure about their foreign transaction fees and policies.​

• Enroll in STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

•  Global Entry: Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. If you plan on frequently traveling in and out of the U.S., then Global Entry may be a good idea. Apply for Global Entry HERE.

•  Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries. Check with the embassy of your destination(s) about regulations and documentation before you travel. It is also good to travel with enough medication to last beyond your travel time frame. You never know when you could encounter a delay in your travel plans. Keep your medicine in your carry-on bag and not in your checked luggage.                                                                                                                  
•  Consent for travel with minors: If you are traveling alone with children, foreign border officials may require custody documents or notarized written permission from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your foreign destination before traveling to see what you may need.​

•  International Driving Permit: Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). You may also need supplemental auto insurance. Read more about driving and road safety abroad before you go. You can obtain an IDP at most AAA Branch Offices. Click HERE to learn more about how to get an IDP.                                                                                                                                                                         
• Unexpected expenses:  Be prepared and budget for trip interruptions, cancellations, flight delays, lost, COVID-related quarantines or stolen luggage, and other incidental travel costs. Check with your credit card and or homeowners insurance companies to see if they provide coverage. If not, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.                                                                                                                                                       
•  Mail and bills: Have a plan to secure your mail while traveling. The U.S. Postal Service offers a hold service for up to 30 days. Apply HERE for the USPS mail hold service. Your bills should be up to date and paid before leaving for your trip. Know what is due and what can wait till you return.                                                                                     
•  File a travel plan with your credit card company(s). Check your banking institution's website for a link on filing a travel plan.​

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•  International Calling Plan: make sure your phone is functional while traveling. Verify your international travel plan before departure.                                                                                                                                                                                         
•  WhatsApp: Consider downloading WhatsApp- it is a free-to-download messenger app for smartphones. WhatsApp uses the internet to send messages, images, audio, or video. The service is very similar to text messaging services; however, because WhatsApp uses the internet to send messages, the cost of using WhatsApp is significantly less than texting.                                                                                                                                               
•  Outlet adaptor and voltage check: pack an outlet adaptor for any electronics or travel appliances. If you travel outside the country, you will need a converter. American devices run on 110 volts, while European appliances are on 220 volts. You might see a range of voltages printed on the item or its plug ("110–220"); you're OK in Europe. Verify the type of adaptor type you will need before travel. Most can be purchased online and are inexpensive.

• Stay hydrated: while you are on the go and during a flight, make sure you stay hydrated. It's important to consume fluids throughout the day, especially doing strenuous walks or other activities. Consider bringing a refillable water bottle on your trip. If your plans involve a flight, especially a long flight, the Aerospace Medical Association suggests about eight ounces of water every hour you're in the air. The longer the flight, however, the more hydration matters. Staying hydrated will also help combat jetlag.

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• Pack lite: Nothing is more annoying than hauling lots of luggage while traveling. Remember, less is more. Choose travel-friendly fabrics that won't excessively wrinkle. Use packing cubes to keep your belongings organized. You may want to pack a collapsible shopping bag and leave extra room in your luggage for souvenirs. Weigh your luggage before you get to the airport to ensure your luggage isn't overweight. Check your airline's website for weight restrictions and other luggage policies and costs.                                                                          
• Secure your belonging: At a moment's notice, your luggage, purse, or bag could be stolen. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy train stations and airports. While dining, keep your wallet/purse securely beside you or insight. You may want to use a money belt for added safety. If you are carrying cash, divide the money between travelers in your party. You can also use the hotel safe if you feel comfortable enough with the device to store your passports or other valuables. 

•  Leave valuables at home: it's as simple as that. You can purchase faux jewelry for the trip. Don't make yourself a target, and keep the bling to a minimum. Expensive watches, jewelry, luggage, and accessories can make you a target for crime. Be safe and stay low-profile.                                                        
•  Verify your plans before departure: If you are not using a travel consultant, verify all reservations (transportation, tours, car rentals, accommodations, etc.) at least 48 hours before departure.                                                                                           
• Airport arrival: arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights. It will alleviate stress if you are on time or a bit early for tours, flights, or other time-sensitive activities. ​

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• Eat healthily: Avoid overindulging in rich foods and consuming too much alcohol. Make sure your food is well cooked and is from a reputable establishment. Eating roadside or street foods can prove risky depending on where you are. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and inquire about ingredients if you have a food allergy.                 
•  Stay flexible and enjoy the journey: Leaving home and traveling to a foreign country can be stressful. Don't overdo it; keep your schedule at a reasonable pace, and realize that you will be in a different environment with rules and procedures that differ from your home country. If your itinerary doesn't go exactly to plan, don't stress; realize it is part of the travel experience. Life isn't perfect, so roll with it when things go sideways. 

• Emergency contacts: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers with your travel documents. You won't panic if your phone gets damaged, lost, or stolen. Numbers to know- local police/emergency services, banking, a close friend or family member, nearest U.S. Embassy, airline contact, hotel numbers, tour guides, and your doctor at home in case of a medical situation.                                                                                                                                         
• Clear out the fridge: nothing could be worse than returning from your vacation to find a foul odor coming from your refrigerator. Clean it out before you depart and take all remaining trash out of your house.                                       
•  Prep yourself for the flight: long-haul flights can be grueling; bring a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs, headphones, hand sanitizer, and download some entertainment. To purchase a dedicated in-flight travel kit, visit Couture Trips Essentials. It has all the essentials to get you worldwide.

•  Footwear: make sure you have broken in your comfortable travel shoes before leaving on your vacation. Leave the high heels at home and don't make the mistake of breaking in a new pair of shoes while on vacation. Know the terrain your will be traversing. Europe is full of uneven pavements, cobblestoned streets, and more.         
•  Download Helpful Apps: before leaving your home, you might want to download a few helpful Apps. If you are traveling to a large city with public transportation, download their specific App before departure.

1. Flight Aware: get updated information on your flight 
2. Jet Lag Rooster: helps you adjust to different time zones
3. Google Translate: bridge a foreign language barrier
4. Google Maps: download maps for later use offline
5. The Fork: leading European restaurant booking App

You can enjoy an incredible travel experience overseas with a bit of prep and education. Visit Couture Trips to discover some amazing adventure waiting for you. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website/blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user, or browser. 

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