Five Key Considerations for Seamless International Travel from the U.S.

Passport, Visa, and Vaccination Requirements

Check the valid dates of your passport and whether or not you need a visa for the region you plan to visit. Some countries require upwards of three months of passport validity beyond your travel dates, including common destinations, like France, Germany, and Austria. Some destinations, like India, Egypt, and China, require 6 months!

The best way to avoid an expired passport mishap? Set calendar alerts for everyone in the family nine to ten months before the passports expire, which will give you plenty of time to renew before your next overseas trip.

In addition to a valid passport, some areas of the world, like Ethiopia, China, and Indonesia also require a visa. Google the name of your destination + “visa” for the details.

While most countries do not have vaccination requirements, some have health advisories or recommendations for vaccines for COVID-19 or Hepatitis A, or medications for malaria, for example.
Search online for the region you plan to visit + travel requirements for passport, visa, and medical info.

2. Money

Familiarize yourself with the local currency, exchange rates, and whether credit cards are widely accepted. I’ve found that American Express is not accepted everywhere, which was our experience on recent trips to Spain and Croatia, so it’s good to bring along a Visa or Master Card.

Check with your credit carrier to make sure that they don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can add up if you are using the card frequently.

When using a credit card, select the local currency rather than the U.S. dollar, as the rates tend to be more favorable.

You may find that cash is the preferred method of payment where you are visiting, which was the case when we were in Berlin a couple of years ago. To get cash, fees are usually lower when you withdraw cash from an ATM rather than exchanging it at a currency exchange window. You will be charged a small fee from your bank, however, so try to keep withdrawals to a minimum.

3. Phone service and wi-fi

You’ll want your phone to be operational upon arrival, so familiarize yourself with your mobile carrier’s international options. And don’t make the mistake we just made in Croatia by assuming that the international plans are the same as when you traveled last. Our carrier had very different international Wi-Fi options than when we traveled in April of this year. It’s even worth a phone call before departure to ensure that you fully understand your options, i.e. which international plan is best, do you turn on roaming or Wi-Fi calling, etc.

If you are staying at a resort this may not be necessary, but if you are planning to be out and about at your destination, Wi-Fi is essential. You will want to use the maps function on your phone, have the ability to do research, and to stay in touch with your fellow travelers in case you get separated or choose different activities.

If you have trouble accessing Wi-Fi right away, print out or buy maps so you can get around without it. Also, print out things like your itinerary, confirmation barcodes, and ticket receipts just in case you have connectivity issues or if your phone runs out of juice.

If you can’t get an international plan from your mobile carrier to function properly, go to an electronics store – or even a convenience store – and buy an international SIM card. This works well but can be more expensive than the international options offered by your mobile carrier.

When booking a hotel or Airbnb, make sure Wi-Fi is offered so when you’re there you can do research, catch up on work, etc. without using the Wi-Fi from your international plan.

And don’t assume your hotel or Airbnb will have the outlets you need to charge your phone and other devices. Find out what plugs are used locally and order a couple to bring with you – they last for a long time, so hang onto them for your next adventure!

4. Planning

Create a rough itinerary, including must-see attractions, activities, and downtime for relaxation, being mindful of time changes. After all, you may be exhausted in the morning of your second day, so you might want to start your day a bit later than usual.

Whatever you plan to do, don’t assume you can get tickets at the door. Some activities sell out, require advance tickets, or have long queues, so do your research and purchase in advance when needed.
Read up on the transportation options where you are traveling to. You might find that your destination has a fantastic public transportation system that is easy to navigate, or it might become clear that a rental car is better.

If you plan to rent a car, consider getting the smallest one that will accommodate your party and luggage. Many cities are easier to navigate in a small vehicle due to narrow streets and tight parking spaces.

Also, make sure you find out what side of the road you drive on at your destination and if there are automatic cars or only manual. Choose accommodations that offer parking – ideally free or for a nominal fee. Don’t rely on street parking unless your research reveals that it’s a good option.

Read up on safety at your destination. You might find that it’s completely safe there, or there might be warnings about pickpockets, or walking around alone at night in certain areas.

5. Etiquette

You’ll find that in cosmopolitan areas many people speak English, but it helps to learn a few basic phrases so you can get around and don’t look like an ignorant American!
Be mindful of cultural or faith-based norms as well. If a certain level of modesty is commonplace, be mindful of that.

Some countries, especially Latin countries, have siesta in the afternoons. This doesn’t mean you have to siesta too, but you might find that businesses are closed for an hour or two in the afternoons so you’ll want to plan your itinerary with that in mind.

Read up on tipping. In some countries, tipping is only offered for exceptional service, whereas in others, tipping is not a thing.