Things you need to do before traveling overseas

Five things you need to do before traveling overseas

After 20 years of travel and living in 5 countries, I have learned a lot about traveling internationally.

On some trips, I was very prepared, and on others, I was not at all. But now, here are the things that I will always do before going overseas.

My top five

Each place is a little different, and what you need to take to Thailand differs from what you will need in Europe. Plus, there are weather seasons, but here are things listed you need for any travel outside of the U.S. Number one,

Passport: Copies of Passport

Passport (I know most of you are saying REALLY!!!), but let me add that you need a copy of your Passport.

Keep a copy of your Passport in your packed luggage and a copy with a family member or friend back at home.

Take a picture on your phone and email it to yourself. If your Passport gets stolen or lost, this will make your life A LOT easier.

Please note that some countries will not let you in if your Passport is expiring within six months of the date of expiration.

And the U.S. State Department requires your Passport to be renewed nine months before expiration. You also need to register with SMART-Smart Traveler Enrollment  Program.

So look at the date and see if it’s about that time, then renew your Passport early. Make sure your dates are good for the return as well.

You don’t want to get trapped internationally. And please know that some countries don’t let you leave. You will have to stay in the country if you have a problem with your Passport or visa. This happened to a friend who stayed two weeks after his visa expired.

He had to stay in the country for another 10 days, was a no-show for his flight, bought a new airline ticket home, and paid a $2000 fine. For a grand total of $3500.

It’s kind of an American thing to get people out of the country. Still, other countries make you resolve the visa issue (pay a huge fine) and then let you leave.

This can cost into the thousands. UGG. Plus, you will live in a weird in-between land. Let me tell you from past experience, even a few hours is too long.

Register with your Embassy.

Certain countries you will need to register with your Embassy.

An example is Thailand. Now what happens if you don’t? I have no idea, I doubt that men in black come get you. But it helps, and you are actually required to register with your Embassy if your America within 48 hours.

Many hotels do this for you because they can get in trouble if they don’t, at least in many Asian Countries. Other countries it’s just for security reason.

Travel Insurance

This is one thing that I will always have. Thank God I never had to use the insurance, although I have not escaped ER visits internationally.

Take copies of your policy and make sure you have all your phone numbers.

In some countries you will not have access to the Internet so make sure you have copies with you.

Call your Bank to release your ATM or Credit Card

I hate this one.

I travel internationally a lot, and I always forget to do this until I pass airport security. Which I am walking around the airport with my coffee and trying to whisper my Social Security number as they ask me which country I will be traveling to.

Good news you can do this online for most banks, but please note I still had to call for my cards to be released.

Have addresses where you are staying.

I see this happen in so many airports, I call them “that couple” or a pair of friends standing off to the side looking through a enormous backpack pulling tons of stuff out, or trying to get cell phone service to find the address of where they will be staying.

Don’t do that to yourself.

Make sure it’s easy-to-find place as you travel so you can write it on your entry card for your destination.

Not all places require this, but many do for security reasons. I put them on my phone via picture or on my notes.

I always have a black pen handy when traveling.

If you’re going on a long flight check out this post on how to smell good after a long flight. And how to look great after traveling internationally.

Bonus items I always have in my carry-on.

Pen
Kleenex (four packs) I also use this for emergency toilet paper.
Feminine items
Eye drops
Small hand lotion
Small face moisturizer
Complete change of clothes
Extra undies (always, in case the bag gets lost)