Ready to Travel Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know

A trip to Paris has been something I have looked forward to for some time.  We originally started planning back in late 2019 for travel in 2020 which was derailed due to the pandemic. So when we were invited to visit our son and his family in Montreal where they will be for an extended stay, we decided to jump the pond from there and make it happen as we celebrate our 15-year wedding anniversary.

Planning an international trip can seem overwhelming and this one came about relatively quickly.  I compiled a checklist to help me pull it all together and ensure a stress-free departure day.  I have included some tips so if you have an overseas adventure coming up, I hope you can use them to make your planning a breeze and get you on your way.

Make sure passports are current, keeping in mind that some countries require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return. Visas are not required for our destinations but a few countries require them for U. S. citizens. If this is the case, it’s important to apply early.  Finally, be aware of your destination’s COVID-19 policies and vaccination requirements. Many countries are lifting travel restrictions but some remain in place. Keep up to date on the latest policies for your destination.  

Travel Insurance

It’s worth considering travel insurance on international trips.  There are several different types of travel insurance policies from trip cancellation to medical emergencies.  Many credit card companies, such as my Explorer card, offer some travel protection including lost or delayed baggage, trip delay/cancellation, and even accident insurance.  You will also want to look at the insurance policies you already have to see what they cover.  Some health insurance policies cover medical emergencies overseas while others do not.   If you feel a travel policy is your best option, make sure you know exactly what it does and doesn’t cover, and use a reputable insurance company.

Book Flights and Accommodations

Airfare can sometimes be the most costly part of the trip so it’s advisable to start watching flight prices as soon as you finalize your dates.  Many use airline comparison websites such as Kayak or Expedia. I prefer using Google Flights to browse the best flights/prices and then book directly on the airline’s website. I find this more convenient and often times no more expensive. However, for this trip, I accumulated enough miles using my Chase United Explorer Credit Card to cover all three flights. If you find yourself in a situation where you will be traveling to multiple cities make sure you compare booking all flights as one-way versus the multi-city option. It is also advisable to make sure you are flying into the airport closest to the part of the city where you will be staying and preplan transportation from the airport.

I am a big Airbnb fan and book them most of the time when we travel.  We can usually stay in more local areas, have more space and it’s often cheaper than a hotel.  For Paris, however, I opted for a hotel in the city’s heart near some main attractions since we won’t be renting a car.  When booking hotels, I will always pay a little extra to book a room that is refundable within a week of my arrival date and search details including free breakfast and/or parking (if renting a car).  If in a city such as Paris, with a metro transport system, I will want to know how close the hotel is to the station.  Always carefully read reviews before booking.

Plan an Itinerary – Purchase Tickets

We are the type of travelers that like to get up each morning and decide what we feel like doing that day.  We opt for exploring on our own for the most part so I try not to schedule too much ahead of time.  However, there are some things where booking in advance is definitely beneficial. Skip The Line tickets are usually worth it with some museums in Paris having a wait time of up to two hours. Eiffel Tower advance tickets were sold out when I went online to purchase (over a month ahead of our trip) so we will be waiting in queue on that one.  Start planning your itinerary as soon as possible and if available, get tickets to popular attractions and tours in advance online.  

Research the Region(s)

It’s a good idea to gain some insight into the areas you will be visiting.  Familiarize yourself with some pertinent information such as exchange rates, tipping etiquette, and appropriate clothing. Learning some useful words and phrases in the local language before your visit will not only help with communication but will also be appreciated by the locals. 

Check With Wireless Provider Regarding International Plans

All phone carrier offer international plans so you will want to find the best one for you. For Verizon customers, overseas options include a Travel Pass plan that costs $10 per day for unlimited calling, texting, and data. You only pay if you use it, however. There is also a monthly plan if you will be out of the country for an extended time. Another option is to only use your phone when connected to wifi (other than for photos). To make calls, use apps such as WhatsApp (which is also great for texting photos to friends), FaceTime, Skype, Google Voice, Viber, and Facebook Messenger.

Alert Bank/Credit Card Company

I informed my bank of my travel plans via e-mail. You should definitely consider filing a travel notice with your credit and debit card issuers for trips outside of the country. Otherwise, transactions may be considered suspicious and get declined.  Most banks will send a verification email or text but you may still have to repeat the transaction. Even if your issuer doesn’t require it, it’s worth doing to prevent any hassles. 

Check Weather Forecast and Create a Packing List

A packing list will usually be divided into 4 categories.

• Clothing
• Toiletries and Personal Items
• Documents and Money
• Electronics

You can either make your own list or download one of the many lists available online. I have a standard list that I use with each trip and tweak as needed for the trip at hand. For international trips, I have added my travel plug adapter and portable garment steamer.

When packing remember to roll, instead of fold which saves on space and creates fewer wrinkles and fold lines. Lastly, ensure you are familiar with your airline’s weight limit for checked bags to avoid unexpected costs.

Safe Travels, my friends.