Traveling overseas for the first time or if you are not a regular traveler can be daunting. I get it. For full disclosure, my first international trip to Scotland was completely planned by my college. I am sure it would have been a stressful trip if someone had not done everything for me. Now that I have traveled to more than 40 countries, I have 25 tips for international travel.
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Should I use a travel agent?
Deciding whether or not you want to use a travel agent will likely depend on what kind of trip you want to take. Early in my travels, I used a travel agent. However, as I gained more experience, I realized that I was doing all of the research for my agent. Over time, it became easier to book all of my activities myself. I only use a travel agent if I have a complicated, multi-leg flight to book, since they have easier access to flights.
Join a tour group for places that are difficult to navigate, such as China. I also recommend that you use tour companies for day trips to get the most out of your trip. Companies usually provide transportation, history, information, and lunch. I use tour companies for everything; wine tasting, walking and bike tours, and food experiences.
There are plenty of times when you will want to and should go it alone. For all other times, Viator.com or Get Your Guide are great places to start.
Best time of year to travel
I know that most people can travel only certain times of the year, which can be dictated by work and kids’ school schedules. However, if you have the freedom to chose when you travel, it could make a big difference in how much money you spend, whether or not you will have good weather, and if will you have to navigate large crowds. I always do research on when it is the best time of year to visit any country before I start making plans.
Buying plane tickets
When to purchase plane tickets
Timing the purchase of your plane ticket is important. The closer you get to your departure date, the more expensive the plane ticket will be. Buying too early could also cost you extra money. Generally, the best time to book your international plane ticket is between 3-4 months before your departure date.
How to purchase plane tickets
Just as you would for a domestic trip, I recommend that you use Orbitz.com, Priceline.com, or Cheapair.com for your search to compare prices, unless you are 100 percent loyal to a particular airline or plan to use miles. If you are particular about where you sit on the plane, check out Skytrack to help you chose your seats.
Needed Documents and Fees
Passports
Passports are required for all international travel. For those of you who already have a passport, remember that it must be valid for at least six months after the date you plan to travel. Passports can take 4-8 weeks for processing, so give yourself enough time. Once you receive your passport in the mail, make sure to sign the front page, make a copy of your bio page and store it in your luggage in case your original is lost or stolen. Check out Travel.state.gov to get additional information on the process.
Visas
Some countries require US citizens to obtain a visa for tourist travel. You will definitely need a visa for travel to most of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The visa process is different for each country, so as soon as you know you plan to travel, check out travisa.com to find out if you need a visa and the requirements for the application.
Itinerary and vouchers
Keep a hard copy of all of your flight itineraries and hotel reservations. Some airports, particularly in Africa, require you to show a copy of your flight itinerary before they will allow you to enter the airport. You should keep a copy of all hotel and Airbnb reservations just in case you have to prove that you booked a room.
I also recommend that you print all your vouchers for your tours. Most companies allow you to show the voucher on your phone, but keep a hard copy as a backup.
Country entry and exit fees
Some countries require an entry or exit fee at the airport. Most of the time, this fee is built into the plane ticket but occasionally, you will have to pay the fee in person. For more information about the specific country you plan to travel to, check out Americans Traveling Abroad on the US State Department webpage.
Money
Cash
You should always have some cash on you when you travel. Day to day life in most countries is cash based and you will not be able to use credit cards in some taxies or shops. I never use currency exchange booths unless they are the only option, which is extremely rare, and I always get money in country instead of exchanging money in the US. You will get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from ATMs.
I always stop at the ATM at the airport when I land. Be aware, that most US banks charge a fee for the withdrawal and another fee for exchanging it to a foreign currency. For this reason, do not make too many trips to the ATM. Try not to use debit cards for day to day activities to protect yourself against fraud and unwanted fees. You should use reputable ATMs in well lit areas or inside banks.
Tip: If you have too much cash left at the end of your trip, you can ask the hotel to apply it to your bill and then pay the balance with your credit card.
Credit Cards
Most American credit cards work throughout the world. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Contrary to what many people say about the threat of fraud if you use your credit card, I use my credit card over cash every chance I get. I earn points that I can use for future travel. It also allows me to save my cash for those times that I actually need it. Also, most credit card companies offer some sort of protection for some of your travel, to include lost or stolen luggage.
Tip: Write down the phone numbers of your credit card companies just in case your cards are lost or stolen and you need to call them to cancel your card.
Call your bank and credit card companies
Call your bank and credit card companies to alert them of your travel. That way they do not put a hold on your card for what they will perceive to be suspicious activity.
Know the money exchange rate
Find out of the money exchange rate before you travel. An exchange rate is simply how much money or currency can you buy with the US dollar, which differs per country. Knowing the exchange rate tells you if the dollar is worth more or less than a dollar in that particular country, which will help you budget for your trip.
Health and Safety
Vaccines and medicine
It should not be a major concern for you, but I still recommend that you find out which vaccines are recommended for the country you are traveling to. Some vaccines are administered over a series of weeks or months, so plan accordingly. Also, you should fill all needed prescriptions before you travel as it will be difficult to get medicine overseas. Always carry your medicine with you and never pack it in your cheeped luggage.
Travel warnings
The world is an ever changing place. so you should check out the State Department’s travel advisories before you book your travel.
Travel insurance
International trips are expensive, so you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance in case you have to cancel your tip last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, most health care insurance will not cover you during your overseas trip. Medical evacuation or emergency medical insurances may be worth purchasing before you trip.
Getting around
Renting a car
Renting a car overseas can give you a lot of freedom to see any country at your own speed. Some countries require you to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which you can obtained from AAA. Check with your car insurance company to see if your insurance covers overseas car rentals. If not, then you will have to take the car company’s insurance.
What to pack
Luggage weight
Before you try to stuff your entire house into your suitcase, check out the airline’s luggage guidance on weight and size restrictions to avoid extra fees for checked and carry on luggage
Carry on luggage
Always carry your valuables in your carry on luggage. Your checked luggage may get delayed, lost or stolen. For that reason, I always keep jewelry, electronics, and medicine in my carry on. Also, pack an extra set of clothing in your carry on. My bags have been delayed a few times. That extra set of clothing in my carry on paid off until I received my luggage.
Electronics
Pack a charger adapter and converter
Most countries will have a different plug size than in the US, so you will need an adapter for your electronics to work. You are also likely to travel to a country with different voltage (American appliances run on 110 volts, while European appliances are 220 volts). Most new major electronics, such as cell phones, laptops, iPads, and cameras, will be dual voltage. However appliances like curling irons and blow dryers usually are not. You can purchase a converter, but I recommend that you just buy those types of electronics in the voltage of the country you plan to travel to because you will get much better output quality.
Phones
If you have an unlocked phone, I recommend changing out your SIM card at the airport when you land. If you have subscribed to a certain network, it will be expensive to use your phone overseas. Make sure to activate your global capabilities on your phone to help lower the cost.
Another way to get around high phone charges, is to rent a pocket WiFi device for your trip or you can purchase a WiFi hotspot. Personally, I prefer to just change out my SIM card. I’ve paid as little as $10 and as much as $35 for a SIM card with several GB of data and the ability to make phone calls. Even after 2 weeks of travel, I have never run out of data.
Travel apps
Travel apps can can help you navigate your trip. A few of my favorites are: Citymapper is my go to travel app to help me get around a city where I do a lot of walking or take a lot of public transportation. Google Maps of course is best when you are driving. Uber works all over the world and can be a more cost effective than taking a taxi.
Before you travel tips
Make a packing list
Simple things like deodorant and toothpaste can be more expensive abroad. Making a checklist will help you remember to pack the essentials.
Purchase things before traveling
Buy as much as you can in advance. Unless you must travel by the seat of your pants, it is better to book and pay for as much as possible before you board the plane. That includes my lodging and tours. It saves you money and guarantees you will not be prevented from doing the things you want during your trip.
Stop your mail
If you tend to get a lot of mail, then go to your local post office and put it on hold during your trip. There is a big yellow form that you can fill out stating how long you want your mail held. You can drop completed forms in your mailbox.
Returning to the US
Know customs restrictions
There are several items travelers are not allowed to bring back into the US. Check out the US Customs and Border Protection website for a list of prohibited and restricted items.
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