5 Important Things To Do Before Traveling Internationally

 

Are you planning an international trip soon? In 2019, more than 99 million US residents traveled internationally, and now that the pandemic is easing up, people are starting to plan trips again.

If you are planning to travel abroad soon, make sure you are prepared beforehand so you can enjoy your trip! Keep reading to discover five things to do before traveling internationally.

1. Get Travel Documents In Order

Before you travel, it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary documentation. Of course, one of the most important documents is your passport. Note that passports must be valid for at least six months after your trip to be accepted.

You should also be sure to find out if you need a visa for the country you are traveling to. For US passport holders, many countries will grant a temporary tourist visa upon entry, but some countries may have different requirements.

In addition, it is important to double-check the COVID restrictions in the country you are flying to. You may need proof of vaccination or of having COVID recently, a negative test, and/or a health declaration form. If you are unsure of the requirements, your airline can help you find out what you will need.

2. Contact Your Bank

If you plan to use your debit or credit cards overseas, you should be sure to let your bank know about your trip beforehand. You can call your bank’s customer service line and let them know your intended destination and travel dates.

If you do not contact your bank, they could freeze your cards for suspicious activity, so it is important to let them know of your vacation plans. Your bank may also be able to help you exchange money into the currency of your destination or give you tips on the best way to do this.

3. Leave Your House Protected

Before traveling abroad, you will want to make sure that you are leaving your home locked up and safe while you are gone. It is also advisable not to post the dates you will be gone online, so no one outside close friends and family will know your house will be empty.

Having an armed security system is an important step in protecting your home. If you are looking for a state-of-the-art system that can be monitored and controlled from anywhere, be sure to visit homesecuritybuff.com.

4. Pack Wisely

Packing is of course, an essential task on any travel checklist, but when traveling internationally, you’ll definitely want to make sure you pack wisely. For example, if you take prescription medications, you’ll want to make sure you have enough for your trip.

Furthermore, you may want to consider packing other items that may not be available in the country you will be visiting. For example, if you only like using a certain brand of toothpaste, you’ll want to bring that with you.

5. Prepare to Be a Good Tourist

When preparing for international travel, you will want to do a little research about the country you are visiting. Each country has its own customs, so doing a little research on what is considered offensive, how much or when you should tip, and other matters.

If your travel plans include a country where they speak a different language, you also might prepare by learning some useful phrases. Learning to say hello, please, thank you, and help can go a long way in a foreign country!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do Before Traveling Internationally

By now, you should have a good idea of what things to do before traveling internationally. The better prepared you are for your trip, the more likely you are to enjoy your vacation.

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