Before You Book: The Absolute Essentials
Passport Requirements
The Six-Month Rule: Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. If your passport expires in five months, you may be denied entry even if you're only traveling for a week.
Processing times:
- Routine service: 8-11 weeks
- Expedited service: 5-7 weeks (additional $60 fee)
- Emergency service: Available for life-or-death situations only
Action item: Apply for or renew your passport at least 4-6 months before planned travel. Check your passport's expiration date right now.
Visa Requirements
A passport gets you out of the U.S. A visa gets you into your destination country. Requirements vary by:
- Your citizenship
- Your destination
- Length of stay
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, study)
How to check: Visit the U.S. State Department website or the embassy website of your destination country. Many European countries allow 90-day visa-free stays for U.S. tourists. Other regions (Asia, Africa, South America) have varying requirements.
E-visas and visa on arrival: Some countries offer electronic visas you apply for online or visas you obtain upon arrival at the airport. Both still require advance research and preparation.
⚠️ Common Mistake
Assuming you don't need a visa because you're American. Plenty of countries require visas for U.S. citizens—don't book flights until you've confirmed entry requirements and given yourself time to obtain necessary visas.
Money Matters: Currency and Cards
Notify Your Bank and Credit Cards
Call your bank and credit card companies before traveling internationally. Tell them your travel dates and destinations. Without notification, they may flag foreign charges as fraud and freeze your cards—leaving you stranded without access to money.
Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards vs. Cash
Best approach: Use multiple methods
- Credit cards: Best for most purchases. Look for cards with no foreign transaction fees (typically 3% per purchase). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted globally.
- Debit cards: Use for ATM withdrawals only. Notify your bank. Your ATM PIN must be 4 digits (some U.S. cards have longer PINs that won't work abroad).
- Cash: Keep small amounts in local currency for markets, taxis, tips, small purchases. Major cities have ATMs everywhere.
Pro Tip: Airport ATMs
Withdraw cash from an ATM in the airport when you arrive. Airport exchange counters have terrible rates. ATMs give you the best exchange rate automatically, and you'll have local currency immediately for taxis, tips, and initial expenses.
Dynamic Currency Conversion: Always Decline
When paying by card abroad, you might be asked if you want to pay in your "home currency" (USD). Always decline. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion, and it's a scam that gives you terrible exchange rates. Always pay in local currency and let your credit card company handle the conversion—you'll get a much better rate.
Staying Connected: Phones and Internet
International Phone Plans
Check with your carrier before leaving. Options include:
- International day pass: $10-12/day, your regular plan works abroad
- International roaming: Pay-per-use (expensive, avoid this)
- International monthly plan: Better value for trips over a week
Local SIM Cards
If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card at your destination is often the cheapest option for data and calls. Available at airports and phone stores. Requires setting up new number but gives you local rates.
Wi-Fi Strategy
Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. For navigation and messaging, this is often sufficient. Download offline maps in Google Maps before traveling, and use Wi-Fi for everything else.
⚠️ Public Wi-Fi Security
Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. Avoid accessing banking, shopping, or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi. Use your phone's data connection for sensitive transactions, or use a VPN if you must use public networks.
Power and Adapters
Different Countries, Different Outlets
The U.S. uses Type A/B plugs (two or three flat prongs). Most other countries use different plug types. You'll need an adapter—a device that physically allows your U.S. plug to fit into foreign outlets.
Adapters vs. Converters:
- Adapter: Changes plug shape. This is what you need.
- Converter: Changes voltage. You probably don't need this—most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) work on 110-240V automatically. Check your device's power adapter.
Recommendation: Buy a universal travel adapter that works in multiple countries. They cost $15-30 and cover most countries you'll visit. Bring at least two—you'll have multiple devices to charge.
Health and Safety Preparations
Vaccinations and Health
Required vaccinations: Some countries require proof of certain vaccinations (Yellow Fever for parts of Africa and South America, for example). Check CDC requirements for your destination.
Recommended vaccinations: Your doctor may recommend vaccines like Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, or others depending on where you're going. Schedule appointments 4-6 weeks before travel—some vaccines require multiple doses.
Prescriptions:
- Bring medications in original bottles with prescriptions
- Bring extra in case of delays
- Pack in carry-on, not checked luggage
- Research if your medications are legal in destination country (some common U.S. medications are controlled substances abroad)
Travel Insurance
Your U.S. health insurance likely doesn't cover you abroad. International travel insurance provides:
- Emergency medical coverage
- Medical evacuation (can cost $100,000+ without insurance)
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- Lost luggage coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Cost: Typically 4-8% of trip cost. Worth it for international travel, especially to remote destinations or if you have health concerns.
Cultural Awareness and Etiquette
Do Basic Research
Spend 30 minutes learning about cultural norms in your destination:
- Appropriate dress (religious sites, beach culture, formal dining)
- Tipping customs (U.S. tipping culture is unusual—most countries tip less or not at all)
- Greetings (handshakes, bows, cheek kisses vary by culture)
- Dining etiquette (some cultures eat with hands, others consider it rude)
- Photography rules (some sites prohibit photos, some cultures consider it invasive)
Learn Basic Phrases
You don't need to be fluent, but learning these phrases shows respect:
- Hello / Goodbye
- Please / Thank you
- Excuse me
- Do you speak English?
- Where is...?
- How much does this cost?
Download Google Translate and the offline language pack for your destination. The camera translation feature is invaluable for menus and signs.
Dress Appropriately
Americans tend to dress casually. Many cultures dress more formally, especially in cities and at dinner. Research destination norms. When in doubt, dress slightly more formally than you think necessary.
Airport and Flight Tips
Arrive Early
International flights require more time:
- 3 hours before departure for international flights (vs. 2 hours domestic)
- Security lines can be long
- International gates are often farther from security
- You may need to fill out customs forms
What to Pack in Carry-On
Never check anything you can't afford to lose:
- Passport, visa documents, travel insurance docs
- Medications
- One change of clothes
- Phone charger and adapter
- Valuables (jewelry, electronics)
- Essential toiletries (under 3.4 oz in clear bag)
Customs and Immigration
Have ready when you land:
- Passport
- Completed customs/immigration forms (often provided on plane)
- Return flight information
- Hotel address and contact info
- Proof of sufficient funds (sometimes requested)
Answer questions honestly and briefly. Don't volunteer extra information. Be polite and patient—immigration officers are doing their job.
Your Pre-Departure Checklist
3-6 Months Before:
- Apply for passport or verify it's valid 6+ months past return date
- Research visa requirements
- Book flights and accommodation
- Purchase travel insurance
1-2 Months Before:
- Apply for visas if needed
- Schedule doctor visit for vaccinations/prescriptions
- Get credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Make copies of passport (physical and digital)
1-2 Weeks Before:
- Notify bank and credit card companies of travel
- Check in for international flight (24 hours before)
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Confirm hotel reservations
- Pack adapters, converters, chargers
Day Before:
- Check flight status
- Print boarding pass (backup to phone version)
- Charge all devices
- Secure home (lights, mail hold, neighbor notifications)
- Double-check passport in carry-on
Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid
- Not leaving enough connection time: International connections need 2-3 hours minimum. You go through customs, collect luggage, re-check bags, and go through security again.
- Overpacking: You'll buy things abroad. Pack less than you think you need. Most hotels have laundry service.
- Not informing credit card companies: Your cards will be frozen. Call them.
- Assuming everyone speaks English: They don't. Learn basic phrases and be patient.
- Trying to see everything: Pick 2-3 must-sees per day. Rushing ruins the experience.
- Not respecting local customs: Different cultures have different norms. Research and adapt.
- Comparing everything to home: Things work differently abroad. That's the point.
- Keeping your phone on without an international plan: Data roaming charges can be hundreds of dollars. Turn off data roaming or get an international plan.
Most Important Advice
Stay flexible and keep perspective. Things will go wrong—flights delay, reservations get confused, weather doesn't cooperate. Roll with it. The unexpected moments often become your best travel stories. Prepare thoroughly, then let go and embrace the adventure.
When to Use a Travel Advisor
First-time international travelers especially benefit from professional planning:
- We handle visa applications and ensure you have proper documentation
- We arrange transportation and guide you through logistics
- We provide 24/7 support if issues arise abroad
- We ensure hotels, tours, and experiences are reliable and high-quality
- We navigate language barriers and cultural differences on your behalf
- We handle the overwhelming research so you can focus on excitement, not stress
International travel is manageable on your own, but working with someone who knows the process intimately eliminates stress and ensures you don't miss critical steps that could derail your trip.