5 Must Do Tips for International Travelers

November 2013

Getting ready for a big trip aboard this holiday season? Although we can’t control certain bumps along the way, we can have our travel house in order long before we head to the airport. Here are some must do tips from travel veteran  Roseann Iovine of Outdoor Travel Adventures. 

1 – Passports and Visa
Be sure to check the expiration date on your passport. Most countries will not permit you to enter unless you have a full 6 months remaining on your passport. A good travel planner will ask for a copy of your passport and review the expiration dates, just in case you miss it. If you find you are lacking the validity you need; don’t panic there are rush services available to process new passports. See http://travel.state.gov/passport/hurry/hurry_831.html  You might also need a visa depending on the country;  www.travel.state.gov is an excellent resource.

2 – Health and Travel Medicine
Check with your doctor or you local travel medicine clinic to find out what is required (or suggested) in terms of inoculations or preventive medicine. The CDC website can help give you a current overview of any outbreaks or trends in the areas you are visiting. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/. We usually remind our customers to be current on Tetanus and Hep A vaccinations. For travel tummy I am a big fan of probiotics to give your body a little extra intestinal balance. Best to start taking probiotics around 10-14 days before you leave the US.
Side notes: Bring several healthy snacks in your hand baggage. Jetlag will have your meal times off and a snack can make all the difference; not to mention lack of food on board airlines. The long flights and entire travel process will deplete your body, so be sure you get plenty of rest the week before and days leading up to your trip. (Pack early so you aren’t up to 1am!)

3 – Luggage and Packing
These days luggage allowances are constantly being reduced. Review the airline’s website so you understand exactly how much you can carry on the plane and send as checked baggage. Often times you can pre pay extra baggage; which his a great idea so you don’t’ have extra hassles at the airport. Weigh your luggage before you go. The hand held luggage scales are perfect and pretty accurate. Check if your accommodation has laundry facilities or if you can have laundry done for a reasonable fee. Get a jump on your packing, usually about 10-14 days before the trip. That way you can weed out exactly what you need to bring. Give yourself time to visualize what you see yourself wearing and using. Be realistic!

4 – Finances
Call your credit card company and bank to let them know what countries you will visit. Obtaining local currency is easily done from ATM’s once you are abroad. The fees vary depending on your bank, however ATM’s are convenient and in some cases offer a better rate of exchange than the large currency exchange stands at airports.

5 – Communications/Connectivity/Electronics
Check with your cellular carrier on international plans to see if it’s worth adding to your account. If you plan to make several calls back to the US or use the phone during your trip; the plan makes sense. Apps such as Viber, Skype or Facetime, can also take care of those international calls or text messages at no cost. If you go this route be sure anyone you want to communicate with also has access to the program. Wireless may or may not be offered at your hotel for free or for a fee. Check in advance so you can consider your communication options.
Don’t forget to check to see what international adapters/plugs you need for your phone, camera and laptops.
Happy Travels!
Roseann Iovine

Outdoor Travel Adventures
            Life Enhancing Travel

Roseann Iovine has been planning international trips since 1985 and her company has a team of travel specialist that can take you to the far corners of the world.