International Travel Tips:16 Things to Know from the Pros Before Heading Overseas

by/January 4, 2023/Tags#fedlifehacks, #travel
International Travel Tips:15 Things to Know Before Going Overseas

From selecting your destination to enjoying the sites, our international travel tips will keep you safe and organized for your next trip

International travel is on the rebound following pandemic-related closures and restrictions that left the world off limits to travelers. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, international tourism reached 57% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2022.

International travel is not always as easy as booking a flight and heading out the door with your bags. Last spring, I received an invitation to join a few friends on a trip abroad. I was certainly ready for a vacation after the craziness of the last few years. I found a flight and was ready to make the purchase. The only issue – my passport expired during the pandemic. 

I wasn’t alone. Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. Department of State had encountered a passport surge with an 86% increase in passport applications. With post-pandemic staffing shortages coupled with eager travelers ready to hit the road, the passport backlog hit 1.5 to 2 million applications, with an average wait time of 18 weeks for non-expedited processing.

To help ensure you have everything you need when you hit the road, we put together a list of 16 international travel tips to help keep you safe and organized so you can travel with ease on your next international adventure.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

  • CHECK YOUR PASSPORT

    Did you know some countries enforce a six-month validity rule, meaning your passport must be valid for at least six months before its expiration date and have two or more blank pages? If your passport is expired, you have a few options through the U.S. Department of State. Visit Travel.State.gov to view renewal options, eligibility requirements, required fees, and to access forms.

    international travel tips: applying for a passport

  • LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

    The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has a country-by-country guide to assess risks of travel for your intended destination that could affect you. Each country information page contains a travel advisory, alerts, visa information, passport rules, and vaccination requirements.

    You can also download the Smart Traveler App from the U.S. Department of State on your mobile device.

  • TRAVEL EASY

    Enroll in either the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry programs. Not only will TSA PreCheck expedite your trip through security with dedicated PreCheck lanes, but you will also save time as you are not required to remove your shoes, belt, 3-1-1 liquids, computers, or light jackets.

    How much time can it save you? According to the Transportation Security Administration, in September 2022, 93% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes. At my home airports, Philadelphia and Tampa International, my average time is less than a minute. And with over 200 airports taking part, you are likely to reap the benefits of quick and easy access through TSA screening.

    If you travel internationally more than three times per year, you may want to explore Global Entry, which includes both TSA PreCheck and expedited processing through Passport Control.

    Both programs do have a fee involved. TSA Precheck is $85 for five years ($70 renewal) while Global Entry is $100 for five years.

    A number of credit cards and loyalty programs will pay for your PreCheck or Global Entry registration fee every five years. You can check the list of participating cards on TSA’s site or check your credit card, hotel, or airline loyalty benefits for further details.

    For both programs, you will need to complete an application and an in-person interview. For the majority of people, TSA Pre-Check is an easier process with enrollment centers in most cities and readily available appointment slots.

    Global Entry enrollment centers are only in select cities with appointments booked weeks or even months in advance. Check the list to see if a Global Entry enrollment city is nearby.

    tips for traveling internationally with TSA precheck

  • BOOKING WITH THE BEST CARD FOR TRAVEL

    When it comes time to book travel, not all credit cards are created equal. You may determine that one card provides you with the best reward miles, but have you looked closely at the card benefits as they relate to delayed or lost bags, canceled flights, or even rental car protection?

    Some credit cards are built for travel, with Premium travel protection included or available for an additional fee. When a trip is booked with a credit card with included benefits outlined in your card agreement, things like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car collision damage insurance, and reimbursement for delayed or lost luggage can be a big money saver.

    Before booking, look through your card benefits to determine which card will best cover you and your trip. And before you head on your trip, download the benefits to your phone or print and bring with you for easy reference should an issue arise. Be sure to include the contact information for the card’s concierge service to assist you as you work your way through travel issues.

According to the Transportation Security Administration, in September 2022, 93% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes.

BEFORE YOU GO

  • STAYING ORGANIZED

    Use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) from the U.S. Department of State. In the event of an emergency while abroad, STEP can connect you with evacuation efforts or provide important safety information. The STEP site allows you to create an account and fill in your personal information. It will then prompt you to fill in information about your upcoming trip. You can sign up before your trip to monitor safety conditions for specific destinations.

    Make your own information sheet with copies of your passports, visas, driver’s license, a listing of your credit cards and international contact information for each card, and the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulates. When overseas, you can also call Overseas Citizens Services +1 202-501-4444.

    Finally, provide a friend or family member with your travel itinerary along with contact information for hotels and your information sheet with copies of your passport.

  • MOBILE PASSPORT CONTROL

    Download Mobile Passport Control (MPC)  on your mobile device. MPC allows eligible travelers to submit passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app, allowing you to ditch the paper form distributed on the aircraft and skip the APC kiosks.

  • MEDICATIONS

    While it may seem like second nature to bring along all of your prescribed medications, each country has its own laws related to medicine. A medicine prescribed or available over the counter in the United States may be considered a controlled substance in another country. Check with your destination’s embassy, consulate, or embassies of your country that you are traveling through to ensure your medications are permitted.

    Many countries allow for a 30-day supply of certain medications that are accompanied by a prescription or certificate from your healthcare provider. Be sure to keep medications in their original, labeled containers with your name, healthcare provider, and exact dosage. When packing, ensure that your medications remain with you in your carryon and not in checked luggage.

  • VACCINATIONS

    Many countries may require or strongly encourage vaccinations. The CDC’s website has a full listing for each country in addition to current health issues that may be prevalent.

  • OVERSEAS INSURANCE COVERAGE

    From canceled flights to lost luggage and health emergencies, a lot can go wrong when you are thousands of miles from home. Further, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs while overseas. The expenses from these emergencies can certainly rack up.

    On top of coverage for canceled or interrupted flights, lost or delayed bags, and car rentals, travel insurance can provide you with options for overseas health and dental insurance, medical evacuations, and trip cancellation. There are now policies for extended stays due to a positive COVID test.

    Earlier, we covered benefits available to you when you book travel on applicable credit cards. The extent of credit card coverage may be somewhat limited.

    When booking a ticket, most airlines will populate an advertisement for added travel insurance. You can find rates and packages that fit your needs by getting multiple quotes online for insurance through reputable companies.

  • BANKING AND CREDIT CARD

    Before you head abroad, you will want to notify your bank and credit card companies of your impending trip. Most apps for financial institutions will allow you to add in travel information online. You can also use this time to determine which card will provide you with the best exchange rates and select a card with no international credit card fees.

    While abroad you will want to ensure that merchants are charging you in local currency rather than in U.S. currency.

  • DRIVING

    Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver’s license, but most accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA. You may also need supplemental auto insurance, so be sure to check in with either your auto insurance provider or select a package with your travel insurance.

  • PACKING

    Keep it light. Aside from most airlines reducing their baggage allowance from 70 to 50 lbs in recent years, packing light gives you the freedom to maneuver easily through crowds, on public transport, and even fit in the smaller vehicles found abroad. In countries with older infrastructure, you may need to travel down a cobblestone road or find yourself in a hotel or residence without an elevator.

    The New York Times put together a list of 6 Packing Tips to pack the right way that will help you pack what you need without feeling like you left everything behind.

WHILE ABROAD

International Travel Tips

  • KEEP YOURSELF SAFE

    Do your research and get to know your destination. Be aware of pickpockets and scams. Don’t wear or carry flashy jewelry or expensive electronics. Know what’s appropriate for the culture you are visiting and what is normal and acceptable behavior.

    Keep cash and cards in a money belt or pouch next to your body. Some even suggest keeping your cards separate. Should a thief steal from one place, you still have a card to use. Utilize the hotel safe for passports and other valuables. Finally, trust your instincts.

  • DON’T POST RIGHT AWAY

    This next safety tip may not be related to keeping you and your valuables safe while traveling, but it will keep your home safe. Posting to social media during your trip will let others know your home may be empty, leaving you susceptible to a break-in. Wait to post pictures and information related to your trip until you return home. 

  • CELL PHONES

    Contact your cell phone provider for international phone and data rates. If you don’t have an international plan, you will want to ensure your phone is in airplane mode. This will stop all data from being used unless connected to Wi-Fi.

  • LOST IN TRANSLATION

    Speaking of cell phones, being in a foreign country with a language you don’t speak can be trying at times. Luckily, technology is at your fingertips with apps like Bravolol’s Travel Phrasebook and Google Translate. Some languages can even translate images enabling you to snap a photo of a menu or a street sign.

Finally, enjoy yourself. The tips provided may seem overwhelming, but coupled with planning and vigilance can keep you safe so you can explore all the country and culture has to offer.

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