Congratulations on your upcoming experience! I look forward to supporting you throughout your journey.
Below is a checklist I put together to help you best prepare for your departure. Though all are not required, they are highly recommended and items you should at least consider.
Downloading your Airline Application
This is an incredibly important step prior to your departure. You airline app will not only have your boarding passes, but access to many additional features such as:
-Any last minute bag purchases
-Seat upgrades
-Flight status updates
-In flight entertainment & purchases
- & Much more
To download your airline application, go to the app store on your phone and download the specific airline app that you will be flying.
You will then be instructed to provide your name & flight locator (Ex. C5JEKL) within the airline app to populate your flight details.
Making a Copy Of your Documents
This is an important step for the “in case $hit happens”, specially when you are out of country, If something happens to any of your documents you may have trouble coming back to the US. If you have a copy of your travel documents this process will be much easier. I highly recommend you keep these copies safely hidden away in your luggage
Printing/ Taking Screen Shots of all Confirmations and Tickets
Many times accessing mobile service, internet may not be possible when we need it most. Making sure you have a copy of all of your confirmations, barcodes and tickets will put you at ease in case you run into this situation. I also recommend taking a screen shot of you boarding passes in case you have issues with your app loading.
Downloading Offline Maps
This is one of my most used items when traveling. Downloading an offline map of the location you will be traveling to will allow you to have google maps navigation without having to have service of wifi.
To download the map of your area follow these instructions:
- Open google maps on your phone
- Select your picture in the top right of the screen to access your account. You must be logged in.
- Click on “Offline Maps”
- Select “Select your own map”
- Go to the geographical area you will be traveling to. Ensure your entire travel area is within the blue box. You can zoom in and out to locate the correct location *I recommend to include more than you think you may need, it is better to have more map area than not enough*
- Hit “download”
- Once the map has been downloaded you can rename the map by hitting the 3 dots to the right of the map & select rename.
- When you reach your destination you maps will be available and you can navigate as needed.
Credit Card Foreign Transaction Fees
For many, this is a lesson that gets learned the hard way. I am one of those people.
Take a look at the cards you plan on using for your trip and ensure they have NO foreign transaction fees. Many times bank cards such as debit cards and credit cards DO charge fees. You can find the information within your credit card terms and conditions or benefits statements.
Many credit cards are advertised as a WORLD card. These cards have no foreign transaction fees. These cards often have WORLD imprinted on the card either on the front or back. This can save you a lot of money and hassle.
You may also want to contact your credit card and let them know you are traveling. Those who do not travel often are usually the ones the credit card company will flag when traveling. Many times you can do this through your bank app.
International Cellular Coverages
Many phone carriers provide some level of international service. Call your phone company and see if they have any international service programs. Some programs are free and some may charge a fee depending on your needs. Many countries you can obtain a sim card once you arrive to provide cellular service and internet in country.
Most phones allow the use of what’s called an eSIM. This is a sim card that does not require a physical card to be put into your phone. The eSIM can be downloaded directly to your phone (I recommend to do this prior to your departure). I have personally used eSIMs with great success & I highly recommend them for staying connected while traveling.
Click here to visit my Go-To eSIM provider
Tracking your Check Bags
Let’s face it, things happen, bags do get lost and relatively often. If you must check your bags for your international departure I highly recommend a means to be able to track it in addition to what the airline provides. This will allow you to know exactly where your bags are so if there is an issue, resolutions should be had quicker. I do also recommend to bring a few essentials in your carry on if you have room. That way if you don’t have your bag after what seems like endless hours of travel you will at least have a change of clothes and a toothbrush.
Visit my Must Have Travel Items page to see my recommendations
Bring Pens
There is nothing worse than being on a flight that requires documents to be filled out for entry and no one has a pen. This results in having to find one once you land and is a huge added stress. This has happened to me many times so now I bring multiple pens with me and share with those around me. You may be surprised how often you need something as silly as a pen and there’s none is sight.
Learn Culture & Language Basics
I cannot recommend enough that you try to learn some basics about the culture and the language. You never know how many times you’re going to encounter the situation where not one person speaks English (This has happened to me MANY times). Even if you butcher it terribly, many cultures appreciate that you at least try. Here are a few words and phrases I recommend:
- Greetings- Hello, good bye
- Thank you
- Please
- Basic numbers
- Basic food items including the words for breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Basic directions – left, right, where
- Words for items such as- hospital, money, how much, where is, bathroom, reservation, airport
I also recommend you research the culture to ensure you are respecting their culture. Here are a few things I recommend to note:
- Respectful greetings
- Attire
- Interactions with others
- Religious observations
- Meal norms
- Anything else that may be necessary depending on location
Secure your Belongings
Many locations around the world are known for being big tourist areas. With that said, many people target these areas for crimes such as pickpocketing. If you are going to keep your wallet on you, you need to make sure it is secure and tucked away against your body.
Your room should also be considered. Utilize a safe every chance you get to lock up extra money and travel documents.
Never keep all your money and credit cards in your wallet. This is in the case you are a victim of theft you still have money and a means of purchasing if your wallet is stolen. This does happen….A LOT to please be cautious when you’re around a lot of people.
Visit my Must Have Travel Items page to see my recommendations
In Conclusion
I hope this information was helpful for you. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you have any additional ideas that would make your travel process smoother and more enjoyable.