"No matter how many times I’ve traveled internationally, I’m always overwhelmed by all the little things you have to remember. Beyond the numerous hoops you have to jump through at the airport when traveling between countries, you also have to figure out all sorts of new systems once you get there. Everything from the electrical outlets to the currency to the public transportation is different than back home, and it’s easy to feel totally overwhelmed and unprepared.
With two international trips stamped in my passport so far this year, all these things are currently top of mind. But if it’s been a while since you last traveled internationally or if you’re currently planning your first international getaway, consider this your crash course in everything you need to know before hopping on that long flight. Here are all the international travel tips you’ll need to make your next trip as seamless as possible.
1. Leave plenty of time to apply for or renew your passport
As someone who has endured the stress of a new passport arriving in the mail just barely in time for a big trip, I can assure you: You don’t want to leave this task to the last minute. If you don’t currently have a passport, start the application process as soon as possible (ideally before you even book your flight). And if yours is set to expire within six months of your travel dates, you’re going to need to renew it before your trip.
The routine processing time for U.S. passport applications is four to six weeks, and that doesn’t include the extra time required for mailing. While you can pay an extra fee for expedited processing, I suggest submitting your application early and saving that $60 for something else (like a lovely dinner out when you reach your destination).
2. Pad in extra time for airport security and customs
I’m no stranger to booking domestic flights with a 40-minute layover and hoping for the best, but when it comes to international travel, I always pad in extra time between connecting flights. Traveling between countries comes with a few extra steps than domestic travel, so it’s not as simple as hopping off one flight and onto the next.
If your plane lands in a different country (even if it’s not your final destination), you’ll need to go through customs and a security checkpoint before your connecting flight. If you have checked luggage, you may even need to collect your bags and re-check them after going through customs (pay attention to the flight attendant’s announcements upon landing to know for sure). This process often involves lengthy wait times and long walks between checkpoints, so make sure to choose flights with plenty of time in between. The last thing you want is to miss your connecting flight and get stranded in an airport instead of enjoying your international vacation (trust me, I’ve been there).
3. Bring an adapter for electrical outlets
Unless you’re traveling to Canada or Mexico, the electrical outlets likely won’t look like the ones at home. So if you’re planning on charging your phone or plugging in any other electrical items, you’re going to need an adapter. I recommend purchasing a universal one that can convert to several different types of outlets around the world so you can use it on any international trip going forward.
4. Pay attention to voltage
Beyond making sure you can physically plug in your device, you also need to pay attention to the voltage (AKA the amount of electrical current that flows from the outlet). In many places throughout the world (including much of Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America), the standard voltage is about double that of the U.S. That means plugging in a device that isn’t compatible can cause it to overheat, fail, or even catch fire.
Before your trip, check the voltage range on any devices you need to plug in. Some devices (like phone chargers) have a wide voltage range, so they’re generally safe to use in different outlets around the world. But with things like hair dryers and curling irons, you’ll need to be more careful. If it’s something you can’t travel without, purchase a voltage converter so you can safely use it abroad.
5. Consider traveling with just a carry-on
On my very first international trip, I broke the wheel on my giant checked suitcase while navigating the cobblestoned streets of southern France, and since then, I’ve sworn off traveling with oversized luggage. For me, the trade-off of having limited packing space is totally worth the convenience of traveling with just a carry-on. Fitting everything you need for an international vacation into a carry-on might be tricky, but you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to haul a 50-pound suitcase up four flights of narrow, winding stairs to get to your hotel room.
6. Set up a PIN for your credit card
In many places throughout Europe and Canada, using your credit card isn’t as simple as swiping and signing. To complete some purchases, you’ll need to enter a PIN. Since that’s not usually required in the U.S., you may need to contact your credit card company to set one up. Add that to your list of to-dos before your trip so you’re not stuck without a form of payment when you’re trying to buy a train ticket or get cash out from an ATM.
7. Download an eSIM to avoid roaming charges
International roaming fees are no joke. You do not want to get slapped with a giant bill from your cell phone carrier when you get home. And unless you want to fully rely on public Wi-Fi while abroad, you’re going to want to look into other options for cell phone coverage. Some carriers offer international travel plans, but those can cost up to $20 a day. One of my best international travel tips? Download an eSIM.
On a recent trip to Europe, I paid just $5 for a week’s worth of coverage using an app called Airalo. All you have to do is select your destination, follow the instructions to install and activate your eSIM, and then you can use your phone’s cellular data as usual. Just be sure to check that your device is compatible before you hit purchase—some older models won’t work with eSIMs.
8. Avoid the airport currency exchange
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand for times when you can’t pay by card. However, if you want to get the best exchange rate, do not head straight to the airport currency exchange counter when you arrive. You’ll often pay way more thanks to poor exchange rates and additional fees, which can seriously cut into your spending money.
If you want to have some cash on hand as soon as you land, consider taking out foreign currency ahead of time at your local bank, which will often have a better exchange rate. You can usually order currency online and then pick it up at your local branch before your trip. Otherwise, plan to find an ATM once you reach your destination. Just be aware that you may need to pay a small fee for the transaction if the ATM isn’t in your bank’s network.
9. Be aware of foreign transaction fees
A 3 percent fee may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re paying for a week’s worth of meals and other expenses, those extra costs add up. Before your trip, check with your bank or credit card company to see what kind of fees you can expect for international transactions. If you want to cut down on extra costs or plan on doing more international travel in the future, it could be worth looking into credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. I personally have the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and it has saved me a ton on recent trips abroad.
10. Pay attention to country-specific travel authorizations
This tip won’t apply to all international travel, but depending on your destination, you may need to fill out some paperwork before entering the country. The United Kingdom, for example, requires you to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before your visit. To make sure you’re not the person holding up the line at the airport, check the requirements for your destination ahead of your trip. Then leave plenty of time for processing and approval if needed.
11. Consider purchasing travel insurance
In a perfect world, your vacation would go smoothly from start to finish: no flight delays, lost luggage, severe weather, or medical emergencies. But, as much as I hate to admit it, these things can happen—and totally derail your dream getaway. To avoid being stuck with hefty expenses if your vacation goes awry, look into travel insurance options before a big international trip. This type of insurance can help cover the costs if your trip gets cancelled or cut short, your belongings get lost or stolen, or you have an emergency while you’re traveling. While you can purchase a policy from a travel insurance company, some credit cards also offer travel insurance when you book your travel expenses with the card. It’s worth looking into your options to ensure you’re covered if the worst happens.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.