INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST
- Check Your Passport
Make sure your passport is up to date and doesn't need to be renewed. Just a reminder, you can't go international without it! If you don't have one, then it needs to be ordered a couple of months ahead of time. If you don't have enough pages left, then think about getting a new one.
- Get the Proper Vaccinations
Get the necessary vaccinations sooner rather than later. You don't want to wait until the last minute to schedule something and it get cancelled for some reason, leaving you unprotected. Bring the vaccination certificate(s) with you on your travels in case you have to show them at customs.
- Know where to get local currency
You can order some currency from your bank ahead of time, normally a couple a weeks before or go to a currency exchange at the airport. Airport exchange rates typically are atrocious, due to the time sensitivity.
- If possible, purchase travel insurance
This is one of the biggest what-ifs for every traveler. It is an extra cost but it could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the end. It can cover anything from needing medical attention to replacing a lost smartphone.
- Research potential expenses
Take some time to do some research on some of your travel expenses. Look at blogs, tourist sites, and local websites for an idea of what things like food, shopping, and extracurricular activities may cost. You don't want to get to your destination and spend more money than you thought you would, possibly leaving you in an unfortunate situation.
Resources
- Travel Addicts: https://traveladdicts.net/international-travel-checklist/
- Smarter Travel: https://www.smartertravel.com/the-ultimate-checklist-for-traveling-abroad/
