Preparing for an international trip can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There is so much to do before you can leave for your destination. From booking flights and accommodations to packing your bags and filling out forms, the process can be stressful. And if you’re anything like me, I do most of my preparation 24-48 hours before my flight. And if you are like me (hellooo Ms. Procrastinator), hopefully this breakdown will help you sort out your next trip smoother and less hectic.
Logistics
Documents and Entry Requirements
The first step in preparing for an international trip (assuming flights have been booked) is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information required for your travel. The last thing anyone wants is to be denied entry once you land due to improper documentation… let’s not make this a reality! The entry requirements for every country vary, so it is essential to do your research well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. For me, I will actually do a quick country requirements search prior to booking flights to ensure I have ample time from the day I book my flight to the day of departure to get all documents ready. No one wants to book a last minute trip departing in a week, only to realize it takes two weeks for your visa to be approved!
Currency Exchange
Exchanging currency at your bank before you travel can be a convenient way to ensure that you have some local currency on hand when you land. Banks typically offer exchange rates that are close to the 1:1 rate, and while there may be a small one-time fee, it is usually cheaper than exchanging currency at the airport. Currency exchange can be ordered online or in-person at a bank, and either picked-up at a branch or mailed to you. Once it’s ordered, currency exchange is usually ready for pick-up within a few days. This can be especially helpful if you don't have time to exchange currency at the airport or cannot find a currency exchange at your destination. I have arrived at the airport before with only enough time to use the toilet and buy water before boarding and without luck to find a currency exchange at the destination, but luckily I had a bit of local currency in my pocket. And for that, having some local currency on hand can be useful for small transactions (e.g. tipping your driver from airport to accommodation) or in case of emergencies.
Immigration Prep
Another important logistical consideration is your accommodation. It is important to have your accommodation (whether it be hotel, hostel, AirBnb, home stays, etc.) address and details saved in your phone (e.g. screenshot, notes), printed or written down to avoid any confusion upon arrival. On many occasions, immigration has asked where I was staying and for the full address.
Additionally, 9/10 immigration officers have asked for the reason of visit, length of stay, and when I plan to leave, so having that written or mentally noted is important and speeds up the process drastically. On occasion, I have done some basic Google translations for these questions, in the event I’m entering a non-English speaking country. This came in handy when I translated the words ‘reason, visit, return, wedding’ into Spanish, as I was headed abroad for a destination wedding, and my-oh-my did that come in handy! Because lo and behold, I heard those words in Spanish and was able to respond in Spanish for a smoother entry into the country.
One more immigration prep note - keep a pen handy, in the event there are paper forms that need to be filled out prior to immigration!
Luggage Storage
You may also want to consider luggage storage if you plan to explore the city before checking in and your accommodation is unable to stow it away for you until check-in time. Many tourist destinations offer lockers that do not require reservations throughout the city in train stations, near tourist attractions, or even small souvenir shops who offer said services, but prior research a day or two before departure is recommended to get an idea of where this service is offered when you land. However, if you are a planner and would prefer to book ahead of time for peace of mind, a great option is Stasher - a site that connect you with a network of hotels and stores that will keep your luggage safe while you explore.
Travel Insurance
Lastly, I cannot recommend travel insurance highly enough before embarking on any international trip. Accidents can happen, and having travel insurance can provide peace of mind in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Take it from someone who had to cut their solo trip short due to a motorcycle accident – travel insurance reimbursed my last minute flight home and clinic bills. Unfortunately, forms and paperwork were involved - so save all receipts, bills and documentation. But hey, on the bright side, this gal got all her money back!
Travel insurance can be purchased online, and it is advisable to do so at least a day before your flight. As a highly procrastinating Type B traveler, I once waited until the very last minute to book travel insurance while at the airport waiting for my departure flight, only to realize insurance would not kick in until the next day, which meant my first day would not be covered in the event something happened (fortunately, I was in the clear but I learned my lesson since).
As for which travel insurance is best, it highly depends on the type of traveler you are and what you’re hoping to cover. Some are better known for medical coverage, while others are better for lost and damaged goods (think expensive camera equipment). As a non-extreme thrill-seeker majority of the time, I tend to opt for the Standard Plan (rather than the Explorer Plan) offered with World Nomads, mostly because of it’s simplicity and ease of purchase.
ICE - Travel Info
Share your flight and accommodation details with your ICE: In case of an emergency. For me, this is usually a family member, and one that isn’t traveling during the time I’m traveling also. It is important to have your flight and accommodation details shared with a trusted emergency contact. This will ensure that someone knows your whereabouts in case of an emergency. If booking accommodation and flights as you go is your thing on a long trip, remember to forward all reservations as soon as you receive that email confirmation to ensure it won’t be forgotten.
Packing Needs
Packing can be overwhelming, but with proper planning, it can be less stressful. How far in advance I begin to pack is dependent on how long and far my destination is, but even then, 48 hours prior to departure is as far in advance as it gets – if not, I’m digging into my ‘packed’ items to use prior to traveling… this homegirl only has one hair curler to use! Friends have even made comments wondering how I’m so prepared with the most ‘random things’ but to me, they’re necessities. While most things can be bought if forgotten, convenience is at play. But because I’ve had my fair share of travels, near and far, packing has almost become second nature.
And because of that, here are my tips and packing tricks to consider when packing for a trip:
Packing List
Making a packing list is crucial. Start by adding all the items you need to pack, last minute items you need to purchase and things that need to be done prior to your trip from the top of your head - and by list, I mean a dump of everything in no particular order or group. My go-to is Notes on my phone, as it is handy and always on me in the event a random item comes to mind. This will ensure that you do not forget anything important.
Once most things are added to the list, grouping them into these broad categories helps expedite execution:
Things I need to buy (e.g. travel-sized sunscreen, loofah, face wash)Things I need to do (e.g. purchase travel insurance, research hours of operations for first day activities, pick up currency from bank)Things I need to pack (e.g. clothes, shoes, toiletries, medicines, emergency kit, gear and equipment – this is a whole post in itself so stay tuned for that )
Weather Conditions
Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. It is also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, even if you are traveling to a warm destination as it can get chilly on the flight and at night.
Travel Outfit
Preparing and setting aside a travel outfit to change into before heading out to your flight can make your travel day less stressful. Opt for loose, comfy clothing, such as joggers and a soft tee, and consider packing a jacket and long pants as the plane can get chilly, especially a red-eye! If you tend to overpack, this is also a great opportunity to wear your thickest items and chunkiest shoes to free up space in your luggage. However, I recommend packing lighter and only bring what you need. By prepping a comfortable travel outfit ahead of time, you'll be able to change without the chaos of picking out an outfit while being on a time crunch.
Packing Convenience
It's important to pack your liquids, toiletries, laptops, and electronics in a convenient place, such as a backpack when going through airport security. In some countries, hair curlers and straighteners need to be taken out, also! This will allow you to quickly and easily access them if asked to pull them out during the security screening process. You don't want to be the person frantically digging through your bag, holding up the line of impatient travelers. By packing these items in a designated and easily accessible place, you'll breeze through security and be on your way to your destination in no time like an experienced traveler.
Luggage Space
And one of the most important tip of all - leave some space in your luggage. You will most likely be bringing back souvenirs and will need some luggage space for them!
In conclusion, preparing for an international trip can be daunting, but with proper planning and organization, it can be a less stressful experience. Remember to check the entry requirements for your destination, have your accommodation details saved, purchase travel insurance, and pack smartly.
Happy flailing!
Vickie