Planning a Trip Oversees?
Here are the top things I do before I travel abroad.
Check Your Passport
When is it expiring? Most countries require at least a 6 month validity past when you are traveling. If you need to renew, give yourself plenty of time.
Make Copies of Passport
Have both physical copies and electronic copies saved to your phone. The Notes function on iPhones allows you to scan and save.
Entry Requirements
Do you need any special visas for the country you are visiting? Check the country’s website.
Foreign Currency
You can do this through a local bank . However, for countries in Europe, I recommend just going to an ATM when you are there to save on hefty currency fees.
Health First
Do you need any vaccinations or medical certifications for the country you are visiting? Check the country’s website.
Credit Cards
When paying with a credit card and it asks you if you want to pay in the local currency or USD, ALWAYS say the local currency. Dynamic currency conversion almost always costs you more.
Cashless?
My last trip to Europe, I didn’t use cash at all , but I like to have a small amount of local currency on hand. Look for a card that has no foreign transaction fees.
ATMs
Use bank ATMs. Look for cards that charge minimal ATM fees. Charles Schwab has a debit card that has no ATM fees. You can keep a small account there for traveling.
Notify Your Bank
Check with your bank to see if you need to notify them in advance about travel. Most credit cards don’t require this these days but do check.
Understand the Currency
Have a general idea of what the currency rate is before you go. Fun tip – the calculator on iPhones has a conversion option, which is super helpful.
Download Apps Before
Bolt (rideshare), DB (German trains), etc. This will help you so you don’t have to use data or spend time trying to download and set-up these accounts.
Cell Phone Plans
Do you have international coverage or are you relying on WiFi? Do you need to temporarily upgrade your plan or buy Sim cards? Plan in advance to avoid hefty fees.
Language Basics
This will help more than you know and generally be appreciated by locals. You want to know the basics – hello, please, thank you, goodbye, I don’t understand, etc.
I like using the Translate Tool on the iphone too. It enables you to take a photo and translate it. That was very helpful in Austria when I needed translation instructions for the washing machine.
Potentially Get A VPN
I think this is critical when accessing public WiFi and even WiFi in hotels, etc. It’s a personal preference, but they aren’t that expensive and do offer a piece of mind. I use Surfshark and it has been working well for me.
Offline Maps
Download Google Maps so you have the offline versions when you travel in the event you don’t have access.
Create Lists
I use Google Maps to pin key things I want to see if each destination and view them as lists. This is helpful when I’m out and about and trying to remember what I want to see.
Have Docs Handy
Screenshot all important docs so you have access to them. You never know if you won’t be able to access the Internet and it’s best to have them accessible.
Voltage & Adaptors
Get a travel adapter so you can plug in and charge at your destination. Leave the hairdryer at home.
What’s Your Number?
Write down all important numbers and have them handy, including your credit card’s contact information for international calls.
Culture
Research local culture so you can know what to expect. Examples include dining times, tipping policies, special dress in some areas, etc.