Pre-Travel Checklist: Everything you need to do before your next international trip (2023)

You've been preparing for that big trip abroad for months, and departure day is almost here. You planned it, you packed it. Now you're finally ready to come out into the open... right? Not so fast: There are some important things to take care of before you leave.

Crossing These 18 Items Off Your List Could Save Itloadsfrom hassles while you're on the road and ensure you have the most stress-free trip imaginable.

It might not seem immediately obvious, but there are some organizations that would benefit from a travel advisory, and in the event something goes wrong during your trip, you'll be glad they know.

Set up a travel alert with your bank

Depending on your particular bank and the fees they issue for international transactions, you may or may not plan to use your bank card abroad. Still, it's a good idea to let your bank know you're traveling in case you run into problems and need access to your accounts.

Re-verify your credit cards

Before you go on a trip, find out which of your cards you plan to use abroad. It's wise to do some research online to make sure your preferred card is accepted by your destination, be it Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or another payment network. Once you've determined which card or cards you'll use on your trip, notify card issuers to avoid declined transactions when you arrive, and make sure you have enough available credit to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise while you're away. .

Talk to your wireless service provider

International service fees can add up quickly, so it's best to check with your cellular service provider for costs in advance. Depending on your carrier, there may be low-cost cell phone and data plans available to lock in advance during your trip. Even if you don't, knowing your rates and charges up front will give you peace of mind and help you structure how often you have to rely on your phone while you're abroad.

Alerts building management, custodial staff, or home security system

Before you hit the road, it's important to notify the competent service team at your residence. If you live in an apartment, this might mean sending a quick email to the building manager or receptionist to let them know you're gone and holding any packages or mail until you return. Or, if you live in a house, it could mean calling your home security operator to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your home while you're out of town.

Remind your maintenance service providers and others

If you use a garden, pool or cleaning service, you can stop these visits while you are away, or you can choose to continue as usual. In any case, it's a good idea to notify these trusted providers if you need to arrange payment elsewhere during your trip.

These are certainly not your typical road trips.packing tipsto maximize space and save money, which we recently covered in our Budget Travel series. Instead, this section of the Pre-Trip Checklist includes tips specifically designed to keep you safe and organized while traveling.

Make copies of your passport

While this is unlikely to happen, there are some things that can derail international travel like a lost or stolen passport. But, in the unfortunate event that this happens to you or someone in your group, having a physical photocopy of your passport (kept in a bag or in a completely different place than the passport itself) can speed up and simplify the process of returning home. . You may also consider making a digital copy readily available by sending it as a secure or encrypted email attachment.

Make copies of your credit/debit card

Just like having a photocopy of your passport, having copies of your credit or debit card can help you in an emergency. If you lose your card while traveling, you'll have exact account numbers on hand to report to the issuer of the lost card, along with toll-free numbers for assistance. Be sure to package it separately from the card itself.

Clean out your wallet, but keep a spare card

Before you go on a trip, search your wallet in order to speed up what's inside. Pull out all the cards you absolutely won't need abroad, including membership cards you probably won't use, as well as credit or debit cards you don't plan on using. Having a backup card for your preferred payment method is smart, but bringing your entire collection of cards can pose an unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen.

Pack your backup card elsewhere

Consider keeping your backup credit or debit card somewhere else, separate from your primary wallet and payment method. For example, you can pack it in a separate carry-on bag during your trip (not a checked bag, in case your bag is lost in transit); and you can keep it in your passport case along with the passport itself, keeping these items locked away in the room safe. Or if you're traveling with a trusted spouse, partner or friend, you can keep a backup of each other's card.

Don't forget about converters and adapters.

Depending on where you're traveling, you'll more than likely need a charging solution on the go. Adapters do just that—adapt plugs to fit outlets—while converters do the extra work of changing the voltage to match the electricity available where you're staying. Check with your destination ahead of time to determine what you need.

Despite the best planning and preparation, things can still go wrong down the road, and being out of the country can make things even more complicated. Before leaving, it is advisable to establish some contingency plans.

Get travel insurance

While this is a personal choice and generally optional, it is advisable to purchase a travel insurance policy for international travel whenever possible. Flight cancellations and hotel overbooking can be frustrating on any continent, even when you're back home, but being abroad adds a layer of complexity to an already stressful situation. Knowing that you are covered will give you peace of mind in any unforeseen trip.

Share a copy of your itinerary with your family or a friend

You may have carefully laid out all your plans and reservations, but it's always a good idea to leave a detailed copy of your plans with someone you trust in your country. If you have problems as simple as losing your phone, or worse, your friends and family will know where you're staying and how to contact or find you.

Download useful apps

Before you fly, consider what apps you might need or want while abroad and download thembeforeyou need them. If you're using an Apple or Android device, search the app store for the best travel apps, looking specifically for those that can help you with translation and currency conversion (bonus if the app offers these features in offline mode).

Prepare to navigate without cell service

Even with an international cell plan, you could find yourself in spotty coverage areas or, worse, you could lose your phone while abroad. In case of poor service, you can download specific regions on Google Maps for offline use (do this before you leave home). And if you ever lose access to your phone entirely, consider printing out some of the key routes you'll likely need, like how to navigate from the airport to your first hotel, until you find an alternate map of the city for the rest of your trip. . journey. journey.

Create an international calling account

If you don't have service while traveling internationally, or even if you just need a backup plan for your phone, you can set up a Google Voice or Skype account before you head out. These plans allow for low-cost (or in some cases even free) international calls over Wi-Fi, so you can save a lot of money compared to your cellular plan when you're abroad.

With hours to go on your journey, there are still a few more things to think about. Checking this off can mean the difference between that nagging feeling that you forgot to turn off the stove and walking away with complete peace of mind.

Throw away your perishables and take out the trash

Assuming you'll be leaving the country for a week or so, consider cleaning out your fridge to remove anything that could go bad. Bag it up and take all the trash out of the house, replacing each trash can with clean bags so you can go home with a clean, odor-free home.

Walk the perimeter of your house

Take a quick walk around the outside of your home, making sure all doors and windows are locked from the inside. Consider bringing patio furniture or storm cushions while you're away, and make note of anything else that needs attention before you leave. If you're in an apartment or condo, it will save you the trek outside, but try to think of the same checklist for closed doors, windows, and patio furniture to be on the safe side.

Double check the weather

Depending on where you go, things can change quickly in terms of weather. Even if you've stuck to an exact packing list, take a quick look at the 10-day forecast on the morning of your trip, just to make sure you've considered the appropriate layers and shoes for the weather you'll be landing in. in. in.

You've gone through the pre-trip checklist and have all your travel documents safely stowed away in your carry-on bag. Now you are finally ready to experience what truly stress-free international travel is like. (Well, the rest is up to the airlines!)

Stay tuned to our blog as we continue to share budget travel tips and other advice on packing and planning your vacation in the coming months. and check@theoriginalpanamajackon Instagram to tell us about your latest trip! Where will you go next?