35 Great Tips for International Travel

Planning a trip abroad? Whether it’s your first time or if you’re a frequent traveler, international travel is always exciting… and stressful. Enduring long flights and even longer layovers, managing jet lag, planning your itinerary, packing – juggling all of this is not easy. So, as I am currently planning my next trip abroad, I thought I’d share some of the tips I learned to make international travel a little more comfortable.

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Getting Ready for Your Trip

• Flights: I always check flight prices on Google Flights before booking a trip. The “anywhere” and “flexible dates” features brings up the cheapest destinations you can fly to on any date. Sometimes I just use it to explore new destinations to get started.
• Hotels: Do your research. One of my favorite booking sites is booking.com, but I usually check the rates directly on hotel websites and on social media sites. Hotels sometimes offer exclusive deals when you book directly or drop a code on their Instagram pages.

Other things to keep in mind (you can use this as a checklist):

• Always check the entrance requirements for the country you’re visiting, even if you’re already been there. Rules and requirements can change.
• For most countries, make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond the date you will enter the country.
• If you need to get a visa, get one at least a month in advance. Visa timeframes change by destination, so make sure to do your research before booking your flights.
• Download Google Translate app to your phone to translate street signs or restaurant menus in real time live time. Download the language of the destination on your phone for offline mode.
• Download offline Google map of the destination you’re heading to use it without internet access.
• Try to learn to say “hello, thank you, and do you speak English?” in the official language of your destination. On my recent trip to Istanbul, Turkey, I couldn’t understand any Turkish, which made it really hard to communicate. However, every time I said “thank you” in Turkish, I could tell that people were excited that I took the time to learn it in their native language.
• Research tip culture before you go.
• Let your bank know that you’re traveling to make sure your credit card accounts don’t get frozen.
• Get a travel credit card with travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees.
• Make sure that someone knows where you are staying and how to contact you.
• Find out what the local apps are for ride sharing and public transit.

Packing for Your Trip

• First packing rule for any trip: pack half as much stuff and twice the cash.
• To maximize space in your luggage, roll your clothes instead of folding them. This saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.
• Use compression bags or packing cubes can help organize and compress your clothes, allowing you to fit more items into your luggage.

Here are some things I always bring with me:

• Air Tags: I put them in my wallet, with my keys, and in my suitcase. That way, I always know where my belongings are when I travel.
• Travel Adapter: If you are traveling abroad, you’ll likely need a reliable travel adapter that won’t burn your expensive electronics at first use. This travel adapter can be used in the USA, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, so you won’t have to buy a separate adapter for every adventure.
• Band-aids and blister cushions: No matter how comfortable my shoes are, I ALWAYS end up needing band-aids.
• Travel Bottles for Toiletries: If the space in your luggage is limited, but you would like to take your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, use these refillable travel bottles.
• Travel Umbrella – get a compact and durable umbrella in case it rains.
• Flip flops to wear around the hotel room and in the shower.

Use my Full Packing List for more tips and to get a printable and editable version of the packing list.

What to Pack in Your Carry-on

• Underwear and a change of clothes: in case your luggage gets lost, it’s good to have a change of clothes while you’re looking for it.
• Comfortable Headphones: Bring a good pair of headphones to cancel out the noise and to listen to music or watch Netflix on your trip. 
• Water Bottle: stay hydrated on the plane and wherever you go.
• A pen: you will likely need to fill out the customs form.
• Snacks: bring your favorites to make the flight a little more enjoyable (and save money on snacks at the airport).

Tips for the Airports/Flight

• Arrive to the airport about 3 hours before for international flights.
• Wear layers: it can be really warm or really cold on the plane, so you can adapt easily.
• To fall asleep on the plane easier, pack Melatonin, a sleeping mask, and a travel pillow.

More Tips For Your Trip

• Carry cash with you: some restaurants may not accept credit cards or there may be a fee to use a restroom. I usually get $200 in local currency from my bank before I travel.
• Split your cash and credit cards into multiple bags in case your bag gets stolen or pickpocketed.
• If your phone is unlocked, you could buy a Sim card to save money. If not, make sure you get roaming in advance.
• Travel slow to fully experience the place you’re in. Ideally, it’s great to spend at least 3 days in your destination.
• Check local news websites and pay close attention in case there are protests, strikes, or any other news.

Did I miss anything? Share your favorite tips in the comments below.