Here is a list of the Top12 things to do BEFORE you travel internationally

This week I am traveling to Singapore, Bangkok and then on to New Delhi for business meetings. My travel reminded me of how much more complicated travel becomes when you travel internationally, especially to Southeast Asia. Preparing for this trip reminded me how much more has to be done by travelers BEFORE you travel. Here is my list of the Top 12 things you should do before you travel internationally. CLICK HERE to see and hear more from our podcast.

1. Double-check your passport to make sure that it does not expire at least 6 months from the date of your return flight – Many countries will not let you into the country if you only have a few months left on your passport. CLICK HERE to find out more.

2. Check what vaccinations will be required to visit the countries – With all the debate surrounding vaccinations you may want to first consider all the vaccinations that are recommended and in some cases required before you can enter a country. For example, for travel to some Asian countries they recommend you have shots for 1) Flu, 2) Hepatitis A and B, 3)Typhoid Fever, 4) Japanese Encephalitis, 5) Dengue Fever, and 6) Meningococcal. Plus you will need to take Malaria tablets and medication for the runs. Some people may look at this list and decide they don’t want to have all this stuff in their body. The key point is that you should understand the risks BEFORE you spend money on tickets, etc. CLICK HERE to listen to Paul and I discuss this more.

3. Check the local festivals and holidays – Americans tend to forget that many of our holidays such as the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, etc are not celebrated around the world. Also many of the festivals and holidays practiced by other countries we are not aware of. It is important to research what holidays might be celebrated when you visit a country. This may affect if  banks are open and even if  museums you plan to visit are open. It also might affect if restaurants and other convenience services are open. It is best to do this before you make your airline and hotel reservations. You may have to change your dates of travel to work around these international holidays. CLICK HERE to hear more.

4. Check to see if your preferred hotel is available before you book your airline tickets – I travel a lot using my frequent flier miles and I always make sure that I can find the hotel rooms and the airline seats using my miles before I actually redeem the miles or press the purchase button. CLICK HERE for more.

5. Check the state department security alerts – The U.S. State Department has a website that lists all the countries they have included on their four levels of travel advisory alerts. If your country is listed in level 3 (Reconsider travel) or level 4 (Do not travel) you should at least think through whether this trip is wise. You would be surprised to see countries like Mexico and Jamaica are on the these lists. CLICK HERE to hear more.

6. Book your international airline tickets first – Followed by your hotels, and then domestic flights and transfers. This is where a great travel advisor can help you with all the details. CLICK HERE

7. Check your cell phone to see that it can provide international service to the countries you are traveling to – Be sure to turn on the international service plan with the cellular provider so you don’t get hit with massive international charges. Many people buy a local SIM card when they arrive to minimize the cost of data and calls. CLICK HERE to hear Paul and I discuss more.

8. Get all your bells and whistles ready – Buy an electric converter and be sure it works in the countries you are traveling to. Beware of buying an adapter only as most countries outside the U.S. have 220 volts which will fry your 110 volt appliances. CLICK HERE for more.

9. Buy travel insurance – There are too many variables in the world today to not protect your investment. Also health issues can arise during your trip that your current health insurance policy does not cover when out of the country. Also, we have seen disruptions like COVID, demonstrations, missed flights, lost luggage and dozens of other issues that can ruin your trip. With travel insurance you have peace of mind and protection of your investment. CLICK HERE for more. 

10. Set an appointment with a friendly travel advisor – This is the best thing you can do to save time, money, and make things feel like you are pressing the easy button. They can do all the research for you and coach you through all the hoops of travel. CLICK HERE to find out more.

11. Be sure to call your credit card company – It is always helpful to contact the credit card company prior to leaving the country to provide them with the countries you will be visiting along with the dates of travel. This puts them on notice so they don’t think that charges you made in an international location are fraudulent.

12. Visa, Visa, Visa – Many countries today require American citizens to apply for a Visa prior to entering the country. My recent trip to India requires a visa that costs about $100 that allows for travel within a one year period. This visa application can be done online but is very detailed and can often take days if not weeks to complete and be approved. In the coming years all the countries in Europe will be requiring an online Visa before your can travel. Please check all the countries you are traveling to to see if a Visa is required. 

Check out our Weekly Travel Alert Podcast – Did you know our Weekly Travel Alert Video Podcast is available on YouTube plus all your favorite podcast stations, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast ? Each week we are adding new and upgraded features. Please jump on board.  CLICK HERE to see the Weekly Travel Alert podcast that is hot off the presses.

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