International Travel Tips
Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is your first international trip, traveling abroad can be overwhelming. From documentation requirements to making sure you have everything planned and packed, international business trips can be stressful for anyone. But with a plan you can mitigate some of the stresses and headaches of international travel.
Our Best International Travel Tips:
Check Your Passport Expiration Date
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to return from your trip. Also, make sure you have enough blank pages in the back of your passport book for entry and exit stamps.
Check if You Need a Travel Visa
Sometimes you need a visa along with a current passport to visit a country. Check the visa requirements for the country you are visiting. If you need a visa, file for a visa at your local Consulate or Embassy at least three weeks before you leave on your trip. Carefully follow the instructions for acquiring your visa so you receive it on time. Make sure to double-check for any other travel requirements.
Book a Hotel in Advance
Book a hotel months before your trip. You don’t want to scramble to find a place to stay. When you make a reservation, be sure that the hotel allows you to cancel a room without penalties—just incase your plans change. Â
Call Your Banks
Let your bank and credit card company know the locations you will be traveling and the approximate length of your stay. This will prevent your bank from blocking charges because they think your card was stolen.
Get International Calling
From checking in with your family to texting a client to remind them of a meeting, it is worth calling your phone provider and investing in international calling for your trip. You may also want to look at getting a SIM card for your planned trip, or purchasing a pay-as-you-go plan in country. This is one of our top international travel tips that people often don't think about!
Sign Up For STEP
Enrolling with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Plan (STEP) logs your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It’s quick to register online and it makes it easy for the U.S. Embassy to find you in case of an emergency.
The State Department also regularly updates their travel advisory pages regarding the security for each country, along with tips on how to safely travel abroad.
Pack Light
You don’t want to lug a huge backpack around a foreign city. Pack only what you need. Double-check to make sure you have medication, important documents, and cash. Check the weather in your destination country before leaving to ensure you pack appropriate clothes.
When You Travel:
Keep Important Documents with You
When you travel, always keep important documents like your driver’s license and passport on your person. Keep multiple copies of your documentation safe at your hotel in case of an emergency. If your passport is stolen, you will have copies to bring to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to get your documents replaced.
Keep Local and American Currency with You
Whether you want to buy a souvenir or pay for dinner, not all venues accept American credit cards. Find an ATM at the airport or go to a bank to withdraw local currency. Also, keep about a hundred dollars in American currency on your person and store a few hundred more dollars in your luggage in case of an emergency.
Follow Local Etiquette
You don’t want to seem rude or accidentally offend someone, especially if they are a client or business partner. From hand gestures to giving business cards, research what is socially acceptable in the country you are visiting.
Learn about business etiquette in these countries:
Asia
Europe
South America
Make sure you get the most out of your trip! Ask our teams of court reporters, videographers, and interpreters at Planet Depos who live in your travel destination for additional useful travel tips and recommendations, such as top tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels.