Summary
- Research the local currency: Find out the local currency and exchange it in advance to avoid high rates at the airport upon arrival. (1 week before departure)
- Visit a travel doctor: Book an appointment to get necessary vaccines and receive advice on preventing illnesses at the destination. (4-8 weeks before departure)
- Buy travel insurance: Get protected from unexpected expenses by purchasing travel insurance before the trip.
Traveling abroad is exciting no matter what the destination is – every country and city has a unique attraction that makes it special in its own way. While each trip is different, the pre-travel checklist always remains the same.
When travelers take the time to complete these pre-travel steps before departure, they increase the chances of a smooth travel experience. Here are some must-do items on the checklist before any type of trip.
10 Research The Local Currency
Do a quick Google search to find out what the local currency is at the destination. Then, contact the bank to find out how far in advance they need to know about one's desired cash withdrawal and exchange in order to get the correct type of currency.
While some are always on reserve at the bank (like USD or CAD), less common travel destinations for North Americans may mean waiting days or weeks for the bank to have the funds requested.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 1 week
- Why It’s Beneficial: Allows travelers to exchange currency in their home country rather than facing high exchange rates at the airport upon arrival
9 Visit A Travel Doctor
Book an appointment at a travel clinic well in advance of departure to leave sufficient time for any vaccines that may need weeks to become effective after administration.
Besides vaccinations necessary for the destination, travel doctors can offer tips regarding safe drinking water, mosquito-transmitted illnesses at the destination, and more.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 4–8 weeks
- Why It’s Beneficial: The travel doctor can advise regarding any necessary vaccines or medications that should be taken to prevent illness during the trip.
8 Buy Travel Insurance
Every traveler should purchase travel insurance before they leave for a trip. Even short trips present a risk, and it’s better to be safe.
Travel insurance protects travelers from having to pay out of pocket for medical expenses abroad. Be sure to research the best travel insurance to have, though; not all companies or policies are made equal.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: Any time before departure
- Why It’s Beneficial: Travel insurance provides peace of mind and ensures travelers can get the help they need if they become injured or ill while abroad.
Some credit cards have travel insurance built-in when travelers purchase the flight for the trip with that card. Check whether one's existing credit cards offer cover for travel medical expenses and lost baggage before buying additional coverage.
7 Look At The Destination’s Weather Forecast
Checking the weather forecast before packing can help travelers make informed choices about what clothes to bring to their destination (tips for minimalist packing for a flight also help by keeping baggage on the lesser side).
Although the weather forecast is always subject to change, knowing what the average temperature is during that time of year and what weather precipitation is expected helps globetrotters prepare for the adventure ahead.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 24–48 hours
- Why It’s Beneficial: Helps travelers decide on the best clothes to pack
6 Learn Some Basic Phrases In The Local Language
Learning some of the local language before traveling is always a good idea. Not only does it bring travelers closer to the locals, who are likely to appreciate the effort, but it enhances safety. Knowing some basic phrases in the language of the travel destination means travelers can ask for help in an emergency and be understood.
There are many excellent language-learning apps for travelers these days that can help jet-setters learn some of the local lingo before they go on their trip.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 6–8 weeks
- Why It’s Beneficial: Allows travelers to communicate with locals and ask for assistance while abroad.
Helpful phrases for travelers to know in the language spoken where they are traveling include, “How much does it cost?”, “Where is the nearest hospital?”, “Can you help me?” and “When does the bus leave?”.
5 Check The Government’s Website For Travel Advisories
Before departure, always check the government website for one's home country to see if they have placed any advisories or restrictions on travel to the intended destination.
An “Avoid All Travel” advisory may void travel insurance.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 24 hours
- Why It’s Beneficial: Ensure that there are no restrictions for travel that could void travel insurance at the destination.
4 Boost Your Immune System
Travelers want to stay healthy on the road, so they can enjoy every experience to the fullest. That’s why caring for the body before departure deserves a spot on the travel checklist.
Ensure that in the week leading up to a long flight, travelers are staying hydrated, eating healthy, well-balanced meals, and getting enough sleep each night.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 1 week
- Why It’s Beneficial: Helps keep travelers feeling their best while abroad.
3 Contact The Bank
Some banks will say it’s no longer necessary to contact them before travel because their systems are advanced enough to track credit card movement across borders. But it’s still a good idea to call and inform one's bank about travel plans, especially if it’s a destination the traveler has never been to before, or that may seem random.
Doing this small task ensures travelers won’t be locked out of their own accounts while abroad.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 48 hours
- Why It’s Beneficial: Notifies banks that activity abroad on credit or debit cards will occur and doesn’t mean the car is compromised.
2 Complete Entry And Exit Requirements
Before traveling, always check the destination’s tourism website or government site to learn about entry and exit requirements for foreigners.
In some cases, travelers may need to apply for a visa to enter the country. Other times, they may need to fill out and print screen a declaration form or exit form with information about where they are staying and what goods they are bringing into or out of the country.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 2 weeks
- Why It’s Beneficial: Smooth entry and exit from destination.
Ensure one's passport has at least six months remaining before expiry from the date of one's return to their home country. Otherwise, it's time to renew. Americans may be able to renew their passports online.
1 Check-In For The Flight Online Before Departure
Checking in online for a flight is one of the simplest ways to create a smooth flight experience.
Online check-in allows travelers to have the best selection of their seats, add extra bags while they’re still packing, and avoid the long lines at the airport check-in desk.
- How Long Before Departure To Complete: 24 hours
- Why It’s Beneficial: Allows travelers to save time at the airport and select their seats in advance.