10 Things Before Traveling Abroad

When it comes to remembering things before traveling abroad we can all be forgetful!

We are getting ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Everything is packed, we’re filled with excitement about traveling to one of the most beautiful places in the world, and as we are heading to the airport, we realize we got something vital.

Forgetting things of any size while traveling is frustrating. Who wants to spend hours making international calls because you forgot to tell your bank your traveling or didn’t organize someone to feed the cat, am I right?

Here is a checklist I go over before hopping, climbing in a plane and traveling abroad.

Passport

A passport’s most important thing before going abroad. I double-check my passport three times before reaching the airport. First when I am putting the final touches on packing. Next, right as I am heading out the front door, and lastly before walking into the airport.

If you show up to an international flight without a passport, they won’t let you board the plane.

Also, I have a designated pocket I always keep my passport in, and I religiously put it back in the same spot.
While I am disorganized in a lot of areas of my life, I always know where to find my passport.

Baggage and Allowance Restrictions

There was a golden age, not so long ago, when booking an international flight automatically meant you got checked baggage. Sadly, those days are gone. And most of the time, you need to buy baggage as an add on for every flight. Well, throughout my travel career there’s been a couple of times that I’ve been a bit scattered brained. And have forgotten to add luggage when booking my flight.

Uh oh, right?

Each time I sheepishly tried to pass off my jam-packed 70L backpack as a carry-on at the airport. They don’t by it! And $100 later my disappearing on the conveyor belt, plane bound.

This brings us to the next point. Always make sure you know the baggage restrictions of the airline you are flying with, and if you need to add checked baggage.

It’s better to pay the $30 baggage fee while booking the flight compared to the $100 fee it cost to add it at the airport.

First aid kit

I am not telling you to carry around a hospital operating room in your luggage, but if you’re planning on doing more than just sightseeing or embarking on any outdoor adventure, then a first aid kit is essential to plan on your travels. I’ve often carry a first aid kit just in case the worst happens whether I am heading into the Alaksa Wilderness or Driving 1/3 the planet in the Mongol Rally.

However, I don’t just reserve the first aid kit for adventures.

It’s a smart practice to carry a first-aid kit at all times. Now it is just a habit; you never know what is going to happen, and it’s being prepared is vital.

Travel Insurance

I always tell people the best investment you can make when traveling is to protect yourself. Because of this, I recommend travel insurance. It’s just as important as your passport and one thing to get before traveling abroad.

Protecting yourself is necessary when you are seeing other countries Don’t get me wrong; you’re not at higher risk when traveling, but without insurance, getting injured aboard costs a lot more than getting hurt at home. Hospital bills can rock your wallet.

This isn’t a lesson I learned easily, and I’ve had a few injuries over the years. It wasn’t until I realized I had spent close to $3,000 USD on hospital bills abroad.

Travel insurance is a wise investment to keep yourself safe and also save money.

There are many options when getting travel insurance., I use WorldNomads for all my insurance needs.

Boarding Pass

It’s hard to get on the plane without a boarding pass. Nowadays, i recommend checking in and getting your boarding pass on your phone. You can even check in the night before you a flight.

This makes it harder too lose, and you won’t have to tear your bag apart trying to find it. If you do get a physical ticket, fold it up, and keep it with your passport!

Visa’s (If Necessary)

Depending on where you are from, and where you are going, there’s a chance you might need to send you passport off for a visa before traveling abroad. This is something you should look up during the first stages of travel planning as these can sometimes require you to send off your passport and can take over two weeks to get.

Check the Weather

Simple, yet one of the most important thing before traveling abroad. You can’t pack or plan properly if you’re unsure of the weather.

Showing up without the appropriate clothes or vulnerable to the climate can severely dampen the mood and even ruin a trip.

Plus, you’ll have to buy new clothes which not only cost money but increases the weight of your bags.

Find a housesitter

Animals need fed; plants need watered, security systems need turned on.

It’s nice to find someone in advance to watch your home while abroad. Knowing that your belongings are secure, lets you relax even more on vacation.

Close friends or extended family are always solid options when it comes to finding a house sitter.

Vaccinations and Medications

Depending on what corner of the world you’re wandering, you need a couple vaccinations. I have had to get a few of the years that range from yellow fever to Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, and Rabies.

Likewise, get and pack any medication you’ll need along the way, things like Malaria Tablets can be lifesavers – literally. This is one of the most important things before traveling abroad.

Your accommodation

Landing in a strange culture and new city without knowing where you are going to go and where you are going to sleep can seem daunting. It’s nice to slowly get into the travel rhythm, knowing where you are going to stay before leaving home. (Maybe even a place with an airport transfer.)

Booking.com is my go to website for hotel reservations.

And there we go! 10 Things before traveling abroad. Each is simple and easy to forget, so the next time your getting read to go to the airport. Stop, take a second, and go over this checklist.