» NewsGuide to Stress-Free International Travel
If you’re planning a trip abroad, look no further. While international travel can be chaotic, and sometimes downright stressful, there are several ways to reduce stress while traveling internationally. Keep reading to learn the best tips for stress-free international travel.
Set A Budget
While setting a budget may seem obvious, it is critical to a stress-free international vacation. Anticipating the costs of your destination can prevent unwanted surprises along the way. By researching food, entertainment, and hotel expenses, you can set a reasonable budget and save in advance for what you will need.
Research Your Destination
Be sure to look into your destination’s public transportation. Some cities have fantastic public metros and buses, while others aren’t so great. You will need to know how you will get from the airport to your hotel, so decide if you will use public transportation, a taxi, an Uber, or rent a car. Booking your car ahead of time can save you time and money.
Research popular attractions in your destination city and book excursions ahead of time. If you wait too long, you may not get tickets to the things you want to see.
Look into if an adaptor is needed for your electronics. While it may seem trivial, it can be a huge inconvenience if you can’t plug in your phone charger, hairdryer, or electric razor.
Take Care Of Money-related Tasks
Taking care of financial tasks before embarking on your journey will save you a ton of time and effort; you don’t want to have to call your bank or credit card while on vacation. First, inform your bank that you are traveling internationally. If you use your debit card in another country, most banks will assume that this is fraud and freeze the card. This is the last thing you want to happen as it can completely disrupt your plans. You can avoid this by informing your bank of the dates you will be traveling.
Before leaving, it is also a good idea to obtain some of the local currency of your destination. While relying solely on credit cards might be tempting, having some local cash on hand can help you in emergencies. Because many ATMs have fees, this can also save you money while traveling.
Lastly, ask your credit card about its international transaction fees. A few credit cards don’t have a fee, but many do, which can add up over time. If you check far enough in advance, you may have time to apply for a credit card with zero international fees, saving you money while abroad.
Check The Weather
There’s nothing worse than arriving at a new destination, only to be freezing the entire time because you failed to check the weather. Before packing, look up the anticipated weather forecast for your destination. This way, you can be prepared for cold weather by bringing a coat or jacket. Likewise, maybe the weather will be extra beachy- in that case, don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!
Plan Downtime Before And After Your Flight
We all know that we need to be at the airport two hours before an international flight. It can be tempting to spend that time running errands or doing some last-minute packing, but don’t fall prey to that urge. It can take longer than expected to get through airport security checkpoints, so give yourself some extra time. Being early will prevent that last-minute sprint to your gate at the airport.
Just like you want to give yourself extra time before your flight, don’t plan any appointments right after your flight. Flights can get delayed, you may get lost en route to your hotel, or you may be jet-lagged. Spare yourself the trouble and enjoy some rest after you reach your destination.
Keep Your Travel Documents In One Place
Investing in a travel wallet can help you stay more organized while traveling internationally. It is much easier to get through customs when your passport, ID, tickets, and anything else you need are located in one designated carrier. You don’t want to be frantically searching through your purse or bag while trying to get through security checkpoints. Also, be sure to keep your travel wallet in your carry-on, just in case your luggage gets lost.
Make A Few Copies Of Your Passport
In case of emergency, it is a good idea to make a few copies of your passport, keeping them outside of your wallet. You can save a copy in your purse, backpack, or hotel room. These copies are helpful if you lose your travel wallet or if something gets stolen. Being stuck in a different country without a valid form of ID can cause trouble and anxiety.
Memorize Your Passport Number
Speaking of passports, memorizing your passport number is also a good idea. In a worst-case scenario, if you lost your passport and the copies, knowing your passport number by heart can make it easier to get a new one while you are abroad.
Check-in With Your Doctor
While most international destinations are relatively safe, certain areas may pose more of a risk for infectious diseases. You may need certain vaccinations to get into specific areas, so be sure to call your doctor to verify. While you’re at it, contact your insurance company to confirm that you are covered in case of a medical emergency while traveling.
Register Your Vacation With The U.S Embassy
While this isn’t a requirement, it can certainly give you some peace of mind while visiting other countries. Through the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program, international travelers can register their vacation plans with the U.S. Department of State. This service is completely free and can help you get in touch with embassy officials abroad if your passport is stolen.
Buy An eSIM Data Package Before Traveling Abroad (Avoid Roaming Fees)
Last but certainly not least, if you own an unlocked smartphone that supports eSIM, do get an eSIM data package for the country you are traveling to. Many cell phone companies charge extra fees when traveling internationally, which you won’t want to worry about when sending texts, making calls, and looking up directions in a different country.
You can purchase an eSIM data package online, receive the QR code instantly via email, scan the QR code to install the package into your device (before your trip), and get connected the moment you arrive at your destination. An eSIM data package will give you the ability to stay connected without having to worry about hefty international fees. It's a win-win!
Browse our data packages today and choose the data package(s) that meets your data needs during your international travels.