37 Things to Do Before an International Trip: Easy Pre-Trip Checklist

Aside from the usual pack your bags, there are things we sometimes forget about. So, having a things to do before an international trip checklist is an excellent way to ensure you don’t miss anything! Especially if you don’t have months and months to think about it.

As I’m all about budget travel, I want to spend my hard-earned money on seeing castles and museums, not little things like fees and travel-size toiletries! So you’ll find several tips for traveling abroad below on this quick list of things to do before a trip!

Your Essential International Travel Checklist

About three months before a trip, my travel OCD sets in. This is when I start going through my international travel list, narrowing down my list of sights to see and places to visit, which I organize on Google Docs.

By this point, you definitely should have your plane tickets to and from your beginning and ending country. Then comes the tedious part: the preparation. Not to worry, this things to do before a trip checklist is here to help!

You may be asking, “Why do I need a checklist for international travel?” Well, because you’re likely to forget something, and I want to make sure your trip is perfect!

1. Put Your Mail on Hold

Put your mail on hold so that it doesn’t pile up in front of your door or in your mailbox. Aside from the eyesore of having a pile, you do this so that no one knows you’re not home.

I’ve luckily never been robbed *knocks on wood*, but everyone knows if you have a pile of mail sitting for days and days, you’re likely not home. You can put your mail on hold online for most locations using the USPS hold mail service.

It’s one of my top tips on this international travel checklist.

2. Notify Your Bank

Letting my bank and/or credit card company know I’ll be away used to be one of my top things to do. However, banks aren’t requiring this as much anymore.

If you still want to notify your bank, you can do this online or by phone.

3. Currency Exchange

While you can also get the local currency before you travel, I tend to wait until I get there. I don’t like carrying a load of cash around, and the US exchange rate usually isn’t the greatest.

Here are some fantastic tips from Rick Steves on cash and currency. Please note many places post-COVID actually prefer credit cards over cash.

4. Credit Cards for Traveling Abroad

Check if you’ll be charged for using your credit card internationally. If so, you may want to switch to another card without fees.

When I went to Vancouver a few years ago, I stupidly neglected to research international credit card fees. Needless to say, I came home with about $35 in charges. And I was only there for a few days!

To avoid my mistake, do your research before your trip on your credit cards and whether you’ll need a different one for traveling. A necessary international travel checklist item!

You should also write down your credit card numbers or take a photo of them on your phone. This way, if they get lost, you can contact your credit card company and know what card was lost!

Lastly, take out any credit cards or cards you won’t use on your trip. It lightens your bag, and if something does get lost, you haven’t lost everything!

Chase Sapphire

Update 2024: I’ve just gotten the Chase Sapphire Preferred, as recommended by JGOOT for its points benefits.

It offers a $300 travel credit, reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry (which the Capital One card below also offers), 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months, trip cancellation or delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, auto collision damage waiver (for reasons I explained in my how to plan an international trip post, I still occasionally buy the insurance from the rental place), and more. 

Capital One Venture Card

Update 2020: I have since moved to the Capital One Venture Card and really love it! For spending $3,000 in 3 months, I got $500 worth of points back.

I was also able to capitalize on the Capital One travel deal with Hotels.com, where I got 10x the points for hotels booked through a dedicated link. This Hotels.com deal is now over, but I was able to rack up a lot of points while it lasted! I got over 75,000 points, which is $750 worth of points with these Captial One travel deals!

Over the years, I’ve also wracked up enough points to book additional flights for myself. If you book a flight through them, they also have a guarantee that if the price drops within a certain amount of time, they’ll give you up to $50 back.

5. International Debt Card

For my international debit card, I opened a Bank of America debit card account, which allowed me to make cash withdrawals without fees.

Bank of America has several international partners, such as Barclays and BNP Paribas, so they won’t charge you any extra fees when withdrawing, making it an excellent international debit card.

Do check the Bank of America international partner list before you do an international travel, because they don’t have partners everywhere. There were tons of these banks in London and Paris. However, in Ireland, they unfortunately didn’t have a partnership. Luckily, I only visited the ATM there once, so the ATM fees weren’t too much of a ding to my pocket.

However, with this account, you can only make transactions online or at the ATM. You also can’t transfer money between banks on your iPhone. They haven’t found a secure way of doing this yet. So, if you’re only bringing over your iPhone, not a laptop, make sure to transfer all the money you’ll need before you go!

6. Change Your PIN Number

Make sure your PIN is four digits and not more.

Why? Because some international ATMs only support 4-digit PINs. Also, check your PIN does not start with a zero. I’ve heard this is a myth from some, but better safe than sorry.

You should also know your PIN by the numbers, as some ATMs outside the United States do not have letters on the keypads. Bank of America has these international travel tips and others conveniently located on their site.

7. Have a Valid Passport

Does it expire soon? If so, you may need to renew it before you do any international travel.

I had a friend who was headed to Malaysia. Right before he left, he saw his passport was expiring in three months. He was going to be there for a while for work and it needed to have six months’ worth of validity still on it for him to enter the country. So we had to put a rush on his passport and pay through the nose for it.

Don’t do this! The time frame of validity varies by where you’re headed, so make sure to check this for your particular destination country, making it a must on my international travel checklist!

8. Make a Copy of Your Passport

I always make a copy so that, heaven forbid I lose it, I have a copy of my valid passport. I give a copy to my mom, keep a copy in my suitcase, and email it to myself. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! I don’t think it would work to get back home, but it’ll be proof to help get a new one, hopefully!

9. Bring Your COVID Card

You definitely needed to follow the rules of whatever foreign country you were visiting regarding their COVID-19 compliance regulations.

Nowadays, things are a bit more relaxed. However, it’s still best to check with whatever foreign country’s government agency’s website that you’re visiting to see if you’ll need a COVID card or any other types of vaccinations. It’s a must on this international travel checklist!

10. Check Visa Requirements

I haven’t visited any countries yet where I needed to apply for a visa, but I do know it is a possibility, so I always check with whatever country’s government agency’s website that I’m visiting to ensure I’m following their visa requirements and have the proper travel documents.

This is absolutely necessary for your list of things to do before traveling abroad.

11. Pay Your Bills

Ensure your rent, credit cards, car, and any other types of payments are made before you leave! The last thing you want to think about is whether your car is paid or not while you’re on a trip abroad!

12. Get an Outlet Adapter

An outlet adapter is always a must-have! Don’t go all Leap Year on anyone and accidentally short out the town while trying to put the wrong type of plug into the wrong socket. No one is going to thank you for that!

I got a cheap one from Target, which has lasted for years. You don’t need the fancy-schmancy ones!

If you buy it in your destination country, they may be more expensive. Add this to your international travel checklist, so you make sure to grab one before you leave the country!

Note: the one above isn’t my exact adapter, but it’s very similar.

In Paris, the adapter did get a little warm, so I wouldn’t leave anything plugged in overnight or more than necessary. It may have been that the hostel was old, but I thought I’d give you a warning anyway.

When I was in England, I tried to plug in my blow dryer, but because it was the larger plug, it didn’t fit properly into my outlet adapter and then into the wall. If there’s something you need to plug in, that’s the bigger plug, I’d advise you to try it out before your next trip. Or check with your hotel or hostel and see if they have a replacement for that item.

13. Change Your Lock Screen

I saw this one on SmarterTravel.com! It’s a brilliant idea!

Change your lock screen to display your contact information. This way, if you lose your phone—which, fingers crossed, you won’t—someone will hopefully be kind enough to contact you and return it.

14. Download Apps Ahead

Download all the apps you’ll need before you leave! If you don’t plan on using your phone data while traveling abroad to avoid fees, it’s best to do the downloading ahead of time.

While there are several travel apps I recommend, you should also download the airline apps. Some budget airlines like Ryanair charge you to print your boarding pass at the airport, so downloading the app ahead of time and checking in on it saves you money!

Having the hotel app that has your hotel bookings is also an excellent idea. I’ve had issues talking to taxis about where I want to go, so being able to show them the address usually alleviates the problem.

15. Get a Packing List

I use my travel checklist that was gifted to me by one of my lovely blog readers! I’ve been using it for years to help me pack. It lists nearly everything you could ever need! I check off each item, you guessed it, twice to double check I’m not forgetting anything I need.

This list also helps save space so you’re not taking things you may not need. Seeing it all on a list is helpful in eliminating items from your suitcase, making it a must on my list of things to do before traveling abroad.

16. Print Your Itinerary

If you’ve followed my easy travel itinerary planner, then you likely have at least a few pages worth of Google Docs. I used to print these out before going on my trip to have something physical with me, but I’ve since switched to apps that are easy to use. These applications also make it easy to share with a family member.

You can also make your Google Docs, Google Maps, or Google Sheets available offline, which is essential if you don’t plan on using Wi-Fi or data. Having your itinerary on hand also helps to show someone the photo or name of where you’re headed should there be some language barrier. It’s a must for your international travel checklist!

17. Contact Your Phone Company

I was at AT&T for several years and always used data when traveling. To do this, contact your phone company to ensure you have your phone on the right settings. You should also ask them about international plans should you choose to get one.

I’m now on T-Mobile and have enjoyed their service in Europe and Asia. They offer texting and data for no additional cost to my plan. Phone calls, however, are an additional charge, but I don’t often find myself making calls.

18. Check the Weather

Please check the weather before you go! I know this may seem simple, but I’ve done it and have known others to forget and pack the wrong things! I then had to buy some extra layers. It was not the end of the world, but it was not something I really wanted to spend my travel budget on.

19. Dos and Don’ts of Traveling

While planning my trip to Greece, I found out that the Greek islands don’t have potable water, so you shouldn’t drink it. I also learned that you shouldn’t throw toilet paper in the toilet as they have very old plumbing systems, and it can sometimes cause damage.

Reading posts on wherever you’re headed can help to discover what not to do and how to be prepared for your trip! It’s a must for your things to do before traveling list!

20. Do You Tip?

It’s something almost unconscious in the United States. But not everywhere in the world do you tip, and if they do, it may be a different amount.

It’s a good idea to investigate this before heading off, making it a must on my international travel checklist.

21. Check the Luggage Restrictions

Word to the wise: If the flight is cheap, they may charge you for your bag. If the plane is small, it may also affect the size restrictions. On my trip to Santorini, I noticed they had different limits for different aircrafts.

Now, I’m not going to buy a new suitcase for one flight. But I’m aware this may be an issue when I arrive, so I’m prepared to pay if it does come up rather than being surprised at the airport.

And don’t buy the electronic scale gadget. It’s not worth it. Weigh yourself on your scale at home. Record the weight, then pick up your bag and weigh yourself again. Whatever the difference is, it is how much your bag weighs. Super easy!

22. Make Your Suitcase Easy to Find

My mother and grandmother have tied ribbons on suitcase handles for years! It’s an easy way to identify your case if you’re one of those people with the black bag everyone else in the world has!

Or get a unique luggage tag to help identify it. I have a Harry Potter Slytherin painted crest luggage tag a friend gave me that I use.

23. See What Your Hotel or Hostel Offers

Some hotels offer amenities such as airport shuttles, parking, laundry service, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. It’s always good to check these before booking your stay. Also, look over this again just before so that you can ask for something if it is not readily offered.

If you plan on using the airport shuttle, contact your hotel in advance, as they may charge for this, which may change your mind about using it.

Parking? I’ve rented a car for Rhodes, so having free parking at the hotel is excellent!

Laundry? I’m going for three weeks with a carry on bag. I NEED laundry!

Free breakfast is less and less common, I’ve found, but it is always nice when it is part of a hotel stay.

Wi-Fi is usually a given, but check if it’s just in common areas or not.

24. Any Holidays Coming Up?

May 1st in Greece and some other European countries is called May Day or Labor Day. It is a public holiday, so some attractions are closed.

Something to be aware of as you don’t want to plan a short 3-day trip only to find one of those days is SOL due to holiday closures! This is pretty much what happened to me in Munich!

25. Find a Great Suitcase

After several trips, I’ve really fallen in love with my Delsey hardside luggage. I can confidently tell you that it’s the best luggage to use on a long trip.

My Delsey hardside luggage is a decent size—29″—so it’s too big for a carry on. However, when I travel abroad, I’m not a carry on bag type of person. Some people are, I’m not.

I have the Delsey hardside expanding rolling luggage. The hardside is fantastic, as I know nothing in there will be crushed or smooshed in transit. The rolling double-spinner wheels are wonderful as it’s easier on the back. The rotating wheels make it easy to wheel around, even on those European cobblestones! I fit three weeks’ worth of clothing in that suitcase.

The lock it has is great for staying in hostels. I can’t usually fit the suitcase in the lockers they provide, so it’s nice to know my stuff is protected anyway. I did have a piece break-off when leaving London last summer. However, it was under warranty, so I didn’t have to pay for the repair!

I use it for nearly every trip unless I only go for a couple of days, in which case the size is rather overkill. Instead, something like a wheeled backpack would make much more sense!

To help with packing light for travel, you may also want to look into using packing cubes in your suitcase.

26. Get an Anti-Theft Purse

Get a slash-proof / anti-theft purse like the Travelon Messenger Bag for security. I’ve been using my Travelon Messenger Bag since 2021 when I went to Barcelona.

Before I went, everyone had warned me about pickpockets, so I went in search of a bag I could rely on. I’ve used it for every trip since, and it hasn’t let me down yet!

Whichever purse you choose, I highly recommend a crossbody as they are safer. It’s harder to steal something if it’s across your chest.

If you’d like to learn even more about why I love the Travelon Messenger Bag, check out my post on the best purse for traveling in Europe!

27. Investigate Transportation Options

This is one of the most important items on this international travel checklist! Flying to another country isn’t always the best, cheapest, or only option. Depending on how much time you have, you can take a train, bus, car, etc. depending on where you’re headed.

If you instead want to take a train or bus to your next destination country, this is something to book ahead of time to get better deals and more availability.

If it’s a high in demand route, it’s also safer to book in advance, so you don’t miss going to that other country or get stuck with a flight time that sucks. I know that for Greece, hopper flights between islands are more plentiful during the summer months as it’s high tourist season. However, in the winter months, there are fewer flights.

28. Time Your Transfers

For example’s sake, say the earliest train I could take to the airport left at 7 a.m., and the train takes 3 hours to get to the airport (transfers and such). The earliest flight I could then take is at 11 a.m. Always leave at least an hour for yourself, if not more.

I know this may seem obvious, but not planning enough time can cause a nightmare. I’ve seen what happens when a bus breakdown or a flight delay screws up the next transfer, and it is not a fun experience for anyone.

Travel tip: Train tickets sometimes don’t book out very far, so make sure to keep an eye out for when your date does go on sale.

29. Research Budget Accommodation

Once you’ve decided where you’re going during your trip, you should find some budget accommodation. I used Hostelworld to do my research back when I was staying at hostels. It’s the gold standard for researching hostels, so add it to your pre-trip checklist.

Nowadays, I stay at hotels primarily and use Google to compare different sites as it shows a wide array of budget accommodations. Aggregator sites don’t always show the same hotels, so it’s best to look at Google first.

Sometimes, you can also book hotels through your credit card and use points, so check there as well.

Travel tip: Sometimes, if the hostel has its own website (e.g., YHA), they may have a membership program you can sign up for and receive a discount. Follow your chosen hostel or hotel’s social media channels or newsletter to learn about deals and sales.

30. Book Your Hotel or Hostel

If you are booking your hotel or hostel, especially in the summer season, you should get these in advance as they book quickly. Booking late can also drive up prices as many deals will already be taken.

You’ll also have a more extensive selection the further you book ahead. If you need last-minute deals, check out sites like Hotel Tonight, as they sometimes have good deals for budget accommodations.

31. International Driving Permit

Do you plan on driving internationally? Before deciding, check out the pros and cons of renting a car in Europe.

Then, depending on where you are headed, you may need to get an international driver’s permit. Don’t worry. This isn’t too complicated. If you’re in the USA and have AAA, you can head to their website or a location near you to apply for an international driving permit.

AAA is one of only two private entities in the U.S. authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue an international driving permit (IDP). The application is $20, plus the cost of the passport photos, which are usually about $15 at your local pharmacy like CVS. This makes the total $35. Not too bad if you need an international driver’s license.

32. Consider a Tourist Pass

The wonderful thing about tourist passes is that they’re like fast passes at Disneyland; you get to skip the line at some attractions.

They also sometimes include bus tours, which can save you from extra walking or transportation costs. I’m not a huge bus tour fan, but it can help you to see a lot in a short amount of time. They sometimes also act as discount cards to other museums and exhibits.

Many tourist passes, such as the Paris Museum Pass, are now available on Get Your Guide, which is an easy way to purchase not only a pass but also other excursions. I love them because they have amazing tours, and should something arise, it’s easy to cancel and get a refund.

Do note that if you’re a student, it may be cheaper just to buy tickets with your student ID, but do check out the details before deciding this.

33. Get Tickets for High-Demand Events

I really enjoyed going to see the ‘Tempest’ at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater when I was in London two summers ago. So when I found out I would be returning, I decided to go again, this time seeing ‘As You Like It.’

These events sell out quickly, especially if they have a recognizable actor in the cast. So make sure to buy your tickets as soon as possible! The same goes for any type of theater show or event.

34. Get Tickets for Attractions and Excursions

On your things to do before an international trip checklist, book any attractions or excursions you can in advance! I know not everyone’s a pre-planner, but if there’s something you MUST see, book ahead.

I ran into this issue in Florence. Seeing David is such a hot ticket I was almost unable to see him. I ended up booking a Get Your Guide tour in order to get in.

I love Get Your Guide because it lists tons of options, so you can do it all in one booking. They not only have amazing tours, but should something arise, it’s easy to cancel and get a refund.

35. Health Insurance

Check if you’ll need travel health insurance. I’ve only needed this once, in Thailand, right after COVID-19. It was shortly after quarantine, so they enacted a rule that you had to get health insurance and a test upon arrival. Besides that, I’ve never seen the need for travel insurance.

However, this will depend on your destination country and your personal needs.

36. Travel and Health Advisories

Always check travel and health advisories before making a trip abroad. I review the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information. You can also check out the CDC site for health-related travel restrictions.

37. Global Entry

As I mentioned above, I got Global Entry for free through my Capital One credit card. It was easy to do. All I have to do was apply, purchase with that credit card, which reimbursed me rather quickly, then get pre-approved before doing an in-person interview. Shortly after my Global Entry card showed up in the mail.

If you get Global Entry, you also are covered for TSA Pre-Check, so it’s best to get this card as it covers both.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do Before an International Trip Guide

I hope this things to do before an international trip checklist helps you get ready for your travels! Please feel free to comment below or ask questions via email!

Want to remember this? Pin this 37 Things to Do Before an International Trip: Easy Pre-Trip Checklist article to your favorite Pinterest board!