14 of the Best Travel Tips for International Travel

Traveling from the United States to other countries is not for the faint of heart. Knowledge is power! Here are 14 of the most important tips to know before you get on that plane!

Taking Care of Your Passport

Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date you are returning. If it’s not, hightail it to the passport office and get it renewed. You should also take photos of your passport and make sure they upload to the cloud as well as send a copy of the photo to a family member in case your phone gets stolen. 

Packing Appropriately

As everyone says, pack as lightly as you can. That being said, I rarely use a carry on when I am traveling more than 5 days internationally. I like a wardrobe capsule where I can interchange different outfits with 3-4 bottoms (jeans, shorts, skirts) and 5-8 tops. I always throw in a few dresses that can be worn during the day or dressed up for night. Add layers for all weather. Pack comfortable shoes for daytime — even if they are not super fashionable. You’ll be sorry if you choose a shoe only because it’s cute because your feet WILL hurt and slow you down. Check out my packing guide blog and my Instagram video series on preparing for international travel, including this wardrobe capsule video.

Dealing with Jet Lag

Prepare for jet lag by going to sleep a hour or two earlier for two nights before you leave. Once you get on the plane, try to sleep after you eat dinner (pack eye patches, earbuds for calming music, neck pillow, foot hammock, warm wrap or blanket). When you arrive at your destination, DO NOT SLEEP OR TAKE A NAP. Stay awake and moving all day and go to bed after a late-ish dinner. 

Bank ATM Fees

Avoid ATM and credit card fees by saying “no” to paying in US dollars. Decline the conversion and trust your own bank’s conversion rate back home. It’s always a better rate. And always try to use an ATM at a legit bank, not those ATM machines in stores or bars. Check with your bank’s international partners to see where you can get money out without other extra fees.

Cash and Credit Cards

I found most places in Europe and many in Asia take Apple or Google Pay (contactless) so there’s no need to carry much cash. Cash is good to have for taxis and outdoor shopping fairs, and small bills for tipping (see below). Another good idea is to bring two credit cards with you: One for daily use and one to put in the hotel safe in case it gets lost or stolen so at least you’ll have a way to pay in an emergency.

Cell Phone Plans & Safety

Check your phone plan before you leave to understand international charges. I use AT&T Wireless and I found the daily rate works just fine ($10 unlimited data). You can also get an international SIM “card” if you have unlocked GSM phone.

And be sure you hold your phone tightly when you are out and about. It’s best to keep it in a safe place (not your back pocket) away from pickpockets. Cross body bags are best, especially ones they stay close to your chest. Do not give it to strangers to take a photo unless you feel confident you can trust them.

Keeping Thieves Away

Protect your valuables by leaving your passport, cash, jewelry, computers/iPads in your hotel locked in the safe. Carry a small amount of cash (though you don’t usually need much, see above), one credit card, and your phone in a front crossbody bag or front pocket with your hand on it. For women, you can also get a bra wallet if you are really worried about losing your cash and credit card.

Google is Your Friend

Using Google Translate and Google Maps is the best way to communicate, read/translate menus (check out this feature!), and get around. Check out my “how to use it” video for Google Translate. And Google maps is super easy to use even if you are offline in and out of cities. It is also useful for planning a trip creating a custom map of all of your destinations.

Tipping Your Wait Staff

In Europe and Asia, tipping is not necessary. They don’t expect it — but I can’t help myself, so I always leave some change or small bills (no more than 10%). While employees are paid a living wage, they do appreciate it when you do leave a little but for them.

Using Public Transportation

Always they to take the train or metro. Be sure not to buy tickets from anyone other than the official cashier or the machines. Counterfeiters like to sell fake tickets and then you are stuck paying twice for it. Make sure you allow a lot of time for making your way through the station as you figure out which train you want, buy tickets, and find your place of embarkment. Don’t forget Europe follows military time (24-hour clock) so 7:00 is in the morning; night is 19:00 (time + 12). I definitely got caught on this one 😳!

Uber and Ride Share

Some places have it, some don’t. There’s no Uber in Paris for example, but you can usually find taxi stands around. Take the metro whenever you can! Here’s a list of international destinations where you can use Uber.

Doing Laundry Abroad

One key to packing lighter is being able to do laundry on the road. If you are staying somewhere with a washing machine, it’s important to note you will not have a dryer. Even if there is a dryer, they don’t work well or fast. You will need to dry your clothes on a line (they usually provide this) so make sure you allow enough time for it all to dry (hint: it can take more than 24 hours). Use Google Translate (see above) to read the washer buttons. 

Important Gadget to Have

The smart phone is number one for obvious reasons. And of course you’ll need an international converter adaptor to charge your phone and gadgets. Be sure to check on what kind of adaptor you need depending upon your destination and make sure it has many plugs (including USBs). I recommend headphones, a cell phone portable charger (preferably a magnentic one that’s not too heavy), and lastly, I love my Apple Watch. I use the camera remote and Apple Pay features all the time. And the SOS safety feature makes me feel more secure.

Customs Back in the U.S.

If you don’t have Global Entry (it’s so hard to get an appointment!), download the app Mobile Passport Control (MPC). It easy to use! Simply add details for your flight home and click all the way through as soon as you land. The MPC lines are so much shorter than the regular passport lines.