20 Must-Know Tips for First Time International Travelers

Preparing for an international trip requires extensive planning so I have provided 20 must-know tips for first time international travelers to make the planning of your trip seamless.

If this is your first time traveling abroad, this is a must read to make sure you are well prepared for your trip!

1. Consider Applying for Global Entry

The process to get Global Entry is quite long but worth it in my opinion if you fly internationally.

The benefit of having Global Entry is when you arrive back in the United States you are able to bypass the long customs line and check in at the Global Entry kiosk.

In order to apply for Global Entry, you need to have a valid passport.

Once your application has been approved, you have to do an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center which are usually at select airports.

My husband’s entire process of getting Global Entry took around a month, but it can take much longer depending on what Global Entry enrollment centers are near you and their next available appointments.

He did his Global Entry in-person interview at the Chicago Airport which seemed to have the most available appointments near us.

Global Entry also includes TSA precheck enabling you to bypass the long security lines at the U.S. airports.

Global Entry requires a $100 non-refundable application fee, and TSA precheck costs $78 for 5 years so it is only $22 more to get Global Entry!

Apply for Global Entry here.

2. Check When Your Passport Expires and Renew it if Needed

Some countries require that your passport remains valid for at least six months after your planned departure date.

Be sure to check the passport expiration requirements for your destination to see if you need to renew your passport before your trip – give yourself plenty of time to do this.

You can renew your expired passport online if you meet the requirements to do so and current processing times are taking approximately 10-13 weeks.

You can pay extra for expedited processing which takes 7-9 weeks. See more details here.

3. Notify Your Bank You Will Be Going Out of the United States

About a week before your departure, I recommend calling your bank to tell them that you will be out of the United States.

I recommend this because when you start to incur charges internationally banks might consider these charges to be fraudulent, and they might place a hold on your card rendering you unable to use it.

To remove the possibility of this situation, I recommend calling your bank ahead of time to give them a heads up that you will be out of the United States.

4. Consider Getting a Travel Credit Card That Offers Zero Foreign Transaction Fees

If you listen to any of these tips, let it be getting a travel credit card that offers zero foreign transaction fees.

Most travel credit cards nowadays offer zero foreign transaction fees which comes in handy when traveling internationally as foreign transaction fees can add up!

Please note foreign transaction fees can even apply when you are booking your hotel in another country if it is in that country’s currency.

The best travel credit card I recommend is Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Not only does it offer zero foreign transaction fees but a ton of other travel benefits as well as the opportunity to earn a lot of rewards points that can transfer to free hotels, flights, etc.!

Their account opening bonuses are great as well – it paid for almost our entire trip to Banff (hotel & flights 😍)!

5. Get an Air Tag for Your Checked Luggage

I know I am probably not the only one who has heard all of the travel nightmares of people’s checked bags getting lost!

A great way to keep track of your checked luggage is to put an air tag in your suitcase.

That way if it does get left behind you are able to see where it is and let the airline know so they can get your luggage to you much faster!

With that being said, it is always a good idea to pack a few pieces of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage does get delayed getting to you!

6. Learn Some Common Words in the Country’s Language

It is common courtesy to learn some common words in the language of the country you are going to – such as hi, bye, thank you, etc.

It is a great way to show respect to the locals who live there and to show your gratitude to locals who help you while you are there!

This small effort can go a long way in making connections.

7. Use Google Translate to Help with Language Barrier

Google translate will be your best friend when communicating with others if there is a language barrier.

This handy tool can assist you in communicating effectively with locals and getting your questions answered

8. Utilize Packing Cubes

A great packing tip for international travel is to use packing cubes!

I am able to pack significantly more clothes when I use packing cubes, and it keeps my clothes organized.

Definitely worth trying – especially if you tend to be an over packer like me lol!

9. Get the Appropriate Plug Adaptors for Your Destination

Plug adaptors are essential if you are traveling internationally.

Research the plug types used in your destination and purchase the appropriate adaptors before you leave.

10. Make Copies of your Passport, ID, and Other Important Documents in Case Lost or Stolen

To err on the side of caution, consider making copies of your passport, ID, and other important documents in case they are lost or get stolen.

Keep these copies in a separate location from the originals – i.e. the safe in your hotel.

11. Research if the Water is Safe to Drink There

Research whether the tap water at your destination is safe to drink.

If it is not safe to drink, I recommend using bottled water to brush your teeth.

I would also advise to stay away from having ice cubes in your drinks as I have heard of people getting sick that way.

Where I have gone, hotels will usually provide bottled water for you to brush your teeth.

12. Consider Carrying a Fanny Pack to Store Your Things

To deter pickpockets while traveling, consider wearing a fanny pack worn across your chest.

This ensures your belongings are within your eyesight and harder for pickpockets to reach.

13. Research if There Are Any Required Vaccinations

Before traveling, find out if any vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination.

Make sure you’re up-to-date with necessary shots.

14. Pack any Medicine You Might Need

I recommend packing some sort of anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Pepto Bismol) to bring on your trip in case you contract any food-borne illnesses.

15. Register with the U.S. Embassy if You Have Safety Concerns

If you are traveling solo internationally or have concerns for where you are traveling, you should consider checking out the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

This program is free and allows you to register your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy.

You will also receive important information from the U.S. Embassy regarding safety conditions of the country you are visiting.

It also allows your family and friends to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.

Look here for more details. 

16. Research to See If You Need a Visa for Your Destination

Check to see if you need a visa for your destination and look up the requirements on how to obtain the visa before your trip.

17. See What International Phone Plan You Need

Do your research on your current phone plan to see what you need to get in order to use your phone internationally in the cheapest way.

I have AT&T, and they offer an International Day Pass for $10 per day.

It was super easy to set up. We just walked into an AT&T store, and they were able to add it to our phone plan. It can also be done online here.

Once you start using your phone internationally, your phone will automatically be able to tell you are outside of the U.S. and then your phone plan will be charged $10/day.

If you have T-Mobile, they have some of the best international phone plans.

Outside of the U.S., they offer free texting and $0.25/min calling. Check out more details here.

18. Determine What the Local Currency is and Have Some on Hand

Do your research to determine what the local currency is in the destination you are going to and the best way to obtain the local currency.

It is always good to have some cash on hand in case it is needed – even though in most places now credit cards can be used.

19. Make Reservations a Couple Months in Advance for Popular Destinations

If you plan to dine at popular restaurants or visit sought-after attractions, make reservations well in advance to secure your spot.

I recommend making reservations at least a couple months before depending on how popular the place is that you are going.

20. Pack Snacks and Forms of Entertainment For Your Long Flight 

A great travel tip for long international flights is to come prepared with several snacks and forms of entertainment for your flight – a kindle, books, downloaded tv shows/movies, headphones, and more.

No one wants to be hungry and bored on a long flight!

By following these 20 tips for first time international travelers, you can ensure you are prepared for your first time traveling abroad. Safe travels!