The 16 Best Travel Tips To Know Before You Leave The USA
Make sure your passport is up to date.
Before you plan your trip make sure your passport won’t expire within 3-5 months of your expected date of travel. Some countries won't let you in if your passport expires within that time. Do some research on the requirements of the country you’re going to. UAE, for example, requires at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You can check the foreign entry requirement information here.
If you’re looking to get a passport you’ll need to fulfill a couple of requirements including an official birth certificate. This gets especially difficult if you no longer live in the state of your birth. Also, you’ve got to have two photos. Some places like Walgreens will take your photo for relatively cheap. There are certain rules to that too and you can read more about that here. A passport should run you around $100 and if you’re in a hurry it’ll be an extra $60. This site also explains the different types of situations you might encounter but for the record always make an appointment.
Tell your bank you will be traveling.
This is an obvious step but since it’s so simple- people often overlook it. Alerting your bank will prevent them from turning off access to your card. If you’re traveling this is how you’ll know if your card will work overseas. There are some countries that don’t take card companies like Discover Card or American Express which could affect you. Pro-tip while carrying a card is smart, buy some cash before you go. What I mean is if you’re going to Mexico- get some pesos and if you’re going to Scotland- get some Pounds. Buying directly from a bank vs a currency exchange service might mean cheaper fees which means literally more dollar for your (insert foreign currency here).
Buy all the plugs for your electronics
When I traveled overseas I wasn’t really aware of how many different plugs I could have needed. So I only bought one but then traveling to the UK and Switzerland made me find out that they have their own versions. Most stores sell them if not I recommend this one ( ) also pro-tip buy an extension cord so you’ll only need one adapter.
Another thing: check the voltage of your stuff before you go. Sometimes your voltage isn’t high enough or could be too high.
Make sure you have all your medical before you go.
This is probably one of the most important things on this list. Having some vaccines or preventative medicine is taken is important. We’ve all watched the House episode where someone gets super sick and House is like oh did you leave the country? While that rarely happens, it still happens. You don’t want to be in that situation. Here’s the CDC list of vaccines and countries you’ll need before you go!
Another note, some medication isn’t allowed outside the US. Something as common as allergy and sinus medication can be illegal in Japan. Check here for further information.
Also, take note some countries will do a medical examination upon arrival. UAE won’t let you in if you’re HIV+ or have herpes.
Be Aware of Any Departure Tax
This might sound weird but some countries require you to pay a departure tax upon leaving. It shouldn’t be too much but knowing this is a possibility will keep you from being surprised. For example, Costa Rica has a departure tax of around $30 that can be paid in either USD, CRC, or Visa (plus fees).
Register for S.T.E.P.
So this is one of my top recommendations. S.T.E.P. (stands for smart traveler enrollment program) and its purpose is to keep you safe if you’re traveling outside of the country. So essentially you register your trip with the American Embassy. Meaning if there’s a natural disaster or civil unrest the consulate can contact you and extract you if necessary. This is important if you’re traveling alone.
Email yourself a copy of your passport
You’re required to technically carry your passport with you at all times. This is your form of identification in a foreign country but God forbid you’re robbed or you lose your bag. You’re going to need ID somehow. So if you have a digital copy of your passport in your email, on the cloud or with your family then when you go to the consulate it’ll be easier to get home.
Buy travel insurance
This one might sound like a trick but it’s worth it if you’re traveling long-term. I usually like to travel for months at a time. So apart from covering lost luggage, trip delays, and medical emergencies it covers bringing back a dead body. This might sound extreme but if anything happens to you bringing your body back home might cost upwards $5,000 plus any other funeral fees. Here’s an article comparing and contrasting different brands.
Buy or Reserve Tickets For Anything Specific
If you’re traveling like a basic tourist or have to see somethings because it was a popular filming location on a TV show- chances are someone else feels that way. Some places fill reservations rather quickly and you’re going to have to plan far ahead. For example, La Casa Azul sells limited tickets at the house daily but you wanna avoid lines so you can spend your days doing more activities. Other places like the Sagrada Familia only allow a limited amount of people per hour. So plan your tickets and keep your reservation. I didn’t know this so when I got my ticket- I had to wait over 4 hours.
Another cool thing is some airports offer VIP service for the country. Places like Israel offer a special VIP entry and exits- they’re kinda pricey around $150- but if you’re limited on time, don’t want to wait forever or have young children this is something that could be worth it.
Keep your passport safe and protected
Apart from keeping your passport safe while you travel- it’s also important to keep your passport safe while not. Any damage you have on your passport can nullify the usage of your passport. This means when you visit Check Point Charlie in Berlin and think it’s a great idea to get a vanity stamp from the historic occupation? This could seriously affect your future travel to any other countries. Granted if your passport is about to expire then I’d get it as a great souvenir. Also, any visible wear and tear can be negative- so invest in a great sleeve to protect your passport.
Have All Visas Ready
Currently, American citizens have over 180 countries they can visit without a visa but checking before you travel to prevent any type of potential problem. For example countries like Russia and Brazil, both require visas before entering and you risk potential jail time if you risk it. Other countries issue a visa upon entering so make sure you’re ready.
Keep in mind some countries won’t allow you in if you’ve been to another country. Algeria, Libya, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen will not let you in if you’ve got a stamp from Israel. Meanwhile, Israel won’t let you in if you’ve spoken out against it.
Things constantly change though- in 2021 the EU will start requiring Americans to carry a visa to travel into countries like Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy. The visa is called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) and is no more than €7.
Learn if You Have to Register Your Visit With the Police
This isn’t as dangerous as it sounds and in truth, most hotels do this for you. Countries like China are included on this list but knowing this is what makes things important and less stressful for your trip. If you fail to register with the police you risk being fined or detained.
Learn Customs and Immigration Requirements
Do you have anything to declare? No, really? Learning what’s allowed and not allowed to bring into the country is something most of us don’t think about but for example, bringing an apple from one side of Australia to the other side is not allowed. So bringing fruit from your flight into the country can get you in trouble. A fellow traveler told me he forgot he packed an apple into his backpack before he left San Francisco and didn’t declare it. He got fined.
Check if you Qualify for the Global Entry Program
Being part of this program will make waiting time a lot shorter. You’ve got to be low-risk and have a clean background. Check here for more information.
Phone Plans
If you’re ready to go sans phone then more power to you but if you’re not or are afraid they’ll steal your phone- then you’ve got to have a plan for this. Some places like Thailand sell SIM cards for as low as $20 for around 12 gigs at the airport- bring an old phone, install and you’re good to go. Some hotels offer rental phones or include them in your visit for your convenience. And if you’re just planning to use your American plan- then look into which one benefits your more. T-Mobile offers free data (phone calls only to those in the plan you share with- but their iPhone also allows WiFi calling) in multiple countries and others like AT&T offer daily or special plans. Call your provider to find out.
Tips for a Carry-On
The number of people that lose their luggage can get pretty low but while it’s inevitable when it does happen here is one thing I’ve learned. Keep a spare change of clothing in your carry-on. Extra undies, socks, and a clean shirt (assuming you traveled with jeans) can make a difference. You’ll be less freaked out about having no clothing and having to rush to the store to replace it. Again, travel insurance helps here.
While I might not travel internationally as much as I used to. I plan on sharing all my tips and tricks and secrets with you. As always be sure to follow my San Antonio Instagram @sanantoniolovelist to keep up with the latest.