When planning a trip, it is easy to remember to book a place to stay, research some cool places to see, pack some clothes that (kind of) match, and map out the types of food that you are drooling over.
However, there are some un-fun things to remember when planning a trip. A lot of this information can be found on the Travel page at the U.S. Department of State website for your destination(s).
Reading that page should absolutely be a priority before departing.
Here is a list, in no particular order, of things that you should research before you leave for an international trip (that even the most savvy of travelers might forget!), regardless of your length of stay.
Visa entry requirements for your destination(s)
Each country has different entry and exit requirements (a thinly veiled reflection of the relationships between different countries, but whatever).
Some countries require travel visas (which can be stickers in your passport that you acquire in advance or at the border). Some even require transit visas (meaning that even if you transit through the country you will need a visa). All require prior research (since things can always change).
I was pleasantly surprised once of the electronic visa I needed to enter Australia. I showed up at the airport and the ticket agent informed me that I would not be joining the flight without the visa. After a quick visit to a computer (that was thankfully available to guests), I paid the $20 and was on my merry way. Lesson learned.
Related: Getting a Visa: Facts to Know
Number of empty pages needed in your passport
Quick quiz – can the airline reject you at the ticket counter if you do not have sufficient space in your passport to enter the host country?
Answer – yes, yes they can.
Even worse, you could be allowed to board the plane and travel to your host country and THEN be told you cannot enter. Which would result in you purchasing an additional flight home.
You have been warned.
Passport validity requirements
Similar to the number of blank pages required for entry, each country can determine how many months of validity each traveler needs to have in their passport. Also, as an added bonus, the airline / country can always refuse entry if you do not meet the requirements.
As a general rule, the Department of State recommends having at least 6 months of validity in your passport beyond your planned date of departure from your destination country in order to avoid any problems at immigration.
Contact information for US embassy
Who you gonna call?
THE EMBASSY!
In the event that something goes wrong during your travels, depending on the severity of the situation, you might need to contact our friends at the Department of State.
The last thing you want in that kind of situation is not have the number.
Keep it secret. Keep it safe.
Important phrases in host language (especially if you have medical concerns like allergies)
In addition to knowing the words for “please,” “thank you,” “hello,” and maybe “help,” if you have any type of allergy or medical limitation, learn relevant phrases in the language of your host country (or just have those phrases saved someplace). This will help if you end up in a medical emergency where you need to provide your health history.
Also, this is a great time to have travel insurance – some international insurance policies include translation services if needed.
Local 911 equivalent (emergency number) and local clinic
No one likes to plan for when things can possibly go wrong. However, Murphy’s law dictates that things will go wrong.
In a stressful situation, it is a lot less stressful when you have the emergency information on hand so that you can react once you have had your minor freak out session. The Department of State kindly created a page for what to do in an emergency. Save this to all of your devices.
Related: What to Do During an Emergency Abroad
Flight information
Have a digital as well as a paper copy of this. Some countries will require you to present proof that you plan to leave the country at some point.
Directions from airport to accommodations (and the reverse)
Between Rome2Rio and Google Maps, it is easy for travelers to plan out minute details of their trips in advance. Even if you have arranged an airport pick up, it is important to have back up information in the event that your transport isn’t there when you thought it would be (we’ve all been there).
Many airports in larger cities have airport buses or trains that can transport you to the city center for a reasonable fee; researching this in advance is always helpful.
Also, it helps to have the address to your accommodations ready in case the immigration officer asks for your address while in the country. They can also delay entry (or just make your entry a lot more stressful) if you do not have this information.
Destination public transportation (or rental car information)
Prior to departure, it will be helpful to quickly research the public transportation options at your destination (if there are any).
What is the most widely used form of transportation?
Is there a stop at the airport?
Is there a connecting shuttle to public transportation?
The more you research, the smoother your arrival will be.
Legality of your medications in your destination country
This is very easy to forget, but can have the most critical consequences.Some medications that are legal in the USA are banned in certain countries; make sure you research each of your medications in advance for legality (ex – Ritalin or Adderall in many countries).
Check out the OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) report for traveling with medications, and review the CDC website for useful information for students leaving for study abroad and those preparing for long term travel.
Travel warnings
As always, the Department of State cares a lot about your safety. They issue travel warnings and advisories in order to protect U.S. Citizens who are planning to travel to a destination. These are issued when there might not be as many support structures on the ground, there might be unrest in the country, or there might be a significant disaster in the country (among other things).
One way to ensure that you will always be up to date with travel warnings and country information is to register for the STEP Program and update your profile for each trip you book.
Related: Why You Should Use the STEP Program
What do you always make sure to do before you go on a trip? Share in the comments below!
Related:
4 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling
Study Abroad Guide: Prepare for Anything
Getting a Visa: Facts to Know
What to Do During an Emergency Abroad
Ask an Advisor: What Should Students Ask?