(Originally published on The Table Less Traveled Newsletter, January 2016)
The last few days before I leave for an international trip are always a blur...there are so many things to do and so little time! To help my guests prepare well in advance I've created a quick checklist to help smooth out all the pre-trip "to-do's" from getting your official documents ready to downloading books for the plane!
You can download the list from our website for easy printing.
The last few days before I leave for an international trip are always a blur...there are so many things to do and so little time! To help my guests prepare well in advance I've created a quick checklist to help smooth out all the pre-trip "to-do's" from getting your official documents ready to downloading books for the plane!
You can download the list from our website for easy printing.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Months before you go
- Check your passport expiration date. For U.S. Citizens - passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
- Check the U.S. Department of State's website for country-specific information like visa requirements, local laws, and travel alerts & warnings.
- Visit a doctor or travel pharmacist 4-6 weeks prior to departure. Give your doctor your itinerary and history of vaccines. Ask for routine vaccinations and prescriptions as necessary (including a backup supply of antibiotics). For more information visit the CDC.
- Purchase travel insurance and trip cancellation protection.
Weeks before you go
- Purchase baggage or clothing needed for packing.
- Register for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- If you are planning on using your cell phone, talk with your carrier to find out the best international plans that will suit your needs.
- Designate and alert an emergency contact about your travel plans.
Days before you go
- Review the local weather.
- Notify your banks of your travel plans and itinerary for international use of your credit cards and ATM cards.
- Make two (2) copies of your important documents such as passports, credit cards, and driver licenses. Leave one copy with your emergency contact and store another copy in a safe place in your luggage (separate from the actual documents).
- Pick up any prescription drugs and necessary medicines.
- Download books/shows/movies to electronic devices.
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