9 Important Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad

If it’s your first time traveling abroad, there are dozens of things to consider and do before you leave.  While some things would be nice (like stopping your mail or saying goodbye to everyone), there are 9 essential items you must take care of before boarding your flight to make your trip goes smoothly.

If it’s your first time traveling abroad, there are dozens of things to think about before you leave. While some things would be nice (like stopping your mail or saying goodbye to everyone), there are 9 essential items you absolutely must take care of before boarding your flight, because trust me, you don’t want to discover you missed one when you’re standing at passport control.

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1. Get Your Passport Ready!

First things first: make sure you actually have a passport. If not, apply for one now. If you do have one, check two things: the expiration date and the blank pages.

Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Don’t just assume yours is fine because it hasn’t expired yet. If it’s well-traveled, also flip through and count the blank pages. You’ll need a couple free for entry/exit stamps and visas, and nothing kills the mood like getting turned away at the border because your passport is full.

Check all of this a few months in advance. Passport processing can take 6–8 weeks (or longer during busy seasons), though expedited options are available if you’re cutting it close.

You can find US Passport information on the US Department of State website.

2. Verify If You Need a Visa (and Check for New Entry Requirements)

It used to be simple: US citizens either needed a visa or they didn’t. Now there’s a growing middle category of pre-travel authorizations. They’re not full visas, but still required steps before you fly.

The biggest one to know about right now: If you’re heading to Europe, the rules have recently changed.

• United Kingdom: As of early 2025, US travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting. It’s quick, inexpensive, and done online, but you need to do it in advance.
• EU/Schengen Zone: The EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now operational, replacing the old passport stamp system with biometric data collection at borders. A separate pre-authorization system called ETIAS is expected to launch in late 2026 for US passport holders visiting Schengen countries.

The bottom line: always check the current entry requirements for every country on your itinerary… even places you’ve visited before. The US State Department’s website is your best resource, and it also lists any active travel warnings worth knowing about.

Need to apply for a visa? Check out iVisa. They make it simple.

3. Sort Out Health & Travel Insurance

I know it feels like an unnecessary expense when you’re already budgeting for flights and hotels, but I promise you, it’s worth it. I’ve had friends get seriously ill on remote Fijian islands, get mugged at knifepoint in Rio (oh wait, that was me!), and even need emergency evacuation from Mount Everest. Without insurance, those situations go from scary to financially devastating.

Travel insurance typically covers things like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Some credit cards include basic travel protection, so it’s worth checking what you already have before buying a separate policy.

World Nomads is one I’ve personally used and trusted for years, but I’ve never had to make a claim with them. Compare a few options to find what fits your trip length and risk tolerance.

Read more: Is Travel Insurance Worth It? An Inside Look from an Avid Traveler

4. Figure Out Your Money Situation

Paying foreign transaction fees abroad is like voluntarily leaving a 2–3% tip on every single purchase. It adds up fast. And if you’re relying on ATMs, out-of-network fees plus international withdrawal fees can run you $10 per transaction. That’s a meal (or two!) in a lot of places.

Before you go:

• Call your bank and ask about international fees on your debit and credit cards.
• Look into cards specifically designed for travel. There are several with no foreign transaction fees and no international ATM fees worth applying for before your trip. I personally have been happy with my Capital One credit card.
• Notify your bank of your travel dates (if they still require it!). Even with chip technology, some accounts still get flagged for suspicious activity when suddenly used in another country. Save yourself the headache of being stranded without access to your money.
• Write down (or save securely) the international customer service numbers for your cards, just in case they do get shut off. The 1-800 number on the back of your card won’t work abroad.

5. Review Your Phone Plan Before You Land

Gone are the days when your only options were paying shocking roaming fees or hunting for WiFi or a SIM card at a foreign airport. These days, most travelers go one of two routes:

1. International plan through your carrier: Many of the main phone carriers now offer plans that cover international destinations or offer a daily fee for international travel. I personally love my T-Mobile plan as it gives me free texting and (slow) data in 215+ countries and destinations. Call your carrier and ask what your best options are.
2. eSIM: This is increasingly the smartest option for first-time international travelers. An eSIM is a digital SIM you activate on your phone before you leave. There’s no fumbling with tiny physical cards and no hunting for a shop when you land. Providers like Airalo and Holafly offer affordable data plans for nearly every country. Check that your phone supports eSIM before purchasing (most phones made in the last few years do).

Whatever you choose, sort it out before your flight, not after you land and discover you have no data to look up your hotel address.

6. Leave Copies of Your Important Documents

This one is simple but so easy to overlook: before you leave, leave copies of your passport, any visas, your credit and debit cards, and your travel itinerary with someone you trust at home.

If your wallet gets stolen or your passport goes missing, you’ll be grateful beyond words. You can also store encrypted digital copies in a secure cloud location (not just your email inbox) so you can access them yourself from anywhere.

7. Book Key Experiences in Advance

Here’s something first-timers often don’t realize: the experiences you’re most excited about… the Colosseum, Sagrada Família, a cooking class in Chiang Mai, a boat tour in Ha Long Bay… frequently sell out weeks or even months ahead of time. Walking up and hoping for a ticket is increasingly not a viable strategy.

Research what you want to do and book it before you go. Viator and GetYourGuide are both excellent for booking tours, activities, and tickets, and they usually offer free cancellation on most experiences, so you’re not locked in if your plans change.

8. Research Your Destination (At Least a Little)

You don’t need to memorize a guidebook, but a little homework goes a long way. Before you go, get a basic handle on:

• Local customs and etiquette: Dress codes at religious sites, tipping culture, common courtesies
• Basic phrases: Even just “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the bathroom” in the local language goes a long way
• Neighborhoods: Which areas to stay in (I recommend booking ahead most of the time… I like Booking.com for this), which to avoid, and how to get around
• Currency and payment norms: Some places are still very cash-based, others are nearly cashless

Download an offline map (Google Maps lets you save areas for offline use or Maps.Me and Organic Maps are other options) so you can navigate even without data.

9. Start Packing (Strategically)

Don’t underestimate how much thought good packing deserves. Determining what you actually need on the road is harder than it sounds. While you can always buy forgotten items in most developed countries, that’s less true in more remote destinations, and even finding something as simple as sunscreen or Tylenol when the labels are in a different language is an adventure in itself.

Lay everything out, then put half of it back. You’ll thank me later.

Check out my Long Term Travel Packing List for tips.

Board Your Plane with Confidence!! 

You’ve done the work. Now go enjoy the adventure. Get on that plane and don’t look back. The world is waiting.

Continue Planning Your Trip

Setting yourself up for success is not only preparing before traveling abroad but also taking certain precautions while abroad. Here are some great posts to help you finish prepping for your travels and having the best trip once you land!

• 9 Important Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad
• What is the Schengen Area? (And Why It Matters for Your Trip to Europe)
• Quitting Your Job to Travel: Is It a Good Idea or Not?
• Long Term Travel: What it is & how to do it
• How to Pick a Travel Destination: Key Things to Consider
• The 5 Stages of Culture Shock and How They Impact Travelers
• How to Start Planning a Trip: A Step-by-Step Guide
• 12 Easy Ways to Make Friends While Traveling Alone
• 8 Ways to Start Traveling Alone and Love It!
• 10 Secrets about Traveling Long Term that No One Tells You

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