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Top Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad

6/3/2017

27 Comments

 
Top Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad
Make sure your passport is valid
If you have a passport, check that expiration date! Also check for blank pages remaining. Just to be safe, check that your passport does not expire less than six months before your return date. Some countries will not allow entry if your passport expiration date is less than 6 months before your departure date.
Check visa requirements.
Make sure you know if the country you are traveling to requires a visa.
Purchase a travel adaptor if needed.
You will probably need an adapter plug in order to use your electronic devices such as cellphone chargers, laptop chargers, hair dryers, the list goes on!!! In another country.
Let your bank know your travel plans.
Make sure to contact your bank/credit card companies and let them know of your travel plans. If you do not let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling abroad, when they see those foreign charges, they could put a hold on your account for suspicious activity.
Put a hold on mail.
If you plan on being abroad for over a week, you might want to contact your post office to hold your mail.

Download books, movies or apps on your phone, e-reader and computer.
It is a good idea to download any books, movies, reading material or apps you need on your smartphone, e-reader and computer before you leave. Entertainment and reading material on that long flight is a must! Going somewhere tropical?! Nothing more relaxing than reading poolside, so be prepared.
Pay or schedule any bills due while you are abroad.
You don't want to arrive home after a dream vacation to find your electric was shut off because your bill was due while you were away. Make sure all those bills are paid before you leave.
Research cellphone/data options
You will want to see what kind of international calling/data plans your cellphone provider offers. Some providers offer free international calls and data, while other providers will charge you by the minute if you do not sign up for an international plan. Those minutes can add up to A LOT of dollars if you're uploading vacation photos 24/7, so make sure you have an international plan before leaving.
Print all itineraries and hotel, flight and other confirmations
I like to print a hard copy of my flight and hotel e-mail confirmations – that way I don’t have to rely on having wi-fi or my data plan working to pull up my reservations.
Check the weather
Make sure you check the weather for your final destination so you know what to pack. Yes, weather constantly changes, but at least you will have an idea if it's shorts or hoodie weather. You don't want to spend trip souvenir money on wardrobe basics because you didn't pack properly.
Toss a pen in your purse right now!
You will need a pen to fill out customs forms before landing. I cannot tell you how many times I have been pen-less and left begging flight attendants and other passengers to borrow their pen. Don't be like me, NO ONE wants to lend you their pen. Half the time flight attendants will straight up say no and walk away, so toss that pen in your purse now while you're thinking about it.
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27 Comments
Robin rue
5/30/2017 03:35:21 pm

I always have my mother-in-law come by and get my mail and take my trash barrels in and out for us. It makes life so much easier.

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Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh link
5/30/2017 03:57:47 pm

Although we aren't planning on traveling abroad anytime soon, these are all great tips! I would have never thought about paying bills before we left, but coming back to no power or water would be awful!

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Terri Steffes link
5/30/2017 04:08:03 pm

I just got back from Mexico and I can validate ALL your suggestions. That bank call is super important. I would add to have some small bills for tipping!

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Cassie link
5/30/2017 04:44:53 pm

All great tips! We are regular travellers and these are all very valid. We have even had issues when the bank has stopped our credit card even though we had informed them we were going away! So always good to have some back up cash with you if needed also! and a way to contact the bank!

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Theresa link
5/30/2017 05:26:09 pm

These are such important tips! Are you traveling abroad soon? I haven't been with kids, but I bet it's a unique experience.

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Karen link
5/30/2017 05:36:46 pm

The adaptors are major. Like, gotta pack those first if you want to style your hair! haha! Also, letting your bank know is key even if you are traveling between states. I do that all the time (nowadays) because if I travel to another state (not even country) my bank shuts down the card. Good safety precaution, but not helpful if it's actually me using the card. Great tips!

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Angela Tolsma link
5/30/2017 05:53:39 pm

I have never thought to put my mail on hold! That's a great idea. The visa thing is also something I wouldn't have thought of! So I am happy to have these in mind for when I do go traveling this summer.

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Heather link
5/30/2017 09:31:31 pm

I have never traveled abroad before - these are great tips. I love the pen in the purse, I wouldn't even think about having to fill out forms!

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reesa
5/30/2017 10:05:52 pm

i've never traveled abroad! We've spoken about it, so maybe one day we will!!

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Marcie link
5/30/2017 10:54:41 pm

These are great tips! We always make sure to hold our mail. And if I'm expecting a package, I usually ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for it.

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Rhian Westbury link
5/31/2017 07:16:35 am

Great tips. I have a universal travel adapter so I don't have to worry about where I am going x

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Dawn McAlexander link
5/31/2017 10:12:09 am

I would always forget something like this when I am traveling abroad. Thanks for putting this list together for me. Now maybe I won't forget.

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Jeanine
5/31/2017 11:15:44 am

this is great! I have never traveled abroad before but would love to at some point!

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Cindy Ingalls link
5/31/2017 02:02:47 pm

These are such great tips. You really have to be extra prepared when traveling abroad because you may not be able to get the things you need at home or have access to great wifi.

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Charlotte link
5/31/2017 03:52:41 pm

This is a fab list of things to remember, the husband is going away soon and we had completely forgotten to check if he needed a visa which would have been a nightmare!

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Elizabeth O.
5/31/2017 11:01:19 pm

It's important to be prepared and you pretty much covered everything there is that needs to be done when you're about to leave the country.

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Kristin link
6/1/2017 01:23:24 am

Packing a travel adapter is such a great trip! They're lifesavers when you travel internationally for sure!

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Jennifer Pilgrim link
6/1/2017 08:45:27 am

This is such a great list of things that people forget to think about. Also register with the government that you'll be in a foreign country.

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Katriza link
6/1/2017 01:18:35 pm

Wow such a great list for people like me thats always forgetting something! Even though I make lists and lists! <3

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Heather link
6/1/2017 05:16:56 pm

Great tips! I love your suggestion to toss a pen in your bag. I'm sure traveling with kids makes this list quite a bit longer.

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Britany
6/1/2017 06:11:11 pm

Yes on the bank! My husband used to travel for work and his card was constantly getting flagged and declined while away. We kept calling but it was really stressful!

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Glenda
6/1/2017 09:17:08 pm

These are some great tips. I never thought about putting my mail on hold. In the past I had one of my sisters pick up the mail for me.

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Jean link
6/2/2017 06:54:06 am

Some great things to remember before going away! That has reminded me, I really need to update my passport which runs out soon. Hoping to get away this summer!

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Krystle Cook
6/2/2017 10:03:46 am

I have never been abroad but these are great tips. People may not think to pay bills ahead of time for when they are going to be gone. Great tip!

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HilLesha O'Nan link
6/2/2017 05:17:16 pm

I have only traveled abroad once and that was a few years ago. I'll definitely have to keep these tips in mind, because I'm definitely planning on traveling outside the country more.

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Amber Nelson link
6/2/2017 07:21:41 pm

Those are awesome tips! We may go overseas to see our exchange student!

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Misty Nelson Dawn
6/9/2017 06:21:40 pm

Such an awesome tips, I and my husband would love to travel abroad, I will keep this in my mind

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    CourtneyLynne is former model turned mommy & wifey! When not blogging all things foodie, fashion, travel, mom life & straight up fabulousness to the masses, she can be found chasing her toddler around in 6in stilettos & laughing at her own jokes her glass of wine told her to tell.

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