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.