18 International Travel Essentials for U.S. Citizens

18 International Travel Essentials for U.S. Citizens

Preparing for international travel can be overwhelming. Between visas, travel insurance, and packing, there’s a lot you don’t want to forget. Unless you are going to Canada or Mexico, traveling overseas from the U.S. is a long and far. That’s why I created a list of 18 international travel essentials for U.S. citizens.

I have traveled internationally since I was young and learned many tips and tricks on what to bring and how to prepare. I want to help you create a list of everything you need to do (including things people often forget) and essentials to pack.

Also check out 17 Smart Essentials for the Ultimate Carry-on Packing List

1. Visas and Vaccines

Before you book your trip, check to see if your destination requires a visa and/or vaccines and medications. To do this, look up the website of the country you are planning a trip to.

Take a look at how long the visa process takes and the length of stay within the visa to properly plan your trip.

If any medications or vaccines are required, check the timeline of requirements prior to travel. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so you can be sure to get the required vaccines and prescriptions in a timely matter.

When I traveled to Guatemala, it was required that I take certain medications starting one week prior to travel and while traveling.

2. Travel Insurance

I HIGHLY recommend travel insurance. A great peace of mind for the what-ifs such as theft, medical emergency, and trip cancellation.

I knew a couple who traveled to Paris and the first day there, one of them broke their leg! Luckily, they had travel insurance to help cover medical bills, cancel the rest of their trip, and change their flight to come home early.

Another family I booked a trip for had to reschedule the day before because the child had just fallen sick with pneumonia! Travel insurance helped them reschedule their trip without penalty.

Depending on the type of trip, make sure you get a plan that properly covers you. Most people talk about ensuring your plan has trip cancellation, but there are other important factors to consider.

Medical is definitely a must. If your traveling to remote Islands, than medical evacuation should also be apart of your plan.

If your trip includes extreme excursions like SCUBA diving, mountain climbing, or any other sport where injury could be severe, find a travel insurance company that specializes in that type of trip.

When I traveled to the Galapagos, I needed to get travel insurance that specialized in SCUBA diving trips. The plan needed to include medical evacuation and hyperbaric chamber so that I was covered even in the worst case scenario.

Travel Insurance Recommendations:
SafetyWing – Best for an extended or nomadic trip
Chubb – Great for short or long trips domestic or international

3. Download Apps

Download any necessary apps ahead of time and log in! Apps often have you confirm by sending you a confirmation code by text. This is much easier to do in your home country then using roaming data. Here’s a few of the apps you might want to consider downloading.

• Airline apps are so useful. You can check into your flight, access your boarding pass, and get notifications updating you on your flight.
• Travel insurance. Depending on the travel insurance you get, there might be an app that you can use in case of an emergency or to file a claim. If not an app, then definitely some type of contact information, like a phone number or email. Have this information handy, maybe on a note on your phone or paper note stored in your wallet. Hopefully, you don’t need to use it at all but that’s the point of travel insurance!
• Uber/Lyft/Local Taxi. We were once stranded at a gas station in Rome. I was able to use Wi-Fi to download the Uber app but it needed to confirm my identity through text so I had to turn on my data. The Wi-Fi was also slow so it took a while to download and set up. Had I done it at home, it would have saved us a lot of time.

4. Copy of Itinerary and Passport

Everyone knows that to travel internationally you need your passport and ID. What most people don’t think about is having copies.

It is smart to have backups of important documentation and information of your whereabouts in case of an emergency. Give a copy of your itinerary and passport to someone you trust who is not traveling with you.

Make sure your passport is up to date. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport expires in less than 6 months.

I also keep pictures of my ID, Passport, and Birth Certificate on my phone in case my wallet gets stolen.

*Note: I do not take my birth certificate with me when I travel, but its a good idea to have a picture just in case. If you’re traveling with a minor, you may need a copy of their birth certificate for identification. This is listed on most airlines when you purchase a ticket for a minor but I have never been asked when going through security.

5. A Card With no Foreign Transaction Fees

If you don’t already have one, open a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. If you’re not sure if yours has that, you can go to the website and check.

I don’t find it as important to carry lots of cash anymore, but I do have some in case of emergencies. It is important to note that if you rent an apartment or a private home on Airbnb or booking.com, there may be a country tax that you pay in cash at check in. So make sure you bring cash that when exchanged, will equal the amount of the tax.

You can also look into getting a debit card with no foreign transaction fees so that you can grab cash at your destination in the local currency at any ATM. Capitol One or Charles Schwab are popular choices.

Also, don’t forget to notify your credit card carriers when and where you will be traveling or you risk the bank freezing your accounts.

My favorite no foreign transaction fee credit cards are:
Chase Sapphire
Capitol One Venture

6. Viator

If you’re looking to book tours at your destination, Viator has many options!

Through Viator, we have booked tours like a day trip to Capri, a Colosseum tour, a Scottish Highlands tour to Loch Ness, and a Jack the Ripper walking tour in London, to name a few. There are so many tour options in almost every country!

Check out all the tours at your next destination HERE!

7. Anti-Theft Tools

Years ago there was concern of RFID technology. It was recommended to travel with RFID blocking bags, purses, wallets, etc… to protect your credit cards and ID. Recent findings show that RFID blocking tools are not necessary because your information being stolen by RFID scanners while not in use, is far less likely than cards being stolen or being careless with your credit card number.

Learn more about RFID here

I do have a travel purse that is anti-theft and RFID blocking just for peace of mind. It has lasted me about 8 years and I still use it when I travel internationally!

Even if I don’t need to worry about RFID scanners, pickpocketing is common so I love the anti-theft features. My purse is cut proof and has locking zippers to prevent people from reaching in my bag.

8. Luggage locks

Luggage locks are a great way to keep your valuables safe. Not only on checked luggage but on carry on luggage as well.

Sometimes flights are full and you may have to put your carry on in an overhead bin far away from your seat. Luggage locks can give you peace of mind while you’re not in constant supervision of your bag.

I also use them to lock valuables in my bags when I leave my hotel room for the day, especially if there is not a safe in the room.

Make sure you get TSA approved locks! Otherwise, you run the risk of them being cut off in the case that they need to search your bag.

9. Safety Tools

My top two safety tools that I travel with are a door stop alarm and a CO2 detector. I also bring a mini first aid kit and a personal alarm.

There seems to be a rise in carbon monoxide related deaths to travelers staying in rental properties that are not equipped with CO2 detectors. For peace of mind, bring your own portable detector.

A door stop alarm is exactly as it sounds. A wedge that stops a door from opening with a button on top that will start a loud alarm scaring off any intruder. I think this is a safety must for anyone but especially important if you are a solo female traveler or traveling with kids.

10. Cell Phone Data

Cell phone roaming data can be expensive. Apps like Nomad and Airlo have eSim cards that you can download and use on your phone. You still won’t be able to make calls and text but you can use data when you don’t have Wi-Fi. For calls and texts I recommend WhatsApp or Facebook messenger.

For cell phone data while traveling, check out
Nomad – Get $5 off by using my code: THERWJUFUB
Airlo

11. Universal Power Adapter

Different countries have different outlet configurations. There are many power adapters that can adjust to any country. We have a power strip with 4 outlets and 3 USB ports and a small adapter with one outlet, 2 USB ports, and 2 USBC ports. We only need to bring these two for my family of 3, and we can charge all our devices.

12. Reusable water bottle

I’m that crazy person that always carries a reusable water bottle with me, even when I’m not traveling. Bringing one on a trip is a no brainer, it cuts down on plastic waste and saves money. 16-24oz is a good size.

Remember to bring it empty through the airport and fill it after going through security. Most airports have water fill stations by the bubblers.

13. Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On

Sometimes mistakes happen and checked bags get lost. I learned my lesson the hard way and had to borrow clothes from my cousin for two days before my luggage finally arrived in Cancun.

Since then, I pack all essentials in my carry-on including, a change of clothes, a swim suit, and medications. For my full list check out 17 Smart Essentials for the Ultimate Carry-On Packing List.

For long haul flights, I also bring toiletries freshen up. I try to stick to a routine as best as I can and wash my face and brush my teeth in the airplane bathroom or at the airport. I usually pack a tooth brush and travel size tooth paste, face cleansing wipes and travel size moisturizer, and glasses, contacts, and travel size contact solution. I also bring an extra pair of contacts in case I loose one.

Flying with a little one in tow? Check out What to Pack When Flying With a Toddler

14. A Large Scarf

A large scarf can have many uses while traveling. I have used it as a blanket on a plane, a shawl when I get cold, or to cover up my shoulders when entering a religious space.

It is important to remember when traveling, there are different customs and expectations. Be mindful and respectful of the rules and requests. A scarf can aid in covering up when needed.

15. Research the Local Culture and Language

Again, be mindful and respectful of the local culture. Do a quick google search to learn social norms and a few words or phrases in the local language.

16. Expanding Your Bag

Many suitcases have an extra zipper to be able to expand. Pro tip: Only expand on the way home! Only pack what will fit into the suitcase fully closed so you can expand to make room for souvenirs.

17. Good Multi-Use Shoes

Be sure to pack a good pair of multi-use shoes for the trip. If your going to be doing a lot of walking, make sure you have good arch support and cushion so your feet are comfortable all day.

Wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane. I typically bring one pair of walking shoes and a pair of flip flops if I’m going someplace warm or there is a pool.

If you are a workout junkie and still plan on working out during your trip, wear workout shoes that you also plan on walking around in. I tend to stick to yoga or barefoot workouts to avoid packing another pair of shoes.

18. Clothes

Check the weather at your destination for the time of year you plan on going. If you are going someplace warm, keep in mind your comfort on the flight. I get cold so even in summer I wear pants and a jacket on the flight.

Plan out your outfits for each day to avoid over packing.

If you really need to pack light, on a hiking trip for example, bring travel sized laundry detergent to wash quick dry clothes and hang dry them in your bathroom. This way, you only need to pack 3-4 outfits that you can wash and re-wear.

Conclusion: 18 Powerful International Travel Essentials for U.S. Citizens

I hope this list was able to provide you with a little more direction and clarity on how to prepare for an international trip! Nothing ruins a travel day more than forgetting something important.

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