Hard-Earned Tips for International Travel

Captured above the coast of Spain—but the lessons in this post come from years of globe-trotting, trial and error, and a few hard-earned wake-up calls.

Like all aspects of life, the best travel lessons come from making mistakes. I’ve had my fair share of travel mishaps, and over time, I’ve collected some tried-and-true tips that have made international travel smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Whether you're a seasoned globe-trotter or planning your first big trip abroad, here’s what I’ve learned, usually the hard way, that might save you time, money, and a few headaches.

Before You Go:

• Register with Your Government: If you’re a U.S. citizen, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Canadians, head to Registration of Canadians Abroad. It’s free, and in the unlikely event of an emergency — natural disaster, civil unrest, or a lost passport—— this registration helps your government assist you more quickly. If you are traveling with your family, each member must have their own username and password. You will not be able to register everyone in your party.

• Passport Check: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return date and has at least two blank pages for stamps. Otherwise, the airline could deny you boarding, and some countries will not let you in. Of course, always check the specific requirements for your destination.

• Vaccines and Medications: Check the CDC Traveler's Health website for destination-specific vaccine requirements. If you’re passing through or visiting a country with a Yellow Fever risk, you’ll need to show your Yellow Fever card. Also, pack key medications, such as Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and a prescription like Ciprofloxacin for travelers’ gastrointestinal ailments. Trust me, you want these within arm's reach at 2 AM. A bonus tip is to research medication restrictions by country. Japan, for instance, bans Adderall and some common cold medications that you wouldn't realize are prohibited. The United Arab Emirates has similar restrictions regarding medication.

• Health Insurance Abroad: Your domestic primary plan probably doesn’t cover international care. Consider a plan like GeoBlue Travel Insurance, or check if your credit card includes travel insurance. Geo Blue has trip-specific plans as well as annual ones. InsureMyTrip is a comparison website that will help determine which company and policy is right for you.

  
  

Tech and Paperwork:

• eSIMs and Connectivity: Even with a great international phone plan, service can be spotty in remote areas. I have traveled to very remote areas with no service. This wasn't a surprise, but being in a major metropolitan city with no service? Now that WAS a surprise. For me, it comes down to safety. I want to be able to access my maps and phone at all times. After a few unsettling experiences that left me feeling vulnerable, I’m now committed to using an eSIM (like Airalo) moving forward.

• Visas and Entry Requirements: Don’t rely on Facebook groups or Google, which can take you to unofficial websites. Go straight to the source:

  • U.S. Passport Holders

  • Canadian Citizens

    These sites offer accurate entry/exit requirements and official visa links. Read through the details carefully, as you will learn about specific laws, like prohibited medications, and whether a visa is required, among other things. For example, it states that visitors should refrain from small talk with taxi drivers in the United Arab Emirates. It is worth your time to take a few minutes and read through the information regarding your destination.

• Make a Travel Folder: Snap photos of your passport, including the photo page and bar code, visas, driver’s license, and travel insurance card. Save them in a designated folder on your phone for easy retrieval if needed.

• Print Your E-Visas: Even if it says "digital copy accepted," always have a hard copy. Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and ultimately, you’re at the discretion of the passport control officer, so having a printed copy of your visa is always a smart idea.

Safety and Savvy International Travel Tips:

• Cash, Cards, and Copies: Keep some local cash, a backup credit card, and a copy of your passport hidden in your suitcase (not your day bag). If the worst happens and you lose your wallet and passport, that backup could prevent your trip from turning into a disaster.

• Use an ATM at the airport: When you land, grab some local currency. Not everywhere takes credit cards, especially in smaller towns or markets. If the airport does not have an ATM, only use an ATM at an authorized bank to prevent fraud.

• Pay in Local Currency: When using a credit card, always pay in the local currency—EUR instead of USD, for example. You’ll get a better exchange rate that way.

• Foreign Transaction Fees: If you don’t already have a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, it’s time to get one. It makes a big difference over the course of a trip. If you are applying for a new credit card, I have found that American Express is not accepted universally.

• Adapters and Plugs: A multi-country adapter like Saunorch Universal (around $20 on Amazon) is a game changer. This one adapter works in multiple countries. I have an earlier model, and I like that I can grab it and it will work anywhere.

• Feminine Products in Muslim Countries: If you’re heading to a Muslim destination, pack your own tampons or pads. In my experience, they are often hard to find or not sold at all.

  
  

On the Go:

• Language and Respect: Learn a few key phrases in the local language—it goes a long way with locals and shows you respect their culture.

• Ride Share Know-How: Research local ride apps ahead of time. It might be Uber, Ola, PickMe, or something else entirely, depending on the country. If it is possible, register for the ride-share app before you leave home so it is ready to use upon your arrival. Another tip that I have found not only gives me peace of mind but has also alerted me to a questionable situation, especially when I am traveling solo. Whenever you get in a taxi or ride share, discreetly plug your destination into Google Maps on your phone and keep it running during the ride. It’s a subtle way to monitor the route and ensure you're not being taken for a ride -- literally. If Uber is available, I prefer Uber as I don't need to worry about a language barrier or questionable fares, not to mention that there is recorded evidence of my ride.

• Customs Forms and Pens: Always carry a black ink pen in your carry-on for customs paperwork. Flight attendants rarely have extras, and you’ll want everything filled out before hitting passport control.

Avoiding Common Scams:

• Stay pickpocket-smart: Pickpocketing is the most common crime I’ve encountered while traveling. Use a crossbody bag that zips shut, never hang your purse or backpack on the back of a chair at a café, and be especially mindful in crowded spaces like markets, trains, or major tourist attractions. I’ll never forget when my daughter had her phone stolen at the Eiffel Tower—she hadn’t zipped her purse, and it was gone in a flash. Learn from us and zip it up tight.

Every trip teaches us something new. Hopefully, these tips will help you avoid a few of the mistakes I’ve already made so you can focus on discovering, connecting, and creating unforgettable travel moments.

✈️ Have a tip of your own or a travel lesson learned the hard way? I’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message. If this post helped you, share it with a fellow traveler or save it for your next adventure.