International destinations are very popular when it comes to picking a vacation spot. However, for the trip to go smoothly, you need to plan it well. And while several essentials are hard to forget about – for example, purchasing flight tickets or booking a hotel – there are also things people often neglect.

Preparing your medical documents, ensuring your credit card is in order, and getting vaccinated – those are just some of the things you should remember when planning a foreign trip. It would be best to cover your medical, financial, and safety needs in advance – otherwise, you may encounter an adventure you won’t like.

To help you take care of all the necessities, we’ve prepared a short checklist. Read on, and make sure you’re ready to travel abroad.

Preparing Your Documents

While the list of necessary documents will differ for every country, here are some of the things you should ensure you have. For example, when traveling to the United States, you’ll need a valid passport – issued within the last 15 years, a visa, and several other documents. Canada requires a valid passport with a machine-readable code, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). For most EU countries, you have to take a valid passport with a photo and a period of validity of at least three months after you plan on leaving the country.

Don’t forget to check if your health insurance policy covers travel to the country on your itinerary. Some countries require you to have insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay there.

Finally, prepare a list of all the medications you take and their dosages. Also, make sure you have all the information about your chronic illnesses and allergies. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign-speaking population, it is recommended to get medical translation services to ease the treatment process in case of an emergency.

Ensuring Your Credit Card Is in Order

While traveling, you’ll most certainly want to use your credit card – but what would happen if your card is lost or stolen?

To avoid any unfortunate situations, make sure you have a back-up plan. For example, if you’re not planning to travel abroad with your credit card, make sure to have a back-up card that’s not tied to the primary one. If something unexpected happens, you can still use this secondary card. Also, ask for a card that’s not too easy to steal. For example, get a credit card with a chip or one that’s hard to clone.

However, make sure you have enough cash to last at least three days during any unforeseen situations. The best way to travel abroad and feel safe is to have both cash and a credit card.

Getting Vaccinated

You know that vaccines are vital if you’re planning to travel abroad. But what if you don’t know what vaccinations you should get?

The World Health Organization recommends visiting a travel clinic for advice on the necessary vaccinations before going on a vacation abroad.

For example, you should get vaccinated against yellow fever if you plan to visit certain countries in Africa or South America. Also, consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A or B in case you plan to visit countries with poor sanitary conditions.

Finally, get vaccinated against typhoid and tetanus. Also, consider jabs against Lyme disease and rabies if you plan to visit rural areas or trek mountain paths while abroad.

Staying Connected Abroad

When it comes to staying in touch when traveling abroad, you can always rely on mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, which are very popular among tourists. They are helpful not only in local internet cafes and public spaces, but also in hotels with free Wi-Fi.

Also, make sure to download offline maps as well as apps that can help you navigate if you lose signal.

Preparing for Emergencies

When traveling abroad, especially if you do not speak the local language, it is crucial to think of any possible emergencies in advance and prepare yourself for anything. Make sure to have at least $300 in cash and some non-perishable food and medicine in case you get robbed or stranded somewhere.

You should also prepare yourself for medical emergencies by ensuring you have all the necessary medications with you and enough money to cover transportation costs – in case you need to get medical help.

Also, remember to ask the closest embassy or consulate for help if something goes wrong. You may need to file a report or ask for assistance with legal issues.

And finally, make sure to pack your travel insurance papers when traveling abroad. This will eliminate unnecessary additional paperwork in case anything happens. Also, acquiring travel insurance will be beneficial when handling any issues while traveling abroad.

Useful Documents and Devices

Make sure you have your boarding pass on hand at all times – especially if you plan on carrying any liquids through security checkpoints. Most airports have gone cash-free these days; therefore, it’s better to have your bank card with you in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure your passport is not expired and that it has plenty of blank pages for visas and stamps.

Another thing you should always carry with you is your mobile phone and charger. You never know when you might need to make an urgent call or send an important email. In addition, take a map of the country of your destination with you – especially if you’re planning a trip far from home.

If you are traveling with small kids who cannot speak the local language – especially those who can’t tell the police their home address – a notepad can be a lifesaver. Make sure to provide them with an emergency contact number, so that they can easily and quickly reach out to you, other family members, or caretakers in case something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Traveling abroad has several additional requirements and takes more time for preparations than traveling within your home country. Some of the requirements will provide you with essential safety measures during your stay in a foreign country, while some of them are necessary to make the trip happen in the first place.

Make sure to research your destination country to determine all the necessary procedures – from preparing required documents to getting vaccinated against particular diseases. It will allow you to eliminate the worries and fully (and safely) enjoy your vacation.