Top 5 Tips & Tricks for International Travel
Check your passport expiration date. You will always need to have an expiration at least 6 months past the date you are scheduled to return from your destination. And passport renewals are taking longer due to Covid, so check those dates now, so you are always ready to travel. And be sure to have a picture of your passport with you and leave copies with someone at home.
Be sure to have at least 1 credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Even if you are going on a cruise that departs and arrives back in the USA, when you get off the ship in any island, you will be subject to foreign transaction fees with purchases. Many credit cards now offer this.
It is cheaper to get foreign currency from your local bank than from the airport currency exchange booth. You may need that currency when you arrive at your destination for transportation and/or tips. And your bank will probably charge you a fee if you use an international ATM machine, so if you need foreign currency, contact your bank in advance, and see if they can get you the cash you need.
Contact your cell phone company to see what international plans are offered. It is not fun to come home and have a huge cell phone bill. And if you are taking a cruise, be sure to know how to use your phone aboard the ship.
Bring any over the counter medicines you may need along with prescription medication with you and take them in your carry-on suitcase. If you need something, you may not be able to find it or it may be very expensive. And you probably will need the meds during the middle of the night.