We’re thinking outside the lines this summer – and by “lines” we mean the US border. Staycations are taking a back seat and we’ve got the data to prove it. Our numbers show a 42% increase in international travel searches and a 2% decrease in domestic travel queries. Which means a lot of us are either leaving the country soon or are actively planning to do so.
Whether this is your first time abroad or you just forget what it’s like to travel internationally, here are a few things to consider before your next international trip, as recommended by our very own KAYAK team.
First things first: check on your passport.
You’ve probably figured this one out already if you’ve tried to book a flight (many airlines require passport info when you check out). It’s crucial to check that your passport is far from expiring – ie, that it’s valid for at least another 6 months before your international trip. It also helps to read up on your destination’s entry requirements before you officially buy those flights. Don’t have a passport yet, or need to get it renewed? Read up on what next steps to take and build in extra time for processing. Wait times are up to 10 – 13 weeks for US passports, so get that app started like… now.
Passport? Check. Now check for visas.
Though the majority of places just need a valid passport for entry, certain destinations like Australia, India and Vietnam require you to get a visitor’s visa ahead of time. Read up on the entry requirements for your destination or take a look at resources like CIBTvisas to do a quick check to make sure you don’t need anything extra to enter.
Try to pack light enough that you’ll only need a carryon.
It might be a tight squeeze, but packing just a carryon means that you’ll always have your stuff with you. We’ve all heard the horror stories about lost luggage – having everything on hand minimizes the chances of lost stuff impacting your trip. Try packing using the capsule wardrobe method or try booking a stay that offers laundry as an optional amenity. If you absolutely need to check a bag, give yourself some peace of mind by slipping an Airtag in one of the outside pockets before you send your stuff away.
Order the essentials to get delivered to your hotel or rental.
Tight on luggage space? Preorder essentials – toiletries, snacks, extra socks, etc. – to your hotel or rental ahead of time. This is especially helpful for travelers with young children and it saves you time, space and stress. Just give your hotel or rental host(s) a heads up before you order, in case your stuff gets delivered before you arrive.
Make your life easier by getting an eSIM for your phone.
Setting your phone up for international use doesn’t have to be a whole thing, especially if you set up an eSIM before you leave. An eSIM is basically a wireless SIM card for your phone that connects you to a local network while you’re abroad. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs are digital and are fairly easy to install. Plus, they tend to offer quick internet speeds, security protection and can help you avoid international roaming fees from your carrier.
Not sure where to start with your eSIM search? We’d recommend CELITECH. For certain destinations, you can buy a CELITECH eSIM and save up to 80% on best-in-class data when you book your trip through us. Check out their site to find out more about their eSIM cards and how to get started.
Do your research on customs.
Not customs control… though we’ll get to that. Make sure to do some research about things like basic greetings (hello, please and thank you tend to go a long way) at your destination. Brushing up on your destination’s language, currency, tipping and other customs will help you feel more prepared and confident during your travels. Plus, having this background info will make it easier for you to experience and respect the country’s culture.
Going to more than one place? Look into Global Entry.
Speaking of customs, Global Entry makes it a breeze to get back into the country. If you plan to take multiple trips abroad in the near future, we’d suggest applying. Not only does it come with TSA PreCheck, but most credit card companies cover the application fee and your membership is good for up to 5 years.
The application process is relatively simple and certain airports offer in-person interviews as Global Entry offices tend to have a bit of a waitlist. The time savings when coming back through customs are well worth it. Some international countries have also started to use Global Entry, which speeds up the arrival process, too.
Customer service, but make it a tweet.
Having problems on your way to or from your international destination? Many airlines offer robust and speedy customer service – just tap into Twitter. Or if you’d prefer to speak to an actual human, you can call the airline’s international phone line – we’ve got a list of numbers here.
Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Contrary to popular belief, many international vendors do accept debit cards. Which means you don’t always have to take out a ton of cash when you’re traveling. Do some digging to find out which credit and debit cards don’t charge extra fees for international transactions. Then, find out if that card is widely accepted at your destination. Travel is already expensive – there’s no need to spend more just because you’re abroad.
Bring extra adapters and portable chargers.
There’s nothing worse than realizing your battery is on 20% and you’re only halfway through the day. We recommend buying a portable charger and an extra cord to have on hand while you’re out and about. Even if you don’t need it, odds are someone in your group might. Plus, you’ll always have extra charge in case of an emergency.
The same goes for electrical adapters – research your destination to find out which adapter you will need and try to stock up. Try getting at least two, one for your carryon and one for your checked luggage (if you have any). That way, you’ll always have a back up and will never be without a little juice.
Ready to book your next international escape? Check out our Best Time to Travel tool to find out exactly when to get that vacation on the books.
