International travel can be thrilling, eye-opening, and deeply rewarding—but it can also be stressful if you’re not prepared, especially when things go wrong. From navigating airports and time zones to managing documents and currency, the logistics of traveling abroad can quickly become overwhelming.
Fortunately, with a little planning, you can minimize hassles and focus more on the adventure.
I’ve traveled a lot over the past thirty years and have learned the hard way when I wasn’t prepared when things went awry. Below are my top 14 essential tips for stress-free international travel, especially when traveling by air.
These tips and some of the websites are aimed at American travelers, but you can check your own country’s websites as applicable. The tips will help you to avoid common pitfalls so you can make the most of your journey with confidence and ease.
Get a Global Entry Clearance
Global Entry is a program of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to receive expedited clearance upon arrival back into the U.S. through automatic kiosks at select airports.
Upon entry, you simply have your face scanned for recognition, allowing you to bypass the Customs and Border Patrol line.
Obtaining Global Entry automatically enrolls you in TSA Pre-Check at a slightly higher cost than the standalone Pre-Check service fee. This allows travelers to use the shorter TSA Pre-check line at U.S. domestic airports.
To get a Global Entry clearance, you will need to pay a $120 fee and apply online, and then attend a scheduled in-person interview.
Have Travel Insurance
It is always a good idea to have travel insurance to cover unexpected travel issues that may arise, such as a last-minute cancellation or health issues. Be sure that you understand what your travel insurance covers.
Some travel insurance provided through credit cards doesn’t cover items that may be covered through a stand-alone travel insurance policy. I found out the hard way that some prepaid car rentals are not covered due to a flight delay.
Read More: Why You Need International Travel Insurance When You Travel
Download Tripit
Tripit is a free travel app that organizes travel plans on your mobile device. When you receive a booking confirmation for a hotel, car, flight, cruise, or tour, you simply forward it to the Tripit app, and an itinerary for your trip is organized.
You can load multiple trips on Tripit. Tripit Pro, which costs $49 per year, provides users with a fare tracker, seat tracker, and dynamic updates, such as flight changes, helping you to navigate any surprises along the way.
Tripit Pro also allows for downloading travel documents and for easier sharing and coordination between people using the same app.
Understand Customs and Visa Requirements
Before you book an international trip, it’s essential to check the visa and customs requirements of your destination. The U.S. State Department webpage tracks visa regulations for every country.
Visit the official government or embassy website of the country you plan to visit to find up-to-date visa policies, application procedures, and processing times. Many countries now require visitors to download country-specific mobile passport control apps on their phones.
Check the Weather
Check the weather report of your destination the day before you leave to prepare for variable conditions, and the proper clothing needed. Even if you are going to a warm-weather destination, it is beneficial to carry a light sweater or jacket for evening conditions or for air conditioning on your flight.
It is also helpful to be prepared for the weather at intermediate stops along the way, in case you miss your connection.
Pack Properly
It’s better to under-pack than over-pack, and if possible, use carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage. Air travelers are generally allowed one carry-on bag and a smaller bag that can fit beneath the seat. Many airline ticket prices, especially domestic tickets, require payment for checked luggage.
Keeping your luggage with you will minimize issues or conflicts in case it is lost. Check ahead of time to determine if there are laundry facilities at your hotel, cruise ship, or other destination, reducing the amount of clothing you need.
Make sure to bring some change of clothing in your carry-on baggage in case your checked luggage is lost. It is also good to put a lightweight backpack in your luggage that you can use while touring around.
Finally, it’s a good idea to pack a few gallon-sized ziplock bags for storing wet clothing or bottles with liquids.
Read More: How to Pack Light for Any Length Trip Abroad
Use AirTags
An AirTag is an Apple-based tracking device that helps people locate personal objects. They can be attached to a key ring or placed in luggage. By placing the AirTag in your luggage, you can track it in real-time on your iPhone or Apple device.
This provides you with peace of mind as it is being loaded onto your flight. The cost of an individual tag is under $30, and a set of four can be purchased for about $100.
It is also beneficial to place an AirTag in your carry-on baggage in case the gate agent requires you to check it at the gate, or if it gets lost or stolen. Tile is a similar tracking device that works with both Android and Apple devices.
Read More: 10 Travel Tech Products to Make Travel Easier
Know Your Intermediate Flight Options
If you have a connecting flight, know the alternative flight options ahead of time, in the event that your initial flight is delayed and you miss your connection. This will allow you to call customer service to arrange an alternative flight and beat the crowds at the customer service center.
It is also helpful to know ahead of time how long your rental car company will keep the reservation. On one occasion, my rental car company cancelled the prepaid reservation without reimbursement due to the late arrival time.
Always Carry a Pen
Have you ever been frustrated while sitting on a plane, or upon landing at an airport, having to fill out customs forms and not having an instrument to write with? And then having to beg your neighbor, flight attendant, or agent, and then patiently wait?
Always keep a pen or two in your backpack, purse, or carry-on to avoid this common frustration and being the last person through customs.
Understand Your Credit Cards
It is important to know if your credit card is accepted where you are traveling. In many countries, the American Express or Discover credit card is not accepted. I usually carry one Visa and one MasterCard, as well as a debit card.
Also, check your credit card to see if a foreign transaction fee is charged. Call your credit card customer service or use the online service in advance to inform your credit card company of your upcoming international travel.
Credit card companies will usually suspend your credit card for suspected fraudulent activity.
Keep Cash on Hand
It is always a good idea to carry U.S. cash or Euros, including small bills. Keeping some amount of cash is useful in the case of an emergency or for tipping.
When arriving at an international airport, ATMs often charge high fees, and having cash upon arrival can be useful in paying for any airport services, such as food, taxi, or porter service.
Know the Transportation Options
Research in advance the transportation options available at the destination airport, and where they are located. In many countries, especially developing countries, travelers are bombarded upon clearing customs with taxi operators.
Many cities have a wide variety of transportation options, including rail service from the airport directly to the central part of the city. Other places may have very limited options. Knowing the options ahead of time will provide you with peace of mind and reduce stress at the beginning of your vacation.
AirNav is a website that provides information and links to both domestic and international airport websites.
Keep Copies of Pertinent Data
Keep copies of pertinent data, such as your passport, Global Entry, and credit card information (including customer service telephone numbers). Keep this information in a separate location (such as on your phone or a separate piece of paper) in the event that any items are lost or stolen.
This will save time and allow you to easily provide the information you need when having to report the loss.
Minimize Jet Lag
Jet lag can throw off your sleep, energy, and enjoyment, especially on long-haul international flights. To minimize its effects, adjust your sleep schedule a few days before departure to match your destination’s time zone. Go to bed and wake up slightly earlier or later, depending on the direction of travel.
During the flight, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Try to avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, and sleep if it aligns with the time at your destination. When you reach your destination, spend time outdoors in natural light to help reset your internal clock, and avoid long naps.
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Author Bio: Steve Sindiong is a travel writer, photographer and urban planner. He has been traveling the world since he was a child. His quest for traveling began while at the University of Cincinnati, as an Urban Planning undergraduate student, when he spent a semester abroad traveling the Balkans, learning about urban design. During graduate school, he conducted his urban planning thesis in Stockholm, Sweden and backpacked throughout Europe. Since then, he’s traveled throughout all 50 U.S. states and to over 80 countries on six continents and aspires to see many more. He currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his partner and their dog, Benji. Learn more about Steve’s travels and and writing at journeyswithsteve.com
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