Preparing for an International Trip — Step-by-Step Guide: 22 Steps

Check the destination page for entry and exit rules, visa requirements, passport-validity rules, local laws, security conditions, and current Travel Advisory information.

Confirm that your passport will remain valid for the period required by your destination and that it is undamaged and has enough blank pages if required.

Determine whether your destination or transit countries require a visa, electronic travel authorization, arrival form, or other advance permission. Record application deadlines and confirmation numbers.

Estimate transportation, lodging, local transit, food, activities, insurance, connectivity, tips, taxes, emergency funds, and currency-conversion costs. Keep a contingency amount.

Check passenger names, dates, airports or stations, baggage rules, lodging dates, cancellation terms, and transfer times. Save confirmation numbers in one place.

Check CDC travel health information for your destination and discuss vaccines, medicines, health conditions, and planned activities with a healthcare professional when appropriate.

Check what your current health insurance covers abroad and consider travel medical, evacuation, cancellation, interruption, or baggage coverage based on your trip risks and budget.

U.S. travelers can consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can send security and emergency information.

Save emergency contacts, the nearest embassy or consulate, travel-insurance assistance, airline contacts, and trusted family contacts. Make sure someone at home has your itinerary.

Bring enough medication for the trip plus a reasonable buffer when possible, keep critical medicine accessible, and check destination rules for controlled or restricted medicines.

Keep copies or secure digital backups of your passport identification page, visas, insurance, itinerary, and important reservations. Keep backups separate from originals.

Check foreign transaction fees, card travel controls, ATM access, and whether some local cash is useful. Avoid carrying all cards and cash in one place.

Choose how you will use calls, messages, maps, authentication codes, and mobile data abroad. Download essential apps and offline maps before departure.

Update device software, enable screen locks and multi-factor authentication, save recovery options securely, and avoid relying on a single device for every reservation and login.

Confirm carry-on and checked-bag size and weight limits, fees, connections, and any special rules for sports equipment, batteries, or other unusual items.

Review current TSA guidance for liquids, medications, electronics, batteries, and prohibited items before packing your carry-on.

Keep passport, wallet, phone, chargers, medication, one change of clothes, valuable items, essential documents, and items needed during transit in your carry-on when permitted.

Handle mail, deliveries, pets or plants, trash, lights, appliances, security, and a trusted contact as appropriate. Avoid publicly advertising that your home is empty.

Complete airline check-in when available and recheck departure terminal, boarding time, seat, baggage allowance, and any schedule changes.

Confirm you have your passport and any other required identification or travel documents. U.S. airport identification requirements should be checked against current TSA guidance.

Know how you will get from the airport or station to your lodging, how late check-in works, and what to do if your flight is delayed.

Confirm you have your passport, baggage, phone connectivity, lodging access, safe transport, local emergency numbers, and a practical way to pay before leaving the arrival area.