If you don't already have one, get a passport before doing anything else because international travel is impossible without it. The sooner the better because the application process sometimes takes 10 weeks or longer. Visit the State Department website to learn about applying. Determine visa requirements for your destination. Some countries allow U.S. citizens 30- to 90-day visas upon entry. Others like China and India require travelers to apply in advance. These applications also take a number of weeks, and require a passport. If you need a passport, and you need a visa in advance, begin the process as soon as possible. Many countries require proof of your intention to leave. A hard copy of your plane, train or bus ticket out of the country satisfies this requirement.
Some countries also require immunization records for entry. Obtain a copy from your doctor. In case of emergency, also carry copies of your insurance information. Contact your provider to find out if your coverage extends to international incidents. If not, contact a company like International Medical Group to pick up short-term traveler's insurance. Bring reservation confirmations for anything you booked in advance from lodging to tours. Pack copies of important contact information. This includes contact information for U.S. embassies in the country, health services and a list of all the people to whom you'll be sending postcards.
What you pack has a strong correlation with what you plan to do while abroad, so having at least the outline of an itinerary helps immensely. Consider the types of activities your trip includes. A great deal of hiking and outdoor activity calls for more rugged, comfortable clothing. On the other hand; high-end resorts or business meetings call for more formal wear. Also consider the time of year your visit takes place. Bear in mind seasons happen in reverse in the Southern Hemisphere. Note what parts of the country you'll be visiting, too. Some countries like Peru rest partly in the tropics, but towering sections of the Andes make their way through the country as well. Climate on the tropical coast varies immensely from the high mountains. Even when expecting cold weather, think minimalist when packing clothes. A good strategy is to lay out everything you plan to take, then only pack half. Aim for clothes that fit a number of situations. For example; some sweaters can be worn to a nice dinner or keep you warm on a night of hiking. Pack plenty of socks and underwear.
Traveling abroad takes more than clothes, however. It's a good idea to pack extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. You'll take more pictures than you think. If you need to use other electronics, bring a power adapter along, too. Having a major credit card helps in case of emergency, and ATMs often give the best exchange rates while abroad. However, plan on spending mostly cash and leaving the card somewhere safe. Bring a small quantity of American dollars to exchange at the airport, so you have a little money for cab fare to your hotel and other immediate costs. If you take medication, get enough to last for your whole trip. Other countries have pharmacies, but many are unreliable. Immodium or similar medication helps to alleviate any food emergencies. Women should also note that feminine hygiene products often prove hard to come by in some underdeveloped or culturally conservative countries, so pack enough. The same applies to contraception for both men and women, and many countries have a much greater rate of sexually transmitted disease. Pack a guidebook.
Before leaving, take a few more necessary steps. Contact your bank or credit card company, and let them know about your travel plans. This alerts them not to implement any blocks against fraud when foreign purchases show up on your statement. Ask the post office to put a hold on your mail while away. Make arrangements for pet or childcare if necessary. Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information and photocopies of your passport with family or friends in case of emergency.
Taking the time to research your destination before arrival greatly enhances your experience once you get there. Familiarize yourself with exchange rates and local currency, learn about local customs, and pick up a bit of the lingua franca. This prevents you from unintentionally offending anyone, and allows you to interact with residents on a more personal level. Talking and spending time with the people who live somewhere else gives you the opportunity to more thoroughly experience a culture. Plus, they usually know all the best spots for everything from eating to drinking to relaxing.
