No matter how long or short your trip is, it’s crucial to do proper research and preparation to ensure your journey is safe and smooth. Before embarking on an adventure to a new country, I always go through these four essential steps to ensure nothing goes wrong!
Whether it’s your first time traveling abroad or it’s been a while since your last trip, these steps are vital to remember so that you don’t run into any unnecessary issues once you’re overseas.
1. Vaccinations
First and foremost, let’s talk about travel vaccinations. For shorter trips, especially to popular destinations like Europe or North America, you likely won’t need any special vaccinations. However, if you’re headed to places like Africa, South America, or Asia, it’s key to check with both a travel agency and your local doctor to see what vaccinations are necessary. Depending on the destination, length of stay, and type of travel, common vaccinations might include rabies, yellow fever, polio, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and more.
Each destination comes with its own risks, so researching the specific requirements of your chosen country is a must. Some areas may also recommend—or even require—antimalarial medication, especially if you’re traveling to regions with high malaria risk. These tablets can save you from serious health complications, and it’s always better to be proactive before entering a malaria-prone zone.
An important note is that some vaccinations must be administered days or weeks in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute. Your doctor and travel clinic will be able to look over your itinerary and advise on any additional medicines or precautions you should take (tap water, foods to avoid etc…) Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Double-check with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re fully protected before departing on your trip.
2. eSIM or International Phone Plan
In this day and age, staying connected while traveling is more important than ever. Whether you’re driving on unfamiliar roads, walking to find your accommodation, or keeping in touch with friends and family, reliable internet access is essential.
Many places offer free Wi-Fi, but depending on your itinerary, you’ll likely find yourself in situations where you need access to data on the go. International phone plans are an option, and some mobile providers offer easy plans like enabling roaming for a fixed daily fee. This can be convenient but might not be the most cost-effective for longer trips.
Another great alternative is using an eSIM. If you’re unfamiliar with eSIMs, they’re digital SIM cards that can be downloaded directly to your phone via apps like Airalo. This makes them a great choice for frequent travelers who want the ability to switch between networks and different countries without having to swap physical SIM cards. The key thing to note with eSIMs is that your phone needs to be unlocked by your provider for it to work. Once that’s sorted, eSIMs can often be cheaper and more convenient than traditional roaming options.
Staying connected can also provide an extra layer of safety, allowing you to view local maps, emergency numbers, or translations at any time. Make sure your phone plan—or eSIM—is set up before you land at your destination so you’re not struggling to get connected in a foreign country.
3. Check Your Passport’s Validity
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take: ensuring that your passport has sufficient validity before you travel. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. This is because countries want to ensure that travelers have enough validity on their passports so that they’re not stuck in a foreign country with an expired document.
Before you head off to a new place, check your passport’s expiration date and research the specific entry requirements for your destination. Some countries also require blank pages in your passport for visa stamps, so that’s another important piece to consider. If your passport is nearing its expiration date or lacks the required blank pages, renew it far in advance to avoid any last-minute problems.
Pro tip: Keep a few photocopies of your passport with you and with friends at home, just in case your passport is lost or stolen. This simple step can save you a lot of stress when traveling abroad.
4. Enroll in the STEP Program and Check US Travel Advisories
The final step, and one that is often overlooked, is enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)offered by the US Department of State. I recently discovered this program myself, and I wish I had known about it earlier.
First, always review the US Department of State’s travel website for the most up-to-date information regarding entry and exit requirements, visa applications, and travel advisories for your destination. This website is full of useful information, especially if you’re going into unfamiliar territory or you are unsure of your destination’s current situation.
After gathering all the necessary information, head over to the STEP program and create an account. The program allows you to register your travel plans with the Department of State so they are aware of where you’ll be during your trip. This can be vital in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, political unrest, or other crisis. Should something unexpected happen, the US government will know where you are and can do its best to assist you in case of evacuation or other support.
Even if there are no emergencies, registering with STEP provides peace of mind for you and your friends and family back home. It’s a quick and easy process that can make all the difference in a crisis, so be sure to add it to your pre-travel checklist.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is an incredible, life-changing experience, but it’s essential to prepare yourself to avoid unnecessary risks. By following these four steps—getting the necessary vaccinations, setting up an international phone plan, checking your passport’s validity, and enrolling in the STEP program—you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother, safer trip.
While some of these steps may seem basic, they can easily slip your mind in the craziness of trip planning. Taking the time to ensure your health, safety, and connection to your home country will allow you to fully enjoy your adventures without the stress of very preventable complications. Safe travels!
For more of my adventures and travel tips check out my recent blog posts!