Tips Before Your Trip

Your trip is booked and the anticipation of your upcoming adventure is building. As you plan and prepare for your upcoming trip, review these tips to make sure you don’t forget anything important, especially if you are traveling outside of the U.S.

Essentials

• Visit the U.S. State Department International Travel page or the tourism website for your destination country and review any requirements for visitors or advisories in place. Some countries still have requirements in place for Covid-19 testing, minimum travel insurance coverage, and more.
• Make copies of the last page (bar code) of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member. Take another copy with you, in a separate part of your luggage from the actual passport, or take a photo of it with your smart phone.
• Take a small amount of cash ($100-300) in local currency for ease of transition at your destination. Many international currencies can be purchased from your own bank (if it’s large enough) or through a large, corporate bank.
• Make sure your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting. Most non-U.S. banks have switched almost entirely to the more secure chip-and-PIN technology. Fewer businesses abroad are accepting the outdated magnetic-strip cards. You may also want to find a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, as this can save you a lot of money.
• Call your bank, and/or debit and credit card companies to advise them of your travel dates and destinations. You can also do this by logging onto your online account.
• Check with your cell phone provider about plans and pricing for international calling, texting and data.

Packing

• Review the size and weight limitations for luggage if traveling internationally. You may avoid last-minute fees for oversize and overweight bags when you arrive at the airport.
• Acquaint yourself with the electrical voltage requirements in the country/countries you are visiting. If the voltage is different than the US, purchase a converter and/or adapter. Your best bet is to get an adapter that adjusts to multiple types of outlets, so you only have to bring one adapter instead of one per country.
• Liquids: Place any soaps, shampoos, etc. that will be in your carry-on in clear 3 oz. bottles, together in a clear quart size Ziploc bag. Each passenger may bring 1 quart-size Ziploc bag with containers of no more than 3.4 oz liquid (100 milliliters). View the TSA's 3-1-1 Liquid Rule video.
• Do not pack your travel documents (itinerary, passport, paper tickets or vouchers) in your checked luggage.
• Keep any prescription drugs in their original containers and pack them in your carry-on luggage.
• Unless you are planning to attend a black tie or formal event, leave your valuable jewelry at home.
• Make note of the telephone number for the Worldwide Assistance services in your travel protection plan. Consider adding it to your smart phone's contacts for easy access.

More

• Learn a few key phrases in the local language of your destination. (Simple things, like “Hello”, “Goodbye”, “Thank you”, “Where is the bathroom?“)
• If you have any food allergies or severe medical conditions, it’s important to learn how to inform others about those issues in a foreign language. If you don’t feel comfortable with your language skills, print out a document with relevant phrases or make flashcards to carry with you.
• Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket unless it's zipped closed. Instead, place the wallet in a front pant pocket or use a travel belt, which goes around your waist under your clothing, to store cash and important cards (such as ID, medical, and credit).
• If you're wearing a backpack or purse, hold it in front of you in crowded areas such as subways, trains and busy shopping areas. If it's on your back or side out of your sight, it's an easy target for theft.

If you have any questions about travel insurance, contact Travel Insurance Services Customer Service at 1-800-937-1387 or info@travelinsure.com.

Safe and happy travels!