Navigate international travel with ease with AAA's expert international travel tips. Drawing from personal experience, we'll provide practical passport and visa guidance, health essentials, advice on handling money in other currencies and packing tips to help you plan your travel abroad without getting overwhelmed. With some preparation, you'll be ready to start planning your international travel. Let's dive into our international travel tips.
Choosing the Perfect International Destination
Your international journey starts with selecting your destination. Think about what kind of travel experience you want — a relaxing beach holiday, cultural immersion and sightseeing, or active outdoor excursions. Next, consider your budget. If you are traveling abroad on a small budget, look into traveling during shoulder season when airfare and hotel stays tend to be cheaper. Also consider skipping costly amenities; hostels in Europe can be a great cost-cutting measure if you are okay with giving up some of the extra comforts a hotel offers. If your budget allows and you want a luxurious journey with guided tours and fine dining you might opt to travel on a tour where much of what you do and where you stay is taken care of for you, or you might choose to book a trip of a lifetime with private tours and high-end hotels.
Preparing Your Passport, Travel Authorization and Visa for Traveling Abroad
A valid passport is crucial not only for entry but also for visa applications, electronic travel authorizations and booking flights. Many countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Before booking your trip, check your U.S. passport, if you have one, to ensure you meet the six-month requirement. If you don’t have a passport, check to see if your local AAA branch offers passport photos. I was able to get my passport photos for free from my local office. It can take from two to three months to receive a U.S. passport after applying, so do so well before your travel date. If you’ve found a deal that you just can’t pass up or neglected to file for a passport, use a service like RushMyPassport, which gives AAA members a discount to file for an expedited U.S. passport.
Prior to booking, you should also check the entry requirements for the country you wish to travel to. Some countries require U.S. citizens to get a visa, and some require an electronic travel authorizations, including the United Kingdom, Australia and most of the countries that make up the European Union. You may also need to get vaccines before traveling. This information can be found on the U.S. State Department’s website.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and ETIAS
If you are traveling to or through (have a layover in) the United Kingdom or Australia as well as the the European Union starting in 2026, you’ll need to file for that country’s electronic travel authorization, or ETA. The process is similar for all. You need to file a minimum of three business days prior to departure to ensure that you can board your plane (or other transportation) and enter the country upon arrival. You’ll need a valid passport and to answer a few questions and a debit or credit card authorized for international transactions for the nominal fee. Most people will receive a response on the same day, but delays in processing are always possible and you may be asked to provide additional info.
How to apply for an ETA and ETIAS?
- To apply to for a UK ETA, use the UK ETA app on your phone (preferred) or online.
- Apply for the Australian ETA with the Australian ETA app.
- European Union’s ETIAS (the EU’s ETA) is scheduled to launch in 2026.
Vaccinations and Travel Insurance
As an international traveler, your health is as crucial as your passport. Vaccinations protect against diseases that may be uncommon in the U.S. but prevalent elsewhere. Not only should you be up to date on routine vaccinations, but you also should check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for advisories on vaccinations for travel. A comprehensive list of vaccinations includes:
- COVID-19
- Chickenpox
- Cholera
- Flu
- Hepatitis A and B
- Japanese encephalitis
- MMR
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Rabies
- Shingles
- Tdap
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
Apart from vaccinations, another key aspect of your travel health plan should be travel insurance. It can cover unforeseen events like:
- Trip cancellations
- Medical emergencies (Most medical insurance in the U.S. doesn't cover treatment abroad.)
- Evacuations
- Travel delays
- Theft
Managing Money Abroad
Traveling abroad involves a host of financial considerations. Before your trip abroad:
- Inform your bank and credit card company about your itinerary to avoid a card decline or account suspension.
- Choose a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees to avoid additional fees.
- If using a travel rewards credit card, check what benefits are included. Travel credit cards often include some travel insurance benefits, TSA PreCheck application fee waiver and Global Entry credits.
Familiarize yourself with your bank’s ATM network and partner ATMs abroad to reduce out-of-network fees. When using ATMs, decline the currency conversion to get a potentially better exchange rate from your bank. Withdraw cash in the local currency before visiting destinations where ATMs or card machines are not widely available. Also consider keeping most of your cash in a money belt to protect yourself from pickpocketing.
Packing Essentials for International Travel
A few international travel tips for packing will ease the task. Be sure to pack versatile clothing and footwear suitable for multiple occasions and activities.
If traveling for longer than a week, consider packing only enough clothing for part of your journey and doing laundry one or two times while on vacation. Last time I went to Europe, I packed a few laundry detergent sheets. They were lightweight and took up little space. It helped me keep my luggage under the airline’s weight restrictions, and I did laundry on days when we were taking it easy and not doing much sightseeing.
Pack a travel adapter. Also check to see if you need a voltage converter for your travel abroad. The U.S. uses 110v while countries in Europe use 220v. This means motors in devices like blow-dryers and straighteners will burn out if plugged into an outlet in a European hotel. Laptop and phone-charging cables typically come equipped with a voltage converter, but you should check the label on the charger to be sure.
Carry-On Bag Necessities
Consider your comfort and convenience when packing your carry-on bag. Include a change of clothes in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed. For long flights, if you plan to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks or watch movies, have your noise-canceling headphones in your carry-on bag. Even if you are traveling to somewhere warm, pack a light jacket, sweater or scarf to help stay warm in case the plane's temperature is too cold for comfort.
When packing for international travel, pack the items you want during the plane ride in easy to get to locations in your carry-on bag. Bring a portable charger with multiple ports to keep electronic devices powered. Chewing gum or hard candies can be useful to alleviate the pressure in your ears. Some personal care items that are handy to have include:
- hand sanitizer for hygiene
- a reusable water bottle to maintain hydration
- lip balm to combat low cabin humidity
- a toothbrush for a quick refresh before landing
Prohibited Carry-On Items
Just as important to know what to bring is to know what is not permitted in carry-on bags — firearms, pocketknives and wine corkscrews, for starters. Bats or sporting equipment that could be used as a bludgeoning weapon must be stored in checked luggage. As for toothpaste and the like, TSA regulations permit travelers to carry liquids in quantities less than or equal to 3.4 fluid ounces or 100 milliliters in their carry-on bags.
Examples of items that are not allowed in carry-on bags include:
· Aerosol insecticides
· Ammunition
· Other flammables, such as fireworks, spray paint, chlorine or CO2 cartridges (unless exempt personal medical oxygen cylinders).
Overcoming Jet Lag
Jet lag is a reality for many international flights. Some people suggest adjusting your sleep patterns a few days before travel by going to bed an hour or two later if traveling west, or earlier if traveling east. I've had luck with overcoming jet lag by staying awake until the local bedtime once arriving at my destination.
Take only short naps if necessary, engage in social activities and maintain regular exercise to help your body clock adjust to the new time zone. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the flight to stay hydrated, but try to avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, which can disturb sleep.
Staying Connected While Traveling
Maintaining connectivity during international travel is now simpler than ever. Check your cell phone carrier’s international rates. Some plans include international data and texting.
An unlocked cell phone allows the use of local SIM cards, which may be more economical than international phone plans. Various communication apps, such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Skype, provide communication if you are on Wi-Fi.
Experience Local Culture and Attractions
Delving into local culture and attractions often forms the high point of traveling internationally. Prior to traveling, learn some basic phrases in the local language and educate yourself about local customs and traditions to respect the host culture. If traveling somewhere that many people speak English as a second language, I always learn to ask, “Do you speak English?” It facilitates communication when you don’t have sufficient vocabulary and is far more considerate and well-received than presumptuously starting a conversation in English. It's also useful to have a translation app on your phone. This can help with understanding street signs, reading menus and talking with people.
To authentically experience local culture, visit places special to locals and indulge in local cuisine. For a profound understanding of the local way of life, consider working or volunteering abroad, allowing for a more hands-on and deeply engaging cultural experience.
Safety Tips for International Travelers
Despite the excitement of traveling abroad, safety should always be prioritized. Some international travel tips to keep in mind are:
- Use secure pockets or money belts to protect valuables.
- Carry only essentials when traveling out for the day.
- Use hotel safes to secure extra money and important documents.
Stay vigilant in crowds and near commotions, such situations could be a set up for pickpocketing. Always check your surrounding area for personal items before leaving any location to avoid losing your things.
Enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will allow you to enroll your international trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It will also help the U.S. government notify you about updated travel advisories and safety conditions.
Transportation and Accommodation Planning
Advanced planning for international travel is essential to secure a comfortable and cost-effective experience. When choosing transportation options abroad, consider the following to manage your travel expenses:
- Evaluate costs with your budget in mind.
- Consider the availability of local public transportation.
- Look into official taxi services.
- Explore alternative modes of transportation such as bikes and scooters.
- Get an International Driving Permit from your local AAA branch if you plan to rent a vehicle.
Research hotel availability. If you are planning an international trip to coincide with a popular event or holiday, you may need to book at least six months to a year in advance. Similarly, if you are planning to stay in a popular part of a bustling city during peak season, consider booking early, so you can stay in your desired accommodations.
Plan your international travel with AAA
Embarking on an international journey might seem like a daunting task, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience. As a AAA member, you can save on hotel bookings, vacation tours and cruises. Also as a member, you can talk to and book international travel with a AAA Travel Agent for no additional charge. Don't wait! Start planning your next big trip today.