If you’re traveling abroad, especially if it’s for the first time, there are a few things you need to remember to get done ahead of time. Here are some important milestones you should keep track of to have a smooth and easy international trip:
Six weeks before you leave (or more): apply for a passport
Six weeks is the amount of time required to process a passport with routine service, but if you pay extra for expedited service, you can shorten the time to three weeks. Just make sure you’ve taken appropriate passport photos that are up to US regulations. You can easily take your passport pictures on this website and add them to your passport application.
Four weeks before you leave: make an appointment with your health care provider
If you need to get any vaccinations for the country that you’re visiting, this will give you enough time to complete any vaccine series and to let your body build up an immunity to the disease. You should also ask your doctor for prescriptions for any other medications you may need while traveling.
Three weeks before you leave: Call your bank and your wireless provider to let them know about your travel plans
If you’re using your credit card abroad, this may trigger your bank to suspend service in case of identity theft, so if they know where you’re going to be, you can prevent this from happening. As for your wireless provider, they may have international service options in place, so you can decide what’s the best plan for you, rather than getting charged exorbitant international fees for data usage.
Two weeks before you leave: Register with the American Embassy in the country you’re visiting
If you have any problems while traveling, you’ll be a lot safer if your government knows where you are and how to contact you.
One week before you leave: check the weather at your destination, and adjust your packing appropriately
You should read about general weather conditions when you’re planning your trip, but it’s important to get up-to-date information as you get closer to your departure date.
