Traveling internationally for the first time can be an exciting adventure. However, if you want to get the most out of your trip, and be prepared for anything that comes your way, you need to travel like a pro. These six travel tips will help you do just that.
- Healthcare Coverage is Essential- One thing many first time international travelers often forget is to make sure their healthcare covers accidents or illnesses while overseas. Keep in mind that Medicaid and Medicare will not extend to overseas care. Neither will most private insurance plans- at least not with your current policy. Be sure to check with your health insurer to add additional coverage for overseas travel. If you become ill or injured while traveling, this simple step will save you thousands of dollars.
- Have Backup Documents- When you travel, you are going to need your ID and your passport. You may also need a visa for entry into some foreign countries. Because your documents can be lost or stolen, you must make copies of all of your documents. The U.S. Passports and International Travel webpage recommends that you make at least two copies of everything. One copy set should be left with a trusted friend or family member and the other set kept with you, but away from your original documents.
- Be Smart About Cash Exchange- You are going to need to have cash for your travels. However, you will be using the local currency and not U.S. dollars. Therefore, you will need to exchange your American cash for foreign currency. While this can certainly be accomplished at an airport or currency exchange office, you will pay higher fees. It is often cheaper to simply withdraw money from an ATM once you land.
- Use Your Leftover Foreign Currency Wisely- It is very likely that you will have leftover local currency before you leave. Instead of losing money by exchanging it for U.S. cash, have your hotel apply the foreign currency to your bill.
- Update Your Credit Cards- If your credit card does not have a smart chip, you need to update your card. Almost all European countries have done away with magnetic strip cards and replaced them with smart chip cards. While you might be able to swipe your card at a few places, without an updated smart chip card, you just might be out of luck.
- Notify Your Bank- Notifying your bank that you will be traveling out of the country is always a good idea. If you do not notify your bank, your bank may refuse out of country charges, leaving you stranded with no cash until the matter has been sorted out. Save yourself the headache and notify your bank ahead of time.