Travel Resources

Planning an international trip involves more than choosing a destination and booking a hotel. Passport rules, entry requirements, health recommendations, baggage policies, payment methods, transportation, and other travel procedures can vary by destination.

Use the information below as a helpful guide when preparing for your trip.

Passport & Entry Requirements

If you do not already have a passport, apply as early as possible.

If you already have one, check the expiration date and make sure it meets the entry requirements for your destination. Some countries require your passport to remain valid for several months beyond your travel dates.

You should also confirm:

Visa requirements
Passport validity rules
Blank passport page requirements
Entry or immigration forms
Return or onward ticket requirements
Any destination-specific arrival procedures

Travel requirements can change, so always verify current entry rules before departure.

Health & Medications

Health recommendations can vary depending on where you are traveling.

Before your trip, review any destination-specific health guidance and speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about recommended vaccinations, medications, or other precautions.

Bring enough medication for your entire trip, along with a little extra in case of unexpected delays.

Whenever possible:

Keep prescription medications in their original labeled containers
Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage
Carry a copy of your prescription when appropriate
Check whether your medication is restricted in the country you are visiting

Travel Insurance

Even carefully planned trips can be affected by unexpected events.

Depending on the policy selected, travel insurance may provide coverage for certain:

Trip cancellations
Trip interruptions
Travel delays
Medical emergencies
Emergency transportation
Lost or delayed baggage
Other covered situations

Always review the policy benefits, exclusions, coverage limits, and terms before purchasing.

Money & Payments

Before traveling internationally, review your credit and debit card policies.

It is a good idea to:

Check for foreign transaction fees
Confirm that your cards can be used internationally
Carry more than one form of payment
Keep a backup card separate from your primary wallet
Know how you plan to access local currency
Be aware of local tipping customs
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

It can also be helpful to know the approximate exchange rate before your trip.

Packing & Baggage

Airline baggage rules can vary by carrier, ticket type, and destination, so always review your specific baggage allowance before departure.

Consider keeping the following items in your carry-on:

Passport and travel documents
Medications
Electronics and chargers
Valuables
Travel insurance information
A change of clothes
Basic toiletries
Any items you may need during a flight delay

Also review current restrictions for liquids, batteries, and other carry-on items.

Phones & Connectivity

Before traveling internationally, check how your phone service will work at your destination.

You may want to review:

International roaming options
Travel data plans
eSIM availability
Wi-Fi access
Whether your phone is unlocked
International calling or messaging rates

Downloading important apps, maps, airline information, and travel documents before departure can also be helpful.

Transportation & Destination Preparation

Make sure you know how you will get from the airport to your hotel or resort before you arrive.

Confirm any:

Airport transfers
Rental car reservations
Train or ferry tickets
Private transportation
Excursion transportation
Hotel shuttle arrangements

If you plan to drive internationally, check local driving laws, license requirements, insurance requirements, and whether an International Driving Permit may be needed.

Weather & Seasonal Conditions

Check the weather forecast shortly before your trip and pack accordingly.

Depending on the destination and time of year, you may also want to be aware of:

Hurricane season
Rainy season
Extreme heat
Cooler evenings
Seasonal sea conditions
Local holidays or events

Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in tropical destinations.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Every destination has its own culture, customs, and expectations.

Before traveling, it can be helpful to learn about:

Local tipping practices
Dress expectations
Currency
Local laws
Electrical outlets and voltage
Common greetings
Resort or destination etiquette

A little preparation can make your experience smoother and help you feel more comfortable when you arrive.

Save Copies of Important Documents

Keep secure digital copies of important travel documents somewhere you can access while away.

Consider saving copies of:

Passport and identification
Travel itinerary
Flight confirmations
Hotel or resort confirmations
Transportation confirmations
Excursion reservations
Travel insurance information
Vaccination or health documentation
Emergency contact information

For security, avoid storing passwords, PIN numbers, or full financial account information in unsecured locations.

Emergency Information

Before departure, keep important contact information somewhere easy to access.

This may include:

Hotel or resort contact information
Airline contact information
Travel insurance provider
Emergency contacts at home
Your travel advisor
Local emergency numbers
U.S. embassy or consulate information when traveling internationally

Returning Home

Before returning to the United States, review any customs and re-entry requirements that may apply.

Be especially mindful of rules involving:

Food
Plants
Agricultural products
Alcohol
Tobacco
Large purchases
Duty-free allowances

Keep receipts for significant purchases made while traveling.

Before You Leave

A few final reminders:

Check in for your flight when available
Confirm your flight times
Review baggage allowances
Confirm airport transportation
Charge your devices
Download important travel documents
Check the weather
Make sure your passport and identification are packed
Leave extra time for the airport

Please note: Travel requirements, entry rules, health guidance, airline policies, and destination regulations can change at any time. Travelers are responsible for confirming current requirements for their destination before departure.