In close to 10 years of full-time travel and 60 countries experienced, I've found through trial, error,   massive mistakes and miraculous saves that easy international travel - doesn’t happen by accident – it takes planning. Whether you’re jetting off for a quick getaway or embarking on a long-haul adventure, a little preparation goes a long way. The goal? Smooth travel, minimal stress, and experiences that make you want to book your next trip the second you get home.

Here’s the 6 pre-travel steps to make it happen:

1. Prep Your Finances Before You Go

Luckily in our digital world, using credit cards and international currency has become infinitely easier than a couple of decades ago. (Anyone who traveled before 2005 or so will remember the insanity of traveler's checks.) However there are still a few important things to know - because no one wants to lose money or have your card declined in a foreign country.

• Call your bank/credit card company before you leave.
  If you rarely travel, your bank might flag international transactions as suspicious and shut your card down. Let them know where you’re going and for how long. I never do this anymore, but why I first started traveling this came up quite a bit. 
• Bring backup payment options.
  Even with a travel alert, cards can still get frozen. Carry some cash in the local currency and consider a secondary card, just in case - especially if you primarily use American Express, which can be hard to use in other countries. And while most places take credit cards now, sometimes you will still be surprised with cash-only areas. 
• Always Select Local Currency on Credit Card Machines
  When paying with your credit card abroad, many vendors will give you the option to pay in your currency or their currency - always select the local currency when prompted. If you choose your home currency, the machine will convert the cost at a much worse exchange rate, costing you more than necessary. By choosing the local currency, your bank will handle the conversion, always at a better rate. Sometimes the difference can be up to 20%, which definitely adds up and is very easy to avoid. 

2. Make Digital Copies of Important Documents

In my years of travel, I have only been robbed once - I had my entire wallet including my passport stolen right from under me in a busy port in Croatia. This method of having copies of my documents saved me, and made it so I could get a new emergency passport from the Embassy the next day. 

• Take photos of your Passport, ID, visa, vaccine cards, and any essential documents.
  Save them in a dedicated album on your phone. You want to make sure you can still access these if you don't have a cell or internet connection.
• Email the files to yourself and store them in cloud storage.
  Similarly, if you don't have your phone, you can still access them from any device. Redundancy prevents problems.
• To go above and beyond: Make print copies and store them separately
  If you do need to utilize these documents in an emergency, you will most likely have to find a little shop or post office where you can pay to print them out. Avoid this or prepare for more rural areas or bigger disasters by just keeping a physical copy with you. It sounds a bit like a spy movie, but a great place to keep these is zipped into the lining of your suitcase, which is going to be separate from your wallet, hidden, and keep them from getting squished or crumpled.

3. Download Offline Google Maps

This one has saved me so, so many times! Before traveling, even domestically, I will always download Google the entire area I'm going. 

• Download offline maps for your entire destination before you leave. Without service, you can still get driving directions and search for restaurants, hotels, and attractions (however you can't see any photos, reviews, or details while you're offline, but it will show you opening hours and the overall star rating.)
• How to do it:
  1. Open Google Maps and tap your profile icon.
  2. Select Offline Maps.
  3. Highlight the area you want and download it.
• Tip: If your offline map isn’t loading, put your phone in airplane mode.
  Sometimes, Google Maps tries to use weak service instead of the already loaded offline version, which causes it to glitch and no load. Airplane mode forces it to switch to offline navigation, and everything will load instantly

4. Research Key Points

Don’t just skim booking a hotel and call it a day, pre-planning and understanding the basic logistics can make or break your experience and ensure that you are prepared with all the things that you need to know.

• Local laws and customs: Some countries have unexpected rules – from banned medications to strict dress codes. Know what’s allowed and what’s not. Even for the hottest destinations, always make sure to have a long skirt or pants and long sleeved cover up in case it is required somewhere, or if you feel uncomfortable and want to avoid looks - I am a bold dresser, but in the few times I have traveled solo, I usually dress down to detract attention.
• Currency and payment norms: Research whether cash is king or if cards are widely accepted. It’ll save you the headache of scrambling for an ATM.
• Tipping culture: In some places, tipping is expected; in others, it’s considered rude. Learn the norms to avoid awkward encounters.
• Local events: Check if there are festivals, concerts, or holidays happening during your stay. These can either be trip highlights or crowd-fueled nightmares. If you want to attend, book tickets in advance. If you want to avoid the madness, adjust your plans accordingly.
  
  

5. Look Into Travel Insurance and Decide if it's right for you

Travel insurance feels like a boring add-on until you need it – then it’s everything. It covers you if your trip gets canceled, your luggage vanishes, or you need medical care abroad. 

A premium travel credit card like Amex Platinum also includes a good breadth of travel insurance. So how much you want to gamble with purchasing it or not is up to you. 

• What it covers: Most policies include trip cancellations, medical expenses, and lost or stolen belongings. Check the fine print so you know exactly what’s included.
• When to get it: Buy it as soon as you book your trip. That way, you’re covered even if you have to cancel before you leave.
• Why it’s worth it: One flight delay or hospital visit can cost more than your entire trip. Travel insurance protects you from massive financial losses.

6. Book Smart, Comfortable Accommodation

Where you stay impacts everything – your mood, your schedule, and how much you actually enjoy being there.

• Hotels vs. rentals: Hotels offer convenience and amenities; rentals give you more space and flexibility. Choose based on your priorities.
• Location matters: Don’t just chase the cheapest option. A bargain stay an hour outside the city might cost you more in time and transportation.
• For road trips: If you’re traveling in an RV, reserve your campsites early – especially during peak seasons. The best parks book up fast. Many RV parks also offer cabins, which can be ideal if you’re mixing it up with non-RV travelers.
• Consider unique stays: Swap cookie-cutter hotels for boutique inns, stylish Airbnbs, or remote lodges. Sometimes, the accommodation becomes part of the experience.

xx