183: International Travel Prep List
Monday November 13, 2017

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The arrival of the holiday issue of The English Home in my mailbox brought a larger smile to my face than previous years. As I flipped through the pages of recommendations by the editors of special holiday events in which to partake in London and around the city (Liberty London holiday windows, visiting the Borough Market, and strolling down Regent’s street), I immediately began to add the ideas that caught my eye and interest to my itinerary.

After five years since my last visit to England, TSLL will be returning for the kick-off of the holiday season, and to say I am excited to do so in and around London is to only express a morsel of my eagerness to arrive in the land of Jane Austen.

As such, I am fine-tuning my preparation for international travel.

Five years ago I shared a threepart series on International Travel which is also included in TSLL’s first book with further details not included on the blog. With each trip I have since taken requiring a passport, my travel experience deepens and prompts me to want to share what I have discovered.

1. Check Visa requirements and Renew Passport, if necessary

A simple check on this U.S. government website will confirm whether or not you need a Visa or merely your passport to travel to the international country on your itinerary.  For example, if traveling to Australia from the U.S., you will need a Visa. A U.S. passport is valid for 10 years (five years for children under 16) and the renewal fee for an adult passport book is $110 (an additional $30 for a passport card). On the website, it states that renewals take between 4-6 weeks, but to be safe, do it at least three months in advance.

~UPDATE 7/2022: Beginning in May 2023, US travelers to the European Union will need to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver (if traveling for fewer than 90 days). This will be a €7 charge, so very minimal, but you will need to apply to be allowed into European countries for travel which is a change if you have visited countries prior to May 2023 in this region of the world.

2. Apply for a TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry

One of the best $85 I spent was going through the process to receive my Known Travel Number (KTN). In fewer than five minutes in any U.S. airport, I was moved through security without having to take my shoes off or empty my bags. I do still have to run my carry-on through security, but I was able to remain clothed and not take out all of my personal items. The ease set the tone for the trip that was pleasurable and less harried. Remember to renew within five years.

Now for international travelers, the TSA Pre-Check works for our departures, but once we are abroad, we will have to go through international airport security unless we have a Global Entry number. While not all countries are a part of the Global Entry program (check here to see which are), there are certain travel frequency requirements to meet in order to obtain this status. The cost is $100 (also must be renewed every five years).

~the red smiley face was the note to the TSA security check that I was TSA Pre-Check, and I moved swiftly through the security line~

3. Reach out to your financial institutions (credit card and checking) to alert them of your travel destinations

Once you know which credit or debit cards you will be taking on your travels, call your bank to let them know where you will be traveling abroad and during which dates. Why? If you have a bank that keeps careful track of where you spend your money as to alert you to any fraudulent purchases, they could prevent your card from being used while you are in a destination you normally aren’t. Simply let them know, and you will be set.

4. Pack the proper adapters and converters

In my first post regarding international travel, I recommended a brand of adapters that while they worked, I found them to be too flimsy after using them a couple of times and often they didn’t stay in the socket (the post has since been updated). So the hunt began for a new brand which I found and am happy to report is affordable and offers very sturdy adapters. Made by Ceptics and offering adapters for nearly any country you may be traveling to, I paid $7 for three adapters fit for the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Check this post out for converters and for what purpose you will need them (most laptops convert automatically) – scroll down to #4.

As many TSLL readers/listeners travel to the UK or France, below are the following correct adapters and converters for each destination, including a link to the adapters I recently purchased in 2022, and the converters that come highly recommended:

Adapters:

  • UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Great Britain, Hong KongType) — G plug adapter
  • France (also Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain) — E/F plug adapter

Converters:

~The only reason I have brought a converter with me was to use my blowdryer. However, for the past five years, I have left the converter at home, purchased a blowdryer in London, and pack that with me when I visit the UK, and have done the same for when I visit France. This was a choice that saves frustration as I have had blowdryers crumble from the voltage issue even when the converter states it works with dryers. As well, many of the places I visit already have a blowdryer at the accommodation, so I refrain from packing a blowdryer at all in such cases.

~UPDATED 2022: Many readers have inquired about how to charge your smart phone and/or laptop/tablet. Do you need a converter or just an adapter? is the common question that causes confusion. Of course, check with your specific brand for your device, but when using all of my Apple products, each only required an adaptor as the conversion automatically is taken care of with the computer’s charger.

5. Purchase necessary sleep aids to alleviate jet lag as much as possible

I have yet to not experience jet lag in some capacity. And even when I am convinced I am not experiencing it at the time, inevitably, upon reflection, I was. However, taking an over-the-counter sleep aid isn’t a bad idea to try to sync your body on the plane sooner rather than later. Bring a sleep mask, and perhaps even change into pajamas if your flight is extra long.

6. Educate yourself about the culture 

If you’ve never traveled to your destination, do your homework. Come to understand the customs and expectations, and if the country speaks a different language, learn the basic greetings (hello, thank you – see a more detailed list here – check out #7 on the list).

7. Check the driving license requirements

If you are planning on renting a vehicle, check to see if the country you will be driving in requires an international driving license. Some countries simply need your driver’s license from the country you are from, but others are more particular. Rick Steve’s writes about driving in Europe here and here is a link to AAA which will issue you an IDP for $20 (good for one year).

8. Purchase transportation passes in advance

If when you arrive you will be using the local transportation (subway, metro, tube, bus, etc.), consider purchasing in advance (if available), the necessary transportation passes. For example, London makes available in advance of your arrival their Oyster card for visitors, as well as offering discounts on the fare prices. I particularly like knowing my transporation from the airport and for the first day is taken care of as due to the lengthy travel itinerary, I am quite exhausted and merely want to arrive at my accommodations and settle in without more stress of the unknowns.

9. Pack a neat and well-stocked travel tote for toiletries

The 3.3 ounce rule applies to liquids and lotions if you are taking your travel tote in your carry-on, so pack thoughtfully. I just found these TSA approved squeezable liquid containers on Amazon which come with pre-made labels.

If you are bringing your travel tote full of toiletries and/or make-up, finding the perfect sized tote is the goal. It has taken me some time to find this item. Having gone through a rolled up cloth and mesh version and a plastic version just to name a few, I finally found a leather travel tote with a couple of different compartments and zipper pouches that fit the exact size I needed. (View my list of items for a travel tote here.) This striped toiletry tote also caught my eye.

10. Invest in sturdy and secure luggage

After going through at least three suitcases in which the handle would either be ripped off, the zipper broken or the collapsible handle becoming extremely loose, I realized I should have taken my own advice and applied it to travel luggage: invest in quality. Rimowa and Tumi are two top well-known and trusted brands making their luggage available in sturdy aluminum. I happend on a great deal last spring and purchased my Tumi at a fraction of the full-price from Neiman Marcus. Save up, and purchase what you can afford and you won’t have to waste money on buying multiple pieces that don’t do their job.

11. Reserve your taxis before you leave

If you will need a taxi to and from the airport as you leave your home, as well as when you arrive at your destination, make the reservations ahead of time. Peace of mind and not having to pull your luggage through the local transportation is a simple investment if you have more than a carry-on. As well, when you hop (okay, who am I kidding, after a transcontinental flight, it is more like lumbering) off the plane, seeing your name on a piece of paper with your driver waiting to take you to your accommodations with a nice soft bed is a welcome sight.

12. Prep your home

Depending upon the season and weather, tend to details of home care and home-sitting if necessary. As well, alert your mail carrier and newspaper delivery to be held or speak with a trusted neighbor to enjoy the newspaper while you are traveling.

13. Pack your carry-on

Whether you are taking an item of luggage with you as a carry-on or not, you will want to stock your travel tote that will be traveling with you on-board with the necessities. Below is a list of items to consider:

  • sleep mask
  • reading, viewing and listening material (downloaded is applicable)
  • earbuds
  • empty water bottle
  • sleep aid
  • basic beauty bag (facial wipes, concealor, moisturizer, dry shampoo, mascara, blush, facial oil, lip moisturizer, hair brush)
  • favorite tea bags (if you’re a tea drinker like myself)
  • work material (laptop, tablet, etc.)
  • phone charger
  • reading glasses & contact solution with case
  • wallet
  • passport

14. Confirm accommodations

Make sure you have the proper addresses, arrival times are clear, and the hotels, vacation rentals, know when you will be arriving if at a unique time.

15. Confirm Online Check-In for Flight 24-hours before departure

Most airlines allow you to check-in online from your phone/computer 24-hours in advance to expedite check-in should you just have a carry-on. Other airlines also allow you to choose your seating for free at this time as well such as British Airways.

16. Download helpful apps

From an app to help you find free wi-fi at many international airports around the world (only $1.99 – WiFox), to transportation apps for your city, as well as Uber and the airlines you will be traveling on so there will be no need for a paper ticket, download the necessary apps before you wake up early and head to the airport.

17. Now take a deep breath

You are able and ready to relax, open your mind to the many experiences that await you and enjoy your trip.

If you’d like to see exactly where I am going and what I am enjoying while I’m England, be sure to follow along on Instagram (@thesimplyluxuriouslife) or search #tsllengland on Instagram.

VIEW SIMILAR TSLL POSTS ON TRAVEL HERE

~Why Not . . . Travel Internationally? Part Deux (what to pack)

~Why Not . . . Travel Internationally? Part Trois (how enjoy your visit to the fullest)

Petit Plaisir:

~Chocolate Almond Praline Cookies

~click here for the recipe

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8 thoughts on “183: International Travel Prep List

  1. Sharon – yours is one of my favourite blogs to read. I am an American who has lived in England for a long time now. I hope you enjoy your trip here. Are you just in London while you are here or do you get to travel around?

  2. How wonderful! I do hope you enjoy your travel and time away.

    If I may I have a few items to suggest for pre-travel preparations:

    – Pack prescription medications in your carry-on and, just in case those become spoiled or lost, carry refill prescriptions with you to help the visiting country’s pharmacist / chemist help replenish your supply. (Ideally, take pictures of the prescriptions and email to your self and your medical emergency contact. If hardcopies are lost, then the emailed copies and or pictures should provide the missing information.)

    – Take pictures of the “critical pages” of your passport, visa and front and back of all credit cards. Carry hard copies with you AND email these to yourself AND to your emergency contact so that if the unwanted — or unthinkable — happens, your contact and the local authorities / embassy / consulate can help you restore the missing items or facilitate your return to the States.

    – And, God forbid the worst happens, ensure that your emergency contact knows how to contact your estate’s executor. Also, either of the 2 should have the necessary document / arrangement to retrieve your children — including the 4-legged and feathered type! — on your behalf.

    Enjoy your travels! Looking forward to the lovely pictures and posts! ?

  3. How exciting! I live in London and love reading your blog. I would also recommend you download the ‘Citymapper’ app for your phone. It works much better than google maps when you are in London. (Also good for Paris too!)

  4. Really looking forward to your posts on London – one of my very favorite places! 🙂 One note on the Global Entry program is that Global Entry actually also includes TSA Pre-Check. So, for $15 extra, you ensure yourself a quick and easy entry on arrival back to the US (skipping the horrendous lines in the international terminal in favor of using a quick kiosk), along with all the Pre-Check benefits. It is very much worth it, even if you only travel abroad a few times over the 5 year period! Also, certain credit cards will reimburse you for the Global Entry fee – a great perk.

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