Traveling internationally is an exciting opportunity to experience different cultures, explore new destinations, and create memories that will last a lifetime. At the same time, preparing for an international trip involves more than simply booking a flight and packing a suitcase. Financial planning, travel documents, health considerations, and home preparations all play an important role in ensuring your journey goes as smoothly as possible.

Taking care of these details before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary stress and allow you to focus on enjoying your adventure!

1. Finances

A little financial planning goes a long way toward preventing unwelcome surprises while you're abroad. While budgeting wisely and a concrete spending plan is essential, you may also want to consider the following steps:

• Save up for your trip by opening or contributing to a dedicated travel savings account, such as the MSGCU You-Name-It Savings Account, to keep vacation funds separate from everyday expenses.
• Bring more than one credit or debit card on your trip as a back-up in the event your primary payment method doesn’t work. Also, explore travel rewards cards that offer benefits such as points, miles and travel benefits protections, and low foreign transaction fees. The MSGCU Rewards Visa Credit Card offers points that can be redeemed for travel or 1.5% cash back, and can be instantly issued at any one of our 24 branch office locations.
• Create a realistic spending plan that covers lodging, meals, transportation, entertainment, and incidental expenses.
• Purchase travel insurance to help protect against unexpected costs related to cancellations, delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies.
• Review current currency exchange rates and compare options for obtaining local currency.

2. Communication and documentation

Reliable communication and proper documentation are essential when visiting another country. Addressing these items well before your departure can prevent major headaches later.

Communication

• Notify MSGCU of your upcoming travel dates and destinations to help prevent fraud alerts from interrupting card usage. You can also setup travel notices in the MSGCU mobile app. Ensure MSGCU has your most up-to-date contact information to confirm transactions while abroad.
• Contact your mobile carrier to learn about international roaming plans and temporary travel packages.
• If you plan to stay in one location for an extended period, take a look at local physical SIM card or eSIM options. With eSims, you have the capability of setting up your phone and data plan ahead of your upcoming trip and be able to use your phone abroad without having to manually change out your phone’s physical sim card. Download maps, translation tools, and important travel information for offline use before leaving home.
• Avoid posting about your trip on social media until after you return home. Sharing your travel plans or posting updates in real time can signal that your home is unoccupied, making it a potential target for theft. To help keep your home and personal information secure, wait until you're back before sharing travel photos and updates. Learn more about protecting your identity while traveling.

Travel documents

• Confirm that your passport is current and will remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. It’s also a good idea to research visa requirements and entry regulations for every country on your itinerary to make sure you’re compliant.
• Create both digital and printed copies of passports, identification cards, insurance information, and travel confirmations. Bring your hard copies with you and keep a set of copies somewhere safe at home in case you need to have a family member or friend access them on your behalf while you’re aboard. Be aware of your air travel options if flights are delayed or re-routed through another destination. Familiarize yourself with what an airline may or may not cover.

3. Health and wellness

Staying healthy while traveling starts before you leave home. Preparing for potential medical needs can help you respond quickly if an issue arises during your trip.

• Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to discuss destination-specific health recommendations, such as required or recommended vaccinations or immunizations.
• Pack a travel health kit that includes prescription medications, basic first-aid supplies, pain relievers, and other commonly needed items. Bring medications that can help address common travel-related issues such as an upset stomach, allergies, or motion sickness.
• Verify that your health insurance provides international coverage or purchase supplemental travel medical insurance. Check with your insurance company prior to your trip to see if your policy covers medical care and/or evacuation abroad in the event of an emergency.

4. Packing your bags and preparing your home

Packing strategically can make travel easier while helping you avoid unnecessary baggage fees and forgotten essentials.

Packing essentials

• Develop a packing checklist to make sure important items aren’t forgotten.
• Choose clothing you can layer and wear with multiple outfits.
• Review airline restrictions regarding foods, liquids, batteries, and electronic devices.
• Bring universal power adapters and charging accessories that will be compatible with local outlets.
• Bring TSA approved locks for suitcases and small carabiner clips for zippers to keep small bags and backpacks secure from pickpockets.

Home preparation

Before leaving, take steps to protect your home and belongings.

• Place a temporary hold on mail and package deliveries when possible.
• Ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to keep an eye on your property.
• Use timers for lights to create the appearance that someone is home.
• Store valuable items in a secure location.
• Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy to understand your coverage during extended travel.
• Ensure your current bills are paid or setup auto payment to make sure your debts are taken care of while you’re away.
• Ensure your pets are taken care of by boarding them at a kennel or vet’s office or hiring a pet sitter while you’re away.

Enjoy the experience

International travel requires planning, but the effort will be well worth it. Whether you're planning a relaxing vacation, an educational journey, or the adventure of a lifetime, having a solid checklist can make all the difference.

MSGCU is the financial champion of jet setters. We can be a valuable partner throughout the process by providing travel-friendly financial tools, savings options, and guidance to help you confidently explore the world. For more help, give us a call, video bank, or visit any one of our 24 branch office locations.

Category: Holiday & Fun