- If you use traveler’s checks, bring a copy of your check register. (Tip: Ask your bank if you can use your US debit card at cash machines in the country you are visiting. In some cases, withdrawing cash may be easier and less expensive than cashing traveler’s checks.)
- Contact info for all the people you would want/need to contact in case of an emergency (including me!). Don’t forget the numbers of the consulates where you’ll be staying. All these numbers can be stored in your phone, as well — simply designate a consistent label for them (like “France 2017”) for easy access, and they can be easily deleted when your trip is done.
- Copies — front and back — of any credit cards you’ll be taking with you.
- Your Yellow (Immunization) Card
When you’ve assembled all the essential documents/copies, the first thing you should do is check to make sure your name appears the same on all documents. This may seem like a small thing, but it can be a big hassle during travel if your names don’t match.
Next, scan the papers and send them in an email to yourself and to your emergency contact(s).
In addition, you can carry a USB card with encrypted copies of all these images — so even if it gets stolen, no one could access the documents without the master password. You can keep this USB card in a tiny, discreet pocket, along with some extra cash — an absolute last resort in the extremely rare event that you lose everything.
Choose a family member or close friend who will be your representative while you’re away and who can have access to major accounts if needed. This way, you have a trustworthy contact available any time, and there is someone who always knows where you are.
Store copies of your major travel documents (passports, tickets, reservations, etc.) in a waterproof plastic zip bag and in a separate piece of luggage from the originals. It’s stressful enough to have your passport stolen — but having it stolen from the same bag where all the copies are is even worse. When you’re out sightseeing, always carry the essential documents on your person, ideally in a waterproof carrier that can be worn under your clothing.
Once you get all this info in order, you can travel with confidence, knowing you’re covered in the event of the unexpected. And — bonus! — you’ll have laid the groundwork for future trips.
To start planning your trip today, contact me by clicking here. and get on my calendar for Complimentary Dream Getaway Planning Session. Its a 15 minute phone call. I will be happy to answer any travel questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers!
– Priscilla
Cilla Travel LLC |
Am really more than happy to stumble upon this article on all the relevant documents you need to make a trip…truth be said, I haven’t really traveled outside my country so am pretty much not used to these documents but after seeing them here I guess am no longer a novice and am sure to work towards a vacation after this ravaging pandemic wears off…
Thanks for clarifying me on these…
Thanks Evan’s. I too want this virus to be gone. But until it does, international travel is about to get pretty interesting. Glad I could help to clarify what kind of documents you would need to take an international trip.
This is simple yet great information. When we have travelled to far away places we tend to keep everything together in a document wallet which works well, however I think your ideas about carrying photocopies of passport pages and credit cards is a great idea which I will employ when we do get to travel again. It is so simple to overlook simple things and this post is a great reminder of how a methodical and detailed approach is so useful when planning to travel.
Regards Mike
Thank you for you feedback Mike. In times like these we needto take extra precautions while travelling.
I must admit that I haven’t been out of the States since I was born as I didn’t like travelling. However, the current state of things has made me reevaluate my stance on this and my adventurous spirit is beginning to surface as I’m starting to feel the need to travel once the quarantine has been lifted and the pandemic put to rest. This post has been very helpful in providing me with the knowledge of the things I need to know as I make my travel plans.
Thank you for your comment EliteCarol. You only have one chance to bvb experience life. Take advantage of it. Glad I could help😍
Timely topic. I have involvement in the travel industry as well. The end of this shut down cannot come soon enough for me. However the reality is the governments are in control, and the next time we go through customs will likely be a different experience that the previously.
Your article serves as a reminder to potential travelers to make sure every thing is up to date.
Finding out your passport is due for renewal a week out from your trip will cost you more than a renewal fee.
Thak you for your comments Michael. It’s a good idea to apply for a or renew passport now. Just get your name on the list now.