Whether you are a first-time or experienced traveler, an enjoyable international trip starts with proper planning.
While there are numerous sites out there offering you travel plans, we’ve found the U.S. Department of State’s International Travel Checklist to be quite comprehensive, and it’s free!
5-Step International Travel Checklist
- Learn about your destination
- Join the DoS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- Organize your required travel documents
- Review your travel needs and safety tips
- Consider buying travel insurance
Learn About Your Destination
- Review the travel advisory level and U.S. Embassy tips for that destination. See my January 10, 2026 post.
- Check the entry, exit and Visa requirements for your destination. See my October 11, 2025 post.
- Verify the passport validity requirements for your destination. See my October 4, 2025 post.
- Get the U.S. Embassy and Consulate contact information.
- Search for local laws and special circumstances of your country and city destination.
- Check vaccine requirements and health information for your destination.
Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- You’ll get important security, health and weather alerts and updates from the U.S. embassy or consulate for the destination you are visiting.
- It helps the U.S. embassy or consulate reach you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
- See my January 10, 2026 post.
Organize Your Required Travel Documents
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Valid passport
- Check your passport’s expiration date as soon as you start planning a trip. See my October 4, 2025 post.
- If you need a new passport, apply early.
- Review the information on Lost or Stolen Passports before traveling.
- Make two complete copies of all travel documents (passport, driver’s license, credit cards, itinerary)
- Leave one set of copies with a trusted friend or family member at home
- Keep one set of copies with you, stored separately from the originals
- Take photos of your travel documents on your mobile phone for easy access
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Visa
- Some countries require a visa or electronic travel authorization to enter. See my October 11, 2025 post.
- Check with the foreign embassy of your destination or Department of State Travel Advisories for the most up to date requirements.
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Medications (Especially Retirees)
- Understand that Medicare and Medicaid typically do NOT cover care abroad.
- Contact your current health insurance provider to confirm international coverage.
- Review your policy carefully to understand exactly what is and is not covered.
- Some prescriptions and over the counter medications are not legal in foreign countries, even though they are legal in the United States. This includes prescription narcotics.
- Bring copies of all your prescriptions and labeled bottles.
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Traveling with children
- If you are traveling with children without one or both of their parents, you may need legal documents showing custody or a notarized letter of permission from the other parent.
- This may be required even if 1 parent is traveling with the child.
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Driving abroad
- Many countries do not accept a U.S. driver’s license. You may need an International Driving Permit and extra auto insurance.
- Research if you need to purchase auto insurance to cover you while abroad.
- Learn more about Driving and Road Safety while abroad. Pay attention to toll roads in the areas you will be driving.
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Copies
- Make two complete copies of all travel documents (passport, driver’s license, credit cards, itinerary)
- Leave one set of copies with a trusted friend or family member at home
- Keep one set of copies with you, stored separately from the originals
- Take photos of your travel documents on your mobile phone for easy access
Review Your Travel Needs and Safety Tips
- Preparing for your international trip may include issues such as lodging, medical services, import restrictions, and more.
- If you want information on lodging, click here: Lodging Safety.
- For information on medicine and health, click here: Medicine and Health.
- To know more about local laws, click here: Laws Abroad.
- It is hard to plan for a catastrophe (hurricane, earthquake, flooding, war, etc). However, it pays to be informed. Click here for Crisis Response and Evacuations.
- The CDC has a good website for your health abroad here: Travelers’ Health.
Consider Buying Travel Insurance
- The U.S. government does not pay medical expenses for U.S. citizens traveling internationally.
- You must plan ahead in case of an emergency, hospital visit or unexpected expenses.
- Insurance for traveling overseas is not one umbrella policy, but rather multiple types:
- Travel health
- Medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation
- Auto
- If you are considering travel insurance, you want to consider:
- Validity in counties you plan to visit
- Length of your trip
- Emergency medical care
- Medical transportation back to the United States
- Travel and lodging expenses
- Cash for emergencies
- All current medical conditions for you and your family
- Activities you plan to participate in
To view the Department of State’s checklist in it’s entirety, click here: International Travel Checklist
Special Considerations for Retirees
- Allow extra time for airport security and boarding
- Request assistance from airlines if you have mobility concerns
- Pack essential medications in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags
- Consider travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
- Plan rest days into your itinerary to avoid exhaustion
- Check if your destination offers senior discounts on attractions or transportation
Proper planning and insurance are your best protection for a safe, enjoyable international adventure! Bon voyage!
Buddy and Jordan