Traveling abroad can be exciting, but it can also be a little intimidating – especially if you’ve never done it before. Our Newark Airport parking experts have created our very own travel abroad checklist to help you prepare for your upcoming trip. Here’s what you should have and do before you go:
Passport/Visa
You’ll need your passport to travel to another country, so have you checked yours lately? Is it still valid? If not and it’s expired, you’ll need at least six weeks to renew it (maybe longer, because of the number of passports that will need renewing in the next few years). Some countries require your passport be more than six months from the expiration date, so check before you decide you don’t need to renew it.
Some countries require a visa to enter, so check to see if your destination is one of them. If so, fill out the proper paperwork well in advance.
Reservations
Make sure you print out copies of any reservation you made, including your flight, hotel room, car rental, dinner, and more.
Itinerary
Write down what your itinerary will be during your trip and print out a copy for you and several copies for friends and family members. (Make sure you include phone numbers of the places you’ll be staying.) This gives them an idea of where you are and how to reach you, should something go wrong.
Credit Cards
If you have more than one credit card, check to see if any of them offer cash back or exclusive deals for international purchases. If they do, find the best one for your trip. Be sure to notify your credit card company that you’ll be traveling outside the country so they don’t think your card was stolen.
Cash
Not everywhere takes credit cards (especially if you’re going to a secluded town), so make sure you have some cash on you during your trip. The exchange rate is usually cheaper if you exchange it here in the U.S. instead of waiting until you reach your destination.
Insurance
Before you leave, consider buying travel insurance for your trip – especially if it’s one you’ve planned months in advance or if it’s going to cost you a good amount of money. Travel insurance isn’t for everyone, but you can easily talk to a travel agent or insurance specialist to see what they recommend.
Though it may be hard, pack as light as possible when traveling abroad. If you can fit all of your belongings in a carry-on, that’s ideal, because you won’t have to worry about the airline losing your luggage during layovers. If not, and you need to check a bag, try to only bring the essentials. You don’t want to be dragging around a heavy piece of luggage your entire trip – especially if you’re heading to more than one destination.
Pack staple pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched to make several different outfits and keep your shoe selection to a minimum. Also consider buying toiletries once you get there and don’t forget to pack an outlet converter if the destination you’re traveling to has different electrical outlets than the U.S.
Vaccinations
Some countries require vaccinations before you can enter, so check to see if your destination is one of them. If so, make sure you leave enough time to get the correct vaccinations, or you risk not being able to go.
Prescriptions
If you have any prescription medication that will run out while you’re away, make sure you get a refill to last you the trip. Also, keep your medications in your carry-on so you don’t risk losing them in your checked luggage. It’s also helpful to include a list of medications that you need to take and your doctors’ phone numbers, just in case.
If you’re flying out of Newark Airport, don’t forget to make your parking reservation with us. We’ll take care of your car while you’re gone so you can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of a whole new country.
Login
Sign Up
