Increase your odds of smooth travels and reduce stress by using our top 25 tips for traveling abroad.
“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Ibn Battuta
Travel chaos over the last couple of years has discouraged many people from traveling after years of being held back by COVID-19. The stories of lost luggage and crowded sites have deterred even more people. This year is shaping up to be the busiest ever on record. If everything else is lined up in favor of traveling, no situation should keep you from heading on a long-overdue adventure.
First, remember that although the stories sound awful, most flights are still taking off on time, and most people’s luggage is getting to their destinations. Second, life is too short to keep putting off what brings you joy and excitement. What next year brings is unknown; if you are ready to go now, do it. Travel always carries some risk and potential chaos, but learning to mitigate them is vital. These Top 25 Tips for Traveling Abroad provide you with every chance of success and give you as much control as possible. It has worked for us for years.
Another reason we pulled this together is that people ask us how our travel is so stress-free and always seems perfect. That isn’t entirely true, as many crazy moments and problems arise during our travels for the blog and our personal lives. We have always handled these events gracefully and with a go-with-the-flow attitude. One way we remain successful is by following the 25 Tips to reduce travel stress. Some are easy, and some will take practice. Our goal here is to provide you with the tools and inspiration to make your travel dreams a reality.
Even with the best-laid plans…
Remember that even if you do everything on this list, things can still go wrong or get messy. There are no guarantees in anything in life. Make the best of any situation, learn to go with the flow, and embrace whatever your travels bring. Turn it into an adventure that will be part of the fantastic story you will tell. Let’s delve into our top 25 Tips for Traveling Abroad.
1. If possible, reserve airline tickets, hotels, cruises, and rental cars at the source.
In other words, if flying United, book through United, using Avis to book through them. We prefer Hilton hotels, so we book directly through Hilton. For cruises, please contact the cruise line directly. They are more likely to take better care of you than if you used a third party. If their issues arise, especially during travel, you can address them directly rather than through intermediaries speaking on your behalf. You might also be less likely to be bumped off if the flight is overbooked.
Regardless of how you make your reservations, check every couple of weeks to ensure everything is in order, especially with airlines. Are the dates correct, and is the reservation still showing up? If you have a connecting flight on a different airline, check that airline’s website to confirm the flight is still available. Don’t wait until right before departure. Several years ago, a connecting flight on a different airline was canceled, but the airline we booked with never notified us. We only noticed it when our final destination had changed. Our trip was only four weeks away, and because we caught it ourselves, we had plenty of time to find alternatives.
Hotels are especially important to confirm
It is essential to confirm with the hotels you have reservations with before the trip. You can do this directly with the hotel or verify that your reservation is still available online. Please review the dates and room category. Some people recommend checking whether you can make new reservations at your hotel; in other words, verify it is open. This is a good idea, especially for privately owned, smaller boutique hotels. If you are staying on Airbnb or VRBO, contact the host to confirm your arrival is set.
2. Book connecting flights with at least 3-hour layovers if non-stops are not available
We have been doing this long before the recent chaos, for both international and US-based flights. So far, we have never missed a connection with our luggage. That is, one of us is flying at least once a month!! Our first choice is always non-stop, if possible. Sometimes, they cost only a little bit more, but your time and stress should be your primary concern. Plus, like most of us, our travel time is limited. Having an extra day because we arrived in the morning rather than late afternoon can be significant. Also, the less time you spend on an airplane, the better your body will adjust to the time change. The dryness of airplane air is harsh on the body; spend as little time as possible at 37,000 feet.
Based on our destinations, we will need to go over in most cases. We always aim for at least a 3-hour layover. It is typically about 4 hours. Most international airports have a ton of great shopping and places to eat. There are sometimes entertainment, workstations, and places to rest and put your feet up. You get free drinks, food, and a pleasant waiting environment if you have access to airport lounges. We find that time goes by quickly, and we can get some work done. It is worth it to avoid missing a tight flight, the stress of trying to catch one, and the worry about whether our luggage made it.
Show up early
Along with long layovers, arriving early for your first flight is a good idea. We have been arriving at least 3 hours early for international flights for years. Checking in before the rush will increase the likelihood that, if TSA pulls your luggage for an extra screening, it can still make the plane. A bonus is spending time in the free airport lounges we have access to due to our travel credit cards. We find that when we board the plane, we are relaxed and start the trip on a positive note. Want to get free access to travel lounges and other free perks? Check out our blog post.
Want to travel for free? Let us show you how
3. NEVER EVER leave home without travel insurance.
We all have home insurance, though it is rare for a house to burn down. Travel insurance is no different and is there for the big and little stuff that can occur. We know many stories of people who were financially devastated after a crisis while traveling. Once that flight is booked, our next step is to buy travel insurance. We have become loyal fans of Squaremouth.com and highly recommend them. They have many companies to choose from and advocate on your behalf when needed. It is essential, however, to conduct your own research and review the policy before purchasing. It can be inexpensive for great coverage if you know what to buy and how to compare prices.
Many say I have travel insurance through my credit card, so I am covered. We do, too, but it is insufficient for medical incidents. Become an empowered consumer and learn why having a separate policy is essential. Check out our blog post, Travel Insurance: Learn How to be a Savvy Consumer, to learn more about the best insurance at a reasonable cost.
4. Register with the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs under the auspices of the U.S. State Department. Protecting the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad is a core mission of U.S. Embassies and Consulates. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll in their trip or extended stay with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They can provide important safety and security information and support during crises or emergencies. We have been registering for years. We especially appreciate advance notice, via email, of planned demonstrations in each country so we can avoid the area.
The process is quick and straightforward. We are so committed to this program that we wrote a blog post about it. Check out this link: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for U.S. Citizens Traveling Abroad.
5. Use credit cards for almost all purchases and get foreign currency before you leave
We withdrew a few hundred dollars in cash for the country we are heading to at our local Chase bank before leaving our home country. This provides us with cash on hand when we arrive and will cover tips, small purchases, and those rare places that don’t accept credit cards or Apple Pay. Our standard is to get about $200 in currency. We rarely need to get more cash once we’re there. In most cases, we come with 50% of what we left with.
Once at your destination, use your credit card for everything. Europe, Central, and South America have mostly become cashless societies. For added security, set up Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay before leaving; they are free. Many countries prefer touchless payment, and when you use options like Apple Pay, your number is encrypted; the vendor never sees your full number. Your card can’t be scanned or stolen, then. Learn more about touchless payment options here and how safe and secure they are.
Across our travels, it is rare for a place not to accept Apple Pay, even in small villages. In most European nations, it is preferred and widely used, even in a cash-based society like Germany. In Paris recently, when buying a crepe for 3 euros, I tried to pay in cash, but they asked if I could make a contactless payment instead. On Easter Island, 90% of restaurants and stores accepted Apple Pay. Many tolls and parking meters accept only credit cards. We found that on public transportation, you can often use Apple Pay to pay your fare.
Be prepared for loss or theft
Always carry more than one card, and keep them separate in case your wallet or phone is stolen or your card is compromised.
While traveling abroad, it is crucial to check your credit card activity every few days to ensure only your charges appear. Never use your debit card as a credit card; it gives scammers access to your bank account.
While at it, this would be a great time to apply for a travel credit card. One that provides no international fee exchange rates, fantastic travel perks, and reward points for future travel will be replaced if a lost or stolen card is used overseas. It also provides car rental and other travel insurance at no cost. We are big fans of the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which is geared toward travelers. They also offer sweet sign-up bonuses that translate to free travel or cash back. Check out our article on the best travel credit cards.
6. Invest in some Apple AirTags
These AirTags are a new must-have for travel. You just put an AirTag in each piece of luggage you take. These have proved invaluable for many. It tracks where your luggage is anywhere in the world. We have seen cases of airlines telling customers their luggage arrived at its destination when the AirTag shows it is still at the airport. It also directs you to it if you need to find your suitcase in a sea of bags. Click the Apple AirTag Amazon link to learn more. The price on Amazon for an AirTag ranges from $20 to $27 during sales. We carry an extra AirTag to attach to the rental car keys.
Do you want additional great travel suggestions? Check out our top recommendations for travel gear and accessories, plus other great products we use on the road. Our Amazon Storefront features excellent gear we have tried and tested; check it out here.
Want a story on how valuable these AirTags are? Joelle had her luggage stolen off the baggage belt before she reached baggage claim. If it weren’t for her AirTag, she would still be told it was “los” instead of stolen. The story can be found here.
7. Write your contact info on and in all your luggage before you leave, then take pictures of each piece of luggage and its contents.
Place your contact info both inside and outside the suitcase, as exterior tags can fall off. It is crucial to make the writing clear, including your name, address, home country, email, and phone number, with the country dialing code on all luggage. People often forget to include the email address, home country, and country dialing code; these are essential. If your luggage is on the wrong plane and lands in South Africa, the person handling it may not know the U.S. dialing code or that North Dakota is in the U.S. Many people can now text or email from their cell phones, so providing various quick methods to reach you is valuable.
Please take pictures of each piece of luggage and its contents before leaving for the airport. If your luggage is lost, the airline will often request a description or an image. If your luggage can’t reach you during your travels and you need to claim its contents, pictures will help with the claim process.
8. Make copies of all travel documents and cards
Make copies of your passport, COVID-19 vaccination card, travel insurance coverage, paper tickets, credit cards (front and back), hotel and car reservations, medical insurance card, medical information, and medication list, and place them in a binder. We keep this binder in our carry-on, so it is always with us. Make an electronic copy if you like, but you need the paper backup in case your phone is lost, stolen, or malfunctioning. Then, take one set of photocopies of the documents, place them in a manila envelope, and store them separately from your main binder.
Leave one set of photocopies of all your travel documents with someone you trust at home. In Italy, we once had a wallet stolen. It was a simple call home to have the family notify all the banks.
A harsh lesson from that incident is never to keep all your cards in one place. In this case, we did, and all our cards were gone. Luckily, we had left most of the cash in the room. Since our main card was a travel card, a replacement card was delivered to our next destination at no charge within a couple of days. It was awesome.
9. Buy what event or entry tickets you can apply online before departure, especially for those must-dos on your schedule.
Queues in Europe can be notoriously long. Time is precious, and standing in line wastes time when there is much to see and do. Look for Skip-the-Line tickets available from the venue. You can also purchase a City or Museum Pass, which provides free admission and eliminates the need to buy tickets.
10. Pack light and use only carry-on luggage if possible
Writing that feels a bit hypocritical, as that will never be us. Given her medical background, Joelle wants to be prepared for anything. Plus, there is no room for clothes between camera equipment, laptops, meds, medical supplies, etc. If you can keep it to only carry-on, you have one less thing to worry about.
If you are like us, splitting your checked baggage between suitcases is a good practice. This way, if one piece of luggage is lost, which has never occurred internationally to us (knock on wood), we both still have clothes in our one suitcase. Once there, we move everything back into our own bags. We have a page with valuable packing tips and printable packing lists. Check out our blog page, Packing for Success.
Of course, our most important recommendation, even for carry-on, is to place an AirTag in your luggage. Often, people are required to check their carry-on when bins are full, so always be prepared to know where the bins are.
11. Prepare early by packing a few weeks before your departure date
Our tradition is to start sorting clothes and travel essentials about 3-4 weeks before a trip in a spare bedroom. It helps coordinate outfits and identify any additional essentials you may need. It also gives you time to sort out what you won’t need to bring.
Buying needed items early when you aren’t rushed can reduce costs. Too often, last-minute purchases result in expedited shipping costs. People often overlook that travel costs also include pre-purchase expenses, so keeping them in check is valuable.
12. Rest, hydrate, and eat healthily on the days before and on the day you travel.
It is counterproductive to start a trip exhausted, ill, and emotionally drained. It also makes you more susceptible to issues while traveling, such as illness, falls, and stress. We know it is easier said than done, but try to start on a healthy note. Drink lots of water, eat nutritious meals, avoid alcohol, and get a good sleep in the week before you leave. One reason to pack early is to avoid the chaos of the days before travel. In recent years, we have been more diligent about our vitamin intake in the weeks before a trip. Check out our blog page on How to Stay Healthy During Travel.
We also feel it is essential to dress comfortably during travel. We do not advocate dressing fancy to fly in hopes of being upgraded. This is a well-known myth that has no factual basis. Having been upgraded frequently, we can assure you this is not the reason. Also, because it is often upgraded, most business- and first-class passengers are not dressed for the theater.
13. Avoid jet lag – follow this simple rule
This, for many, sounds impossible, but it is pretty darn simple. There is one consistent message across the medical travel community, echoed by travel experts like Rick Steves. Never nap, even for a few minutes, upon arrival or in the first few days in your new time zone. Whether you arrive early or later in the afternoon at your destination, keep moving at all times. Stay outdoors when possible and get lots of fresh air. Hydrate and get solid nutrition. If alcohol makes you tired, then avoid it. It will get tough sometimes, but haven’t we all had sleepless nights and then had to work the next day or care for our young kids?
Plan to go to bed early on your first evening; you will be exhausted. We sometimes take Benadryl, melatonin, or both to promote deeper sleep. Chamomile tea works for many people. We sleep well and wake the next day ready to go, fully normalized to our time zone, no jet lag, no sleep issues, just off and running, full of energy.
Since adopting this approach, we have not experienced jet lag again. We are several years apart in age, so that doesn’t seem to be a factor. All the people we travel with do it, and have done fantastically. The ones who ignore it all end up with significant jet lag. Once jet lag sets in, it can take many days to adjust, making many people miserable and leading to other health issues during the trip.
What about sleeping on the flight?
Sleeping on the flight itself is up to you. In Joelle’s case, she can rarely sleep on a plane. Ryan is often so engrossed in the entertainment that he watches movies the entire flight. On average, we get at most a couple of hours. Limiting sleep helps us achieve a better first night’s sleep.
14. Learn the essential words in the language and the history of the place you are visiting
Learn hello and goodbye, please, thank you, and excuse me. Do you speak English? When entering a store or business, always greet the locals in their language. It goes a long way to showing respect and being gracious. Thank them and say goodbye in their language.
We use Google Translate to facilitate additional conversation. You can type what you want to say in your native language, and it will be written or spoken to the person you are communicating with. It is an excellent free option that has proved very useful. Click here for the Google Translate link.
While you are at it, learn a bit about the country you are about to visit. Please take a moment to know their history, cultures, and traditions. It will enhance so many aspects of your visit.
15. Read recent reviews
Always check reviews or get recommendations from multiple sources before booking any hotel, restaurant, or activity. Please ensure they are recent reviews as well. What was a fantastic place to eat two years ago may have changed hands, but now it has poor service and quality. There are many great review sites, but we prefer Google Maps for recent reviews and photos. They are an excellent resource for all things travel, and we rely on them heavily.
16. Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry costly handbags; leave them at home.
Europe is known for its pickpockets. It is essential to do all you can to prevent being a victim. The goal is to avoid looking like a tourist as much as possible, and wearing clothing similar to locals’ helps. Thieves constantly look for targets from which they can get the largest take. You make yourself a target if you wear large diamond earrings, wear a Rolex, or carry a Louis Vuitton bag. Even wearing a wedding ring with large gems can draw attention. Please keep it simple and reduce your risk.
In our case, we carry one backpack between us, with no purses or other items. The Travelon anti-theft backpack is our absolute favorite, and we have used the same one for years.
It has the following features we love: The first is a complex, interlocking mesh barrier engineered just below the surface material to prevent a blade attack aimed at opening your bag. The second is a hidden steel cable that runs the strap length to prevent it from being cut, and your bag from being pulled off your shoulder. Third, the main compartments of our bags lock to prevent a skilled pickpocket’s hands from accessing them. Fourth, RFID-blocking card slots and passport pockets protect against theft by handheld identity scanners. Finally, lock-down hardware lets you secure your bag to a chair or stationary object while you sit in a public area. Check out this link to learn more about it. Also, dress for comfort; you have a lot of things to see.
17. Remember, always, you are a GUEST IN THEIR COUNTRY!
Behave as a good guest should, as you would expect of those visiting your home. Respect the culture and traditions of the country you are privileged to see, even if they don’t mesh with yours. Be sensitive to their political situation, and listen more than talk. Avoid judgments. You don’t have to choose their way of life, but you do have to be polite and show respect. The choices available to them are different than yours. You are not there to change them but to observe and learn about their way of life.
Take the time to learn about the people, their behaviors, and customs. For example, some countries are very conscious of space. If that is the case, then follow suit. Check out our Country Travel Guides to see what essential cultures and traditions you must be mindful of.
18. Stay flexible at all times and avoid a rigid schedule.
If that cute little village caught your eye, go. When you want to grab a cold brew, do so. If that shop intrigues you, go in, or if you come across a local medieval festival, stay and partake. When that local dessert calls to you, get it. If you need downtime, take it.
Planning an itinerary is essential, but always allow for flexibility and time to explore places you discover along the way. Seek out the beaten places. Go down that one-lane country road. Some of our most memorable moments have been experiences not on our itinerary.
19. Go with the flow. Stay Calm.
Travel is an adventure; sometimes, things can go haywire, as life often does. Shit happens. Getting agitated and ruining a trip over something out of your control wastes energy and serves no purpose. Ultimately, the person you hurt most is yourself and the people you are traveling with. So, you lost a day or two due to delays, illness, or injury. That doesn’t mean the rest of your days are any less noteworthy. Accept what came your way and move forward.
Another common irritation is being rude or disrespectful to you. Don’t let someone you don’t know, who you will never see again, ruin your dream trip. They are nobody to you; why would you give them power over your journey and memories? Just smile, wish them a nice day, and walk away. Make them part of the story; don’t let them ruin your story.
20. Be street savvy
Think safety at all times. Assess the situation around you. Keep on top of travel alerts and safety warnings. Ask the hotel staff if it is safe to walk around at night. Are there areas you should avoid? Check your email regularly for STEP travel warnings about local threats or other issues.
21. Keep communication open among travel companions
When traveling, everyone in your group should have a voice, even the kids. Sometimes, when we travel with others, we keep our preferences to ourselves. Suppose you are a person who tends to run the show. Step back at times to consider whether your traveling companion’s needs and expectations are being met as well. Be sensitive to whether they are in pain, exhausted, or hungry.
The word “compromise” is powerful when traveling with others. Use it well, and it will serve everyone in your travel party. Joelle can no longer climb steep hills or hundreds of steps up that clock tower. Ryan does it while she walks downstairs. If both of us are on board with the plan, why not? It works well, and Ryan gets fantastic pics in those high places.
Finally, be conscious of those who have health issues that keep them from participating in many activities. Sometimes, we can neglect them and leave them behind for hours, time and time again, because they can’t participate. We can get so wrapped up in all we want to do that we forget to leave them alone. At times, that is not an issue, as we all need space, but it can become repetitive if it persists for long periods.
If you have a partygoer in your group who drinks themselves into a stupor each night, doesn’t get up until noon, and then is hungover and cranky all day until it is time to party again, why should you lose out? They are not being respectful to you. Don’t stay behind and miss out because of their poor choices. Take back control of your vacation while keeping the lines of communication open.
Travel Buddies
Finding someone you mesh well with for traveling is pretty darn tricky. Someone can be your dearest friend, but traveling with them is a nightmare. That makes for uncomfortable and stressful situations. Many friendships end due to poor travel experiences. Don’t lose a good friend over that; say we are not meant to travel together. That is okay; you have two choices: don’t travel with them again or discuss the issues openly. If talking is a good option, consider spending the day alone and meeting for breakfast or dinner.
Ultimately, the trip is both of yours, so don’t set yourself up to be miserable by not doing what you enjoy the most. Keep lines of communication open and be respectful.
22. Stay grateful.
You are blessed to be traveling when so many will never have the opportunities you have at this very moment. Step back and look at the marvel around you. No matter what crosses your path, appreciate all you have, even the bumps in the road. Over the years, we have learned that some make for incredible memories.
23. Be kind patient and friendly
Inevitably, problems can occur, such as unexpected closures of attractions, scams, losing an essential travel document, becoming ill, or discovering that the hotel you booked doesn’t have your reservation. Lashing out at others or having a fit usually does not serve you well or help the situation. Gather yourself and calmly consider the next best step.
You will have a better experience and more positive interactions with honey than with vinegar. Stay realistic, too. Not everything will be as you expected. It won’t be perfect. Please focus on the positive aspects and enjoy them. It is an adventure, after all. Perfection is boring.
24. Let go of what you can’t control.
We have known people who focus only on the negative aspects during a trip. They waste time wishing they had picked a better tour, agonizing over a wrong hotel choice, or whining about a bad meal. It is a waste and very annoying for everyone in the travel group. Do your research and travel planning before you go, and hope for the best. If mistakes occur, note them to avoid repeating them. Think big picture and focus on what matters to enjoy your time away.
25. We are all humans on this planet; let’s not forget that.
Unfortunately, some people need to hear a few facts. No, Americans are not better. Our way of life is not superior to anyone else’s. We do not rule the world. They do not owe us anything. No, they don’t have to learn our language.
Our lives and cultures are different. We all have our stories. Everyone has bad days. You don’t know what they could struggle with or face at home. Please keep that in perspective, and remember their experiences are not yours. Their views of the world are based on different factors than yours. Show them the respect they deserve, especially since you have entered their world. Be good ambassadors and be gracious. It will serve you well.
There you have it, our Top 25 Tips for Traveling Abroad. It is about making beautiful memories, and you are indeed on your way.
Our Rules of Travel
We should all remind ourselves to step outside our comfort zone and make the experience the best possible. If you follow what we call “our rules of travel,” you will gain more than you can imagine and positively impact others along the way.
Observe life around you.
Keep an open mind
Have a gentle heart
See with new eyes
Immerse yourself in the culture
Break out of your comfort zone
Meet new people
Laugh at yourself
Get lost in the moment
Take a deep breath and slow down your pace
Wander in wonder
Smile a lot!
Be kind
Treat everyone with respect
Understand and appreciate our differences
Be grateful
Planning a trip and needing accommodations?
Whether you’re traveling 100 miles or 5,000 miles, finding the right place to stay can make or break a trip. We believe that looking at reviews closely, especially recent ones, is essential. After that, find the best deal.
When planning a trip, it’s always wise to compare accommodation prices across different platforms. Expedia, based in the U.S., and Booking.com, based in Europe, don’t always feature the same properties, so checking both can give you the best range of options. We prefer Booking.com for its user-friendly interface and wide selection, but we always recommend double-checking the hotel or vacation rental’s official website. Sometimes, you’ll find exclusive deals or perks when booking directly.
Click the link below to explore hotels and vacation homes in the area you are planning to visit. Who knows? It might be just the spark you need to start planning your next grand adventure.
Final Thoughts
Now, with our top 25 tips for traveling abroad, you have tools at your disposal. Never forget that travel is a gift, and you must make the most of every moment. Embrace the challenges and cherish the good times. Now, explore the world, create unforgettable memories, and live your travel dreams to their fullest potential.
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