International Travel Tips After 500,000 Travel Miles

Life On An Airplane

As someone who traveled over 100K+ miles last year (just shy of 125K airline miles) I often get asked for tips and tricks by those who are traveling internationally for the first time or their only time. They often ask “What are your international travel tips?”

I can think of my first trip to Europe in 2003 and when I landed in London and found Mr. Jet Lag hiding in the jetway. You would have thought it was the plague. I did nothing but sleep when I arrived and it ended being a tragic week of being tired (sleeping in meetings), sick and overwhelmed on the experience. I still don’t remember any of it. All I remember is the dark cloak of Mr. Jet Lag lurking everywhere. 

 Today, I fly on Sunday regularly get off of an international flight, head directly to the office, put in a full day worth of work with the team.  Last year, there were two trips we did 5 time zones in 12 days and went around the world and visited teams in the U.S., Europe & Asia.  Part of this is repetition and part of this is being prepared and planful.   The best part is compressing of my travel schedule is more time home with family vs planes, trains and automobiles. This is definitely a top international travel tip.

I can’t take credit for all of these, but definitely a blend of my own learnings, learnings from great ‘travel peers’ and friends many of you with over 1 million miles. I am well on my way. here are my top international travel tips.

International Travel Tips: Money

Know The Local Currency & Have Cash – Several years ago, I watched a ‘travel peer’ pull out a wallet with several different currencies. I was dumfounded, curious and then quickly adopted. I usually carry 4+ currencies at one time. It makes it easy for travel and moving across countries, currency exchanges. For those with regular travel schedule it becomes of great convenience.  As an example, there are several countries where cabs/taxis don’t take credit cards (or trains/buses, etc.) so it makes it much easier than asking the hotel for a cash advance.  Also you should know your conversion rates before you travel. It is important to know whether that cocktail you ordered will cost you $5 or $15 dollars.

Check Your Credit Cards – Not all credit cards work in all countries so it is one to be aware of and understand prior to.  I tend to stick with Visa & Mastercard vs others. Many others are hit or miss and even companies like American Express are not accepted in all locations. This becomes very important especially for those with outdated magnetic strip cards. These are being accepted less and less around the world as merchants focus more and more on security.

Always Have $USD For Currency Exchange – Not every airport or country has easy access to ATM or readily available banks, especially for tourists. (or non-country citizens) I regularly carry cash (typically $300-$500) on a typical trip so that I can use as a way to access local currency and any potential contingencies.  Not all countries are as advanced in terms of taking electronic payments – credit cards, debit cards, etc. Definitely have cash available.

International Travel Tips: Electronics

Bring Charger Adapter. Check The Voltage – Make sure you have an international power adapter and charger when you travel. Power is the most important commodity we have for our digital world and it is important to understand voltage, not all electronics are the same.  Countries have different size plugs and voltage. From my own experiences you want to voltage before you realize you can’t use your hair dryer (or you melt one).

Activate Phone Global Capabilities –  The first time you get a $468.75 phone bill you will quickly realize something is very wrong with your cell phone and its data plan.  It can be very costly for data, cellular service, texting, roaming charges, etc. Cellular companies have made significant progress in international billing plans but it is one to research prior to your departure. Make sure you understand your plan, what is available, what your limits are (data, cellular minutes, texting, etc.) and plan for it. Today my carrier does both bulk plans for a flat rate (e.g. $60 gets you so much of each) as well as daily unlimited plans ($10 per day). They are pricey but it will be a lot less than if you don’t change your plan!

International Travel Tips: Luggage & Logistics

The Great Debate. Check Or Don’t Check A Bag – It is a balance of convenience and selection of clothes and attire vs risk. The day I lost my first bag and had to ask someone do they prefer boxer or briefs. That was the end. Today, I do not check a bag, ever . Whether it is a one day, domestic trip thru a global ticket around the world I do not check a bag. Therefore, my bags never goes into the ‘belly of the bus’.  I pack light, learned how to properly pack a bag (here is my favorite video) and also smartly use hotel services. Also think about the materials you pack, light materials, ones that wear well in all climates and that give you flexibility.

Pack An Extra Set Of Clothes & Travel Bag – This definitely tied with the decision above. Regardless I always have an extra shirt, light change of clothes and a travel bag. The travel bag is a must have. Today, the one next to me includes – toothpaste & toothbrush, compression socks, eye mask, mouth wash, refreshing spray and key medicines (see below). This has been a big change but an important one.

Bring Snacks & Water – Food on airplanes is not the greatest, especially for those who are not sitting in a first class or business class seat. It is high in sugar and carbs and you have to be selective. Today, I always pack extra water, good snacks (nuts, healthy snacks, etc.). There are plenty of times I have been stuck on a runway for hours or delayed at times. Now, I have access to snacks and food is super important on long journeys.

Know Where You Are Going – Don’t take for granted that you will be able to use your phone when you land in an international country for the first time.  Take inventory of critical numbers and locations and write them down or take a photo prior to your departure. You never know if you will have access to your phone and don’t make assumptions that every taxi driver knows exactly where you are going.  It is much easier than getting dropped off at the wrong hotel at midnight having to find another taxi to the other Marriott in town. Another horrible experience I have personally been thru.

International Travel Tips: Health

Check-in With Doctor & Insurance – Once a year, I do check in with my doctor to make sure I am current on shots & vaccinations before I take any long trips. Also, ask you medical insurance provider if your policy applies overseas for emergencies. If it doesn’t, and you want to add extra coverage. I don’t do it every time but something I ask about as part of my annual checkup and doctor visit.

Take Vitamins – I strongly believe that it is important to have great habits and regiments when I travel. It creates predictably. For that reason, take Airborne each morning when I travel as well as vitamin supplements and water. It is how I start my day, every day and it is a huge boost to start the day and fights jet lag, recycled air, and germs you pick up everywhere where you travel.

Get On Time Zone – I work quickly to quickly get on time zone with my eating and sleep habits. This starts the moment I get on the first plane and ensure that when I arrive I am on schedule.  As an example, if I am landing in Asia at 1:00 AM I want to ensure that I am not on a full stomach. I want to be able to sleep and acclimate as soon as possible. Set your watch as early as possible and get on schedule. That gives you the best chance of being ready and functional the next morning.

Sleep Is The Foundation – I also regularly use a sleep aid as well (I prefer fast release melatonin) specifically on my first two nights when I arrive. I start when I get on the plane to help with getting on time zone. I use it to start the week strong. Sleep is a foundation for so much and it is one of my nonnegotiable for business or personal travel. I try to prioritize sleep at all costs.

Pack Medicine – As I shared above, I keep a travel bag with  me at all times. In addition, I keep medicine with me because you never know what your hotel room is going to be like. But I also carry Advil, Nyquil, Imodium A-D, Tums, and a handful of other key medications (e.g. allergy medication, etc.) Yes, even the most historic European neighborhood has a drugstore. Rather than running around late at night if you are not feeling well. It is a miserable experience and I know firsthand. If you’re heading to third-world countries, stocking up on the right drugs is even more important. I have been known to fill a  prescription in advance for antibiotics just in case. 

International Travel Tips:  Security

Take A Copy. Leave A Copy:  If your passport gets stolen or lost you want to be sure that you can still get back into the country, or prove your citizenship. As a result, for backup, leave a copy of your passport at home or with someone you trust. Consider making an electronic copy you can store in your email account as well.

Global Entry, Global Entry, Global Entry – This is new! I have just added to the list. I recently obtained my Global Entry (including TSA pre-check for domestic travel). Early reviews are that it is amazing! Global Entry saves time and creates efficiencies for those tight connections between flights. It eases the burden of customs process when arriving back in the United States.

I hope my international travel tips help make your next trip a bit easier. 

Remember that life is a game never won or lost, only played.