Whether getting ready for a bucket list vacation or taking advantage of a last-minute deal, preparing for international summer travel requires more thinking and planning than an average trip within the U.S. Although it can feel exciting just to throw a few things in a bag and go, you'll likely have more fun, and less stress, if you plan ahead.
Here are six things you should take care of before you head out for a big summer adventure.
1. Passport and visa. Typical processing time for a U.S. passport is 10 weeks to 13 weeks. You can pay an extra $60 for an expedited passport, but you can expect to wait seven weeks to nine weeks to receive it.
You’ll need a passport for international travel. That’s true even if you are going on a cruise, unless your port cities are U.S. territories. Some countries, such as Australia and India, also require visas for entry.
2. Packing. You’ll need clothing and shoes, of course, but you also may need power adapters, a basic first aid kit, prescription medicines and personal “essentials” you might not be able to buy at your destination.
While packing, consider what should go in your suitcase and what you need to put in your carry-on bagto be comfortable on your international flight or in the event your luggage is lost or delayed.
3. Travel insurance. No one plans to get sick or injured while on vacation, and that's why researching travel insurance should be on your to-do list when preparing for summer international travel. Insurance can protect you if you must cancel your trip or if you need medical care while outside the United States. The SentinelMED team offers advice on the topic in this recent blog article.
4. Cell phone usage. Roaming charges for international travel can quickly become costly. Before traveling, contact your carrier about the cost of adding a 30-day international plan. You can compare those costs with a standalone international plan to find the best combination of cost and coverage for your needs.
5. Credit and debit cards. It’s always wise to contact your bank or credit union before traveling so that they know you’ll be outside the United States. That way, your financial institution will be less likely to flag out-of-country expenses as suspicious. You’ll also want to ask about fees that may be charged for using international ATMs.
Be sure to bring two cards with you in case one gets lost or stolen. If your financial institution charges higher fees than you'd like, consider taking a prepaid currency card for your expenses.
6. Lack of air conditioning. Europe, in particular, is known for its lack of air conditioning. In fact, only 1 in 10 households in Europe have air conditioning units.
Summer 2022 was brutally hot in countries such as Spain and France and tough for travelers who were used to being able to cool off indoors. The forecast for summer 2023 is for another record year of heat waves. To help protect yourself from heat-related illnesses, staying hydrated is essential. Eugene Delaune, the medical director at SentinelMED, explains why in an article in The Washington Post.
For more travel tips, visit our blog.
About SentinelMED
SentinelMED offers medical transport, medical repatriation, and medical escort services to people who need assistance to travel long distances. The SentinelMED team is skilled at arranging transport for patients anywhere in the world. They regularly handle end-to-end travel planning, including arranging for a medical escort to accompany the patient when needed.
At SentinelMED, we understand the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about SentinelMED's services or its staff.
