Know Before You Go

What to Expect When Traveling Internationally

Air Conditioning & Heating: Air conditioning isn’t always available in public buildings in many European countries, including hotels. This means you may not be able to set the temperature in your room as you might prefer. This is part of a broader initiative imposed by the EU to reduce consumption of natural gas. The same restrictions may also apply to heating in the winter.

Hotel Standards: European standards often differ slightly from what we’re used to in the United States and can vary by destination. Beds may be shorter than what you’re used to and amenities that are standard in the U.S., are often hard to come by in Europe.

International Layovers: If you have a layover in another country on your way to your final destination, you may need to meet some or all of its entry requirements. For example, the U.K. requires all travelers, even those just transiting, to obtain an ETA authorization before departure. It is your responsibility to meet these requirements. Visit the Department of State website to check requirements.

When you arrive in a new country—whether for a layover or your final destination—you must go through customs and may need to pass through another security checkpoint. Be aware that security procedures vary by country, so requirements may differ from what you're used to.

Travel Checklist & Best Practices

Before Departure

Be sure your passports are valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contain at least two blank pages per destination. Clients are responsible to ensure that they have all the proper documents for travel. Visas or travel authorizations, may be required for your destination. Visit the Department of State website for further information.

Children traveling with one parent, or someone who is not a parent/legal guardian, or children traveling in a group may require special documents (such as a child consent form) to travel. It is the client’s responsibility to obtain these documents well ahead of time.

For international travel, it is recommended you make at least two copies (front and back) of your passports. A lost or stolen passport is easier to replace when a copy can be obtained. Please leave a copy at home with a friend or family member that can fax it to your destination in the case of an emergency.

If you have any health conditions, obtain a letter from your physician listing all medications, dosages, and reason for taking. Keep this with you to assist airport security, customs, and emergency response teams. Confirm your health care coverage for domestic and international travel and learn what providers are available in your destination.

For international travel, enroll your trip with the U.S. Embassy.

Know how to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate in your destination.

  • U.S. Overseas Citizens Services: Call 1-800-407-4747 (from U.S. or Canada) or 202-501-4444 (from anywhere in the world) for 24/7 assistance.

Immunizations may be required. Review CDC guidelines for your destination. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry, and/or government-imposed fines.

International Driver’s Permit (IDP): Many European countries require driver’s licenses if you plan to rent a car in that country. Be aware of other websites that claim to issue international driver’s licenses or IDPs. Many are fraudulent and may try to scam you out of money or personal information. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the ONLY official organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. Use the Department of State's website to search for the country you’ll be visiting. On that country’s page, see the "travel and transportation" section. It will explain your destination’s driver’s license rules for visitors.

Packing: Check the weather forecast for your trip and pack appropriately. In case of lost luggage, it’s a good idea to:

  • Pack half your clothes in your companion’s bag (and vise versa) .

  • Pack at least 1-2 days worth of clothes in your carry-on, along with basic toiletries.

  • We do not recommend traveling with expensive valuables (expensive jewelry, purses, excessive amounts of cash, non-essential
    electronic devices). If you do need to bring these items DO NOT put them in your checked luggage.

  • Review your airline’s baggage policy. (Please note that you may be flying on more than one airline.)

Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a loved one at home.

Download any apps you’ll need in your destination.

  • What’sApp to help you stay in touch with your loved ones anywhere you have wifi.

  • Download Your Airline’s App to receive live text alerts regarding your flight.

  • Trip Plans App so you can keep your day-by-day Itinerary with you at all times. No WiFi needed :)

Check in for your flight the night before your trip. Look for any changes to your flight schedule as these can change at any time. *Please note: You may be denied boarding if you fail to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure.

Inform your credit card company and/or bank of your travel plans. Make a copy of all credit cards (front and back) in case they are stolen.

Money Matters

Conversion rates can be found at xe.com

We recommend using a credit card for the majority of your purchases. However, you'll find that cash/coins are still useful for tipping at cafes, for accessing public restrooms, and for tipping your drivers/tour guides. In some cases, local stores in smaller towns may only accept cash. 

Obtaining local currency through an ATM is often less expensive than exchanging money at a currency exchange office. Check with your local bank to make certain your PIN will be valid outside the U.S. Often there are restrictions on the amount that can be withdrawn within a 24-hour period. Only use Bank ATMS as these will give you the best exchange rate.

American Express and Discover may not be readily accepted outside the U.S. It is best to make sure you have a back-up Mastercard or Visa if either of these are your primary form of payment.

The tipping culture varies by country so please refer to the country guide we’ve provided in your Day-by-Day Itinerary for more information. Generally speaking, you can expect to tip far less than we do here in the U.S.

VAT Tax: VAT (value-added tax) is a consumption tax that is included in the price you pay when shopping in EU countries (It may be labeled different in your destination. For example, in Italy it’s labelled IVA.) VAT ranges from 5% to 25%, depending on the country and on the product, though 21% is the average. When traveling back to the US, you may be able get some of that money back. While each EU country has their own VAT refund rules, there are general rules to follow.

Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Internationally

Mobile Passport Control for U.S. Customs: Instead of filling out the traditional Customs form upon returning to the U.S. after your trip, U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors can use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to expedite the Customs process in a growing list of U.S. airports and cruise ports. The free and secure app requires travelers to create a passport profile (for an individual or a family group) in advance, and submit your trip itinerary via the app to U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon landing or docking in the U.S. It is safe and easy to use. To learn more, and to check MPC is available at your gateway airport, CLICK HERE. Note: A valid passport is still required, even with use of the Mobile Passport app. If you are returning from an airport that utilizes Preclearance (such as Dublin or Shannon, Ireland; and Calgary, Toronto or Vancouver, Canada), the Mobile Passport app cannot be used.

Safety Information

Airport Tips

  • Stay with your bags at all times. Do not watch or handle the bags of others.

  • Double check your gate number as it could change unexpectedly.

  • Make note of the boarding time on your ticket. Do not stray far from your gate within 1 hour of departure. Boarding can begin earlier than expected and you may not hear announcements over the intercom.

Stay up to date on any travel advisories for your destination.

For 24/7 assistance, you may call 202-501-4444 from anywhere in the world to contact U.S. Overseas Citizens Services.

Always store your passports and valuables in the hotel safe

Avoid trains and subways at night

Only use ATM’s located inside a bank or hotel lobby

Use official, licensed taxis only. Agree on where you’re going and how much it will cost before getting in the taxi.

Consider letting your hotel front desk know of your plans, particularly if you’ll be out late.

Obtain a map of your destination/ship and familiarize yourself with it.

Refer to safety information posted in your hotel rooms/ship stateroom.

If using a rental car, ask rental agency what to do in case of a breakdown or accident.

Research any scams that may be active in your destination, so you’ll know how to avoid them and what to do if you’re approached.

Always ask an official staff member or employee for help. Be wary of kind citizens offering to “show you the way” as they may turn around and demand payment.

To Prevent Pickpocketing:

  • Only take what you need (and leave your passport in your in-room safe) while touring and be especially careful in crowded public areas.

  • Wear cross-body purses and keep them zipped with pockets facing you. Wallets should be kept in front pockets.

  • Do not hang your purse or bag on the back of a chair or leave your cell phone sitting on the table while at a restaurant.

  • Do not keep all your money in one place.

  • Phones are subject to theft and are sold on the black market. Never keep your phone in your back pocket, no matter how convenient.

  • Consider using theft-resistant bags like this one.

  • If you have any credit cards that transmit signals, keep them in an RFID protected wallet our pouch to prevent your information being picked up by a scanner.

Health/Medical Recommendations:

Prior to Travel:

  • You and your travel partners are responsible for learning about your destination’s potential health risks, as well as required immunizations and vaccines related to travel (foreign or domestic).

  • Consult with your personal physician to ensure you are medically approved to travel, including pregnancy or any other medical condition.

  • Potential health precautions (Zika virus, measles, rubella, malaria, drinking water, etc.) or recommended vaccinations should be discussed with your physician:

    Visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO)

  • Obtain a letter from your physician listing all medications (prescription and over-the-counter, dosages and reason for taking) you plan to take with you. Keep this list readily available for airport security, customs officials and emergency response personnel.

Some countries require proof of immunization records. It is the your responsibility to secure specific medical immunizations and vaccinations at your own cost for each country you are visiting prior to your travel dates.

Should you need to seek medical attention while traveling, be sure to obtain any and all documentation relating to your medical visit an/or treatment. This will be needed for instance purposes. Be advised: You will be responsible for any cost related to cancellations due to personal medical conditions.