Before You Go Travel Checklist
/TTLT is making its return to international travel! This year we’re going on our Heart of Italy trip and we’re so excited to share our travel expertise again and help travelers see the world through the experiences and cuisine of local residents (some of whom you already know because you’ve taken a virtual cooking class with them!)
Interested in traveling with us on our Heart of Italy culinary tour? Click the link below to read more about the unique foodie experiences we curate for our trip, who you’ll meet, and when we’re going!
If you’re traveling internationally in 2022, there are a couple of extra things to be aware of compared to past years. You need to make sure to cover all of your bases so you’re not missing important documents, getting stuck in foreign countries, or stressing about not being adequately prepared.
This is the general “before you go travel checklist” that we send to each of our international travelers when they sign up for one of our trips. We want to make the travel process as seamless as possible so our travelers can focus on the cultural experiences and relationships they are building while abroad.
Months Before You Go
Check your passport expiration date. For U.S. Citizens, passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.
Check the U.S. Department of State's website for country-specific information like visa requirements, local laws, and travel alerts & warnings.
Visit a doctor or travel pharmacist 4-6 weeks prior to departure. Give your doctor your itinerary and history of vaccines. Ask for routine vaccinations and prescriptions as necessary (including a backup supply of antibiotics). For more information visit the CDC.
Research local country requirements regarding COVID-19 and prepare accordingly.
Purchase trip protection, as well as “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage. No-obligation quotes are available through our preferred provider, Travel Insured.
Weeks Before You Go
Purchase baggage or clothing needed for packing.
Register for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
If you are planning on using your cell phone, talk with your carrier to find out the best international plans that will suit your needs.
Designate and alert an emergency contact about your travel plans.
Days Before You Go
Review the local weather.
Notify your banks of your travel plans and itinerary for international use of your credit cards and ATM cards.
Make two (2) copies of your important documents such as passports, credit cards, and driver's licenses. Leave one copy with your emergency contact and store another copy in a safe place in your luggage (separate from the actual documents).
Pick up any prescription drugs and necessary medicines.
Verify each piece of luggage (and handbags) have your contact information easily accessible. Adding information such as printed flight or hotel information in a pocket can help somebody contact you if your luggage is lost.
Download books/shows/movies to electronic devices.
Download a free printable version of our Before You Go Checklist!
Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.
If you’re traveling abroad and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.
No matter where you travel, we always recommend purchasing travel protection to safeguard against sudden changes or cancellations. If you don’t already have a preferred vendor, you can check out ours - Travel Insured - who offers a “Cancel for Any Reason” policy.
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