Summer vacations are right around the corner, and it’s important to stay in the know on all the travel tips and hacks before you go full holiday mode. So we’re sharing the best secret tips for international travel you probably didn’t know.
1. Determine which documents are needed for your destination
Depending on where you’re visiting, you may need certain documents or visas for entry. For example, Americans traveling to countries like India, Australians, Indonesia, or Brazil will need to apply for a special visa to visit.
But if you’re visiting any country in the Schengen area (Spain, Germany, etc), Americans are allowed to stay for 90 days in a 180 day period without a visa. You’ll of course will still need your passport. However, in 2025 your passport won’t be enough and Americans will need to apply for an ETIAS.
2. Apply for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus
To ensure you save time at the airport, you can apply to one of the following U.S. programs below that provide security screening benefits that will be total game changers!
What’s TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck fast tracks your way through security screening with access to a separate line. Plus, you won’t have to remove your shoes, belt, laptops or liquids when getting screened.
What’s Global Entry?
Global Entry automatically grants you TSAPreCheck, in addition to expediting U.S. customs screening when re-entering the country after traveling abroad. TSA recommend passengers who travel internationally four times a year to apply for Global Entry over TSA PreCheck.
What’s Nexus?
Nexus expedites processing for entering specifically the U.S. and Canada. So if you’re deciding whether to choose Nexus or Global Entry, Nexus is best for those primarily traveling between the U.S. and Canada.
3. Text your flight number to yourself
If you have an iPhone, this untold trick actually lets you track all your flight information in a moment’s notice. Before heading to the airport, text your flight number using the airline code to yourself (for example, “DL 548” for a Delta flight) and it will appear hyperlinked once sent. This link will let you “preview flight,” bringing you to live information on your flight’s status, gate information and more.
4. If you’re bringing medication, bring your prescription with you
Since liquids are limited to a quart-sized bag, if you are taking any liquid or cream medications with you, make sure to bring your prescription with you so those medications won’t count towards your liquid quantity. Moreover, make sure your medication is legal in the country you are traveling to.
5. Double check that your passport is still valid
It’s important to be sure your passport is still valid before leaving for your trip because the expiration date doesn’t always mean you’re clear to enter into certain countries. Many destinations require a passport that doesn’t expire within three to six months after your date of entry. That means if you’re going to Spain in May but your passport expires in August, you’re going to need to renew your passport before departing. Find all the details on passport expirations here.
6. Emergency passports aren’t accepted everywhere
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get an emergency passport, note that not all countries accept them. So though you’ll be able to go back home to the U.S., if you had plans to travel to other surrounding countries during your travels, some of those countries might not let you enter on an emergency passport. With that in mind, try to avoid needing an emergency passport. Find which countries don’t accept emergency passports here.
7. Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
STEP is a service for American citizens living or traveling abroad that provides important safety information about your destination from the Embassy, aids the Embassy in contacting you in case of an emergency, and helps family and friends reach you in a crisis.
8. Utilize luggage storage spaces at destination
Sometimes you arrive at your destination and want to get to exploring but your accommodation isn’t ready for check in yet. In these cases, it can be super frustrating to carry around your suitcase and baggage while site seeing. Thus, those times are the perfect opportunity to utilize a luggage storage space that will hold onto your luggage for you while you wait for your accommodation so you can enjoy the sights of the city sans luggage.
9. Buy packing cubes
If you tend to be an over-packer, these babies will change your life—especially compression packing cubes! Not only will packing cubes clear up more space in your suitcase, it will be easier to locate certain items using this organizational hack when you’re unpacking.
10. Find the most affordable flights using apps
Apps like Hopper or Skyscanner can be great tools to help you travel on a budget. They scour tons of flights across various airlines to compile options based off the best routes, the most affordable flights, etc.
To Fly Anywhere In The U.S. Next Year