There are few things more exciting than planning an international vacation. From searching for cheap flights to finding the perfect hotels, to planning itineraries, there is something so invigorating about putting together a high-caliber trip.

If you are new to international travel, or just want a handy check-list of what you need, read on:

1. Buy travel insurance. It may seem like it isn’t necessary, but should your Mac go missing that flight get canceled (or worse), travel insurance is a must. It isn’t expensive and, in the end, is usually worth the investment should you need to call upon it to help you out.

2. Make sure your passport is in order. The general rule of thumb for passports – if it is going to expire within six months, get it renewed. Some countries won’t let you in if your passport has less than six months left before it expires. Don’t wait until a week before your trip to see how much time is left on your passport. Yes, you can get a passport last minute, but the process is highly stressful, normally involves transit to another city, and even then, nothing is guaranteed. Confused about the passport process? Read more here. 

3. Copy your documents. Scan and e-mail all of your important information to yourself and to someone else you trust. Copy: passport, credit card (front and back), driver’s license, travel insurance information and any other important documents. E-mail and print them out for a back-up.

4. Have copies of your itinerary. Countries, such as the UK, want to know you aren’t going to be squatting in their country. It is always a good idea to bring a copy of your itinerary, along with boarding passes, receipts for travel outside the country, etc.

5. Find out about visas. As an American, most of Western Europe does not require anything but your passport. However, there are plenty of other places in the world where a visa is required. Do your homework ahead of time and know in advance if you need a visa. Then, get it. Give yourself ample time. Some countries are notorious for taking their time to process visas (and they have your passport which means if you cut your visa needs to close, you may not have your visa or your passport in time for your trip).

6. Get your medications and vaccines well in advance. Some medications or vaccines need to be delivered ahead of actually leaving the country. Make sure you know what you need way before you leave town. And, once you have received these vaccines, etc., make sure you have documentation to show officials should they question you upon arrival.

7. Request meals/seating assignments. The long-haul flights can be a serious pain. Call your airline a month or two in advance and request your seat and what kind of meal you want. If you aren’t picky, here’s a little tip: requesting veggie meals means you get served before everyone else on the plane (in most cases).

8. Pack a carry-on. Yes, checking luggage for an international trip is likely necessary. But, also be sure to bring a small carry-on. It’s your “what if” bag. You know … like, what if your main luggage is stuck in London while you are in Spain. Or, you really want to freshen up, but your toothbrush is in cargo. Just throw the essentials in your carry-on: ear plugs, headphones, your valuables and important documents, medicines, a change of underwear, toothbrush/toiletries, etc…

9. Know the conversion rates. Before you get on the plane. There’s no sense in getting off the plane and heading to an ATM if you don’t know what the USD converts to in a foreign country.

10. Have directions handy. Be sure to gather information on how to get from the airport to your first stopping point. You must know where you are headed once you get off the airplane. Be sure to bring the address and phone number of your first destination. Also, if you are planning on taking public transit, have the directions written down. If cabbing, reach out to hotels to find out what the trip should cost to get from Point A to Point B. Tourists are an easy target for cab drivers and if you don’t know what the cost should be, there is a chance you will be seriously taken advantage of.

Flickr: madmack66