Preparing for International Travel: My Go-To Tips Before You Jet Off 🌎✈️
Whether you’re headed to the white sand beaches of Mexico, a luxury all-inclusive in the Caribbean, the vibrant streets of the Dominican Republic, or a dreamy European escape — international travel is an experience like no other. But let’s be real: as exciting as it is, it takes planning, preparation, and a little patience to truly enjoy it.
So before you pack your bags and grab your passport, I’m sharing my tried-and-true tips to help you feel relaxed, confident, and ready to take off. Let’s make sure your travel day runs smoothly — and sets the tone for a fabulous trip.
✨ Prioritize Rest the Night Before
If you take one tip seriously, let it be this. Travel day hits different when you’re running on little sleep. Whether you’re flying to Punta Cana for a long weekend or hopping a red-eye to Europe, try to get a full night’s rest the evening before.
If falling asleep on planes isn’t your thing (I hear you), melatonin or a good travel pillow can help. Arriving rested means you’re more likely to start your vacation feeling energized — not cranky and jetlagged.
✨ Dress Cute and Comfy
Long flights and layovers are no time for tight jeans or complicated outfits. I’m all for looking cute at the airport, but you can do both style and comfort. Soft joggers, layers, and slip-on shoes are your best friends. Add a pop of color with your top or throw on your favorite accessories to pull it all together.
✨ Pack Light, Pack Smart
Trust me — lugging around an oversized suitcase full of “just in case” outfits is not the move. Whether you’re spending five nights in Riviera Maya or exploring Europe city by city, packing efficiently will make your travel life so much easier.
Stick to versatile pieces you can mix and match, and always leave room in your bag for souvenirs (or that bottle of wine from Italy you’ll regret not buying). If you’re not sure about an item? Leave it home.
Pack only the things that you need. I get it. Sometimes you aren’t sure what to pack due to planned activities or weather conditions, but the last thing you want is to haul an extra-large suitcase that is bulky and heavy. Not fun. Pack only what you need to make things easier. A great rule of thumb, if you’re not sure, leave it home.
✨ TSA PreCheck & Global Entry = Travel Game Changer
If you haven’t heard about TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you’re in for a treat. Think of Global Entry as the Disney FastPass of airports — it helps you skip the long lines at security and breeze through customs when you return home.
TSA PreCheck alone is great for quicker security (no need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops), but if you plan on traveling internationally more than twice a year, I highly recommend going with Global Entry. It includes TSA PreCheck and only costs a few dollars more — making it totally worth it for the time and stress it saves.
✨ Bonus tip: Double-check your credit card perks! Many travel-focused credit cards offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement as a benefit. That means you might be able to get it for free or at a discounted rate — just for using the right card.
You’ll have extra time to walk around the terminal, grab a last-minute snack or Starbucks fix, or simply relax before your flight. Trust me, once you experience it, there’s no going back.
✨ Mobile Passport: A Free & Fast Alternative
Not quite ready to commit to Global Entry? Mobile Passport is a fantastic alternative — and best of all, it’s free! This app, authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport and customs declaration info through their phone upon arrival in the U.S.
You’ll still need to go through a designated Mobile Passport lane at customs (available at most major U.S. airports and cruise ports), but it’s typically much faster than the regular line.
It doesn’t include TSA PreCheck and doesn’t replace your physical passport, but it’s a great option if you want to speed things up without the cost or interview process required for Global Entry.
✨ Check That Passport (and Check It Again!)
This might sound obvious, but I can’t tell you how many people wait until the last minute to find their passport — only to realize it’s expired, missing, or damaged.
Do yourself a favor: well before your trip, locate it, check the expiration date, and make a copy or take a photo in case of emergency. Many destinations, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your return date.
First-time traveler or due for a renewal? You can begin the passport process HERE.
✨ Get to the Airport Early (Like, Really Early)
Travel days can be unpredictable — and there’s nothing worse than starting your vacation stressed and rushing through the airport.
Here’s the general rule of thumb I give all my travelers:
- For domestic travel, plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
- For international flights, arrive a full 3 hours before takeoff.
Why? International flights often involve additional steps like passport verification, manual check-in, and longer security lines — especially during peak travel seasons. And if you’re flying to Mexico, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, or Europe, some destinations may still require travel forms, entry screening, or health declarations depending on the season or situation.
Use the extra time to grab a bite to eat, take a bathroom break, or just relax before boarding — no frantic sprints to the gate necessary!
✨ Heads up for domestic travelers: Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of ID (like a passport) to board flights within the U.S. If you’re not sure if your license is compliant, now’s the time to double-check with your local DMV.
Even though this post focuses on international travel, I want you fully prepared for any trip you take — whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a long-awaited international escape.
Stay Hydrated
Cabin air is dry, and dehydration can sneak up on you fast. Bring a reusable water bottle (empty through security, of course) and fill it up before boarding. You’ll thank yourself later — especially if your flight attendants are slow to come around with drinks.
Hydration is key to staying energized, avoiding headaches, and helping your body adjust to a new time zone.
Devices, Devices, Devices
Before your trip, download movies, playlists, and books in case Wi-Fi is spotty. Pack noise-canceling headphones, extra chargers, and a portable power bank — especially helpful during long travel days or layovers.
Pro tip: Carry a small tech pouch to keep all your cords and gadgets organized in one spot.
✨ Download These Travel Apps
There’s truly an app for everything these days — and when you’re traveling internationally, a few of them can make your experience a whole lot smoother. From flight alerts and maps to on-the-go translation help and tour bookings, these apps are like your personal travel assistant right in your pocket.
Here are a few I always recommend to my clients:
- Your Airline’s App – For mobile boarding passes, gate updates, in-flight entertainment, and real-time flight alerts
- Google Translate – A lifesaver when traveling to non-English-speaking destinations, especially in Europe
- WhatsApp – Essential for international communication (especially if you’re using Wi-Fi and want to avoid roaming charges)
- Viator or Project Expedition – Perfect for booking excursions, tours, and local experiences — even last minute
- Mobile Passport – A great (and free!) app that helps speed up the customs process at many U.S. airports
- Currency Converter – Apps like XE Currency or Currency+ are helpful for quick conversions when shopping, tipping, or budgeting abroad
✨ Apple Users: Did you know the iPhone calculator app can convert currency? Simply swipe down and search “currency” or ask Siri!
✨ Pro Tip: Download your apps before you travel and make sure your login info is saved. If possible, adjust your settings for offline access, especially with maps or tickets, in case Wi-Fi is spotty.
Trust me — a few simple downloads can take the stress out of navigating airports, communicating abroad, and booking memorable experiences while you’re on the go.
✨ Upgrade Your Experience with Airport Lounges
Have a long layover? Don’t suffer in silence. Many airport lounges offer day passes, even if you’re not flying first class or don’t have a lounge membership.
Enjoy comfy seating, high-speed Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and sometimes even showers — perfect for freshening up before or after a long-haul flight. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a stressful travel day into something a little more luxurious.
✨ Pro tip: Those Delta Sky Clubs, United Clubs, and American Airlines Admirals Clubs? They’re not just for cardholders. If they have space available, you can pay a one-time entry fee and enjoy all the perks. So go ahead and get your relax on — you deserve it.
Ready to Jet Off?
When you’re planning your next international escape — whether it’s a luxurious Caribbean honeymoon, a girlfriends’ trip to Mexico, or a European anniversary adventure or cruise — I’m here to take care of the details so all you have to do is pack.
Contact me today to start planning your next international trip with ease and confidence.
And don’t forget to browse our handpicked travel essentials to elevate your journey from takeoff to touchdown.
💼 https://serenitysandseastravel.com/travel-essentials
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