10 Tips for Traveling + Flying Internationally
At Software and Process Design, we've discovered that most goals can be achieved by breaking them down into essential steps, roughly 10 fundamental principles. We call these principles the 10 Fundamentals.
You can think of these Fundamentals as a roadmap for success. If you’re aiming to achieve something, these Fundamentals are like simple rules to follow, breaking down goals into actionable steps.
What’s even more exciting is that we're developing tools to simplify this journey further. As you read through this guide, see how these Fundamentals, when combined with our tools, become your companion for reaching your goals.
Traveling by air can be overwhelming, but staying organized will minimize some of the stress involved.
Each trip has its own unique set of needs and challenges – like requiring a passport or vaccinations. That’s why we’ve come up with this list of 10 tips for traveling by air internationally, useful for any flight you board.
By following the list below, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your adventure without having to worry if you’ve forgotten something important.
Key Takeaways
Prepare your documents -
Printing copies of your passport, travel visa, and personal identification
Bring an additional financial method with you, stored in a zippered pocket or RFID wallet
Consider using Apple Pay or Google Pay, depending on the type of phone you have.
Pack your carry-on properly –
Pack all liquids (under 100ml) in a clear, resealable bag
Pack a change of clothes
Pack toiletries (like tissue paper and hand sanitizer)
Pack electronic chargers
And snacks (in case you have dietary restrictions for example)
Know your travel details -
Have the details written down or printed and stored somewhere you can easily access while moving through different checkpoints at airport security
Research your destination –
Some countries have different outlets, so you’ll need adapters for your electronics
You’ll also want to look up the weather, and the best time of year to visit
Don’t forget to research the emergency numbers for where you’ll be staying, as well as the restrictions for any medications you need to bring
Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date (and relevant to the place you intend to visit) - This one is self-explanatory
Set up a reliable emergency contact –
Program ICE (in case of emergency) contacts into your phone
Give your contacts the full details of your travel plans
Check travel advisories for your specific country -
Is it safe to visit the place you intend to visit as a Canadian?
Are there unique laws you need to be aware of?
Compare prices -
Save money on your trip by booking things like flights, hotel accommodations, and car rentals in advance
Booking flights on a weekday will save you nearly 1-2%
Download offline content –
Download or print the content you need (like maps, eBooks, movies, etc.) before you leave, just in case the connection is spotty during your travels
Learn basic phrases in the native language –
Learning common phrases related to ordering food and navigating, for example, will be extremely helpful when traveling abroad
1. Prepare your documents
Gather your important documentation and ensure that everything is up-to-date. This includes things like your driver's license, passport, health card, medical/travel insurance, etc.
If you’re traveling across international borders, you’ll want to research whether you need a travel visa or an international driver's license, for example.
You will need a visa if you plan to stay in a foreign country for longer than 90 days. The Government of Canada suggests consulting Travel Advice and Advisories for destination-specific visa information prior to your trip.
In addition, it’s a smart idea to print extra copies of your important documents and place them in your luggage. It’s a good idea to place them in the luggage of the person you’re traveling with, too.
Alternatively, you can take photos of them and keep them stored securely in your device, however, you must be careful not to lose your phone. If it’s stolen, someone may get a hold of your important personal details.
Instead, you can use our upcoming tools to safely store your documents while you travel. If you create a private Workspace dedicated to these documents, you can access them from your device conveniently.
This way, you’re prepared in case the unthinkable happens and you lose your documents (or your luggage). Losing your luggage is more common than you think. Nearly one-third of Canadians have lost their luggage while flying.
Another important thing to consider is carrying an extra card for emergency purposes. You’ll want to have access to additional funds if you lose your wallet or have it stolen.
If you’re worried about credit card fraud or theft, consider storing the extra card in an RFID wallet or a zippered pocket in your carry-on.
An alternative to bringing an extra card on your trip would be setting up Google Pay or Apple Pay on your smartphone as a backup payment method.
You’ll want to make sure your phone is password-protected if you choose this as a backup method, however.
This will also help to keep your important documents safe if you decide to store them while you’re traveling using our tools.
2. Pack your carry-on properly
Bringing full-size shampoos or lotion bottles in a carry-on bag is not allowed on most airlines. Thus, you must remove all prohibited liquids from your carry-on.
Liquid, gel, and aerosol containers of 100ml or less are usually allowed. If you do decide to travel with these types of products, however, it’s a good idea to place them in a clear, resealable bag.
An alternative to traveling with liquids includes swapping things like shampoo, mouthwash, and other liquids with an eco-friendly dissolvable tablet that will not leak during travel.
In addition, you’ll want to pack toiletries like tissue paper – since those things are not available in all countries.
Hand sanitizer is another important thing you’ll want to pack in your carry-on. You could pack wipes if you’re afraid of the liquid version leaking in your bag during travel.
Be sure to have snacks and water bottles while traveling abroad. There may be times when you cannot eat the food supplied (due to dietary restrictions, perhaps) or times when there is no food accessible.
*TIP: Many airports have water bottle re-fill stations placed after you’ve gone through security.
You’ll also want to pack candy or other items that will help prevent discomfort with ear pressure during liftoff and touchdown. While chewing gum is okay in most countries, in some countries (like Singapore) it is illegal to bring in.
You’ll also want to pack a full set of clothes in your carry-on plus any items necessary for you to function such as medication, electronic chargers, and a jacket or sweater.
Finally, you’ll want to ensure you organize everything in your carry-on so that items can easily be removed and re-packed when going through x-rays and other security checks.
It can be overwhelming to remember all of the restrictions involved with flying internationally. Luckily, we’re working on tools that will make organizing all of this information much more convenient.
You’ll be able to create a detailed list of the items you plan to bring, add info about their restrictions, research international laws, and get a clear visual of everything you need to have a smooth trip.
3. Know your travel details
It’s essential to where you’re traveling to, where you’ll be staying, what you’ll be doing, and how long you intend to stay.
Some countries require the name, address, and phone number of the location you’re traveling to (or the person you’re visiting) to verify your travel details.
You should have this information handy on a piece of paper or written in the notepad on your smartphone.
This will enable a smoother discussion with any security personnel you interact with. You’ll be able to sort out issues smoothly and promptly.
Travel details can include things like flight ticket details, hotel reservations, and confirmation of vehicle rentals. In addition, you can print copies of your itinerary or documents for your trip in a Travel Planner app.
You can also use the tools we’re working on to organize all of this information in a secure Workspace. Then, you can share the Workspace with a trusted friend or family member (more on that later).
4. Research your destination
Some important tips for international flights - consider researching the power and adapter requirements for the country you will be visiting.
Unfortunately, not all countries have the same outlet style as your home country's electronic plugs. Some will need adaptors or convertors to have the correct size of plug as well as the correct voltage.
It will be much cheaper to do the research and select a budget-friendly option before traveling, as opposed to buying what you can find when you’re in a pinch and stuck in a foreign place.
Knowing how to make emergency phone calls is extremely important, too. Although “9-1-1” is used across many regions, some countries use different emergency phone numbers.
It’s best to do the research before traveling and store the foreign emergency contact number in your smartphone.
You should also write the number down on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe in your carry-on (just in case you lose your phone).
You’ll also want to research your daily medications – are they allowed in the country you intend to visit? Furthermore, are there any countries that your plane will fly over that prohibit your medication?
If there is an emergency landing, you could face penalties for carrying illegal substances. That’s why it’s best to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Don’t forget to research the weather during your trip, the best time of the year to visit, the best places to eat, drink, and stay, as well as reviews from other travelers.
Finally, make sure the country you intend to visit will be OPEN to tourists. Places like Europe, for example, have “summer shutdowns”, where many businesses (especially in Italy and France) close their doors for the entire month of August.
Remembering all these details is tough. Luckily, you’ll be able to organize your travel details using our tools soon.
5. Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date
Travelers can be exposed to different health risks abroad compared to when they are in their home country. In addition, you may be turned away from a country if you do not have the required immunization.
On top of vaccines, other protective measures, such as sanitation and hygiene, food precautions, insect or animal bite prevention, and injury prevention, are also essential for health protection while traveling.
You can find information about travel immunization requirements and recommendations from travel health clinics or public health agencies. Canadians can visit the Government of Canada's Travelling Abroad webpage.
Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Before traveling, consider researching and listing all of this information in a safe place that you can access while on your trip. This could be in the notepad on your phone or in your dedicated Workspace using our tools.
Either way, it’s a good idea to have this information handy so you’re not having to search for this information in an emergency.
6. Set up a reliable emergency contact
When traveling abroad, it’s important to have emergency contact numbers established. If you are involved in an emergency abroad, first responders may check your mobile phone for an ICE (in case of emergency) contact.
You should program these into your phone as “ICE,” “ICE2,” “ICE3,” and so on. You could choose your spouse, a relative, or a trusted friend to be your ICE contacts.
Ensure that these contacts have your travel details and are reliable people. Your emergency contact will be responsible for helping you in the event of a crisis abroad – like you end up in a Brazilian jail or you lose your passport.
For the latter, the consulate would call your emergency contact to verify your information. That’s why your emergency contact should be someone you can rely on and trust.
7. Check travel advisories
Ensure that there are no restrictions on where you plan to travel. This could include safety factors related to religion, gender, or race, for example. Research local news or access government Travel Advisory websites to check that your destination is safe to travel to.
The Government of Canada’s website has a list of destinations alongside their potential risk levels. It also gives the option to select a specific destination, so Canadians can view travel advisories in lower-traffic locations.
On top of travel advisories, some countries also have laws you may not have ever heard of. Did you know that it’s illegal to wear camouflage clothing in several countries in the Caribbean? In Africa, camo can only be worn by the military.
In Ireland, anyone pretending to use witchcraft can face a year in jail and in France, it’s illegal to take pictures of police officers or police vehicles (even if they’re just in the background of the photo).
8. Compare prices and book everything BEFORE you leave
One of the best ways to save money on travel is to book things in advance. This can be hard if you’re not sure of your travel details, however, most people recommend booking your trip about a month ahead of time.
In addition, it’s a smart idea to book flights mid-week, since studies show that mid-week flight prices are cheaper by nearly 1-2%. There are a ton of travel comparison websites, from comparing hotels to rental car prices.
You can also try searching for flight tickets in the country you intend to visit. The reason for this is that flights tend to have different price tags depending on the country where it’s purchased. To make sure you’re not overpaying for tickets, use a VPN to change your location.
9. Download music, eBooks, and maps to use offline
Just in case the TV malfunctions or entertainment is simply not available on your flight, make sure you bring some entertainment of your own. You can pack a book, but packing digitally with podcasts and eBooks is much lighter!
Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to learn while you travel. For example, you could use the time you’re waiting in airport terminals, on the plane, and in taxi cabs to learn how to achieve more with SMART goals.
Print our articles out or save them as PDFs to your phone and access them whenever you want. There are a ton of fundamental principles in our resources section already but stay tuned for even more guides on how to be successful!
Remember to download digital entertainment to listen to offline – since your phone will be on airplane mode and you won’t be able to access the internet. The Netflix app, for example, allows you to download a few episodes of your favourite show or movie.
If you’re in a destination with poor internet service, it can be helpful to download the things you need beforehand so you can view them offline easily. This could include taking screenshots or creating PDFs of specific information from web pages.
Try using Maps.me, an open-source software for access to offline maps. Users can share (and find) nearby locations of interest plus create an itinerary and guide to the places they want to visit.
Use Maps.me to find businesses, attractions, restaurants, and more while traveling in places with spotty connections.
Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to find what you need in specific communities. You’ll be able to search for, filter, and compare things like restaurants, hotels, attractions, and so much more – all in one convenient app.
You’ll even be able to create lists with the places you find/want to see, dedicated Workspaces for excursions, and so much more.
The possibilities will be endless when it comes to planning and organizing your travel details with our tools.
10. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination
Communication can be very difficult when traveling to countries that speak different languages. Learning the language will make your interactions and navigation easier, plus minimize the stress of being in a foreign place.
More importantly, the locals will appreciate it. That’s why it’s helpful to learn some key phrases and words you may encounter the need for while traveling abroad.
For starters, you’ll want to learn how to say the names of foods you’d like to try during your travels. You’ll also need to know how to order that food from a menu.
Water will be especially important to learn but it doesn’t hurt to learn a few additional beverages. In addition, you’ll want to learn about the currency and the number system. Start with numbers 1 through 10, then 20, 30, 40, etc.
Some other basic phrases you may find helpful include the prescription medication you take frequently and any dietary restrictions you may have, like allergies or the fact that you’re vegan, for example.
For dietary restrictions, it may be helpful to create a document with all the words and phrases you may need to know. Start by making a list in Excel or by inserting a table into a Word Document. Jot down all the phrases you’d like to learn, look up the translations, and make yourself a cheat sheet.
Although Google Translate can be effective when it comes to learning phrases, you may benefit from picking up a dictionary from the local bookstore to learn individual words.
Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to make translating languages in foreign countries more convenient. For example, you could create a list of all the words you’ll need to know the translation to.
Then, you’ll be able to translate and store the list all in one place. Since this list is stored in your digital device, you’ll be able to access it easily when you’re abroad.
Now that you know how to hop on a plane and travel internationally, where will you go?
And there you have it! The top 10 tips and tricks to ensure smooth travels – no matter the destination. Now you can choose your travel details more wisely, make the flight smoother, and ensure you have an enjoyable experience.
From preparing your travel details and documents to packing the right things (and properly), setting up a reliable emergency contact, and conducting thorough research so you can have a smooth and positive experience – you’re ready to book your next flight with confidence and ease.
All that’s left for you to do is make this important decision: where will you travel next?
Stay tuned for more guides on how to achieve your goals using our solutions and keep in mind that soon, groundbreaking tools will turn these principles into actionable steps.
Software and Process Design - a group of expert problem-solvers crafting software solutions that redefine. Learn more about the work we’re doing at softwareandprocessdesign.com
