6 Prep Tips To Make Indy International Travel As Smooth As Possible
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

6 Prep Tips To Make Indy International Travel As Smooth As Possible

2. Read the Airline baggage guidelines.

94
6 Prep Tips To Make Indy International Travel As Smooth As Possible
Margo Brodowicz

As I write this, I sit right outside the G14 gate at the Miami airport, waiting for a flight to Houston--where I'll catch a connection to Tokyo and then from Tokyo I'll hop on a plane to my last stop--Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Excitement and nerves are equally contributing to the air right now. I’ll be taking a one week class as a requirement for my Master’s program. It's the first time I'll be meeting my cohort-mates after a semester of working together. It's the first time I travel farther than Europe.

Quite honestly, travel logistics freak me out--and with the snowstorm going across the country…I've already heard about a few cancelled flights and late arrivals from our group. But after over two months of prep, my fears of logistical nightmares are quelled by the thought that I just know I'll get there. So, here are some things to remember to check on that will help your international trip go more smoothly:

1. Research Visas.

Check to see what the countries requirements are. How long does it take to get one? What's the best method to obtain one? The EU generally lets you stay 90 days without a Visa. Vietnam does pre-approval letters for visas you can get upon arrival. Make sure you know what to do and how to go about it for the country you're visiting.

2. Read the Airline baggage guidelines.

Does your airline have particular requirements outside of TSA guidelines? Are you allowed to take a carry-on and personal item, or just a personal item? What about weight limits? It's good to know before you get to the airport.

3. See if you need an international travel credit card.

Some people say that international credit cards are the best way to go if you're traveling internationally. I think they're useful, but you have to know what to get. AMEX isn't accepted at a lot of smaller businesses, so you won't be able to count on it much, especially if you like to keep things local and not chain (cuisine, clothing). Visa and MasterCard are more universal. You can also check with your bank on the fees for non-travel cards. I found that it only ended up being less than a dollar per transaction so it's not too bad if you're in a pickle.

4. Let your bank know you're traveling.

You decide to opt for the travel card. Once you get there, you want to buy breakfast--but oh no! Your card gets declined because your bank flags the transaction as suspicious. Don't forget to let your bank know about your travel plans.

5. Check CDC requirements and recommendations.

Some countries require vaccines, something I hadn't thought of until a classmate brought it up. The CDC website will have up-to-date information on the specifics for where you're going.

6. Research connections.

Have more than one flight? It can get stressful trying to navigate unfamiliar airports under a strict time constraint. Oftentimes, flight terminals and gates aren't listed until close to the flight. Try to find out as much as you can about where your connection is in the next airport. Get to your connecting flight’s gate before grabbing lunch. Passport security checkpoints can have long lines to get through before you can make it to your terminal.


Making sure you have everything prepped for your trip abroad can help make travel a non-stressful experience. Some of these might seem easy enough to remember, but between booking flights, getting all of the clothes and travel size items you need, and being excited about where you're headed, it can be easy to lose track of all the things you need to get done as prep. Hopefully, these reminders help you keep track of a few. Safe travels, everyone!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

22400
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949106
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

126000
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments