My Trusted Pre-Flight Routine: 9 things I do before every international trip

I love hearing about other people's travel rituals and habits—it’s fascinating to learn how everyone prepares differently for a trip abroad.

Inspired by that, I thought I’d share mine with you, hoping it helps make your next adventure a little easier and stress-free. These are 9 things that I do before every international trip (and one bonus one if you're traveling during an election period).

1. Notify My Bank and Credit Card Companies

One of the first things I do is call my bank to let them know where I’ll be traveling. This simple step can save me from the hassle of having my cards blocked due to "suspicious activity" while I'm abroad. Make sure to include all the countries you'll be visiting and the dates of your stay. Some banks even let you set up travel notifications online or through their mobile apps for convenience.

2. Check the Weather and Pack Accordingly

Weather can make or break a vacation, so I always do a quick weather check a few days before my trip. I want to ensure I’m not entering a surprise like a storm or an unexpected heatwave. It also helps me fine-tune my packing—whether I need to throw in an extra jacket, swap sandals for waterproof shoes, or pack that sunscreen.

3. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and Update Your Travel Plans Before Every International Trip

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a great resource for U.S. citizens. I always register my trips, which provides added peace of mind. The program offers updates about safety conditions in the countries I’m visiting and allows the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact me in case of emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

4. Send My Itinerary to Friends and Family

I like to keep my loved ones in the loop, so I always send a PDF of my itinerary to a few close friends or family members. This way, someone knows where I am at all times. I also schedule check-ins, where I’ll send a quick text to confirm I’m okay—whether it’s daily or at specific points during the trip. It's a simple way to keep everyone at ease.

5. Check Airline Seating and Flight Details

Before heading to the airport, I always double-check my airline seating. If something looks off or if I’m looking for a little extra comfort, I’ll make changes while I still can. I also confirm the departure time and terminal, just to make sure there haven’t been any last-minute changes. Nothing is worse than heading to the wrong terminal!

6. Download Essential Apps and Get Currency

Before leaving, I make sure to download any apps that will make my travel easier. Google Translate is a lifesaver in non-English-speaking countries, and I always ensure my airline and transfer apps are ready to go. Additionally, I purchase a small amount of foreign currency before the trip, along with small denominations of USD, which can be useful in certain countries.

7. Check TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Status

Another essential for smooth travel is ensuring my TSA PreCheck or Global Entry status is still valid. This saves so much time at security and customs, and it's worth confirming it’s still active to avoid any surprises at the airport.

8. Take Photos of Your Passport and Driver's License

I always take photos of my passport and driver's license before leaving and email them to myself. This way, I have a digital backup just in case they get lost or stolen while I’m traveling. Having easy access to these documents can make dealing with any hiccups a lot less stressful.

9. Make a Plan to Vote (If Traveling in October/November)

If you’re traveling during election season, like October or November, make sure to plan ahead and cast your vote if that’s your intention. Whether it’s voting by mail or finding an early voting option, I always make sure I have a plan in place so I can exercise my right to vote, even if I’m not at home.

10. Add Frequent Flyer Numbers and Meal Preferences

Before I check in, I make sure that my frequent flyer numbers are added to my booking, as well as any meal preferences. This ensures I earn those all-important miles and don’t have any unpleasant surprises when it comes to meals on longer flights. A pro tip: Check if your airline is part of an alliance! For example, I have a United Airlines frequent flyer number that I can use when I fly with Turkish Airlines since they are both part of the Star Alliance. It’s an easy way to maximize your benefits across different airlines.

With these steps, I can confidently travel, knowing that I’ve covered all my bases. Of course there are always unexpected situations that will arise but that's half the fun of traveling. Hopefully, these tips inspire or help with your own travel rituals!