Never Take A Trip Without Doing These Things First, Says Rick Steves

As someone who travels for a living, I know first-hand how important it is to be organized and prepared. I've been a flight attendant for a major airline for the past 10 years, and renewing my passport is not just a formality — it's a job requirement. Flight attendants have packing tricks for maximizing space and staying organized — I could practically pack, unpack, and repack my luggage in my sleep. Habits that are now second nature to me took many years to become that way, so it's no surprise that both experienced and inexperienced travelers may need a bit of help preparing for a trip, especially to an international destination.

When it comes to setting yourself up for success, it's best to heed the advice of an expert, and that's where Rick Steves comes in. I've learned more than a thing or two from the American travel writer, activist, and television personality. By far, one of his best pieces of advice is to expect the unexpected. Unforeseen events are bound to arise when traveling abroad, and the ability to adapt is the secret to success. "Travel, like the world, is a series of hills and valleys. Be fanatically positive and militantly optimistic. If something's not to your liking, change your liking," reads Steves' travel philosophy on his website.

While flexibility is essential, there are still plenty of things you can do to ensure a smoother experience. For example, knowing about airline and security restrictions will ensure there are no surprises (and potential delays) at the airport. According to Steves, proper preparation requires much more than just packing enough pairs of socks. 

Traveling internationally requires both knowledge and organization, and Rick Steves suggests double-checking all required travel documents well ahead of your departure. This is likely to include ID such as a driver's license, as well as a valid passport. It's crucial to ensure that both of these forms of identification are not expired, but also know that some destinations, such as the UK, require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your travel dates. Special entry authorization forms may also be required for certain destinations, and these are requirements that must be completed prior to the start of your travel.

Obtaining or renewing a passport is something that will need to be done well in advance of your trip. While the process can be expedited in the US, that option may require an appointment at a passport agency, along with added fees and proof of imminent travel, such as booked plane tickets. Renewing your passport by mail will require you to surrender your current passport during the process, so be aware that you won't be able to travel internationally during that time, likely for at least a few weeks.

When you receive your new passport, keep in mind that you should never get rid of old and expired passports. Of course, those traveling with children must ensure that their dependents' travel documents are also up to date.  Steves recommends keeping all of your travel-related documents in one place, like international flight itineraries, rental car and hotel confirmations, reservations for planned activities, and a complete list of valuables that you plan to take on the trip. 

It may seem obvious, but researching your destination ahead of time is crucial for a successful trip. As someone who has researched and written two-dozen travel guide books himself, Rick Steves suggests purchasing a guide book as soon as possible during the planning process. Although a bit of culture shock is to be expected, the last thing you want is for your trip to be impacted by a lack of knowledge about the place you are visiting. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to navigate new environments, helping your trip run smoothly. This means gaining an understanding of everything from local customs to public transportation to potential safety concerns. You may even want to pick up a few phrases in the local language too.

Some travelers may prefer to do their research online, while a physical book in hand may be the more appealing choice for others. If a physical copy is your primary resource, just keep in mind that the world is constantly evolving, and some details may be outdated since the time of publication. Steves recommends checking out his extensive online list of guide book updates to ensure you're up to date with any changes.

For most, it goes without saying that traveling internationally requires making all kinds of reservations. Start by reserving your hotel, hostel, or vacation rental in your preferred area, then sort out local transportation, be it a rental car, train tickets, or a private shuttle. Next, tackle your preferred activities, including dinner reservations at the popular restaurants you've been eyeing on Instagram, or excursions like trail rides and boat tours. You can even purchase tickets to museums and art galleries ahead of time. Make your reservations as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel during a busy season like the Christmas holidays or spring break.

Finally, Steves recommends booking travel insurance well in advance of your getaway. Travel insurance that covers the partial or full cost of your trip should you have to cancel, emergency medical expenses, and personal items should you lose any valuables, is something everyone should consider. If you do choose to purchase a policy, make sure you read the fine print as there are many surprising things that your travel insurance probably doesn't cover. In some cases, your existing health or homeowners' insurance policy may cover travel-related expenses, so be sure to check your policies prior to shopping around for quotes. 

Have you ever received a call from your bank about suspicious charges, or paid an extra-pricey phone bill after being on the road? According to Rick Steves, these common struggles are entirely preventable by contacting both your bank and phone company prior to international travel. 

When I first became a flight attendant, my debit card was put on hold no less than three times because my international purchases were deemed suspicious — and rightly so. Best case scenario, your bank will send you an alert that allows you to confirm the purchase and continue using the card as normal. Worst case scenario, your account may be frozen or your bank card may be canceled altogether due to perceived fraud. Having your funds cut off is not a situation you want to be placed in while navigating a foreign country. Avoid this unnecessary mishap by calling your bank ahead of time to inform them of your travel plans and spending activity. 

Further, your cellphone plan may not include international calls, texts, or data roaming. You'll want to call your phone company to ask for their international options during your trip, and choose whatever plan best meets your needs. Many carriers offer a day pass for international use that is convenient for short trips or occasional needs. Rick Steves recommends purchasing a local SIM card as an affordable alternative for travelers. 

Aside from the fun part of booking excursions and choosing the right place to stay, preparing for travel also includes making arrangements for everything you're leaving behind. Steves recommends putting a hold on your mail, suspending paper delivery, and arranging to pre-pay any bills that will be due during your absence. Household responsibilities should also be squared away, such as snow removal, lawn care, pool maintenance, or simply having someone stop by to water your plants.

Be sure to take care of any medical needs that may arise while you're away, such as refilling prescriptions and ensuring vaccinations are up to date, particularly those that may be required or recommended for visiting your travel destination. A copy of a prescription may also be necessary should anything happen to your glasses or contact lenses while abroad. Take all of these things into account, and you'll be well on your way to an organized, stress-free, and Rick Steves-approved travel experience.