5 Travel Safety Must-Dos For International Travel!!

Travel is exciting but I think we can admit things in the Western world are a bit "cuckoo" right now. Smart travel starts well before you arrive at the airport. With increased flight disruptions, and evolving entry requirements, there are a few non-negotiable safety steps every traveler should be doing. Consider this your essential travel safety checklist.
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1. Enroll in STEP and Bookmark Travel.State.Gov​
If you’re traveling internationally, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is critical. It allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of emergencies, civil unrest, or natural disasters. Travel.State.gov should also be your go-to resource for country-specific advisories, entry requirements, and safety updates.

ALWAYS check for required entry visas and vaccines. This includes having layovers in a country even if you do not plan to leave the airport or doing a road trip that involves driving through one country to the next. AND different rules apply if you are a U.S. citizen vs a legal resident and how long you plan to stay in the destination.

​Have you heard of ETIAS? It is the European Travel Information & Authorization System. According to the official website, "it is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first." This has been postponed until the last quarter of 2026. The cost is 20 Euro and it should only take a few minutes to a few days. If you have plans to travel to Europe in Q 4, put this on your to do list.

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​2. Check Your Passport Expiration—Now ​
Do not wait until you’re booking a trip. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Airlines will deny boarding if this requirement is not met. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it well in advance—processing times can be unpredictable. You may be able to renew it online. ​
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​3. Share Your Itinerary and Documents with a Trusted Contact ​
A friend or family member should always have:
- A copy of your international itinerary
- A copy of your passport identification page
- Your travel insurance details
In an emergency, this information is invaluable and can significantly speed up assistance if something goes wrong.

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​4. Travel with Smart, Flexible Payment Options ​
Always carry:
- A debit card for ATM access if you need cash quickly
- At least one credit card with sufficient available credit for emergencies, including medical expenses. Even with travel insurance you will need to pay for services in advance then present claims to your insurance company.
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Also, do not rely solely on American Express—many international destinations do not accept it. Visa or Mastercard are far more widely accepted.
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​5. Bring the Credit Card You Booked Your Flight With ​
If you are flying Delta (and possibly other airlines as well), bring the physical credit card used to purchase your ticket. Delta has been requesting this card at check-in or boarding on certain international routes.

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These five steps may seem simple, but they can make a significant difference in how smoothly—and safely—your trip unfolds. A little preparation goes a long way toward peace of mind while traveling.

Let me know if you found these tips helpful!
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Safe travels,

Nadeen

Meet Nadeen: She hosts small-group luxury food and wine tours around the world, designed for travelers who want to connect through culture, cuisine, and community. As a certified luxury travel advisor, she also curates custom itineraries—ranging from wine regions and foodie hotspots to unforgettable global adventures.

With 6 continents explored and a WSET Level 2 wine certification, she combines expertise, passion, and purpose to help travelers experience the world deeply—traveling well and eating even better.

nadeen@thesophisticatedlife.com

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