What do I need to know when planning travel internationally?

June 22nd, 2007 by World Traveler

Passports are now required for every US citizen. Make sure your passport is up to date and valid. Some countries will not let you in if your passport will expire within six months of your return home, extend it, if you are close to expiration.
Find out if you will need any visas to enter the country.
Check with the U.S. State Department concerning safety warnings for U.S. tourists at your destination.
Find out what types of vaccinations you will need to enter the country, there may also be medications you’ll need to take before, during and even after your trip.
Check the financial section of your newspaper, they usually post exchange rates and checking in advance can give you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
Do some research with U.S. Customs to find out what you can take with you and what you may bring back.
Build some basic language skills in the local language.
Most of the world uses the metric system, so try to become familiar with this system. 1 kilometer = .62 miles so 100 kilometers per hour = 62 miles per hour.