By Travel Expert, Anne McAlpin

There are a lot of things to do before a trip other than just packing a suitcase – especially when traveling internationally. Once your passport and documents are in order and your itinerary finalized, here are 5 tips to help you enjoy your trip abroad to the fullest:

Take Photos Of Important Items

  • Passport – first three pages – make sure page three is filled-out
  • Credit cards – front and back
  • Travel Documents
  • Health & Travel Insurance paperwork
  • Medications labels – in case you need to replace them
  • Photo of luggage including carry on and personal bags

RFID Passport Slip

AAA Member Price: $13.50

This Passport Slip holds a passport along with 2 credit cards and blocks illegal scans of RFID chips embedded in passports and cards. It helps prevent identity theft by stopping sensitive personal data from being compromised.

Travel Technology

  • Fully charge all devices and pack a mobile power bank
  • Back up your files and photos – in case of loss
  • Load all travel apps before you head to airport
  • Pack adapter plugs for different countries
  • Don’t forget ear buds for movies on planes, audio tours

ZGear Mobile Power Bank

AAA Member Price: $14.99

It’s important to always keep a back-up power supply charged and ready for mobile devices. Be sure to have one that holds enough power for at least two complete smartphone charges – like this one from ZGear.

Luggage ID Tags

  • Make sure your home address is NOT on your bag tag
  • Only include your name, cell phone number, email address and cell phone number of your back home person on your bag tag
  • Put an ID tag on all your luggage including your personal bag
  • Place a copy of your contact information inside your luggage

Linnea Luggage Tag

AAA Member Price: $7.00

Bright travel designs distinguish your luggage in a sea of black suitcases. Made of virtually unbreakable, pliable plastic, they include a tri-fold insert that keeps your information tucked away out of sight.

Pack Right For The Flight

  • Verify your airline carry-on and luggage restrictions
  • Pack everything valuable in your personal bag – including medications, electronics, etc. – stowed at your feet
  • Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag – stowed in the overhead compartment
  • Always travel with snacks and a refillable water bottle

Baggallini Overnight Tote

AAA Member Price: $135.00

Designed with travelers and unplanned layovers in mind, the Baggallini Overnight Expandable Tote fits works great as a personal bag and fits under most airline seats to keep valuables close at hand. It features plenty of room for a change of clothes, laptop, and more. Attaches securely to luggage with a pass through sleeve – and includes an RFID wristlet.

Money

  • Notify your bank and credit card companies – let them know where and when you’ll be traveling
  • Always travel with two separate credit cards (in case one is lost, canceled for fraud, etc.)
  • Confirm both credit cards do not have foreign transaction fees
  • Travel with a AAA Member Rewards VISA Card – No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and earn cash back on a wide range of purchases
  • Always arrive with some local currency – available at AAA service centers
  • Stay organized – use a currency organizer instead of a bulky wallet
  • Wear an undercover RFID money belt – wherever there are tourists, there will be pickpockets

Baggallini RFID Currency Organizer

AAA Member Price: $24.50

Trade your everyday large wallet for the streamlined Baggallini RFID Currency Organizer. No more fumbling for the right amount – or the right type – of currency thanks to the multiple zippered exterior pockets: Euros in one, UK pounds in another, US dollars in yet another.

Eagle Creek RFID Money Belt

AAA Member Price: $24.95

The Eagle Creek under-clothing Money Belt has RFID blocking technology which helps protect personal information on Passport and credit cards. Features a soft adjustable elastic waistband and a moisture wicking and breathable mesh back panel for comfort on hot days.

Traveling Soon? Join Us At A Packing Event!

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  • Pack efficiently for any trip
  • Be prepared for airport security
  • Travel smart in today’s world
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