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!
Join AAA and Travel Expert Anne McAlpin for tips on effortless travel.
Learn how to:
- Pack efficiently for any trip
- Be prepared for airport security
- Travel smart in today’s world