Must haves for the international traveler

[Fatbat]

If you can, exchange money at a bank and not an exchange stand. you get more value that way. Also, it may behoove you to open an account at a bank that has international branches like HSBC of research some others.

They money exchangers in Gibraltar (main street, not the airport) typically give 1% to 2% better than the banks, so I would double check that where ever you go.

I keep my passport on my person at all times when I am out of the house. The Guardia Civil and local police here set up roadblocks all the time, and you must show your passport if asked for it. Also, you have to show your passport coming and going from Gibraltar/Spain so it really can't be avoided here.

Get a leather cover for your passport, you can buy a decent one for around $10 or go for something nicer (I have a Montblanc one), otherwise they quickly show wear and tear.

High quality, durable, rolling luggage is a must. With a two bag limit, I take a rolling Samsonite carry on and my matching laptop bag slides over it's handle. With a one bag limit, I check my suitcase and carry a backpack with an inner laptop sleeve. Samsonite has a patented 6 wheel rolling design that lets you turn the bag sideways from either side to get through tight spaces, highly recommended.

Keep in mind that while you may be able to depart with a two bag limit, you may transfer or return at an airport with a one bag limit (Gatwick in London for example). Some budget carriers like Easyjet are militant about the one bag rule, even going so far as to make you check shopping bags from the airport once you reach the boarding desk (they are idiots, avoid Easyjet at all cost).

Some carriers let you check in online up to 24 hours before boarding, so you can get your seat before the rush. If you aren't in business class, choose the emergency aisles more more leg room.

I keep a plastic sleeve multi pocket thing with a snap on it in the side pocket of my laptop bag with my itinerary and plane tickets and a PEN. This makes getting to the documents quick and easy and keeps everything well organized. Receipts can be put in the pouch for doing expenses later.

I always keep my wallet and passport in my front pants pocket. It's harder to pick pocket this way, doesn't fall out easily, and is more comfortable than sitting on them for long distances. I'm also much more aware of them there than in my back pocket.

 

[Bofu2U]

I always keep my wallet and passport in my front pants pocket. It's harder to pick pocket this way, doesn't fall out easily, and is more comfortable than sitting on them for long distances. I'm also much more aware of them there than in my back pocket.

This is what I was going to say. Saved my ass in Cancun.

 

[HarveyJ]

If you're going somewhere cold enough for a jacket, keep your wallet, passport and phone on the inside breast pocket.

In all seriousness, take some headache tablets and rubbers with you, because you don't know what the local closing time is and if there are convenience stores.
I've been in cities with a pop just shy of a million people and found it near impossible to find a 7-11 or supermarket open past 9.

 

[Skippy McGee]

Get a nice digital camera. Hopefully you'll have the chance to see a little local color while you're abroad and you should make sure you have some of the memories preserved.

 

[altaman]

Large sized American condoms unless you don't mind deflatingly tight fit.

 

[schaum]

know the phone number of your local U.S.Embassy in case you are in trouble/ need on the fly legal advice.

 

[BrooklynBlue]

Traveling constantly for work starts to really suck ass after about a year. Get well-built luggage and learn to pack well.

You will want to master the art of living out of nothing more than carry-ons. It's tough at first but well worth slimming down and being efficient.

Dealing with lost luggage when traveling internationally (especially if outside of N. America or W. Europe) can be a total nightmare. Plus you will save countless hours not having to deal with carousels, luggage carts, missed connections between different airlines, and all kinds of other nonsense that just becomes a major irritation with checked luggage.

Oh and leverage your airline status like a motherfucker. As soon as you get platinum or whatever at one airline, call up every single other one and insist they match it. They'll make you fax proof, but jumping security lines and getting automatic upgrades to first class is so worth the 15 minute call.

 

[hannahmcintyre]

Here in France you have to have ID with you at all times which means either an identity card or passport. I've never been stopped (seeing I'm white and female I'm not likely to ever be stopped) but my husband has a few times. Sometimes they have a scanner thing they use to check that the passport isn't fake. So a photocopy isn't enough.

Is the law still that if you're a French citizen it has to be a Carte d'Identite?

I have my "Francais etablis hors de France" card, and my passport, but no Carte d'Identite, so when I head over there next I don't want to get arrested for being a citizen with the wrong ID.