As you are reading this, my husband and I are on a bucket list vacation of our own, as we travel around Italy with Globus Tours. For 9 days we are visiting some of Italy’s most famous cities, and experiencing the food, the wine, the history, and art that makes Italy such a popular destination for so many.
While I’ve been planning this trip, it occurred to me that there are several things about international travel – and specifically European travel – that may be new for those going on their first vacation abroad.
So with that in mind, if you’re planning your own international bucket list trip, here are 5 things that you’ll want to think about.
Watch the sizes of your luggage. – It’s not uncommon for European airlines to have different/smaller sizes than typical American carriers, and so that carry-on that you’ve used for domestic flights may actually end up being gate-checked at the last minute if it is considered too large. Weight may also be an issue, so be sure to use a luggage scale – and bring it with you for your return trip!
Make sure you have the documentation you need (and allow plenty of time to get it if you don’t). – Passports need to be valid for at least 6 months in many countries, and depending on where you are going, you may also need a visa or other documentation (an ETIAS travel authorization is expected to be required for many travelers beginning in 2025). Be sure to allow plenty of time to get any documents you need, as it’s not uncommon for passport processing time to be several months, as travel demand continues to rebound from the pandemic.
Plan for technology. – Bring a portable battery for your cell phones, to avoid having to use public charging stations, as they can be a security risk for your devices. In addition, be sure to check with your phone company about using data abroad – and what the cost is if you do. Carriers will usually have different international plans, and the cost (and options) will vary depending on where you’re going. Some may also have low-cost plans that only kick in if/when you use data on a particular day – so if you’re able to only connect when you have wi-fi, you won’t get charged for data. Your destination may also require a power adaptor or outlet converter, so research that in advance and get what you’ll need before you leave.
Watch flight connection times. – Airlines are not always allowing enough time for travelers to get to connecting flights and many people are missing their connections as a result. If you can’t fly non-stop, allow a minimum of 2-3 hours for a layover (3+ is better in case your first flight is delayed), and if your airline schedules your flights with a short connection, contact them to reschedule.
Check for local strikes in your destination. – This is a real thing (and common in many countries in Europe) and can totally throw a monkey wrench into your plans – from cancelled/delayed flights, to baggage handling, to trains and more. One way that European strikes are different from those in the US, is that they are typically advertised in advance, and are usually limited in duration – perhaps just a few hours or a day. Still if you time it at just the wrong time, it can be a mess, so research and plan ahead!
Traveling on an international bucket list trip is an exciting experience! Know what to expect before you go – and it will also be a stress-free one!
Learn how the services of a travel agent can make planning your vacation simple and STRESS FREE!
