Pre-Trip Checklist for Student Travelers

Security – Types of crime, unsafe areas, common scams, natural disasters.

Cultural norms – Social etiquette, appropriate dress, public behavior, religious practices.

Local laws – Public photography, religious laws, rules for carrying identification, LGBTQ+ issues.

Research the transportation system and how to use it.

Save important locations and routes to an offline map so you can use it without mobile service/Wi-Fi.

Look up general routes between planned destinations.

Familiarize yourself with the local currency, how to withdraw/receive money and commonly accepted payment methods.

Check for local health issues, such as tap-water safety, vaccinations and common illnesses.

Locate nearby hospitals and clinics and save their locations to your phone.

Visit your doctor before traveling for a checkup and any necessary vaccinations or prescriptions.

Get a copy of your health record and all prescriptions and translate them into the local language.

Make sure prescription/over-the-counter medications and amounts are legal at your destination.

Pack enough medication for the trip, in the original containers, in your carry-on luggage.

Buy a SIM card or a mobile plan that will work at the destination.

Know how to make local, international and toll-free calls on a mobile phone and from landlines.

Store all important contacts on your phone.

Establish a trusted contact at home, share itinerary information and make a plan to regularly check in.

Make sure planned accommodations have appropriate security and fire safety.

Secure luggage with a padlock.

Try to get a room that locks and buy a doorstop to use in addition to door locks.

Passports should be valid for at least six months – both for yourself and your emergency contact.

Notify banks/credit card companies of upcoming travel.

Make copies of your passport, visas, medical documents, travel insurance forms, credit cards, etc.

Obtain power of attorney and health care proxy forms so parents or guardians can act on your behalf in an emergency.

Save all documents in a secure digital-storage application and leave copies with a trusted contact at home.

Ensure your travel insurance plan is the right fit for your destination(s) and planned activities.

Learn basic emergency phrases in the local language, including for allergies and health conditions.

Keep a backup hard copy of all emergency numbers.

Make an emergency communication plan with travel companions and a trusted contact at home.

Obtain program details on available insurance coverage and what to do in an emergency.

Request details on the program’s security and health protocols.

Include important program contacts with other emergency numbers.

Ensure all legal documentation, such as a power of attorney, is completed and submitted.