Travel Documents
Before You Go
Traveling is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you don’t have everything you need before leaving home. Prepare early to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. It’s important to have key items in place once you have decided on your travel hub.
Booking flights, accommodations, and transportation early allows you to have peace of mind and possible savings due to planning ahead. Organizing these essentials well in advance reduces last-minute issues and helps you focus on planning the rest of your trip.
Book international flights in advance.
Decide on main transportation: purchase rail passes, rent a car, or book intra-connecting flights.
Reserve seats on certain trains before departure is advisable.
Make advance reservations for accommodations, popular restaurants, major sights, and local guides, especially in peak season.
Preparation is key to a successful travel adventure.
Do You Have:
Passport(s) ensure your passport is valid; renew if it expires within six months of your return date (allow up to six weeks for renewal)
Your visa (if needed)
Your debit or credit cards, wise card (see below)
Your ID or driver’s license (if you have) (Check and renew driver's license if needed; consider obtaining an International Driving Permit.)
Students should carry a valid school-issued ID (or consider an International Student Identity Card) to take advantage of discounts throughout Europe.
Print out copies of:
Your flight tickets
Your accommodation booking
Other documents that you might need on your trip
Make backup copies of important travel documents and your itinerary.
Pro Tip: Save electronic copies of all these things on your phone or tablet in case of loss or theft.
Travel Insurance
It’s essential to secure travel insurance. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is always a wise approach when traveling.
Research travel insurance: compare costs and coverage; verify if existing insurance policies offer overseas protection.
Sign Up For A Wise Card
A Wise account is a multi-currency online account that allows you to hold, send, receive, and spend money in numerous currencies at low fees, using the mid-market exchange rate. You can manage your money on the go, convert currencies instantly within your account, receive payments from overseas using local bank details for many currencies, and spend abroad or online with the linked Wise Multi-Currency Card.
Get your first international transfer, up to 800 CAD, free.
Inform Your Bank
Informing your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans is crucial to avoid account freezes or holds on your accounts. Notify them of the countries you will be visiting and the dates you will be there. This will ensure that your bank and credit card company won’t see any unexpected activity on your account and assume that it’s fraudulent.
Also, it’s important to convert currency if necessary and bring enough cash, credit cards, or debit cards for your trip. Keep in mind that some destinations may have limited ATM access or may not accept certain types of cards, so do your research and plan accordingly.
Do You Need ETIAS?
ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. and is intended to enhance security in Europe and improve border management. The system will start operations in the last quarter of 2026 and it applies to all visa-free non-EU citizens. If you want to travel to Europe in future years, you will need to have this authorization. Plan to get it far in advance of your trip!
Travelling to Europe, Register for EES
The ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM EUROPE(EES), is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of any of the following European countries using the system.
Travelling to the UK, Register for ETA
Get an ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA) to visit the UK.
Order Your ESIM
It’s essential to secure travel insurance. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is always a wise approach when traveling. Research and purchase travel insurance that best fits your needs,
Sign up for an international phone plan to lower costs and plan to use Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Download Necessary Apps
Downloading necessary apps is a must when traveling in today’s world. There are countless travel-related apps that can make your trip more enjoyable and convenient. Here are some apps you may want to consider:
Airline(s) (turn notifications on)
Google Maps: This app provides directions, real-time traffic updates, and local business information.
Google Translate
Wise: If using wise card when travelling
WhatsApp
Duolingo: This app can help you learn the basics of a foreign language before your trip.
TripAdvisor: This app provides reviews and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Airbnb/VRBO: This app allows you to book unique accommodations all over the world.
Uber or Lyft: These apps allow you to easily request and pay for transportation.
Local Transit (bus, train)
