Northwestern Mutual: What to Know Before Traveling Abroad

Taking a trip abroad can be an illuminating way to expand someone’s horizons, see new global sights, and meet new friends from around the world. But before packing a bag, it’s important for globetrotting travelers to ensure that everything from passports and travel documents to policies like term life insurance and travel insurance are in order. Check out these useful tips and things to take care of before embarking on an international trip.

Research destinations

Before traveling abroad, researching destinations is a vital step to help travelers make the most out of their visits. From organizing lists of must-see monuments, museums, and cultural sights to noting can’t-miss restaurants, theater, music, and recommendations from websites (or even friends or locals in the know), committing to thorough preparation can help to ensure that nothing important gets missed on the itinerary.

Gather documents

Passports, identification, visas, and extra copies of everything—there is a lot to consider when organizing and assembling the most important documents when traveling abroad. To help alleviate stress and avoid confusion, think about arranging a folder and checklist for each person who will be on the trip and checking off each document as they are gathered (along with extra copies just in case of lost or misplaced luggage.)

Prepare for the unexpected

It always pays to be prepared, especially when traveling abroad. In the weeks prior to departure, it’s important for travelers to check that medications are filled, vaccinations are up to date, and any other essentials are handled. It can be helpful to check up on financial essentials, too, including travel insurance, a life insurance policy, and any other policies they hold to guarantee they are current, active, and ready just in case a traveler or their loved ones need them while on a trip abroad.

Check on the budget

“International travel may well mean a splurge here and there, whether that’s a nice meal out, a guided tour or excursion, or a bit of shopping,” said Kevin Dwyer, Wealth Management Advisor, Dwyer Capital Partners, Northwestern Mutual in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. “By agreeing on an estimated budget, either day-by-day, per person, or from location to location for longer trips, travelers can ease stress and be mindful about how much they want to spend—and on what—during their journey.”

Make packing lists—and check them twice

Just as travelers get their documents and policies together, they should also consider making a thorough packing list. By first checking the weather at their destination abroad and then appraising how much luggage space they have and how much they want to bring, travelers can ensure a mindful packing process. This careful planning means they won’t forget essentials like a bathing suit, a sweater for chilly nights, or their favorite sunglasses.

Enjoy the journey

Perhaps most important, when traveling abroad, it is essential to take a breath, sit back, and enjoy the trip. International travel can broaden the mind and open travelers to new experiences. By approaching the trip with suitable planning, there will be even more freedom to relish the trip and make lasting memories.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI.

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Source: Northwestern Mutual

Contact: Don Klein, 1-800-323-7033