International travel is exciting and there is a whole wide world to discover, however there are some things you need to know. First of all, the rest of the world is not America – overseas they do things differently, sometimes a lot more differently than you can imagine. But this is all part of the attraction of international travel, so equip yourself with some important information and plan ahead to get the very best out of your trip.

It is mandatory for Americans traveling overseas to have a passport. Almost every country will require you to show your US passport when you are entering their country, however you will need it to be able to get back into the US when you return. Your passport is a very valuable document and you must protect it carefully. In addition to a passport, you may need to obtain a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country to which you intend to travel. By no means is possession of a US passport a guarantee that you will be allowed to enter into a foreign country, so you should always check to see what visa and other entry requirements exist.

Traveling overseas will carry health considerations. For a start, your normal health insurance coverage may not cover you when you are overseas, and there is the issue of how you will manage to get back home in the event of serious illness or an accident. Some countries do operate socialized medicine programs, though you may not be eligible as a tourist or visitor. You should arrange appropriate travel insurance to provide medical care and if necessary, medical repatriation.

In addition to being able to get medical care should you need it, there are also countries where there are serious health hazards. You should always check with your doctor and the Center for Disease Control on the vaccinations and health prevention measures you should take prior to travel. Bear in mind, some vaccinations need time to take effect, so do not leave them to the last moment before taking your plane.

While the US dollar is the major global currency, you are probably going to need to buy some of the local currency. US dollars are rarely accepted in most European countries or the developed world, however do not expect to exchange one dollar for one British pound or one Euro – the exchange rate differs widely. Shop around to find the best exchange rate, however be careful when you find a good exchange rate because there may be extra fees or commissions added on. Also bear in mind that if you have left-over currency from your trip you will need to change it back again into US dollars.

The US Department of State operates a website which issues travel advisories and warnings. Some areas and countries in the world are not safe for Americans to travel to for a variety of reasons. Always check with the State Department to see what the information is on the country you are intending to travel to, and always equip yourself with the telephone and contact information for the nearest US Embassy or consulate in the event of an emergency.

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