Plan Your Journey

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud holds.

Set up an out-of-office reply for email and voicemail with your return date.

Arrange for mail pickup, package holds, or a trusted neighbor to check your home.

Confirm all utility and bill payments are scheduled or auto-paid while you're away.

Secure your home — lock all windows and doors, set timers on lights, and activate your security system.

Arrange pet care, plant watering, or any other home maintenance needs.

Download offline maps, translation apps, and your airline's app to your phone.

Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.

Charge all devices and pack the appropriate international power adapters.

Confirm your transportation to the airport and allow extra time for check-in and security.

Pack a carry-on with at least one change of clothes, medications, and valuables in case checked luggage is delayed.

Bring all prescription medications in their original labeled containers with enough supply for your entire trip plus extra days.

Include a basic first-aid kit: pain relievers, antacids, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any personal health items.

Pack a portable phone charger and universal travel adapter.

Bring local currency or arrange to exchange currency before departure — ATM fees abroad can be high.

Include a small flashlight or use your phone's flashlight for power outages or late-night navigation.

Pack a reusable water bottle — staying hydrated during long flights and excursions is essential.

Bring copies of your itinerary, hotel confirmations, and tour bookings in both digital and printed form.

Valid passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Check expiration well in advance.

Visa documentation (if required) — confirm entry requirements for every country on your itinerary.

Flight tickets and boarding passes — save digital copies and print backups.

Hotel and accommodation confirmations with addresses and check-in instructions.

Travel insurance policy documents including the 24-hour emergency assistance phone number.

Cruise documents or tour vouchers provided by Ruby Red Travel — keep these in your carry-on.

Driver's license or government-issued ID for domestic travel or car rentals abroad.

International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent and drive a vehicle in a foreign country.

Vaccination records or health certificates if required by your destination country.

Make two photocopies of all documents — leave one set at home with a trusted contact and carry the other separately from the originals.

Visit your doctor or a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss vaccinations and health advisories.

Research your destination's health risks — malaria, water safety, food safety, and altitude considerations.

Register your trip with the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov for safety alerts and embassy assistance.

Check the U.S. State Department travel advisories for your destination at travel.state.gov.

Know the location of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate at your destination.

Confirm your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and emergency hospitalization.

Share your full itinerary with a trusted person at home including hotel names, addresses, and phone numbers.

Save your Ruby Red Travel agent's direct cell number in your phone before you leave — they are your first call for travel emergencies.

U.S. State Department Overseas Citizens Services: +1 (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (from abroad).

U.S. Embassy/Consulate: Look up the specific number for your destination at usembassy.gov before you travel.

Travel Insurance Emergency Line: Located on your policy card — save this number in your phone and write it in your travel documents.

Local emergency number: Research the equivalent of 911 for each country you visit (e.g., 112 in Europe, 999 in the UK).

Your hotel's front desk number: Save it as soon as you check in — they can assist with local emergencies and translation.

Designate a trusted emergency contact at home who has copies of your documents, itinerary, and knows your travel insurance details.

Write all critical emergency numbers on a small card kept separately from your phone in case your device is lost or stolen.

Carry at least two payment methods — a credit card and a debit card from different networks (Visa and Mastercard).

Notify all banks and credit card issuers of your travel dates and destinations before you leave.

Research ATM availability and withdrawal fees at your destination — some countries are largely cash-based.

Avoid exchanging currency at airports — rates are typically poor. Use local ATMs or exchange at a bank.

Keep a small amount of local currency on hand for tips, taxis, and small purchases upon arrival.

Know your daily ATM withdrawal limit and request a temporary increase from your bank if needed.

Keep your cards and cash in separate locations — never carry everything in one wallet or bag.