Before you start to pack for that long-awaited trip abroad, make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s a checklist, with information provided by the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Before You Go

  • Check your passport. Is it still valid?
  • Consult the federal government’s Travel Warning or Travel Alert updates for your destination.
  • Click here to see if you’ll need a visa and whether the country you’re visiting requires a passport valid six months past the end of your trip.
  • Consider enrolling in the The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service registers your trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You’l receive information on safety conditions and also help the the U.S. embassy and your family contact you in an emergency.

Health

  • Find out what vaccines you’ll need by using the CDC’s Travelers’ Health resource.
  • Consider adding medical and dental coverage for your trip. Note: Medicare does not cover you overseas.
  • Bring extra medication in case your return is delayed.
  • Bring information about your conditions and medication.
  • Keep all medication in their original, labeled containers to avoid questioning at customs or immigration.

Financial

  • Should you exchange currency before traveling or wait until you arrive at your destination?
  • Ask your credit-card company if it charges exchange fees on overseas purchases? If it does, bring another card.
  • Give your credit-card company the dates of your  trip and your destination.
  • Review cancellation policies for all travel. Consider trip insurance.

Learn more at a free educational seminar, “Overseas Travel Tips: How to Have a Safe, Enjoyable, Healthy Trip,” on Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Orchards in Southington. Registration is required.