Courtesy Of Italy Rome Tour

Visiting foreign countries, exploring new cultures and meeting people from all over the world are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, international globe-trotting can sometimes present more challenges than domestic travel.

Research and careful planning can make both types of trips easier to manage and decrease the chances of encountering various hiccups along the way. Here are some of the key differences between domestic and international travel.

1. Travel Insurance

Traveling outside of your home country typically means temporarily leaving your health insurance network. As a visitor in a foreign nation, you don’t usually have access to that society’s medical care system either, which is why purchasing supplemental insurance is vital.

Travel insurance provides coverage for any emergency medical treatment you might receive while you are in another country for a limited duration. It’s intended for vacations and short-term trips abroad and offers additional protection against other related issues such as loss of luggage and cancelations. In most cases, extra insurance is not needed for domestic voyages.

2. Mobile Phone Plans

If you use your cell phone internationally, you’ll likely be charged with high roaming fees for making calls and accessing data. Check with your provider to see if your current plan allows for international usage. If it doesn’t, have your cell phone carrier activate it. Alternatively, you can rent an international phone or purchase an unlocked phone that contains an international SIM card.

3. Flight ID

Domestic and international travel both require a form of identification. Globe-trotters can use their federal or state photo ID to explore their own country, but they will need a passport in order to visit another. Passport preparation takes between six to eight weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead. However, you can choose an expedited service for a fee and receive a faster processing time.

If you already have a passport, check to see if it will still be valid at least six months after your intended return date. If the expiration date is close to the cutoff, make sure you renew it ahead of time. It’s also wise to bring copies of your passport when abroad. If it gets lost or stolen, you want to be sure that you can still get back home.

4. Currency

For domestic trips, carrying credit cards alone may suffice, but international travel often requires credit cards and local cash. Before jet setting to another country, research the exchange rates. Find out if ATMs are easy to access and make sure your credit cards will work where you’re planning to visit.

Additionally, your banking institution may think that fraud is occurring and freeze your account if foreign transactions are suddenly appearing in your statements. Consider notifying the bank of your plans in advance. Let them know where you’ll be traveling, how long your trip will last and which cards you’ll be using.

Following these useful tips can give you a better traveling experience and keep you safe during your globe-trotting adventures. To learn more about the differences between domestic and international voyages, take a look at the accompanying infographic.

Author bio: Max Parini is the owner of Italy Rome Tour, a touring company based in Rome. Having grown up in Italy, Parini lives and breathes Rome — and enjoys every minute with clients from around the world. He believes the best way to see and experience Italy is up close and personal.

Courtesy Of Italy Rome Tour