Looking Beyond Logistics: Three Financial Essentials for International Travel

Planning an international trip is incredibly exciting! Whether you're envisioning yourself strolling through the streets of Paris, relaxing on a sun-drenched Caribbean beach, or immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural experience halfway around the world. There’s something truly magical about stepping out of your everyday routine and exploring a new destination.

While the thrill of choosing destinations, booking unique excursions, and picking out the perfect travel wardrobe can be a lot of fun, international travel also comes with a few important logistics to keep in mind. From passports and travel insurance to local currency and communication access, the behind-the-scenes details help ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

One often overlooked (but essential) aspect of preparing for international travel is financial readiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to consider how you'll manage your money while you're abroad, how your travel plans might impact your financial responsibilities back home, or what kind of protection you have in place in case of emergencies.

To help you navigate that side of trip prep, I’m excited to share expert insight from Jonathan Bandy, CEPA®, AAMS®—a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. Jonathan offers practical and thoughtful advice to help you safeguard your finances before and during your travels, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure with confidence and peace of mind.

When preparing for international travel, most people focus on the logistics: booking flights, securing accommodations, and making sure their passport is up to date. But just as important is making sure your financial affairs are in order before you leave. As a financial advisor with Edward Jones, I work with clients to take proactive steps that help reduce stress and protect their finances while traveling. Here are three key financial essentials to keep in mind:

1. Notify Financial Institutions and Review Your Travel Cards

Let your bank and credit card providers know your travel dates and destinations. This helps prevent accounts from being flagged for suspicious activity or temporarily frozen. Review your credit cards for features like fraud protection, no foreign transaction fees, and travel benefits. Consider carrying a backup payment method in case of loss or theft.

2. Consider Travel Insurance, Including Medical Coverage

A comprehensive travel insurance policy can help protect you from unexpected costs due to trip cancellations, delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies. Many U.S. health insurance plans may not offer coverage internationally, so having medical protection while abroad can provide added peace of mind.

3. Prepare for Emergencies with Document and Fund Access

Before departure, make secure copies of your passport, insurance cards, credit cards, and emergency contacts. Store these separately from your originals and leave a copy with someone you trust back home. It’s also a good idea to have emergency access to funds, such as a travel-friendly savings account, prepaid card, or backup credit card.

Bonus Consideration: Review Investment and Account Activity 

If you’ll be away for an extended period of time or traveling to areas with limited connectivity, take time to:

• Confirm Automatic Transactions – Ensure regular contributions to investment accounts and bill payments are scheduled to continue.

• Evaluate Your Investment Strategy – Travel can be a good opportunity to revisit your risk tolerance and goals. If needed, connect with your financial advisor before departure.

• Enable Secure Online Access – Use two-factor authentication and avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts abroad.

By preparing ahead, you can focus on making the most of your trip, knowing that your finances are in good shape while you’re away.

Reach out to connect with Jonathan about how to plan your financial future so you can experience more of what the world has to offer! Jonathan.Bandy@edwardjones.com