I've been traveling my entire life, and I'm not a young woman. Over the decades I've kept up with the way things work, and it's not been easy. In the current climate, the following is some solid advice for anyone traveling abroad. This advice is for people living in and traveling abroad from the United States.
1. What's the best smart phone for international travel. To be fair, I've tried a lot of things for this situation. I've bought local sim cards when I've arrived in a country, I've rented a satellite phone, I've had a prepay travel policy per country, and I've even tried the esim. What I discovered is that over the years, technology has advanced quickly. Thereby making the question go from how do I do it, to why is this so difficult?
I finally gave up all the antics and just bought a phone that works. Reportedly, Samsung Galaxies, iPhones and Pixels can all just transcend the madness and work in most countries. That's what we all need people.
You need to purchase that phone. It needs to be unlocked to truly work properly. Get a plan that covers it all. It's really that simple. I went Google and it was easy. They say it will work in 200+ countries. That sounds very cool since reportedly there are only 197 countries. Maybe they're counting on there being some more countries later.
And the reported best services for this are T-Mobile and Google Fi.
At any rate, my advice is quit buying all the hacks and just get a phone that works.
https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/summer-travel-guide-2025-phones
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-travel-phone/
https://intentionaltravelers.com/iphone-vs-android-best-phone-for-travel/
https://neverendingfieldtrip.com/best-travel-phones/
2. What bag is best and how should you pack it? Once again, I've been through a lot of stages. I've done overpacking, underpacking, what was I thinking packing and every conceivable notion. One thing I learned is always go prepared. If you're going for a few days, just pack what you need. If you're going for over a week, make sure there's a place to do your laundry and take less.
Check the weather right before you leave your house. We have apps people. Just pop it open and look up what the weather is going to be for the next ten days wherever you're going. Not that hard. I like to pack easy to pack clothes and a jacket or coat. Normally I wear the jacket or coat. I try not to take a bunch of shoes, jewelry, accessories and so on. I have what I call travel clothes. They are all easily packed, easily interchangeable for many looks with different combinations. I try to take one pair of shoes. This does depend on what I plan to do on the trip, but it often works.
Now, about actually packing. If you do it right, you don't have to worry about taking a big bag. I'm not saying put it all in a carry on. I check my bag. I carry a cross body bag on the plane. But, if you have a gigantic bag and end up having to carry it up a lot of steps (trust me I know this from experience), you'll have at least one miserable moment or so on your trip. Take less, make sure it all goes together, and take one small bag. They still sell sets of luggage. Don't fall for that.
The last question I may be able to help with is whether to go hard or soft, and how many wheels? Four wheels people. Your luggage should follow you around like a well trained dog. Don't buy something you have to carry or drag. Two wheels is still dragging. I've had both hard and soft sided luggage. I wouldn't trade the hard sided luggage for anything. Even if it's just peace of mind, you feel like your stuff is better protected in hard sided luggage. It also is better protected in the rain. Can't beat it.
https://www.packhacker.com/blog/general/best-luggage-for-international-travel/
https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/travel/best-luggage
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Suitcase-International-Travel/s?k=Best+Suitcase+for+International+Travel
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light/backpack-or-rolling-bag
3. What kind of accommodations are best? In this day and age we can choose. There are traditional hotels, resorts, and so on. But now, we also have aparthotels, apartments, Air BnB and VRBO. You have a wide variety of choices. What to choose?
It depends on what kind of services you want and how much space you need. For a few days, I say go with a hotel. Services and possibly a pool is a great thing. They normally are in convenient locations and most of them have parking.
However, I have discovered that if I'm staying a couple of weeks, I like to rent an apartment of some kind. Here's why. I don't like to drive when I travel these days. I'm over it. I've figured out how to go by public transport and I'm not going back. Getting an apartment gives me choices. I can cook a meal if I want. I can have breakfast in which I love to do. I can do laundry. That's important, so I don't have to carry a giant piece of luggage.
The laundry is normally the big deal. If I know I'm going to have to do laundry in Europe I normally rent an apartment. I also like what's called an aparthotel, because they are a unique combination of hotel and apartment. The TV situation is normally better in an apartment too.
It all depends on what works for you. Just always make sure that if you drive, there's parking and if you aren't driving, that you're close to public transit.
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/reserve-accommodations
https://www.artsy-traveler.com/europe-accommodation-tips/
https://wanderyourway.com/find-right-accommodation/
https://wanderyourway.com/accommodation-in-europe-types-tips/
4. How should you get around? That's an interesting question. To be fair, there are situations where you need a car and have to drive. Then, rent a car. No brainer.
However, if you don't have to drive, don't. It's that simple. It removes the need to get an international driver's license or whatever you may be required to have. It's just one less errand before the trip. But, how will you get around?
Take that public transport. I've ridden on buses, trams, trolleys, subways, ferries and on and on. I've even hopped countries on Ryanair and taken gondolas up mountains. You can always download a metro map on your phone and make your way around. It's really easy. Like I always say on my YouTube channel; give up your sense of direction and follow the signs. If they aren't in English, use Google Translate or ask a local. It's a lot easier than it looks or sounds, so I would just do it unless you're traveling the highlands of Iceland or something.
Also, once again; make sure your accommodations are close to public transport. It makes life truly easy.
https://www.moonhoneytravel.com/europe-travel-itineraries-without-a-car/
https://findingalexx.com/car-free-travel/
https://www.contiki.com/six-two/article/11-car-free-cities-to-visit-in-europe/
https://www.euronews.com/travel/2026/02/28/heres-where-to-go-for-a-car-free-escape-in-europe
https://green-travel-blog.com/car-free-travel-in-europe/
5. Are there day trips? When you plan a trip to Europe and you plan to stay in a city and not drive. Or, even if you plan to drive. Here's something to consider. I learned this over the years.
Will there be enough to do where you are to keep you busy for two weeks? Here's the real answer. You don't know. You've never been there. This is where research is your friend. Look for potential day trips.
I try not to plan too much on the itinerary. I like to be able to explore and find cool things that research didn't reveal. Does this happen? Every single time. Therefore, I research possibilities but don't lock them in. I only schedule a couple things and then I have a list. Often times we don't decide exactly what we want to do until we get there and get a little feel for the place.
Why is that important? If you've ever traveled on a group tour, you'll know what I mean. Independent travel means going at your own pace and doing what you want. If you over plan, you'll do to yourself what you pay someone to do on a tour. Have a list, and worry about the rest when you arrive. Day trips are a wonderful way to get to know more than just the city you're staying in. It gives you a better idea about the country you're visiting.
https://www.rediscovereurope.com/destinations/using-hub-cities-in-europe
https://www.getyourguide.com/explorer/travel-inspiration/amazing-day-trips-from-europes-top-cities/
https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/great-european-day-trips-2
There you have it. Just some sound advice that I've learned over the years. It's not antiquated. It's modern. When you travel you have to keep learning new ways or you won't be comfortable traveling after a while. Don't fall behind. Keep checking out the latest stuff.
If you'd like to check out what I'm currently up to, check out my YouTube Channel "Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon." That's me!
https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2026
Hope you find this advice helpful. Remember, memories are the most important, so go out and make some! Enjoy!
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