Preparing for a trip overseas can take a little more planning than the average stateside trip, but can be also be extra exciting so the planning process never gets too daunting. Here are some things to consider when planning a trip overseas.

Check the visa and passport requirements.

This is perhaps one of the more boring parts of planning an international trip so it’s easy to put it aside, but it is one of the most important ones…since without the proper documentation you won’t be getting anywhere. It’s always good to get in order ahead of time since some of the documents can take a while to go through and you want to have everything in hand and ready to go well ahead of your travel date.

Different countries do have regulations, so it’s not as simple as just getting a passport and being on your way. For example, to go to France the country requires that your passport be valid for an additional six months past your travel date, so they won’t let you in if you’re trying to get a last run before renewing your expiring passport. Some countries also require that U.S. citizens get a visa.

Map out your locations ahead of time.

It can take quite a while to travel to a destination overseas, and the last thing you want to do upon arrival in a foreign country is be totally confused about where you are trying to go. Not that you can ever be totally prepared if you’ve never been there, but it can save a bit of trouble if you have all your addresses on hand and have looked at everything on a map so you don’t have to think about it too hard.

You might also want to figure out how close your hotel is to the attractions and museums that you will be wanting to visit on your first day for the same reason. And of course, stumbling across great food is part of the fun of exploring but if there is anywhere specific that you would like to check out

Consider a daily budget.

Not everyone is on a budget when traveling but many people are. If you are one of them, considering making a reasonable daily budget before you go. Sometimes you will want to shop or something which would fall outside of the daily budget, but if you set a daily one and try to stick with it it’s usually easier than trying to set a budget for the whole trip and then blowing through it quickly.

Learn some key phrases.

If you are traveling somewhere a foreign language is spoken, it’s helpful to learn a few key phrases. For more complicated things referring to a guidebook can be necessary, but you don’t want to have to look up simple things like to ask where the bathroom is or if you can have some water. Not to mention learning some phrases can help get you in the mood to go.