Documents (2–8 weeks before)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date (many countries require this) with blank pages.
- Visa or electronic travel authorisation (for example the US ESTA, Canada eTA, UK ETA or EU ETIAS where required). Use only official government sites.
- Flight, hotel and car rental confirmations saved offline.
- Travel insurance policy and emergency phone number.
- Driving licence and, if needed, an International Driving Permit.
- Photos or scans of your passport and cards, stored securely.
Money
- Tell your bank you are travelling, if it asks for that.
- Carry two payment cards, kept in different places.
- Check foreign transaction fees and ATM fees.
- Have a small amount of local cash for arrival.
- Plan your budget with our two-currency trip budget.
Health
- Check recommended vaccines on your government’s travel health page at least 4–6 weeks before.
- Pack prescription medicines in original packaging, in your carry-on, with a copy of the prescription.
- Basic first-aid kit: plasters, pain relief, rehydration salts, insect repellent, sunscreen.
Phone and data
- Check roaming costs, or buy a local SIM or travel eSIM. Make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Download offline maps, translation packs and airline apps.
- Pack chargers, a power bank (in carry-on) and the right plug adapter.
Packing list
- Clothes for the weather (check the forecast a few days before).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Toiletries in 100 ml containers for hand luggage. See baggage rules.
- A change of clothes and essentials in your carry-on, in case bags are delayed.
- Reusable water bottle (empty through security).
- Earplugs, eye mask and a light jacket for the plane.
At home
- Arrange care for pets and plants.
- Pause deliveries, or ask a neighbour to collect them.
- Unplug appliances, empty the fridge of perishables, take out rubbish.
- Lock windows and doors; consider timers for lights.
- Share your itinerary with a family member or friend.
Day of travel
- Check in online and confirm the terminal.
- Arrive about 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international (more at busy hubs or holidays).
- Keep passport, phone, wallet and boarding pass in an easy-to-reach pocket.
Counting down? Set a countdown timer to departure day.
When you arrive
- Change a little money or use an ATM inside the airport if you need local cash.
- Activate your eSIM or buy a local SIM.
- Use official taxis, ride-hailing apps or public transport from the airport.
- Send a quick message home to say you arrived safely.
- Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy when exploring, unless local law requires the original.
Travelling with children
- Carry birth certificates or consent letters if a child travels with only one parent (some countries require this).
- Pack snacks, a change of clothes, entertainment and headphones in the carry-on.
- Book seats together early and check the airline’s family seating policy.
- Choose kid-safe offline games and downloads before the flight. Our kids-safe games guide can help.
Coming home
- Check customs allowances for duty-free goods before you shop.
- Confirm your return flight and check in online.
- Keep receipts for big purchases in case customs asks.
Final 24 hours
- Charge every device and power bank.
- Check the weather at your destination and adjust your packing.
- Confirm transport to the airport and leave a buffer for traffic.
- Lay out documents, wallet and phone in one place so nothing is forgotten.
- Check your flight status for any changes before you leave home.
Print this page or save it on your phone, and tick items off as you go. A calm departure starts with a simple list.
Why a checklist works
Pilots, surgeons and engineers use checklists because even experienced people forget simple steps when they are busy or tired. Travel is the same: the night before a trip is full of small tasks, and it is easy to leave a charger, a prescription or a visa printout behind. Writing everything down once means you only need to think about it once. Keep a copy of this list on your phone, add your own items (contact lenses, a favourite pillow, work laptop), and reuse it for every trip. Over time it becomes your personal travel routine.
Frequently asked questions
How long must my passport be valid?
Many countries require at least 6 months beyond your return date. Check the official rules for your destination.
Should I buy travel insurance?
It is strongly recommended, especially for medical cover abroad and expensive non-refundable trips.
How early should I get to the airport?
About 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights.
Data and credits: Written by ViralScopeHub. Facts checked against airline, airport, ACI World, OAG and government sources where cited. Rules change, so confirm with your airline or official sites. See our Travel hub and our credits page.