Free travel planning checklist

The complete pre-trip checklist

Documents, bookings, money, health, tech, home prep, and day-of. Everything in one place — with timelines.

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Timeline tip: Start with Documents & Visas first — some visa applications take 6–8 weeks. Don't leave them until the last month.

Check passport expiry — most countries require 6 months validity beyond your return date

Renew passport if needed (allow 8–12 weeks; expedite if urgent)

Research visa requirements for your destination country

Apply for visa / e-visa (allow 4–8 weeks for embassies; e-visas often 24–72 hrs)

Make copies of: passport, visa, flights, hotel, insurance — email them to yourself

Bring at least 2 forms of photo ID (passport + driver's license)

Leave a complete itinerary copy with a trusted person at home

Write out emergency contacts list — include embassy/consulate number for your destination

Book flights — optimal window is 6–8 weeks out for most routes

Book accommodation — popular destinations sell out 2–3 months ahead in peak season

Verify cancellation policies on all bookings — free cancellation is worth paying slightly more for

Purchase travel insurance (don't skip — medical evacuation alone can cost $50k+)

Research local transport: trains, metro apps, airport transfers, car rental if needed

Book car rental if needed — includes correct insurance type for the country

Book in-demand activities in advance: museums, tours, restaurants, guided hikes

Select flight seats — do this as early as possible to avoid middle seats on long hauls

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destination

Get a travel card with no foreign transaction fees (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab debit)

Carry at least 2 cards stored separately — never put all cards in one place

Research local currency — is the destination primarily cash-based? Estimate how much to bring

Get some local currency before you go or at arrival ATM — avoid airport exchange desks

Keep an emergency $200–500 accessible in a separate location (not in wallet)

Create a daily budget estimate — use our Budget Calculator if you haven't already

Plan how you'll track spending abroad (app, spreadsheet, cash envelope system)

See a travel medicine doctor 8 weeks before — vaccines need time to take effect

Check required and recommended vaccinations for your destination (CDC or gov travel advisory)

Get malaria prophylaxis if needed — start before departure as directed

Get enough prescription medication to cover your trip + 2 weeks extra (in case of delays)

Get a doctor's letter for any controlled medications or syringes you're carrying

Pack a small first aid kit: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antihistamine, rehydration salts, blister pads

Carry your travel insurance emergency card and memorize the 24-hour helpline

Know your blood type and any allergies — write them down in the local language for serious destinations

Set up international phone plan or buy a local SIM / eSIM on arrival

Download offline maps in Google Maps or Maps.me for your destinations

Download: translation app (Google Translate, offline language packs), local transit apps, currency converter

Clear phone storage and set up automatic cloud backup for photos

Check plug type for your destination — buy universal adapter if needed

Charge and pack a portable battery bank — invaluable for long travel days

Ensure you can log into email, banking apps, and insurance accounts on a new device if phone is lost

Save key numbers offline: embassy, insurance, travel companions, accommodations

Put mail on hold or arrange for someone to collect it

Arrange pet care, house sitter, or kennel booking

Arrange plant watering or move plants where they'll survive

Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member

Set timers on lights, pause unnecessary deliveries, don't announce trip publicly on social media

Set up auto-pay or pre-pay any bills due while you're away

Turn off water heater, unplug non-essential electronics, check locks and windows

Eat or donate perishable food — don't return to a fridge full of expired food

Complete online check-in (opens 24–48 hours before most flights) and save boarding pass offline

Weigh luggage to avoid excess baggage fees — check your airline's limit

Double-check carry-on for liquids: 100ml max per item, in a clear 1L bag (100-3-1 rule)

Allow extra time for security — international terminals typically need 3+ hours before departure

Confirm how you're getting to the airport — allow for traffic, parking time, check-in queues

Final wallet check: passport, cards, local currency, travel insurance card, boarding pass

Check forecast for arrival destination — pack or adjust layers accordingly

Charge everything overnight: phone, portable battery, headphones, camera

Sort connectivity before you fly

An eSIM installs before you leave and works the moment you land — no airport SIM counter, and no roaming bill you only find out about afterwards.

Check eSIM plans

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Travel essentials

Book the boring parts first

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Store bags for the dayExplore hands-free between check-out and a late flight.Find luggage storage
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Cover the trip itselfMedical and cancellation cover priced per trip — worth checking before you pay for anything non-refundable.Compare travel insurance
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Skip-the-line ticketsBook museum and landmark entry ahead so a queue does not eat an afternoon.Browse attraction tickets

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The complete pre-trip checklist

Documents & Visas

Flights & Accommodation

Money & Banking

Health & Vaccinations

Phone, Tech & Connectivity

Home Prep

Day Before & Day Of

Book the boring parts first