pre travel planning

June 1, 2020

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Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do the Day Before You Travel

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

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Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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The Essential Pre-Trip Checklist

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

For a stress-free, tranquil trip, preparation is key. If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, download our pre-trip checklist to help you take care of the essential tasks before embarking on your getaway. This customizable and editable chart includes everything you’ll likely need to do before heading out the door, from arranging pet care to taking care of finances. Download the list and add in any extra preparations you might need to complete—and you’ll be well on your way to a worry-free adventure. NEW: Download a mobile-friendly version of the pre-trip checklist.

Pre-Trip Checklist for Home/Pets

• Turn off AC/fans
• Take out trash
• Clean out fridge/throw out food
• Return due library books
• Close/lock windows
• Unplug electronics
• Turn off lights/set timer for lights
• Notify home-security system co.
• Arrange house sitter
• Place stop order on newspaper
• Place stop order on mail
• Stock up on pet food and litter
• Arrange pet sitter or kennel stay
• Obtain documentation for required pet vaccinations

Pre-Trip Checklist for Finances/Health

• Visit a travel clinic if traveling to a foreign country
• Program ICE (“in case of emergency”) number into your phone
• Check overseas medical coverage
• Refill prescriptions
• Get necessary immunizations
• Make copies of passport/ID
• Notify CC co./bank of travel
• Pay necessary bills in advance
• Research entrance fee costs
• Create trip budget
• Take out cash at ATM
• Obtain foreign currency
• Get small bills for tipping

Pre-Trip Checklist for Itinerary/Flight

• Look up baggage fees for airline
• Add new luggage tags to your suitcase
• Download travel apps/e-books
• Set up away message
• Set up flight alerts via text
• Weigh packed luggage
• Set up a travel plan for cell phone
• Charge all electronics
• Remove previous airline luggage tags
• Check in online/print boarding passes
• Confirm rental car reservations
• Confirm flight, train, bus reservations
• Confirm hotel reservations
• Create/print itinerary
• Check weather
• Notify friends/family of travel
• Check your passport expiration date
• Program phone numbers into cellphone
• Arrange transportation to the airport

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Essential Beach Packing List
• 10 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag
• 10 Things to Pack That Will Save You Money

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: April 7, 2022

So, you are ready to go on your vacation or travels but what should you do to prepare? We’ve set up the ultimate pre-travel checklist to help you be prepared before you travel. Plus, these travel tips will help you plan for any emergencies or surprises on vacation.

Anything can go wrong. So, we make sure to follow this travel checklist before we go. It makes things go smoothly when we’re ready to travel. 

Table of Contents

Our Pre-Travel Checklist

Wondering what to do before a trip to prepare for international travel? We’ve got you covered.

The time for worry and stress is not meant to happen on vacation. To make your trip more enjoyable, we’ve taken the guess work of planning to make it easy and fun. That’s why we have a system we use on every trip This is the pre trip checklist that we go through for each trip. 

Choosing a Suitcase

Before we start packing we think about what we are going to carry everything in. And that choice starts with where are we going? The destination can make a difference in how we pack and what we pack our things in. 

For Asia, Central or South America

If we are going to Southeast or Central Asia, we usually opt for a backpack as we’ll be hopping on different trains, boats and busses through more rugged terrain and rougher roads. We want to be mobile and have an easy time weaving through crowds. 

For Europe or Australia 

If we are traveling Europe we usually pack a suitcase as we normally travel between cities by train or car and it is easy to use a rolling suitcase on sidewalks in Europe, Australia and US cities. 

For Polar Regions or Remote Lodges

When going somewhere remote, usually pack a rolling duffel bag. When having to get into small planes, we need a suitcase that is soft and easily packed. 

A duffel bag alone is too hard to carry through airports, so we choose a rolling duffel. They are lightweight for small planes and can easily be pushed and packed into cargo area. But we can also stuff our layers into it easily. 

For Caribbean Travel

We can usually get away with carry-on only luggage for the Caribbean. It’s hot and the clothing we pack is lightweight and smaller than when we go to other destinations. Plus, charter flights usually charge more for checked baggage, so we keep it light and save on the fees. 

Pro Tip – Make sure to put something to your luggage to make it easily identifiable. Luggage wraps, colourful handle identifiers that can be velcroed to your handle or some people even tie yarn or ribbons to your luggage. We have been with people who have taken someone else’s luggage all the way to their hotel and didn’t notice it wasn’t theirs. 

Which brings us to another important thing to check on the list.

Before you Leave

When leaving the country, you don’t want people to know you are gone. It’s a good idea to go through these steps to make sure your house is safe before you leave the country.

• stop your mail. If you are going away for awhile, you might want to call the post office and have them hold your mail. Mailboxes fill up fast, so put it on hold, especially if you are going away for a few weeks or months.
• Have a family member stop by every once in a while to check on your house.
• Timers for lights – We have our outdoor lights on timers and when we are traveling, we also put our indoor lights on timers as well to make people think we are home.

Airport Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions

We now always check with our airline to see what luggage is included. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the airport and finding out we have to pay $79 for extra luggage. (speaking from personal experience here). 

That is why we are now loyal to one airline carrier. Having gold status lets us have two free bags every time we fly. But we know what it’s like to have to cram everything into a carryon when we don’t have to. 

A lot of people are starting to carry drones with them and we never leave home without it. But we do check to make sure that drones are allowed in the country.

We know of people that have had their drones confiscated at the airport. So we always check to see if we can even bring a drone in before we fly. We don’t want to take the chance. 

And we always look up the rules of each destination. Some countries have stricter rules than others, and we follow them. We don’t want to ruin future droning laws by unwittingly breaking the law. 

It’s easy to look up, so we always check it out. Read our Airport Security Tips and Common Travel Mistakes for more details.

Pre Trip Checklist – Documents

• Call our Bank. We call our bank to make sure they know where we’re going so our credit cards and atm card works at the machine. Recently we didn’t do this when flying to Cuba and my card was frozen after using the ATM. It was an added stress to our travels that we didn’t need. 
• Bank Fees – Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees on your credit card, and see what insurance your card has included.
• Check for immunizations. New diseases are breaking out and we know people that have been very sick from things like Malaria. It’s worth popping into a travel clinic to talk to a professional to see what we need if it is a new destination. 
• Check for Visas. The more we travel, the worse we have been at this. We have come close to not getting into a country because we assume we are fine and don’t need a visa. When flying into Istanbul a couple of years ago, we didn’t check for Visas and saw that we needed to buy a Visa on arrival.  We didn’t have any cash on us, and the ATM was out of money, so we had to be escorted through the airport to the other side to get cash. (they didn’t take credit card) We were lucky they were nice, or we could have been refused at the border and sent home. 
• Passport – Make sure your passport is not expired or about to expire. Many countries require passports to be valid for six months. So even if it is valid, you may be denied entry even if you have a few weeks or a couple of months left until it expires.
• Backup Copies – Make copies of your travel documents, driver s license and passport. It’s good to have electronic copies, but it is also good leave copies with a friend or family member.
• Boarding Passes – load your boarding passes on your phone for faster check-in and check in in advance. In 2021 especially it is good to have everything saved electronically.

Travel Checklist – Safety Tips

Travel Warnings

Before we choose our destination, we take a look at things like weather and warnings. There is no sense going to the Maldives if it is monsoon season or the Caribbean if it is hurricane season. We then check warnings to see if there are any areas we should avoid. 

We have gone to countries where there have been travel warnings. For example, there have been warnings in Mexico when we were traveling in Cancun. But Mexico is a big country . If there is a warning for Chiapas and we are going to Cancun, we are far enough away, that we don’t need to worry. So check to see if there are warnings near where you are going or if they are thousands of miles away.

Travel Insurance

Be sure to buy travel insurance is all in order and up to date. Our travel insurance renews yearly, but we make sure we have the emergency numbers on hand. We always check to make sure it covers everything we need. 

We never leave home without travel insurance. Travel is expensive and it wouldn’t make sense for us to spend a lot of money on a trip, and lose it all if an emergency should happen like :

• If we have to delay our trip because of an emergency
• Or we had to cancel our trip and could never take it. 
• Something happened and we had to return from our trip early. 
• We were injured or became severely ill during the trip

Or what if we were playing volleyball on the beach and knocked out a tooth? We can be reimbursed for our travels if we make a claim for a covered reason. 

That takes me to.

Knowing what Your Travel Insurance policy covers

Simply purchasing travel insurance isn’t enough. You need to double check what is included and covered. We always call and speak to a licensed agent to learn which plan would best suit our needs during our travels and to make sure we fully understand what is and isn’t covered by our policy.

Dave and I are big fans of calling when in doubt. That way we know ahead of time what we can do on vacation and what we’ll end up doing at our own risk. 

Travel Apps and Technology

We all want to get away from technology when traveling, but it’s a fact, it’s the way of the world. While it is nice to be disconnected,  a lot of travel relies on technology. Travel apps can play a large part in saving money and in planning.

Apps like TripIt will help you stay organized and alert you of any last minute changes of flights, XE Currency Converter will help you with prices in your destination and Google Translate helps with communications. We have an entire list of apps for travel that you should have on your phone .

When we travel, we now only use RFID blocking bags and wallets to keep cybercriminals from stealing our identity. The latest scam is using wireless transmitters to gain information about your credit and debit card identification chips. Se eour The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories . 

At the Airport

Flying can be the most stressful part of travel, so we always work to make it comfortable and fun. 

Lounge Access

If we don’t have status on a specific airline and don’t have lounge access, we have a Priority Pass to get into a lounge before flying. Being in a lounge before a flight is a wonderful thing. It let our vacation begin at the airport rather than at the destination. 

We can enjoy peace and quiet, food and a glass of wine. When flying out of Toronto, our Platinum American Express Card gives us access to the American Express lounge and we get a fast track to security. For people looking to gain lounge access, we suggest looking into your home airport to see what credit card lounges they have.

If you plan on flying more than once or twice in a year, we really love Priority Pass. A lot of times their lounges are nicer than the airline lounges. 

On the Plane

If we can’t manage to get an upgrade to business class. (we often try because we fly a lot and have gold status, so we use e-credits with each flight) we still try to make flying coach as comfortable as possible. 

We both pack care packages with essentials in our carryon.

Pre Travel Checklist – What’s in my Carry on

• Noise cancelling headphones – this makes all the difference if we have a crying baby or loud talker around us. 
• Eye Mask – It’s nearly impossible to get to sleep on a plane, but an eye mask really blocks out the sun (if we are sitting near someone that refuses to put their shade down) and the florescent lighting that is on the plane. 
• Scarf or sweater – it seams that planes are always either too hot or too cold, so I always pack a big pashmina scarf to wrap myself up in on the flight. Dave uses a lightweight merino wool sweater
• Socks – When flying to a warm destination I usually board a flight in sandals or shoes that require no socks. But when flying, nobody wants to look at bare feet, and my feet usually freeze on the plane anyway. So I pack a pair of socks that I can put on for the flight. 
• Foldable water bottle – The cost of bottled water in an airport is highway robbery, so we carry a foldable water bottle through security and then fill it up when we get across. 
• Lip balm, moisturizer and nasal spray – Airplanes are very dry and we have all the gadgets to keep us hydrated in our care package. 
• Sunglasses – We always have our sunglasses handy. Whenever I wake up, my eyes are dry and sore and sunglasses help ease the glare of the cabin. 
• Load Up Your phone or iPad – We have large phones, so we load up movies or TV series on our phones. We never rely on the airlines entertainment system. They often don’t work (we’ve had it happen on more than one occasion) and we’ve often seen everything they have in their choices. 
• Portable USB charger – Sure, many airlines say they have chargers, but many times they don’t work. We keep a portable charger handy at all times. 

Travel Packing List

We could go share a complete travel packing list, but we find every one is different. Some people will never travel with checked luggage, while others would never dream of going carry on only.

Some people like to have a different wardrobe with shoes to match each day, while others (like us) prefer to mix and match.

We do have a travel packing list that you can check out here . 

But we do have items in our suitcase that we never leave home without no matter what type of trip we are going on. Be it a winter trip, a beach holiday or an expedition, these items are always in our travel bag. 

• Dry bags – When taking a boat trip or even going to the beach, we put all our electronics and cameras into a dry bag. 
• Headlamps – Great in the backcountry and on adventure trips. But we also use headlamps a lot when taking photos at night.
• Packing Cubes – We put everything into separate nylon cubes and compression cubes for bulky items.
• Toiletry Bag – The Pacsafe foldable toiletry bag hangs for ease in hotel bathrooms and has different compartments for all our needs.
• Packing Envelope – Dave never leaves home without it. He folds all his collared shirts and pants into an envelope keeping them from wrinkling and taking up less space.  
• Steripen – We never worry about bottled water because we use a Steripen to purify our water no matter where we are.
• Belkin Mni Surge Protector – It has three outlets and 2 USB chargers. Plus a surge protector to keep our electronics safe. 
• World Plug Adapter – The world plug adapter is compact and covers everywhere in the world. There’s a USB charger as well.
• Mesh Laundry Bag – great for letting laundry air out so it doesn’t smell, but still keeps it separate from our clothes. 
• Tweezers, nail clippers, scissors –  this accessory kit has come in handy more times than you’d think.
• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket – for cold weather we layer warm wool and fleece underneath, for warm weather we use it in the rain, early mornings or when climbing up to higher altitudes. 
• Pegless Clothesline & Universal Sink Stopper – For quick washing and drying of items like bathing suits and underwear. 
• Hiking Shoes – We love the outdoors so you never know when we’ll be going on a good hike! 
• Water shoes – We have a light pair of watershoes that we use in tropical climates and a heavier pair that we use in mountains and northern travel. (we switch them out depending on the trip)
• Flipflops – great for going to the pool or beach.
• Packable Daypack – folds up small and can be Brough out when going on a day hike. 
• Goo Toobs – Puts all our lotions and liquids into small containers that are airline friendly. 
• Our Own Canvas Bag – Instead of using plastic bags and local markets, we bring our own.

First Aid Kit

We used to carry a really big first aid kit, but we have found that we can easily buy most of what we need. But we still do carry a basic first aid kit. 

Things we include in our First Aid Kit are:

• Prescription Medication – with a photocopy of our prescriptions
• Insect repellent 
• Gravol – for nausea  
• Benadryl and Claritin – For allergic reactions
• Allergy Eyedrops
• Imodium – for mild diarrhea
• Rehydration tablets and electrolyte tables – in case of dehydration or severe diarrhea.
• Topical Ointment like Polysporin or prescription Fucidin Cream – For cuts and scrapes
• Antisceptic spray – it’s important to clean cuts quickly, especially in tropical climates. 
• Moleskin – I recently bought shoes I loved for China. They were sketchers and comfortable at home, but they gave me serious blisters after walking for a day in Shanghai. I needed moleskin for the rest of my trip!
• Read our full Packing a Travel First Aid Kit For Long Term Travel

You may want to look at see what vaccines you need for places you are traveling to.

We suggest going to a travel clinic to discuss with a doctor what medications and vaccines we need. It varies from country to country. But you may want to look into Hepatitis A & B, Measles, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis and Influenza.

Also, don’t forget about Rabies – Rabies shots do not prevent rabies but slow the spread of the infection giving you time to get to the hospital

And that is our complete pre travel checklist to help you pack smarter. And now you are ready to go! So what are you waiting for, grab your passport and happy travels! Remember, planning for travel will give you peace of mind to create a stress-free vacation.

Share this pre travel checklist to Pinterest to save for future planning

• How We Choose Travel Insurance to Best Suit our Needs
• How to Have a Safe and Healthy Vacation
• How to Overcome Your Travel Anxiety and Fears

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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20 thoughts on “Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist”

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Great list. You have mentioned all necessary items very clearly and it is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

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Thanks for writing.

That’s alot of meds you have in that bag.

This is such a great list! I usually pack some snacks and chewing gum as well. Lately, I have been using compression socks for long-haul flights and I will bring them in my carry-on as well.

It is a great website. The design looks very good. I will bookmark this page. I enjoyed the information. Regard Swan Tours

This is amazing….loved the way you mentioned every necessary stuff.

This is probably my dream checklist. You guys have mentioned everything one could ever need. Thank you, Dave and Deb.

That’s quite a comprehensive list. I travel frequently and always wished to have a to-do list of items. Most often than not we tend to forget some items or important procedure. Thank you for sharing the list. It is quite useful.

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist | 37 Things to Do Before Your Next Trip

Say goodbye to stressful planning. With this travel checklist in hand, you’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

It's easy to get swept up by the hype when you're planning out a trip. Whether it's international or local travel, daydreams of relaxing on a beach or skiing down snowy slopes can easily occupy your mind. Of course, you won't forget the basics like booking your flight and getting your travel visas in order. Meanwhile, packing lists, house chores, reservations, and transport arrangements take a back seat, right behind the more exciting stuff. As with everything important, though, it's not until you need something that you realize it's not there. Luckily, we've got just what the travel doctor prescribed: 37 things to do before your next trip.

Each item on this list will ensure that everything is in order, from your packing checklist to your house plants. If you’re looking for a quick step-by-step guide, feel free to follow the bulleted travel checklist below. For a more detailed walkthrough, follow along with the video at the end of the list and read on.

A Month Before

• Create a travel packing list
• Book your accommodation
• Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (if you plan on driving in another country)
• Check for vaccination requirements
• Get an advanced supply of prescription medication
• Get travel insurance

A Week Before

• Check the weather and change your packing list accordingly
• Pack your bags
• Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling
• Get your finances in order
• Make arrangements for someone to take care of your household
• Confirm your reservations

2-3 Days Before

• Organize your travel documents
• Arranging transportation to and from the airport
• Share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info
• Charge your batteries
• Double-check your bag
• Start adjusting to timezone differences
• Clean your house

A Day Before

• Take out the trash and any perishables
• Pack your travel snacks
• Double-check your personal item bag
• Unplug the electronics you’ve been charging
• Put your bags near the door
• Check in to your flight
• Download your digital boarding pass
• Set an away message for your email
• Lay out your outfit for the next day
• Eat before you go
• Take out any remaining trash and leftovers
• Pack up your toiletries
• Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food
• Unplug appliances around the house
• Grab your phone
• Triple-check you have all your essential travel documents
• Adjust the thermostat
• Grab your bags and go!

A month before the big trip, it's important to decide what gear you'll need, i.e., (1) create a packing list . It essentially acts as a travel checklist, but only for what goes in your bag. Packing checklists depend on a lot of things, such as your destination's climate, duration of stay, personal and work-related needs, and local customs and culture. That last one is a bit nuanced, but a good example would be how temples and other religious sites enforce dress codes that require the head and shoulders to be covered.

At the core of any packing checklist for a vacation (or otherwise) are your absolute necessities, like clothing, toiletries, travel documents, and medication. It’s these items that must go first before you can move on to less essential gear like electronics, cosmetics, and other accessories. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out ours—such as our Digital Nomad and Budget packing lists—which are good templates that you can modify as needed.

Once you’ve got a working manifest of everything you need, it’s time to (2) book your accommodation . If your trip coincides with a holiday season or travel-heavy seasons in general, hotel and Airbnb prices usually go up during those times. Additionally, finding a place to stay tends to get more difficult as more and more people book. In other words, it’s better to lock one in as soon as possible.

If you’re traveling internationally and plan on driving a motor vehicle, like a car or motorcycle, you’ll have to (3) apply for an International Driver’s Permit . Procedures and requirements may vary from country to country. The processing time can be a few weeks, so it’s best to get the application process rolling early.

While you’re on the web looking up those permits, (4) check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required and which are recommended, the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website has an extensive travel checklist and is an excellent resource to get you sorted.

On the subject of health, make sure to top up and (5) get an advanced supply of your prescription medication from your doctor. You never know if you’ll have to extend your stay, and your specific medication may not be available at your destination. Furthermore, it’s important to check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine and drugs into the country beforehand to avoid legal troubles or confiscation.

After you have your vaccination and prescription medicine prepped, one additional layer of readiness you’ll want is (6) travel insurance . Travel insurance coverage varies depending on your provider, but typical coverage includes emergency medical treatment, personal liabilities, and loss of personal items like travel documents and baggage. Again, you never know what could happen while you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

A week before your trip is a good time to (7) check the weather and change your packing list accordingly . Weather is one of the most finicky aspects of a travel checklist, as a particular day can go from sunny to rainy in a snap. That said, forecasts are still a safe bet for adapting your packing checklist. After all, what good are flip-flops and shorts when it's going to rain the entire trip? You can still wear them, but you'll be sad, wet, and look totally unprepared.

Now we really get into the thick of things: (8) packing your bags . We've already gone over how you should create your packing checklist, but there's also the question of how it all comes together. Start the process by laying out everything you think you need, then try cutting the quantity down in half. It's never too late to unburden yourself of excess weight, and who knows—maybe the extra space can afford you to bring something you initially had to cut.

Some items need to be packed last because you’ll be using them right up until you leave the house—we’re talking about toiletries, chargers, and house keys—so make sure to save some space in your bag for them. (Psst—that's where this travel checklist comes in handy.)

Once everything’s packed, keep track of your bag’s (or bags’) total weight. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, airlines have different weight and size limits, so be sure you’re well within them. You can check your bag’s weight by weighing yourself on a bathroom scale with and without the bag then subtracting the difference. If you need a guide for packing a carry-on , we’ve got you covered.

Other than friends and family, you’ll also want to (9) notify your bank that you’ll be traveling . No, you won’t need to shed a few tears of sadness for them like you would for your pet. You’ll be doing this so that they won’t flag your purchases outside your typical area as fraudulent. Tell them the exact dates you’re traveling and where you’ll be. There are few things more embarrassing than having your credit card declined when you’re trying to pay for a fancy dinner; worse if you’re treating someone else.

On that note, check up on any upcoming bills that may come your way while you're gone. In other words, (10) get your finances in order . Don't worry—this won't be as complicated as doing a complete audit; you're simply making sure you're not coming home to find the electricity and internet disconnected.

This one's for the pet lovers and plant havers: (11) make arrangements for someone to take care of your household . Oh, how we wish we could just take our dog and/or three-foot fern with us to the Bahamas. But alas, it's not the most practical idea. The next best thing? Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to feed and water them from time to time while you're away. Just make sure to bring them back something nice (for the caretaker and the pet/plant).

Someone else who might miss you while you're away is the mail carrier. To keep mail from piling up unnecessarily, you may want to contact your local post office to put your mail on hold if you're going on an extended trip.

While you're still a week away from your trip, (12) confirm your reservations . This not only goes for your accommodations but also for restaurant reservations and any specific events you plan on attending. Last-minute changes to events aren't unheard of, so it's worth re-checking.

Okay, by this point, your hype levels are probably fast approaching critical mass. Hold your horses and passports, though, because there are still a few things to do during these last few days.

Still holding your passports? Okay, good, because it’s time to (13) organize your travel documents . Without these, there is no trip, except to the terminal or station. The documents you’ll want to keep track of are your passport, itinerary, insurance, visas, and tickets. If your everyday wallet can fit all those, then great. If not, passport wallets do exist, and some bags come with dedicated security pockets that can take them in.

The trip from where you're staying and to the terminal probably isn't the one you're particularly excited for, but it's worth prepping for anyway. (14) Arranging transportation to and from the airport is just as important in our eyes, unless you fancy a long walk. To avoid expensive parking fees or taxi fares, you can ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. There's a chance they won't be available on that day, though, so having someone extra as a backup is a good idea. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, schedule a pickup in advance so you won't have to wait long on the day itself. The same goes for when you're riding from the airport to wherever you're staying; book it now, so you aren't left waiting needlessly for a ride.

At this point, you’ve already told friends and family about your big trip, but now it’s time to (15) share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info . You won’t be doing this to brag, but to make sure they know where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

If there’s something that needs constant attention throughout this travel checklist, it’s the (16) charge levels of your batteries . Even when they're just idling, laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch are slowly but surely sipping power. Topping them up just before you leave ensures they're ready when you actually need them.

Okay, now it’s time to (17) double-check your bag . It's not like anything's escaped between now and the time you've packed it a few days back—this is just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Plus, it gives you the chance to make a few tweaks to what you've packed and to squeeze in some last few items if you want to.

After you’ve double-checked—and maybe even triple-checked—your bag, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. Too early to go to bed? It may not be the worst idea to (18) adjust now and prevent jet lag . If you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can prepare yourself for the switch by changing your habits. This includes eating dinner an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference), and the same goes for your sleep schedule.

This may be the least popular tip on the list, but it's worth doing anyway: (19) clean your house . Think your house is dirty as it is? Imagine it days or weeks later when no one's been home to keep things tidy. Trust us, piled-up laundry (worse: piled-up dirty dishes) only becomes more of a chore after you've come back from your trip, exhausted from all the traveling you just did. Do them now.

You've already cleaned the house, expelling all the dirt off of plates, clothes, and any reachable surfaces. But this is the day before the main event, and there's one more thing (or set of things) to throw out. Have you guessed it? Yep, time to (20) take out the trash and any perishables you have lying in the kitchen and pantry. We support eating as much as you want of the perishables since wasting food is just, well, wasteful.

While you’re in the kitchen, you can go ahead and (21) pack your travel snacks . Airport snacks tend to get pricey, and you won’t believe how much you can save just by bringing your own. Just be mindful to pack foods that are easy to eat, not messy, and don't smell. It’s also worth checking out which foods are considered liquids and need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (we’re looking at you, goat cheese).

Now, (22) double-check your personal item bag , a.k.a your carry-on. This is to ensure your travel essentials are all there, especially your travel documents and money. After you’ve done that, (23) unplug the electronics you’ve been charging , like your laptop, game console, and power bank. By this point, almost everything is packed up, so (24) put the bags near the door where you can grab them and go.

There are just a few more things to sort out before you hit the hay! Before you go to sleep, (25) check in to your flight to save time at the airport. Most airlines have an app that allows you to check into your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in this early lets you pick a good seat, so do that if you haven't already. If you've been issued a (26) digital boarding pass , take this chance to download it to your phone now to save you the hassle later.

Before you put down your phone for the night, make sure to (27) set an away message for your email . That is, unless you’re traveling for work or working remotely . If this is your vacation, turn off all work-related notifications so you can make the most out of your well-earned rest.

Once you’ve put down the phone, (28) lay out your outfit for the next day . Having your clothes laid out and ready will help speed things up as you’re rushing out the door. We don’t know about you, but we move faster just before we sleep than after we’ve just woken up.

At last, we've finally arrived at the day you've been waiting for. It's the main event: the day you actually leave for your trip. Hopefully, you weren't kept up all night by the excitement for your adventure, though we really can't blame you if you were. At the very least, you can go ahead and (29) eat breakfast or lunch to help stave off any hunger that could lead to unnecessary snack purchases at the airport. After you're done eating, (30) take out any remaining trash and leftovers you still have lying around.

Remember when we said some items need to be packed last? Well, it's time to get those aboard as well. After you've freshened yourself up, (31) pack up your toiletries and place them where you can easily get to them when you get to security. Putting them underneath anything else will hold up the line as you search through your bag to get to them, as TSA officers need to check those fluids to make sure they meet regulations. Bring out your packing checklist and ensure all remaining items are in your bag.

And don't forget about your housemates! Namely, your house plants and pets. (32) Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food to last until your designated caretaker gets to them.

The next tip will help you save money on electricity. (33) Unplug appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away, as they can still sip a tiny amount of electricity if, say, they have LED indicators. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and desktop computers. Plus, unplugging will help prevent any potential fires if something accidentally shorts while you’re away. Speaking of unplugging, make sure you (34) grab your phone , earbuds, or Kindle in case you’re doing any last-minute charging.

Yay! You’re almost out the door. But wait! It’s time for another passport check. (35) Triple-check if you have all of your essential travel documents . You can never be too careful in trying to avoid being that person awkwardly digging through their bag at the last minute just before boarding.

While you’re walking towards the door, make a quick (36) walk-over to the thermostat and reduce the temperature . No one’s going to be home, so there’s no need to rack up a pricey heating bill. Needless to say, keep your pets and indoor plants in mind when you’re adjusting this. At this point, consider doing one last pass over this full travel checklist to make sure you're all set to go.

Got all that? Well then, time to (37) grab your bags and go! Careful not to trip in excitement!

If you’re reading this while you’re on a train or aboard your flight, congratulations! 37 travel checklist to-do’s sound like a lot, but once you’ve completed this travel checklist a few times, it becomes second nature. These are tips we follow ourselves and we haven’t missed a beat ever since. No missing passports, accommodations are on point, and the pets are just as happy to see us as when we left them—and it makes the trip all the more worth it.

This travel checklist is brought to you by the Pack Hacker team. We’ve collected these tips through many fun trips and a couple not so fun ones.

December 20, 2021

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

The Awkward Traveller

20 Things to Do Before Traveling: An Easy Pre-Travel Checklist

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Even though I’m a pretty frequent traveler, I’m pretty terrible at doing all of the travel prep stuff. Packing. Organizing. Planning. Scheduling. Yeah, I’m just bad at all of the things to do BEFORE traveling – both from motivation and…honestly, I just forget about most of it. If you’re reading this, chances are you might be struggling with it as well. So I’m making this post for the both of us.

Traveling goes beyond the actual trip itself. There’s a bunch of pre-travel and post-travel items you’ll eventually have to take care of…or you’ll randomly remember it during your trip and you’ll spend the entire day trying to find wifi in the middle of a Costa Rican jungle so you can pay your storage unit rent before you get slapped with yet another late fee.

Totally not speaking from experience here.

But yanno what, I’m in my late 20s now and I should honestly just get myself into a routine of tackling all of the things to do before traveling so that my trip can be stress free. The way I see it, there are four crucial sections of any pre-travel checklist: things to do before traveling that deal with yourself, your home, your workplace, AND your wallet. Take care of all of those, and you’ll be SET to travel.

I even made a nifty lil pre-travel checklist that you can print out at the end, but for now, let’s go through them one by one!

Table of Contents

I’m going to start with the work-prep section because it contains the things to do before traveling that involve advanced planning. Plus, you gotta get your job set up right if you want to keep making money to travel in the first place. That said, I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who will be traveling with a full time job (non-remote), so I know a few of these bullet points may not align with everyone, but since the large majority of people in the workforce are not digital nomads, these tips will be applicable to most people.

Schedule time off : variable time frame

Actually scheduling time off is the NUMBER ONE first step in things to do before traveling. I mean, if you can’t leave work, you won’t be taking a vacation anyway. Depending on how much notice you need to give in advance, this step might be done a few months to a few days before your trip. Personally, I just NEED to give a 3 day notice, but since we can only have a certain amount of people gone at the same time, this usually falls about a month or so in advance for me.

For large planned trips (or trip wishlists), I try to schedule time off AS SOON as I know I want to take the trip, just so my coworkers don’t end up scheduling that same time off. Once you get that cleared, you can move onto the other things to do before traveling.

Alert coworkers: 2 weeks before

I usually give my coworkers a formal heads up about 2 weeks or so before, adding it to our shared work calendar. Though, honestly, I’m usually gabbing about my upcoming trip sooner than that hahah. Alerting your coworkers is especially important if you are in a job where you all share workload or if you will need someone to cover your position while you’re out. This might not be required, but it’s basic common workplace etiquette in my opinion.

Set up OOP : day/week before leaving

Before you sign off for vacation, be sure to set up an OOP/OOO (out of position/out of office) or automatic email to let others know you are not actually working. I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t like people emailing me and then getting mad when I’m not responding.

If you won’t be completely offline during your vacation (*cry emoji*), then be sure to mention your hours of availability and how they can effectively contact you if needed (email vs phone vs text). You’ll also want to mention the possibility of a delay – always give yourself leeway when you’re traveling.

Clean desk/workplace: day before leaving

Last but not least, when it comes to things to do before traveling, CLEAN YOUR DESK. Ya nasties. It is my biggest pet peeve when someone in the cube next to me goes on vacation but forgets a whole banana peel in their trash and I get harassed by fruit flies for a week. And believe me – I’m not a naturally neat person, so this is just as much a reminder for me as it is for you. Take out your trash. Get rid of the 39796 water cups surrounding your computer. Organize the notes and papers on your desk. It’ll make you AND your coworkers happier when you get back.

Wallet Prep

Despite the association with your finances, wallet prep is actually one of the least annoying things to do before traveling. Well, assuming you have the money to do it.

If not…yolo, lol.

But assuming you’re being financially responsible, you’ll want to check all off all of these so you can actually enjoy your trip without needing to log into your bank app every other hour. Or, accidentally lock your cards and find yourself stranded in a random village where no one speaks your language and you have no local currency.

Pay yo bills: a week before/closest pay day

This is hands down the most important financial things to do before traveling. PAY. YOUR. BILLS. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your credit card statement is. Make sure you pay all of your bills due before and during your trip, because TRUST ME, it’s easy to forget when you’re enjoying a fresh virgin pina colada during a weekend in Viñales, Cuba.

Real easy. *cough*

And be aware of any automatic payments as well! I’m the type of person that goes HAM when I get my paycheck and get literal endorphins from paying things off…and then that pesky Netflix automatic payment comes out of nowhere. So account for those as well! If you have any subscriptions that you won’t be able to enjoy while you’re away – or if you’d rather spend that money on your trip – be sure to skip the month(s)’ subscription so they don’t charge you!

If you don’t really have the funds to do that before your trip, you can either push out your payment date or set up a reminder on your phone to pay while you’re away. Just make sure you have a secure connection.

Travel notices : day before/when you suddenly remember in the airport while boarding the plane

I swear, setting up travel notices for my credit cards is one of the things to do before traveling that I always forget. Seriously, I am actually making this entire post JUST so I will write this particular step down to remember. SET UP YOUR TRAVEL NOTICES. PLEASE.

It’s super quick and super easy, especially if you have an app on your phone. The last thing you need on vacation is your bank thinking some jerk stole your identity and is now buying 37 boba teas in Hong Kong.

Nope, sorry Chase Bank, it’s just me again. Your humble, yet embarrassing, customer.

Currency Exchange: a week before

While I’ve recently become to lazy to really care, you will definitely get a better currency exchange rate if you do it in advance at a bank or something than at your destination’s airport. Depending on how much money you exchange, you could end up saving hundreds. Heck, even saving $5 makes it worth it. I personally HATE paying in cash, let alone carrying it, but in some destinations, it’s necessary.

For one thing, if you’re an American traveling to Cuba , your credit and debit cards will not work. In China, at least as of 2019, many stores RARELY take visas or foreign cards. Many small towns and villages may not have service to accept digital transactions. Small markets? Artisan trades? Bribing the employees from the closed Pizza Hut to give you their last inventory because you have the munchies after stumbling out of a club at 3am?

You’re gonna need local currency for that.

My personal FAVORITE section of things to do before traveling. What’s better (and more satisfying) than getting yourself ready for vacation? NOTHING, that’s what. It’s also the part of things to do before traveling that get me more excited for the trip. It not only prepares you physically, but mentally as well! Now, depending on your level of personal maintenance, this list might very a little, but hopefully it covers the most basics of bases.

Refill Prescription: a week before

If any of you are also traveling with a chronic condition , you know how crucial this step is. I take medication for my hypothyroidism, and simply remembering to refill my pills is probably the most annoying part of traveling with hypothyroidism. At least a week before, so you have time to make arrangements just in case, make sure to count your medication (or however it’s measured). You’ll want to ensure you have enough for the entire duration of your trip + extra for just in case-ies. If you don’t, get a refill. It may include scheduling an appointment with your doctor/blood tests, so keep that in mind.

If you notice you don’t have enough, but don’t have enough time to do anything about it, check to see if your medication is available OTC in your destination (sometimes levothyroxine is! woo!), and/or the costs of seeing a physician in your destination.

Even if you CAN technicallyyyyy go a few days without completely dying off your medication – it’s not fun. Trust me.

Reschedule Appointments: a week before

Speaking of doctors and whatnot, at the same time, check your calendar for any upcoming appointments or engagements you will need to reschedule due to your vacation. Doctors, dentists, therapists, hair stylists, etc. Especially since many of them will have a no-show fee!

Also, don’t leave your friends hanging either! If you had plans, let them know too so they don’t get annoyed seeing your cute lil Instagram story in Greece when y’all were supposed to be watching WandaVision together. Appointments are easy to slip your mind, but so rescheduling or canceling them is one of the most polite things to do before traveling.

Outfit Planning/Wash Shoes: a few days before

This is one of the things to do before planning that I’ve only recently started doing, but WHEW, it is a game changer. Usually when I travel, I just throw a bunch of random clothing items that I like in the suitcase (and plenty of extra options) and call it good. I would just pick out whatever I wanted to wear the day of.

If you also do this – you know how much of a mess it can turn into. Often, the pieces that I packed don’t work well together. Or I usually just end up wearing the same bottoms and switching tops. I hardly ever end up wearing the extra shoes I packed, even if they “match better” with the outfit I’m wearing.

So, just plan your outfits in advance and bring what you need. If you’re having trouble deciding, trying looking at pictures of your destination (and of course the weather app!) to get a feel for what you might want to wear. And on that note, if you are constantly running around in the dust like I seem to do, wipe down your shoes too! Trust me, you’ll be feelin yourself a lot more wearing fresh looking kicks!

Charging headphones/electronics: day or night before leaving

It’s one of those “obvious” things to do before traveling that you might forget if you’re too busy. That’s why I’ve written it down! It’s always best to leave for vacation with your electronics fully charged, especially your headphones (if they are bluetooth/wireless). For us feeble iPhone users, charging our phones AND trying to listen to music can be a challenge. Plus, you don’t want to waste any precious time when you arrive at your destination sitting around and waiting for your camera battery to charge.

Just make sure you remember to pack them before heading to the airport!

Emptying SD cards/clean lens : a week before

This something I alwaysss forget to do. But it is one of the most important things to do before traveling. MAKE SURE YOUR CAMERAS ARE READY!!! Beyond just having the battery charged, you’ll also want to ensure you have enough memory cards and that there is space on them!

My favorite brand are the Lexar Professional 300 MB/s. I have three of them (along with a few slower SD cards), and I always double check them before leaving on a trip.

On that same note, you’ll want to clean your lens, pack your chargers, tripod, and/or remote. GET ALL YOUR CRAP PACKED! I currently have a Peak Design camera bag . It’s a little pricey, but honestly any backpack works as long as your camera and accessories are protected!

Hair cut/Nails/Eyebrows : 1-2 weeks before

And, of course, one of the last things to do before traveling is any image prep you might want to do! This may or may not include getting your hair done, getting a fresh mani/pedi, waxing every single inch of your body, booking a massage or skin treatment, getting a facial, or teeth whitening, or eyelash extensions, etc etc etc

You get the point.

The part you want to avoid is waiting until the last minute to try to squeeze everything you want to do into the last day or so. Trust me, back to back appointments are stressful as heck, especially with stylists and technicians cancelling or moving your appointment. You want to have some wiggle room just in case.

That said, if for any reason you don’t get around to doing any of these self-beauty things to do before traveling…there’s ALWAYS the option to do it while you’re traveling. Most destinations will have a salon that can work with you (exceptions if you’re Black or have kinkier or even curlier hair). There’s probably a nail spot. And if there’s a good spa, you’ll be set on any massages, waxings, or facials you could want. Plus, you’re stimulating the local economy!

Boooo – this is my LEAST favorite of the things to do before traveling. Mostly, because they’re all chores. But also, house prep is just boring to me. But maybe you’ll like it. If you HAD to skimp out on steps from any of these sections, you’ll probably be fine missing out on a few house prep bullets. However, these things to do before traveling that focus on your house will make your life a heck of a lot simpler and less stressful when you return from your trip!

Take Out Trash : day before/ on your way out

For obvious reasons, don’t leave your trash in your house. First, it’s gonna stink up the place. Second, it’ll attract trash-lovers, depending on where you leave, they could vary in size (my friend had a BEAR break into her house while she was away *cry emoji*).

If you live somewhere with a communal dumpster, awesome! Throw it in there! If you live somewhere where you have to take your trash to the curb on certain days, it could get a little trickier. My HOA doesn’t allow me to have my garbage cans out on the curb beyond trash day (boo), so I…usually…end up…dumping my trash in a communal dumpster…

If you don’t have one around you, you can ask one of your neighbors to put your trash cans back! Give them a bag of popcorn or whatever neighbors like for their effort 🙂

Laundry and clean room: a few days before

There’s nothing worse than coming come to no clean clothes and a pile of dirty laundry.

Actually, I lied. Coming home to no clean cleans and a pile of dirty laundry that also smells is much worse. If you’re really in a time pinch, you can skip this one, but it WILL make your life easier, especially if you’ll be on a long trip. I personally just throw my dirty clothes in the wash a few days before so I only have a pile of CLEAN laundry waiting for me when I get back, but feel free to be neat and fold it or whatever.

I’ve also had friends who, if they knew their trip accommodations had laundry services, would take their dirty clothes WITH them on a trip and do laundry there.

Take your pick.

On that same note, go ahead and clean your room too.

Sitter : a month in advance

This is for all the parents and pet-parents out there. If you’re not traveling with your kids or taking your pets with you, you’re going to need some supervision. I recommend to start asking around about a month in advance. Any earlier and people will probably forget or not know their availability. Any later and you’ll have a harder time finding someone.

For young children, you’ll need a babysitter. I’ll leave that up to you since you’re the parent and know who can watch after them the best. For pets though, there are probably a few overnight pet-sitting companies (or even apps!) near you that can house your animal. If you decide to go with a service that you’ve never used before, or even a new pet-sitter, I’d highly highly recommend checking that person and their home/site out before leaving your dog with them. Double check that your pet is comfortable with the location and with them. And any other animals they may have.

If you don’t do any of the other home prep things to do before traveling, err, please make sure you have this one squared away.

Stock up on Toiletries : a week before

This is one of the things to do before traveling that is also helpful after! I recommend doing it a week before so you have time to inventory your toiletries and buy extra if you notice you’re low. I’ve come back to a trip before with no toothpaste, mouthwash, OR body wash.

It was tragic.

Empty Fridge : day of/day before

I don’t mean COMPLETELY empty the fridge of course. But it’s nice not to come back to a fully stocked refrigerator of rotten food. It’s one of the things to do before traveling that’s easily forgettable, but is the cherry on top to house prep. Not the end of the world if you don’t get to it, but it does make you feel like you have your life together. And isn’t that the American dream?

A false sense of reassurance?

Take a quick sweep to check expiration dates. Depending on how long your trip is, you might want to look into throwing out things that will expire while you’re out as well. Or you can gift them to a friend! Or an unhoused community member! Or donate it to a food bank. The options are endless.

Packages in Mail: varies

This is a big one for me, since I am a notorious online shopper. Be mindful of your packages and their arrival dates. Seriously, I’ve had packages stolen from my doorstep when I was in undergrad and I was out for 50 minutes. To give yourself the most peace of mind, one of the best things to do before traveling is to not online shop right before your trip – or, at least, make sure they arrive before you leave.

If that isn’t possible, leave a key with your friend to get your packages for you, or if you live in an apartment complex, ask the front desk to hold it until you return.

Security : day before/on your way out

And of course, we can’t forget to lock our doors on the way out. Front, back, and side doors. However, some people also forget about windows.

Yup. Lock them too.

If you have a security system, make sure it is armed. My security system also has a camera which automatically records whenever there is movement detected (and also stores the footage), so if you also have that I would just advise that it is also set up to your phone or AT LEAST email.

If you’ll be out for a while, another one of the things to do before traveling is to let your neighbor friends know. BUT, and I highly stress this point, ONLY IF YOU COMPLETELY TRUST THEM. When people notice you haven’t been home in a while, it might make your house a target for robbery, neighbors included.

Gotta stay vigilant.

Things to Do Before Traveling: Conclusion

PHEW! Wow, that was way longer than I anticipated hahaha. Who know there would be so many things to do before traveling? Most of these scenarios were under the condition of living alone, especially with house-prep, but hopefully you’ve found this list of things to do before traveling somewhat of a helpful reminder.

Are there any things to do before traveling you are notoriously bad at doing consistently? For me, it’s definitely laundry and prescription refills, haha. Below, print out my Things to Do Before Traveling Checklist so you can always have it with you! You can even laminate it and have it on your wall to reuse!

Did I leave off any of your most important things to do before traveling?? Let me know in the comments below!

Pre-Travel Checklist Printout

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The hair and nails are stresssssful af because if you cancel I’m gonna be very angry 😂 now I just get stuff done like 3 days prior so I don’t have to scramble to find someone else.

HONESTLY!!!! My hair appt cancelled TWO DAYS BEFORE I was SICK!!!

THANK YOU! I had my head phones in my pocket and would have completely forgot about them to charge 🤣

Yessss!! Make sure it’s charged!

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A Complete Pre Travel Checklist

Planning and preparing for an upcoming trip can be a stressful process.

But, it doesn’t have to be!

Take the stress and anxiety out of traveling by creating a comprehensive pre-travel checklist.

This will ensure nothing is forgotten, allowing you to enjoy your trip worry-free.

Let’s take a look at the most common pre-travel to-do items to create your perfect, customized pre-trip task list today.

This post may contain affiliate links where, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you use them. I only recommend products I use, trust, and adore. Please read my  disclosure policy  for more information.

Get Organized Fast!

Turn this pre-travel checklist into a project to easily focus your efforts and manage your time using this easy-to-use free project planning checklist and planner.

Pre-Travel Checklist

Before you skim the tasks below, be sure to pull out a sheet of paper, notebook, blank document (or whatever you prefer) to take notes. Only write down tasks that apply to you and your situation.

This way, by the time you’re done reading this list, you’ll have your very own, customized pre-travel checklist ready to go!

Tip: You can edit the free project planner pdf (download above) and save it to your computer. This way, the list is completely customized to fit your needs and can be quickly printed before every trip! 🙂

6+ Months Before Departure (complete as soon as possible)

• Determine travel dates
• Confirm travel dates with any other party traveling with you
• Request time off from work (consider taking an extra day as a buffer and recovery day)
• Check passport expiration date (and apply for a renewal if necessary)
• Check for any required immunizations (and get them done if necessary)
• Fill out and submit a travel visa (required for some international travel)

1-6 Months Before Departure

• Create your pre-travel checklist
• Set a budget for the trip (and make sure it fits within your annual and monthly budget )
• Save up for your trip (you can use this super cute travel savings box )
• Outline an itinerary
• Look up travel deals, milage points, and coupons before booking anything ( Rakuten usually has some great ones!)
• Plane tickets
• Other transportation tickets (trains, ferries, etc.)
• Ground transportation (car rentals, light rail, or anything else to/from the airport)
• Parking at the airport
• Parking at other locations
• Hotel rooms, vacation rentals, or campsites
• Activity tickets
• Tour reservations
• Consider purchasing travel insurance
• Organize transportation and/or parking between your home and the airport
• Find a home or pet sitter
• Make plans for your pets
• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (through the US Dept. of State) to allow them to reach you in an emergency

Two Weeks Before Departure

• Check your luggage to ensure it is in working order (order new luggage if necessary)
• Create a packing list
• Inventory travel items
• Purchase any necessary travel items
• Check TSA regulations at departure and arrival locations (modify packing list if needed)
• Add a luggage tag identifier and contact information for any checked baggage
• Begin wearing new travel shoes or hiking boots to prevent blisters on your trip
• Place a stop order on your mail and newspaper service (for the US, you can do that here )
• Inform your security company of your trip
• Create a list of people to get souvenirs for
• Check in with your supervisor and coworkers, remind them of your vacation and create a plan if needed

One Week Before Departure

• Purchase travel snacks
• Contact your bank and inform them about your trip (so they don’t cancel your card while you’re away!)
• Take out cash to have on hand (including small bills and foreign currency)
• Finalize trip itinerary (including meals)
• Inform a trusted friend or family member of your trip and give them a key to your home in case of an emergency
• Create a Post-Travel Checklist to ensure a smooth return home
• Make at least one freezer dinner meal to have when you get back (this is a life-saver!) – Learn how I meal plan and prep in this post
• Get ahead in your home-related chores (laundry, cleaning, etc.)
• Check your yard, put away any tools and lock exterior sheds and storage
• Check in with home or pet sitter
• Organize a gift or payment for your house or pet sitter
• Make sure all bills are set to auto-pay (or pay them in advance)
• Download any useful travel apps (including the app for your airline)
• Set up international calling with your phone provider
• Get ahead in your work-load
• Delegate any work tasks you can
• Reschedule any meetings and appointments

Related: Get Back on Track After Travel FAST with this Ultimate Post-Travel To-Do List

2-3 Days Before Departure

• Check the weather at your destination
• Pack your bags
• Create a list of anything you can’t pack yet and leave it in your bag (like your phone, keys, etc.)
• Weigh your bags and check that they meet regulation
• Make a copy of your passport and debit cards to have as a backup
• Take a photo of the inside of your bag (in case it gets lost)
• Confirm all reservations
• Download entertainment for the plane, train, etc. (eBooks, movies, music, podcasts, etc.) – here are my top book lists if you are looking for a great new read!
• Charge all electronics
• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank
• Clean out your fridge
• Clean the house
• Run and fold all the laundry
• Grocery shop for non-perishable items for when you return home
• Set out any instructions, pet food, etc. for home or pet sitter
• Complete or prepare for any tasks you can on your post-travel task list
• Create a “Getting Back to the Office” list
• Complete a weekly review and plan the week for after vacation (both work and personal life)

Related: My Favorite Book Lists To Keep You Entertained for Hours on End!

One day before departure.

• Check into your flight
• Print out a copy of your boarding pass (Tip: have 2 copies, always keep a backup!)
• Save a copy of your boarding pass to your phone
• Check your travel itinerary and set any alarms to help you remember when to wake up, leave your home, arrive at the gate, etc.
• Check in with your house sitter or pet sitter one last time
• Water your plants
• Set up a self-watering system for your plants
• Feed and water your pets
• Complete any extra pet-related tasks (clean the litter, give extra food, bring to pet sitter, etc.)
• Declutter the house
• Set timers for your interior lights ( these timers are cheap and work great)
• Close your blinds
• Set up an automated email response that says you’re out of the office, and what date you’ll return
• Shut down your workspace (shut down the computer, put away items, take out the trash, etc.)

On Travel Day

• Finish packing
• Double-check that you have packed your essentials (phone, keys, wallet, passport, prescriptions, boarding pass, other tickets, etc.)
• Weigh your bag one last time
• Take out all the trash
• Unplug all electronics and appliances
• Check the thermostat
• Lock all doors and windows
• Set your security alarm
• Double-check that you closed the garage (Home Alone vibes, anyone?)

Pin this post for later reference!

Work Pre-Travel Checklist

For convenience, here are the tasks in the above lists that are directly related to work:

• Request time off from work (as early as possible)
• Check in with your supervisor and coworkers, remind them of your vacation and create a plan if needed (1-2 weeks before)
• Get ahead in your work-load (1-2 weeks before)
• Delegate any work tasks you can (1 week before)
• Reschedule any meetings and appointments (1 week before)
• Create a “Getting Back to the Office” list (2-3 days before)
• Complete a weekly review and plan the week for after vacation (2-3 days before)
• Set up an automated email response that says you’re out of the office, and what date you’ll return (1 day before)
• Shut down your workspace (1 day before)

Must-Have Pre-Travel Home Essentials

Here are some items that will make travel preparation much easier!

• Indoor Outlet Timers: Using these timers is a cheap and easy way to make it look like someone is home. Just simply set the timer and plug in your lights, and your lights will turn on/off at the specified time each day.
• Indoor Plant Self-Water Bulbs: Fill these beautiful glass globes with water just before you leave and they will slowly water your plants while you are away.
• Luggage Scale: These are a great way to ensure you don’t make the time-consuming and expensive mistake of having your luggage be overweight.
• Bright Luggage Tag: Having a bright luggage tag is an easy way to identify your bag and ensure that, if it gets lost, it can easily be returned to you. I also love these bright luggage straps for extra protection.
• Pet Camera: It can be difficult to travel knowing that you won’t see your pet for a while. But, having a pet camera can help! There are two great options: the cheaper indoor camera or the more expensive pet camera that throws treats . I’ll admit, I definitely have the latter on my wishlist!

Must-Have Travel Essentials

In addition, here are some travel essentials I absolutely swear by.

• Packing Cubes: I am a huge supporter of packing cubes. It makes packing easy and keeps your clothes organized during your trip. This set is a great choice , it is cheap and gets the job done.
• TSA Approved Leak Proof Toiletries Set : Using a toiletries set makes packing and going through TSA a breeze. When you buy a set together, you can ensure it will all fit within the regulated dimensions.
• Toiletry Hanging Bag: Having a hanging toiletry bag is a super functional way to store your cosmetics and other essential items when traveling. You can easily find what you need and stay organized throughout your trip.
• Portable Charger: You do not want to get caught traveling with a dead phone. Trust me, I’ve been there (and missed my flight because of it). You will never find me traveling without a portable charger now, it is probably one of the most important travel essentials!
• Waterproof Phone Case: If you’re heading to the beach, a water park, or anywhere else with water, you might want to consider snagging a waterproof phone case. It’s a cheap way to ensure your phone stays protected.
• International Power Adaptor: If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to snag the correct power adaptor so you can use your electronics! You don’t want to skimp on this one, or you’ll be saying goodbye to your electronics quickly.
• Carry-On Sized Roller Luggage: If you’re in the market for new luggage, this is a great option . Be sure to double-check the dimensions with your flight requirements before you purchase!

Further Reading

Be sure to check out these great related articles to ensure you’re next trip is stress-free:

• The Ultimate Post-Vacation To-Do List (Get Back on Track FAST!)
• 24 Amazing Stress Management Techniques
• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List (55 Essential Items You Can’t Forget!)
• The 10 Hiking Essentials – You Don’t Want to Be Caught on the Trail Without These!

Travel Inspiration and Itineraries

Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out these awesome travel itineraries!

• The Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary
• How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip
• 19 Things You Can’t Miss in Denver, Colorado
• The Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• Australia’s Top 10 Destinations
• 10 Things You Must See When Visiting New Zealand

There you have it, my ultimate pre-travel checklist! Don’t forget to write out your own task list and begin as soon as possible. Happy Travels!

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to make a Post-Travel To-Do List to ensure everything runs smoothly when you return.

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist | 29 Easy Things to Do Before Going on Vacation

Looking for a list of things to do before going on vacation? This handy pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home and yourself for travel.

Several years ago, we embarked on one of our first 2-week long international trips. As newbies to the international travel world, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We had a wonderful two-week holiday in Europe , and returned home jet-lagged yet eager for our next overseas adventure.

We walked into our house late at night after 16 hours of air travel and multiple connections. The house felt like a sauna because we turned the air conditioning off before our trip, and to our surprise, it smelled wretched!

Although we had cleaned the refrigerator and taken out the trash prior to our trip, we had forgotten to start the dishwasher. So, for two weeks our dirty dishes sat in the dishwasher in the blazing heat, growing moldier and smellier each day.

After that trip, we quickly learned the need and importance of a pre-travel checklist . Now, each time we plan a trip, we double check this easy travel to-do list to make sure all the things to do before going on vacation are done.

So, whether you’re taking a week-long vacation, or an extended holiday in another country, this pre-travel checklist will help ensure everything at home will be fine in your absence , and you will return to a clean home instead of a science experiment.  

Things to do before going on vacation – an easy pre-travel checklist

Our pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home before a trip. This handy list of all the things to prepare before traveling is easy to follow. Just scroll through and make sure you have completed all of these travel preparations before you leave for the airport or pull out of your driveway for a road trip.

To make it even easier, we have included a free, printable pre-vacation checklist at the bottom of this article that you can download, print at home, and use over and over again. 

Things to do before a trip to keep your house from smelling

Here are a few pre-travel household tasks that will keep your home smelling fresh while you’re away.

Clean house

No one likes returning home to a dirty house. There is something incredibly relaxing about coming home from a trip and not having any household chores to do.

In anticipation of your trip, spend the days leading up to your vacation cleaning your house, so you return home to a stress-free environment instead of an unmade bed, dirty floors, and a layer of dust building up on everything.

Run dishwasher / Wash dishes

Dirty dishes will start to smell after just a few short days. And after a week or longer away, your whole house will be consumed with the smell of the old food molding on the plates or the reminisce of milk left souring in a glass.

Whether you have a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand, be sure not to leave any dirty dishes in the sink or stacked in the dishwasher while you are gone. 

Clean refrigerator 

Not only will food left on dirty dishes begin to sour, but food left in the refrigerator can also go bad while you are away.

In the week leading up to your travels, use up any perishable items, like produce, milk, and eggs, that might expire while you are away. And before your trip, clean out any leftovers or food that will go bad.   

Take out the trash / rubbish

This should be one of the very last things you do before leaving the house for a vacation or holiday. Empty all trash or rubbish bins around the house, whether in bathrooms, the kitchen, or elsewhere.

Take your trash bins to the curb for collection or to the dumpster. If moving your trash bins to the curb, ask a neighbor to put them away for you after collection.

Nothing says no one is home like trash bins left out at the curb 6 days after collection!

When returning home, you will have a whole suitcase worth of clothes to wash, dry, fold, and put away. So, make sure all other laundry is done prior to your trip. I also like to wash our bed sheets as part of our travel preparations.

This minor travel tip will make recovering from jet lag , much easier, because your bedding will smell clean and refreshing.

Leave your washing machine open

If you do laundry in the days leading up to your trip, be sure to leave the door to your washing machine open.

Washing machines can mildew quickly if left closed, especially front-loading machines. But, if you leave the door open, it allows air to circulate and any moisture left in the machine to dry out. 

Seal boxes of dried goods

Living in Oklahoma, we are no strangers to critters. More than once, we have found creepy, crawly things in our house that are not welcome inside.

Animals, like mice, are always looking for an easily accessible food source. And your pantry offers that, should a mouse be able to access it.

Whether you live in a more country setting, like us, or in an urban area, no home is immune to bugs, insects, or even rodents.

One mouse or bug can quickly turn into an infestation while you are away, so be sure to seal up any boxes of dried goods. This will not only help them stay fresh longer, it will hopefully keep unwanted pests away. 

Run Garbage disposal

This is one of those things to do before vacation that is often forgotten. But it is a good idea to run your garbage disposal prior to a trip to rid it of any food scraps still lingering in the sink drain.

Prior to a trip, I also like to pour a little vinegar or lemon juice in the garbage disposal while running it to ensure the sink smells fresh when we return.

Clean out your coffee maker

We have a habit of leaving our coffee filter and used coffee grounds sitting in our coffee maker until the next morning when we make a new pot. But if you make coffee the day of a trip, you do not want to leave the used, moist coffee grounds sitting in your coffee maker while you are away.

Spoken from experience, it will begin to mold!  

Water plants

All living things require water. So, if you are leaving for even a few days make sure to water all your plants prior to your trip.

Personally, we have spent a lot of time and energy into turning our backyard into an oasis. It is a place where we can always feel like we’re traveling even when we can’ t . And our plants are a big part of that oasis.

With so much effort and money put into creating a beautiful space, we don’t want to leave for vacation and come back to a house or yard full of dead plants.

So, not only should you water your plants as one of the things to do before going on vacation, but if you plan to be gone for more than a week, you should probably recruit someone to water your plants while you are gone. 

Things to do before going on holiday to keep your house safe

While the travel checklist above will keep your house smelling and looking nice while you are on vacation, the following travel tips will keep your house safe while you are gone. 

Arrange for mail collection

An overflowing mailbox screams “we are not home!” To give the appearance of someone being home at all times, have a neighbor, family member, or friend collect your mail at least every other day.

If you are going to be away on an extended vacation, you can also request for the post office to hold your mail rather than deliver it. 

Leave contact info, itinerary, and lodging information on the counter

No one ever wants to think about something bad happening while you are on vacation, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If there is an emergency at home, it is good to leave some key information in an easily accessible place inside your house.

This information includes your contact information and the contact information for an emergency contact who is not on the trip with you.

It is also good to leave your itinerary and hotel information. That way if someone needs to get a hold of you or a family member nearby who can make decisions on your behalf in your absence, they will be able to reach someone quickly.

Arrange care for pets

Our pets are our family members, but unfortunately, those family members rarely get to travel with us. If you are leaving on a quick weekend getaway, you will want to make sure your pets are well cared for.

Admittedly, our dogs are pretty spoiled, so we board them at a facility where they get plenty of interaction with other dogs and humans.

But even pets, like fish, that don’t require as much attention, will still need to be fed while you are away. So, make sure you have a pet sitter or boarding facility lined up well in advance. 

Mow the lawn

If you don’t want to be “that neighbor” on your block that lets the grass begin to look like a jungle, some last minute yard maintenance is a must. Mowing the lawn a day or two before your trip is one of those necessary things to do before vacation that will keep you on good terms with the neighbors when you return.

If you plan to be gone for more than two or three weeks, it may be worth paying a neighborhood teenager to mow your yard once while you are gone.

Set lights on a timer

Over the years, we have invested in a few products to have transformed our house into a smart home. Our interior and exterior lights, televisions, thermostat, security cameras, and even our robotic vacuum can be controlled from our phones. But you don’t have to have a fully decked out smart home to set your lights on a timer.

You can purchase an inexpensive timer for your lights , plug a lamp or two into it, and set it to go on and off at certain times. Doing so will make it look like someone is home. 

Notify a neighbor of your absence

Letting a friendly, trusted neighbor know that you are going to be gone is one of the most important things to do before going on vacation. Your neighbor can watch your house and look out for any suspicious activity while you are away.

Lock windows and doors

Prior to traveling, it is a good idea to walk through your home and double check all windows and doors to make sure they are closed and locked.

It is particularly important to check windows that you open frequently, as they will be the most likely to be unintentionally left unlocked.

Be sure to set your alarm right before you leave for vacation, if you have one. If you don’t have an alarm you can invest in Google Nest Cams and a Doorbell Camera . That way you’ll be able to get notifications on your phone if one of the cameras spots a person on your property. 

Remember, if you hire anyone to feed pets or water indoor plants while you are gone, leave the alarm code with them and give them instructions on how to arm and disarm the alarm.

Leave key with neighbor

Finally, just in case of an emergency, leave a spare key with a neighbor or family member. You might forget something and need someone to go into your home and overnight it to you, or forget to do one of these pre-travel checklist items and need someone to run in and do it for you.

Travel preparations that will save you money

The majority of items on our travel planning checklist are intended to keep your home safe, however there are a few things to do before you leave for vacation that will also save you money.

Adjust thermostat

Perhaps the most obvious travel preparation that will save you money is to adjust your thermostat. We don’t recommend turning off your air conditioner or heater entirely, but adjust it to let your house get about 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer or colder than is comfortable for you.

If you have a Nest Thermostat , you can adjust the thermostat from your phone the day of your return so your home will feel pleasant when you walk in. 

Unplug small appliances

Coffee pots, toasters, televisions, and other small appliances can be unplugged to save money and energy.

Even appliances that are plugged in but turned off are still using small amounts of energy, so unplug them to save a little bit. 

Close blinds or curtains

Another easy way to save on energy is to close your blinds or curtains while you are away. The less sunlight coming into your home the cooler it will stay and the less time your air conditioner will have to run. 

Pay any bills coming due soon 

Planning for a trip is exciting. So exciting, in fact, that little things you would not ordinarily forget can get skipped. Paying bills is one of them!

As you pack your bags, you may not be thinking about the water bill that isn’t due for another two weeks. But if you go on a 2-week vacation, by the time you are back, that bill will be past due!

Not only will you accrue late charges, but you risk returning home to utilities shut off if your bill goes unpaid for too long.

Things to prepare before traveling out of the country 

Finally, now that we have covered all the things to do at home before going on vacation, there are a few things you will want to do to make sure you are also ready for your trip. These pre-travel checklist items are particularly useful if traveling to another country.

Inform your bank where you will be

Several years ago, we arrived in the Dominican Republic excited for a relaxing beach vacation. However, stress occurred the moment we got off the plane and had to pay tourist taxes. The taxes had to be paid in cash, so we had to visit an ATM at the airport. However, our bank had no idea we were in the Dominican Republic, assumed the transaction was a scam, and froze our account out of an abundance of caution.

From that trip on, we now inform our bank when we are leaving the country. Many banks have an online form you can fill out to let them know about any international trips.

Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

If traveling overseas, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and plan to pay for most things on your credit card. This saves you the stress of trying to figure out currency conversions. If you travel a lot there are some great travel credit cards that offer great perks, like airport lounge access and a credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

Our personal favorite, and the card we use the most, is the Chase Sapphire Reserve . If you need cash during your travels, we recommend visiting an ATM rather than doing a currency exchange at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Check your health and car insurance policies and consider investing in travel insurance

A trip to the hospital or a car accident in a foreign country can quickly ruin a trip and drain your bank account. So, double check your insurance policies to see if you are covered should anything happen.

Consider buying travel insurance to protect you financially from unexpected events. 

Download any necessary travel apps

Your airline app, a navigation app, Uber, or Google Translate.

There are a variety of apps that make traveling easier and less stressful. Many of these apps may only be used when you’re traveling, so if they are not already installed on your phone or have been deleted, be sure to install them before you leave.

Set your out-of-office responder on your email 

Every family should occasionally travel off the grid . If for no other reason, it forces you not to check your phone or your email. But remember to set an out-of-office auto responder, particularly on your work email account. And then seriously, enjoy your trip and let all work matters wait until you return from your trip. 

Now to the fun part: packing for your trip! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your travel bag, or you will forget something!

If traveling with a baby, we have created a handy baby travel essentials packing list to help you pack efficiently for your little one, as well.   

Download our pre-travel checklist

Now, you should officially be ready for your trip! If you are the type of person who needs a printable list rather than a digital one, we’ve included all of these things to do before a vacation on a PDF you can download and print at home for reference.

Just subscribe to our newsletter to get it!

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• Travel Tips

Pre-travel Checklist: What To Do Before Going On A Trip

Published: September 7, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Florrie Theriault

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Organization
• Travel Planning
• travel tips

Introduction

Planning a trip can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. From deciding on a destination to booking flights and accommodations, there are numerous details to consider before embarking on your adventure. To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it’s essential to have a pre-travel checklist in place.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to take before going on a trip. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can minimize last-minute hassles and maximize your enjoyment while traveling.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, this pre-travel checklist will help you stay organized and prepared. From checking travel documentation to arranging necessary vaccinations, booking accommodations, and notifying your bank, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and worry-free trip.

By taking the time to go through this checklist and completing each item, you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming journey rather than worrying about unexpected issues that may arise.

So, grab a pen and paper, or open up a notes app on your phone, and let’s get started with this comprehensive pre-travel checklist!

Step 1: Check travel documentation

Before embarking on any trip, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documentation in order. This includes a valid passport, identification cards, visas, and any other required permits.

Start by checking the expiration date of your passport. Many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. If your passport is nearing expiration, it’s a good idea to renew it well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

Next, determine whether you need a visa for your destination. Research the visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit and find out if you are eligible for visa-free entry or if you need to obtain a visa prior to your trip. Keep in mind that visa processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.

Additionally, some countries may require specific permits or documentation for certain activities, such as trekking or volunteering. Make sure to research and arrange for any necessary permits or documents ahead of time to avoid any issues during your trip.

It’s also a good idea to make copies of all your travel documents, including your passport, visas, and identification cards. Keep one set of copies with you and leave another set with a trusted friend or family member. This will come in handy in case your original documents get lost or stolen during your travels.

By checking and organizing your travel documentation beforehand, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or delays when it’s time to embark on your trip.

Step 2: Review passport validity

One of the most important aspects of international travel is ensuring that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Failure to meet this requirement can result in denied entry into your destination country.

Start by checking the expiration date of your passport. If it is set to expire within the next six months, it’s essential to renew it before your trip. Passport renewal can typically be done through your country’s passport office or embassy. Be sure to check the processing times and provide all the necessary documents and fees to avoid any delays.

If your passport is valid, but close to its expiration date, it’s still a good idea to consider renewing it before your trip. Unforeseen circumstances or changes in travel plans may require you to stay in a foreign country for an extended period, and having a valid passport will ensure your ability to travel freely and avoid any complications.

When reviewing your passport validity, also take note of the number of blank pages available. Some countries require a certain number of blank passport pages for visa stamps upon entry. It’s advisable to have a minimum of two to four blank pages available in your passport before traveling. If your passport is low on blank pages, consider renewing it to avoid any issues at immigration checkpoints.

Remember to double-check that the name on your passport matches the name on your flight bookings and other travel documents. Any discrepancies can cause confusion and potential problems during your journey.

Taking the time to review your passport’s validity and taking necessary steps for renewal or obtaining additional pages will ensure a hassle-free travel experience and avoid any last-minute complications at immigration checkpoints.

Step 3: Research visa requirements

When planning an international trip, it’s important to research and understand the visa requirements for your destination. Different countries have different visa policies, and it’s essential to ensure that you have the necessary visas before you travel.

Start by identifying the countries you plan to visit during your trip and determine if they require a visa for entry. Some countries have visa-free entry for certain nationalities, while others require visas for all visitors. Check the official embassy or consulate websites for accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

Once you determine if you need a visa, find out the specific type of visa required. Some common visa categories include tourist visas, business visas, student visas, and work visas. Each visa type has different eligibility criteria, application processes, and fees. Make sure to understand the requirements and restrictions of the visa you need.

It’s crucial to note the processing time for visa applications. Some visas can be obtained upon arrival at the destination, while others need to be applied for in advance. Plan your travel dates accordingly, allowing sufficient time for visa processing. Keep in mind that processing times may vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

Prepare all the necessary documentation for your visa application, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, visa application forms, proof of travel itinerary (such as flight bookings and hotel reservations), and any additional supporting documents specific to the visa type. Ensure that you meet all the criteria and have all the required documents ready before submitting your application.

If you find the visa application process complex or time-consuming, consider utilizing the services of a visa processing agency or consulting with a travel agent who specializes in visa assistance. They can guide you through the process and help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

By researching and applying for the necessary visas well in advance, you can avoid any last-minute visa issues and enjoy a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Step 4: Arrange necessary vaccinations

Before traveling to certain destinations, it’s important to check if there are any recommended or required vaccinations to protect your health. Different countries have different health risks, and getting the appropriate vaccinations will help prevent the spread of diseases and ensure your well-being during your trip.

Start by researching the specific vaccinations recommended for your destination. Check the official websites of health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO), for the most up-to-date information on recommended vaccinations.

Some common vaccinations that may be advised for travelers include those for diseases like typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, tetanus, and influenza. The need for specific vaccinations may vary depending on factors such as your destination, planned activities, duration of stay, and your current immunization status.

Once you have identified the vaccinations needed, schedule a visit to a travel clinic or healthcare provider specializing in travel medicine. They will evaluate your specific requirements, discuss any additional medications or precautions, and administer the necessary vaccinations.

Keep in mind that some vaccinations may require multiple doses spread over several weeks, so it’s essential to start the vaccination process well in advance of your trip. Some vaccines also need time to take effect in your body, so it’s crucial to get them at least a few weeks before your departure.

Some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations as an entry requirement. Make sure to carry your vaccination records with you during your travels in case they are requested by immigration officials. Additionally, consider keeping a digital copy of your records on your phone or in a cloud storage service as a backup.

Remember that vaccinations not only protect you but also the communities you visit by preventing the spread of contagious diseases. By arranging the necessary vaccinations before your trip, you can travel with peace of mind and focus on experiencing the wonders of your destination without health concerns.

Step 5: Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance is an essential aspect of trip planning as it provides financial protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen events or emergencies during your journey. It’s important to purchase travel insurance that suits your needs and provides coverage for a range of situations.

Start by evaluating your specific requirements. Consider factors such as the duration of your trip, the activities you plan to engage in, the value of your belongings, and any pre-existing medical conditions. These factors will help determine the level of coverage you need.

Travel insurance typically provides coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, medical emergencies, lost or delayed luggage, emergency medical evacuation, and personal liability. Be sure to read the policy carefully and understand the coverage limits, exclusions, and claim procedures.

When purchasing travel insurance, consider the following:

• Choose a reputable insurance provider that is well-established and has a good track record of customer service.
• Ensure that the policy covers the specific destinations you plan to visit. Some policies may have restrictions or exclusions for certain regions or countries.
• Check the coverage limits to ensure they are adequate for your needs. For example, medical coverage should be sufficient to cover potential expenses in your destination country.
• Consider any additional coverage you may require, such as adventure activities, rental car insurance, or coverage for high-value items.

Compare quotes from different insurance providers to get the best value for your money. Look for policies that offer a good balance between coverage and cost, and check if any discounts are available for things like group travel or multi-trip insurance.

Once you have purchased travel insurance, keep a copy of the policy document and emergency contact numbers with you during your trip. Familiarize yourself with the claim procedures and requirements, and make sure to follow them in case you need to make a claim.

While no one wants to think about negative situations during their trip, having travel insurance provides valuable protection and reassurance. It allows you to focus on enjoying your journey, knowing that you are covered if anything unexpected happens.

Step 6: Notify bank and credit card companies

Before embarking on your trip, it’s important to notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans. This simple step will ensure the smooth use of your cards and help prevent any potential issues or fraud alerts while you are away.

Contact your bank and inform them of the dates and destinations of your trip. This will help them monitor your account for any suspicious activities and avoid unnecessary card locks or holds. Many banks provide online or mobile banking options that allow you to set travel notifications easily.

Informing your credit card companies is equally important. Provide them with the same information and ensure that your cards will be accepted in the countries you plan to visit. Some credit card companies may have partnerships or restrictions with certain countries or merchants.

Take note of the customer service numbers of your bank and credit card companies, and keep them handy in case you need to report a lost or stolen card while traveling. It’s also advisable to carry copies of important phone numbers in case you don’t have access to your phone or internet.

While you’re notifying your financial institutions, it’s a good idea to inquire about any foreign transaction fees that may apply to your cards. Some cards offer additional benefits for travelers, such as no foreign transaction fees or travel rewards. Take advantage of these features to save money and earn rewards during your trip.

Inquire about the availability of ATMs in your destination country and any associated fees for cash withdrawals. This will help you plan your budget and ensure you have access to local currency when needed.

Be cautious while using ATMs abroad and ensure that you choose reliable and secure machines. Avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas, and always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect against skimming devices.

By notifying your bank and credit card companies in advance, you can avoid any disruptions to your finances and ensure a hassle-free experience with your cards while traveling. It’s always better to be proactive and prepared when it comes to managing your financial matters during your trip.

Step 7: Secure necessary currency

When traveling to a foreign country, it’s essential to have the necessary currency on hand to cover your expenses. While many places accept credit cards or offer currency exchange services, it’s always a good idea to have some local currency available for immediate use.

Research the currency used in your destination country and determine the current exchange rate. Familiarize yourself with the denominations and any common practices for tipping or bargaining. This will help you avoid confusion and make transactions smoother once you arrive.

There are several ways to secure the necessary currency:

• Exchange currency at your local bank or authorized currency exchange provider before your trip. This allows you to have some local currency on hand when you arrive.
• Use ATMs in your destination country to withdraw local currency. This is often a convenient option, although it’s important to be mindful of any associated fees or daily withdrawal limits.
• Consider obtaining a prepaid travel card, which allows you to load funds in the local currency and use it like a debit or credit card while traveling. This option provides added security and convenience.

When exchanging or withdrawing money, be cautious of the location and reputation of the exchange service provider or ATM. Choose reputable establishments or ATMs in well-populated areas to minimize the risk of scams or counterfeit currency.

It’s a good idea to carry a mix of payment methods, including cash and credit cards, to provide flexibility depending on the situation. Keep your cash securely stored in a travel wallet or money belt, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.

While it’s important to have local currency on hand, it’s advisable not to carry excessive amounts. Only exchange or withdraw what you anticipate needing for immediate expenses and rely on other payment methods for larger purchases or emergencies.

Remember to inform your bank or credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any potential card blocks or fraud alerts when using your cards abroad.

By securing the necessary currency before your trip and being mindful of safe and convenient exchange options, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free financial experience during your travels.

Step 8: Make accommodation reservations

Choosing the right accommodations for your trip is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Making advance reservations not only ensures that you secure a place to stay but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your accommodation needs are taken care of.

Start by determining your preferences and requirements for accommodations. Consider factors such as location, budget, amenities, and the type of accommodation you prefer, whether it’s a hotel, hostel, vacation rental, or bed and breakfast.

Research online travel websites, hotel booking platforms, or review websites to get an idea of the available options and customer feedback. Take note of the prices, ratings, and reviews for each property you consider.

Check the availability of accommodations during your intended travel dates. It’s important to book early, especially during peak travel seasons or popular events, as popular accommodations tend to fill up quickly.

Read the terms and conditions of each property carefully before making a reservation. Pay attention to the cancellation policy, payment requirements, and any additional fees or taxes that may apply. It’s also helpful to understand the check-in and check-out times to plan your travel accordingly.

If you have specific preferences or requirements, such as accessibility features or dietary restrictions, contact the property directly to ensure they can accommodate your needs. This personal communication can also provide you with the opportunity to ask any specific questions or request special arrangements.

Consider booking accommodations that offer flexibility or free cancellation options, especially if your travel plans are subject to change. This provides you with the flexibility to modify or cancel your reservation without any significant financial implications.

Once you have made your accommodation reservations, keep a record of the booking confirmation details, including the property name, address, contact information, and any reservation codes. It’s advisable to carry a printed or digital copy of these details during your trip for easy reference.

By making accommodation reservations in advance, you can ensure a smooth check-in process and have a comfortable place to stay that meets your needs and expectations throughout your trip.

Step 9: Plan transportation arrangements

Planning transportation arrangements is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and convenient trip. Whether you are traveling within a city or between different destinations, having a solid transportation plan in place will help you navigate efficiently and make the most of your time.

Determine the best modes of transportation for your specific needs. Consider factors such as distance, budget, convenience, and local transportation options available at your destination.

If you are planning to fly, compare flight options and book your tickets well in advance to secure the best fares. Take note of baggage restrictions and any additional fees that may apply to ensure a hassle-free check-in experience.

For ground transportation, research the local public transportation system, such as buses, trains, or subway networks. Familiarize yourself with the schedules, routes, and fare payment methods. Public transportation can be a cost-effective and efficient way to get around, especially in urban areas.

Consider renting a car if you prefer the flexibility and convenience of driving yourself. Research reputable car rental companies, compare rental rates, and ensure you have the necessary driving license and insurance coverage.

If you are planning to use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, check if they are available in your destination and familiarize yourself with their app and payment methods.

For longer distances or inter-city travel, consider booking train or bus tickets in advance. This will not only ensure that you secure your preferred departure time but may also offer discounted fares.

If you intend to explore more rural areas or scenic routes, consider guided tours, organized day trips, or hiring a local driver or guide. They can provide valuable insights, take you to hidden gems, and ensure a stress-free experience.

It’s important to factor in travel time and consider any potential delays or traffic congestion when planning your transportation. Allow sufficient buffer time, especially for important events or activities, to avoid rushing or missing out on scheduled plans.

Having a transportation plan in place will save you time, minimize stress, and allow you to focus on enjoying your destination without worrying about logistics. It’s always a good idea to research and plan ahead to make the most of your travel experience.

Step 10: Pack essentials and check baggage allowance

When it comes to packing for your trip, it’s important to strike a balance between bringing essentials and avoiding overpacking. By packing strategically and efficiently, you can ensure a hassle-free travel experience and avoid any issues with baggage allowance.

Start by making a comprehensive list of essential items you’ll need during your trip. Consider the weather, activities planned, and cultural norms of your destination. This will help you pack clothing, footwear, and accessories that are suitable for the trip.

Check the baggage allowance and restrictions of your airline or transportation provider. Different airlines have varying weight and size restrictions, so it’s important to adhere to their guidelines to avoid any additional fees or complications.

Organize your belongings in a systematic manner to optimize space and facilitate easy access when needed. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes or compression bags to further maximize space and keep items organized.

Consider the essentials that you should always carry with you in your carry-on bag. This includes important travel documents, medications, electronics, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Having these items easily accessible will ensure that you have the essentials in case of any unforeseen events, such as delayed or lost luggage.

Before packing, familiarize yourself with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on and checked baggage. Be aware of prohibited items and restrictions on liquids, gels, and electronics. This will help you pack efficiently and avoid any issues during security screenings.

Remember to pack necessary chargers, adapters, and power banks for your electronic devices to ensure you stay connected during your trip. It’s also a good idea to carry a universal travel adapter if you are traveling to a country with different electrical outlets.

Consider the weight distribution of your luggage and pack heavier items closer to the wheels to maintain balance and stability. This will make it easier to maneuver your luggage and minimize strain on your body.

Lastly, leave some space in your luggage for any souvenirs or items you may acquire during your trip. Packing a foldable daypack or an extra collapsible bag can also come in handy for carrying additional items on your return journey.

By packing essentials and adhering to baggage allowance guidelines, you can travel comfortably and efficiently. Remember to review and modify your packing list based on the specific requirements of your trip and destination.

Step 11: Create a travel itinerary

Creating a travel itinerary is a key step in staying organized and making the most of your trip. It helps you plan your days, allocate time for different activities, and ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions or experiences.

Start by researching your destination and identifying the top attractions, landmarks, and activities that you want to explore. Consider your interests, budget, and the duration of your trip to prioritize and select the experiences that align with your preferences.

Once you have a list of attractions and activities, plot them on a calendar or itinerary template. Consider factors such as opening hours, distance between locations, and any pre-booked tickets or reservations.

Allocate sufficient time for each activity, allowing for rest periods and leisurely exploration. Avoid overloading your itinerary with too many activities, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and exhaustion. Leave room for flexibility and spontaneous discoveries.

Research transportation options and estimated travel times between attractions. This will help you plan the most efficient routes and understand the time it takes to move from one place to another.

Consider the local culture, customs, and traditions when planning your itinerary. Research local festivals, markets, or events happening during your visit and try to incorporate them into your schedule for a more immersive experience.

Include time for relaxation and downtime in your itinerary. Traveling can be overwhelming, and allowing yourself moments to unwind and recharge will enhance your overall enjoyment of the trip.

It’s also important to factor in meal times and dining experiences in your itinerary. Research local cuisine and restaurants, and make reservations if needed, especially for popular or highly recommended establishments.

Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member at home. This ensures someone knows your general whereabouts and can be reached in case of emergencies.

Remember that your travel itinerary should serve as a guide and not a rigid schedule. Be open to unexpected opportunities or recommendations from locals that may enhance your travel experience.

By creating a well-planned travel itinerary, you can make the most of your trip, optimize your time, and ensure a balanced and enjoyable travel experience.

Step 12: Set up automatic bill payments

Before heading off on your trip, it is important to ensure that your regular bills are taken care of while you are away. One way to manage this is by setting up automatic bill payments, which can save you time, hassle, and potential late fees.

Start by making a list of your recurring bills, such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, credit card payments, and any other monthly obligations. Check the due dates for each bill and determine whether they can be automated.

Contact your service providers or financial institution to set up automatic bill payments. Many banks offer online bill payment services, allowing you to schedule payments in advance. Alternatively, you can authorize automatic payments directly with service providers using your credit card or bank account.

Verify that you have sufficient funds in your account to cover these automatic payments. It is also advisable to keep track of your accounts and review statements regularly to ensure that payments are processed accurately and on time.

If automatic bill payment is not feasible for certain bills, consider making arrangements with a trusted friend or family member to handle your bills while you are away. Provide them with clear instructions and any necessary information to avoid any missed payments or potential issues.

It is also a good idea to notify your bank or credit card company about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected holds or blocks on your accounts due to unusual spending patterns.

Automating bill payments while you are away not only ensures that your financial responsibilities are met but also provides peace of mind and allows you to fully enjoy your trip without the stress of managing bills remotely.

Step 13: Arrange pet care or house sitting

If you have pets or a home that requires ongoing care while you’re away, it’s important to make arrangements in advance to ensure their well-being and the security of your property.

If you have pets, consider the options available for their care. Some choices may include:

• Boarding your pet at a reputable kennel or pet care facility. Research and visit the facility beforehand to ensure it meets your standards and that your pet will receive proper care and attention.
• Arranging for a pet sitter to come to your home. This option provides your pet with the comfort of familiar surroundings. Hire a professional pet sitter or ask a trusted friend or family member to take care of your pet’s needs.
• Asking a responsible friend or family member if they can temporarily take in your pet while you’re away. Ensure that they are comfortable and capable of providing the necessary care and attention.

Whichever option you choose, provide clear instructions to the caregiver about your pet’s feeding schedule, exercise routine, medications, and any other specific needs they may have. Leave emergency contact numbers and the contact details of your veterinarian as well.

If you own a home, consider arranging for house sitting services to ensure the security of your property. A reliable house sitter can help with tasks such as collecting mail, watering plants, and ensuring the home appears occupied to deter potential burglars.

If house sitting is not an option, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your property. Let them know your travel dates and provide them with a spare key, so they can periodically check the house and report any suspicious activities.

Before leaving, make arrangements to stop or redirect any regular deliveries, such as newspapers or packages, to avoid signaling that the house is unoccupied.

Remember to show your appreciation to those who assist with pet care or house sitting by offering a small token of gratitude or extending the same favor when they need it in the future.

By making arrangements for pet care or house sitting, you can have peace of mind knowing that your beloved pets are well taken care of and your home is secure while you enjoy your travels.

Step 14: Organize important contact information

Organizing important contact information is an essential step to ensure you have easy access to key contacts in case of emergencies or unexpected situations during your trip. Having this information readily available will help you navigate any challenges that may arise.

Create a list of important contacts that you may need to reach out to during your trip. Include the following:

• Emergency contacts: Write down the contact information of your local embassy or consulate in the destination country. This will be crucial in case of lost or stolen passports, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations.
• Accommodation contacts: Keep a record of the contact details for your booked accommodations, including phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. This will make it easy to communicate with your hosts or reach out for assistance if needed.
• Transportation contacts: If you have booked flights, trains, or other forms of transportation, keep the contact information for these providers. This will allow you to quickly contact them in case of delays, cancellations, or other travel disruptions.
• Travel insurance provider: Note the contact details for your travel insurance provider, including their customer service number and any emergency assistance line. This information will be invaluable if you need to file a claim or seek help in case of medical emergencies or travel disruptions.
• Bank and credit card contacts: Keep a record of the contact information for your bank and credit card companies. This includes their customer service number and any dedicated international helpline. Reporting lost or stolen cards, checking on account activity, or resolving any financial issues will be easier with this information.
• Personal contacts: If you’re traveling with others or meeting up with friends or family at your destination, make sure you have their contact information. It’s also a good idea to share your itinerary with them so they know where you’ll be and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Organize this information in a format that is easily accessible to you, such as a digital document, a dedicated section in your travel planner, or even a note on your phone. Consider carrying a printed copy or having a backup saved in a secure cloud storage service.

By organizing important contact information, you can quickly reach out for assistance or connect with the necessary resources if a situation arises during your trip, allowing you to navigate any challenges with ease.

Step 15: Confirm bookings and reservations

As your trip approaches, it’s essential to take the time to confirm all your bookings and reservations to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. This step will help you avoid any potential misunderstandings or complications that could arise if there are any discrepancies or changes to your plans.

Start by going through your itinerary and cross-referencing each activity or accommodation with your confirmations. Ensure that the dates, times, and details of each booking match your intended travel plans.

Contact your airline or transportation provider to confirm your flight or transit details. Check for any schedule changes, departure gates, or updated travel advisories. Make sure you have the necessary documentation, such as e-tickets or boarding passes, and follow any specific instructions provided by the airline.

Reach out to your accommodations to reconfirm your reservations. Verify the check-in and check-out times, any special requests you may have made, and the payment details. It’s also a good idea to inquire about their cancellation policy in case any unexpected changes to your plans arise.

If you have booked any tours, activities, or excursions in advance, contact the respective providers to confirm the details. Ensure that you have all the necessary information, such as meeting points and any specific requirements or restrictions for the activity.

Double-check any car rental reservations and ensure you have all the necessary documentation, such as your driver’s license and reservation details. Confirm the pickup and drop-off locations, as well as any additional fees or fuel policies.

Revisit your travel insurance policy and understand the coverage provided. Confirm the contact information for the insurance provider and familiarize yourself with the claim procedures in case of any emergencies or unexpected incidents.

Review any restaurant reservations you may have made and confirm the date, time, and number of guests. If there are any changes or cancellations, make sure to inform the restaurant in advance to avoid any penalties.

By taking the time to confirm your bookings and reservations, you can address any potential issues or misunderstandings before you embark on your trip. This will help ensure that your travel plans run smoothly, leaving you free to enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

Congratulations! You have reached the end of your pre-travel checklist. By following these essential steps, you have set yourself up for a successful, organized, and stress-free trip.

From checking travel documentation and reviewing passport validity to researching visa requirements and arranging necessary vaccinations, each step played a crucial role in ensuring your smooth journey.

By purchasing travel insurance and notifying your bank and credit card companies, you have taken important steps to protect your finances and have peace of mind during your travels.

Securing necessary currency, making accommodation reservations, planning transportation arrangements, and creating a detailed travel itinerary have equipped you with the tools to navigate smoothly through your destination and make the most of your time.

By setting up automatic bill payments, arranging pet care or house sitting, organizing important contact information, and confirming all your bookings and reservations, you have taken care of the crucial details that help ensure a worry-free trip.

Remember, while planning is important, be open to unexpected adventures and embrace the spontaneity that comes with travel. Use this checklist as a guide and adapt it to suit your specific needs and preferences.

As you embark on your journey, stay curious, open-minded, and respectful of the cultures and communities you encounter. Engage with the locals, savor new flavors, and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

Whether you are exploring a new city, relaxing on a tropical beach, or immersing yourself in a different culture, this pre-travel checklist has set the foundation for an unforgettable experience.

Now, go forth with confidence, explore the world, and create lasting memories on your incredible adventure!

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Pre-Travel Quick Guide

Your patients are going places: help them have a healthy trip abroad..

Many travelers don’t seek health advice when they’re planning international trips, even though their travel may put them at risk for preventable illnesses. Include travel questions in the routine history you gather from patients to assess possible risks and identify opportunities for patient vaccination, medication, and education.

• Ask about underlying conditions, allergies, and medications.
• Ask about special conditions, such as pregnancy, immunocompromising conditions, history of heart disease or stroke, and recent surgery.
• Ask about immunization history.
• Ask about prior international travel.
• Get trip details, such as destination, trip length, and reason for travel.
• Ask about travel style, such as traveling alone or with a group, staying at a hotel or with a host family, and modes of transportation.
• Ask about special activities, such as providing medical care or doing disaster relief work, doing adventure travel/extreme sports traveling (skydiving), being on a cruise ship, traveling to high altitudes, or being exposed to open water (diving, rafting). Also ask if they expect to be in contact with animals.

Get your patients travel ready.

Go to cdc.gov/travel to get the CDC resources you need to help them prepare.

• CDC Yellow Book US government’s most current health guidelines and information for international travel.
• Pre-travel PREP Tool Free clinical tool works like an interactive, continuously updated CDC Yellow Book.

Plus, you’ll find destination-specific updates and tips , travel fact sheets , and more.

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The Ultimate Pre-Trip Planning Checklist — 12 Things to do Before Your Next Trip

Pro-tip: Don’t keep these pre-trip plans for the last minute!

Photo credit: Annie Spratt (@anniespratt) via Unsplash

Pre-trip planning can be just as important as the trip itself (if not, more tbh). Therefore, we’ve put together a checklist of things for you to do/think about as you plan out your next dream holiday.

1) Sign up for a multi-currency card

If you don’t already have a multi-currency card, now’s a good time to sign up for one. You get the convenience of going cashless without paying for it with jacked-up exchange rates like with credit cards.

This is especially useful when you’re travelling in countries that prefer cashless payment (many parts of Europe as well as major cities in Asia). You could even save the trip to a physical money changer and travel with zero cash!

My personal favourite is YouTrip , which offers real-time exchange rate conversion over 150 currencies and has a clean app interface that allows you to easily track your travel expenses.

*Pro-tip: It’s also useful for online shopping when you’re not travelling! You’ll be surprised, a few bucks saved here and there can definitely add up to quite a bit.

Once registered, all you have to do is link your YouTrip card to your local debit or credit card to transfer money over. Using the YouTrip app, you can either use the “Exchange” function to change your currency in advance or just leave the credits in your home currency and the app will convert it at the time of transaction.

If you haven’t gotten a YouTrip card yet, use the promo code < TRAVELINTERN5 > to get S$5 when you  sign-up for a YouTrip account !

Revolut is another good alternative. On top of the usual functions of obtaining currencies at favourable rates, there’s also no extra fee when you withdraw from ATMs (up to a certain amount).

Read also: The Best Multi-currency Travel Card For Travellers — YouTrip vs Revolut vs InstaReM vs TransferWise Review

2) Download budgeting apps

If you haven’t started putting money aside for travels, now’s a good time to save up. Simply calculating your estimated budget and putting aside a small sum every month already sets your pre-trip plans in motion!

You can roughly estimate your trip budget by shortlisting the activities and experiences as well as type of accommodation you fancy.

P.S. Our budget itineraries are pretty useful for that! 😉

Allocating a pre-trip budget also ensures you’re not spending more than you can afford. To stick to your plan, we recommend downloading a budget app.

Our favourite is Trail Wallet . The app is user-friendly and organises your spending into categorises such as food, activities, transport, etc. You can also set the exchange rate so you’ll always know how much you’ve spent in your home currency.

For Android users, TrabeePocket is another favourite for its similar easy-to-use functions.

3) Get in shape for your next adventure

Nothing brings you down more than being short of breath at the start of your hike 🥵

Or when you run out of energy to snorkel further to see more fishies in the sea 😭

Even exploring a city can really drain your energy if you’re not used to walking long distances.

If you know your trip involves hiking, sea activities or even just a whole lot of urban exploring on foot, make sure to prepare your body for it!

As someone who travels for work , I can confidently say being fit makes the trip a lot more enjoyable. Working out doesn’t need to be heavy-duty or take up hours of your time! It can be as simple as having night walks in the park or a quick 8-minute full-body workout .

Feel free to skip this tip if you’re lounging by the beach, though 🍹

4) Shop for smart travel essentials

Instead of rushing to buy what you need the week before your trip, why not stock up on essentials early?

Uniqlo is my favourite place to shop for basics such as T-shirts and bra-tops which are versatile with many outfits and saves luggage space! There’s also has great options if you’re travelling to colder climates! If you’re travelling in winter , now is a good time to buy off-season pieces as prices are usually marked down.

Shopee is also great for pre-trip shopping. Apart from affordable fashion, you can also find other travel essentials like USB charging adapters , refillable silicone bottles and packing cubes that are perfect for every trip.

Read also: 13 Travel Gifts Any Jetsetter Will Love — Starting From Under S$15

5) Relook your packing list

Do you really need 14 tops for a two week winter trip?

Our rule of thumb is that you only need to pack about a week’s worth of clothes no matter how long the trip. We’ve even travelled a month on just a cabin sized backpack !

This might be surprising but other than Southeast Asia, backpacks are also more convenient in places like Japan as many subway stations don’t have lifts or escalators!

If we’re travelling across multiple cities — whether it’s Asia or Europe — a backpack is usually our choice of luggage!

Read also: Ultimate Travel Packing List: 35 Essentials to Pack for Long-Term Travel

One tip is to look out for places where you can do laundry. When travelling in colder seasons, it’s also easy to simple re-wear and match different tops with the bottoms to change the look entirely.

Read also: The Secret to Packing Lighter — 7 Travel Essentials for the Smart Traveller

6) Pick up the local language

Knowing simple phrases of a country’s language can be helpful in making friends with locals. So if you have extra time, why not try to learn the language?

My personal favourite is the app Duolingo — it turns the whole learning experience into a game and there all kinds of languages (even High Valyrian if you’re going to Essos)!

Read also: 10 Free Online Resources to Learn a New Language — Japanese, Spanish, Korean and More

However, if you happen to be in a rush, or if you simply don’t feel like committing to learning a new language, a quick way is to create a cheat sheet of useful everyday phrases and store it in your phone.

Omniglot is a great website to use when compiling your cheat sheet. It has 250 languages, complete with audio to help you get the pronunciation right.

For quick and easy referencing on trips, download the offline language pack for Google translate. This will come in handy if you happen to miss your last bus and need directions from locals!

Also check out our destination pages for 10 of the most essential phrases you need in each country.

7) Put together a sickass trip playlist

Photo credit: Fixelgraphy (@fixelgraphy) via Unsplash

What better way to get you in the mood than a playlist that gets you grooving? This comes in handy when you’re road tripping with your pals or on a long train ride to the next city.

Spotify is the easiest place to get creative with your playlists. You can compile songs that perk you up in the morning or your friends’ favourite sing-a-long tunes.

Not sure where to start? Check out our playlist that’s full of chill vibes, perfect for long drives along the coast or a dreamy staycation!

8) Find Out Which Countries Are Open to International Travellers

Greece will be opening its borders on 15 June .

If you’re hoping to travel soon, the options are currently limited as most borders are closed. However, some countries have announced dates when they’ll be reopening as the COVID situation gradually improves.

Countries like Thailand, Bali and Iceland are in fact scheduled to reopen for international travellers by June 2020. Find out which countries are available for travelling by keeping this page bookmarked !

Be prepared that travel will be different from before. There will be more steps and measures at the airport and during the flight to lower the chances of catching the virus during transits. The last thing we want is to be sick while on holiday!

Read also: Travelling Out of Singapore After COVID-19 — What to Expect

9) Consider travelling solo

A long period of lockdown has us feeling the effects of cabin fever and isolation. This might seem ironic but to me, nothing is as recharging or illuminating as solo travelling. If you’ve never experienced travelling solo, now’s the time to work toward checking it off your bucket list.

The most liberating thing about solo travelling for me is being able to explore in my own time and at my own pace — something you don’t get to do as much when you have to accommodate your travel buddies.

The idea can seem daunting at first but travelling on your own doesn’t mean you’re alone. You’ll find yourself connecting better with locals and other travellers, which always makes the trip extra meaningful and special. They can give you a more intimate insight into their culture and even take you to hidden gems that other tourists don’t know about.

Read also: A Beginners Guide to Solo Travelling For The First Time

10) Or travel with us!

If solo travelling just isn’t your thing but you’d like a more immersive experience into a different culture, check out TTI Experiences ! Join us and other fun, adventurous travellers on exotic locations with access to meet elusive local communities, like the Mongolian Reindeer nomads . It’s a genuine adventure like no other!

Be one of the first 50 participants to sign up for the  North Mongolia Reindeer Expedition  and get a 25% discount (U.P. S$5,390)! You save S$1,400 and your spot is valid till Dec 2021* — of course we’ll only be travelling when it’s safe to!

* Extendable if the travel restrictions are extended.

11) Learn how to edit your travel photos

A skill I picked during circuit breaker was learning how to edit my travel photos better with Lightroom . With all the tools in the system, Lightroom can either seem like a magical place or a hell hole of confusion. However, once I got the hang of it, the journey to achieving the perfect picture was very satisfying.

For the more visual learner, there are many helpful Youtube tutorials on how to get started. If you’d like a greater challenge after honing the basics, why not try figuring out your style and making your own presets!

Read also: Lightroom 101: 9 Simple Techniques That Will Instantly Improve Your Travel Photos

12) Interact with other travellers

Photo credit: Travis (centre)

Even after googling in-depth about a destination, there are times where research and reviews cannot match up to a friend’s personal recount. I personally prefer talking to other travellers who have been to places I plan to travel to.

On Telegram, SG Travel Insider is a great place to get that second opinion. Here you’ll be able to connect with other travel enthusiasts for advice and suggestions on where you’re heading to next!

Photo credit: Nicola Nuttall (@nicnutt) via Unsplash

Travel is not the same as before. With most borders closed and few flights operating, our skies have been pretty silent this year.

However, as the pandemic slowly improves, countries are announcing their plans to reopen their borders to international travellers — there is hope! If you’re thinking about backpacking for your grad trip , or visit Iceland when it opens, there is an abundance of helpful guides and itineraries on The Travel Intern to get you started on your pre-trip planning.

Whether you’re learning a new language , creating a playlist or shopping online for travel essentials , these are small ways that can make a big difference during your trip.

That said, there’s no specific formula to pre-trip planning — that’s what makes travelling unique to each person. The final pre-trip tip I can leave you with is to expect the unexpected. Our ‘perfect’ plans might take unexpected turns, but we can still turn seemingly bad experiences into amazing ones!

What other pre-trip plans do you usually make before each trip? Share with us in the comments below!

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 15, 2019 at 6:30am PDT

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Pre-travel Checklist: 24 Things To Help You Get Ready For Your Next Trip

• Post last modified: June 8, 2021
• Post author: Nicole

You can support this website, at no additional cost to you, by using our links to purchase hotel stays, rental cars, travel products and more.  Learn more .

It’s an exciting time. You finally picked a destination, and your flights are booked. Yay! Now the planning really starts. There’s a ton to get done before your trip. Don’t worry, we’ve put together everything you need to prepare for your trip in this easy pre-travel checklist. Useful for both domestic and international travel, these 24 essential things will help get you ready and organized for a great trip.

You may find it helpful to bookmark this page in your browser’s Travel Planning folder so you can find it easily when you need it. Also, we’ve included a handy printable version you can download at the bottom of this post. Happy trip planning!

1. Check ID Expiry & Passport Pages

First things first, no one is going anywhere with expired travel documents. 

If you’re traveling internationally, check your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your return flight date. Most countries won’t honor a passport with less than six months validity.

Some countries are picky and require a full clean passport page, especially for visas. Therefore the U.S. State Department recommends having at least two blank pages in your passport. And trust us, they won’t use the endorsement pages in the back.

2. Research Visa Requirements

A biggie for international trips on our pre-travel checklist is to completely understand visa and entry requirements. As many visas take weeks to sort out via an embassy, you’ll want to look into this straight away.

Even if a visa is not required, check if a Travel Authorization is necessary. For example, both Australia and the USA require authorizations for visa exempt travelers before boarding.

This caught out a friend of mine. Unaware of the US ESTA requirement, she was turned away at the gate for her flight to Hawaii. Once the ESTA was granted, she had to re-book on a later flight, at her expense. Yikes!

3. Book Accommodation

It’s rare we book accommodation for our entire trip, as we don’t tend to stay in the same area too long. However, we always sort where we are going to lay our heads that first night.

When traveling there’s so much that can go wrong. We’ve had situations where delay after delay put us at our destination very late at night. Boy, were we grateful to know where we were going when we finally got there.

Booking.com makes searching for the best price across a range of accommodation easy. We’ve been using them since 2008.

4. Arrange Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage

There’s nothing more heartbreaking to your travel spirit than having to cancel a trip, except canceling a trip you still have to pay for.

Travel Insurance is a life saver, literally. Not only can it help financially with cancellations, delays, and lost luggage; the right insurance can help with unexpected medical bills. Most domestic insurance plans don’t provide help with overseas medical care.

When looking for travel insurance, make sure it has healthcare coverage that includes medical and emergency repatriation.

5. Refill Your Meds and Check Local Laws

Obviously, you want to make sure you have enough of your prescription to make it through your trip. However, did you know some prescriptions and even over-the-counter medications can be illegal in other countries?

You may need proof of your prescription with you on your travels. In some cases, you may even need to get prior authorization to travel with your medication. Speak with your destination’s embassy to find out what they require.

6. Get Up to Date on Vaccinations

The new talk is about potential Covid vaccination passports. However, travelers to certain areas of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and South America know vaccination requirements are already a thing. 

Not only should you be up to date with all the standard vaccinations, when traveling internationally check what other vaccinations your destination requires. These may depend on where you live, where else you’ve traveled, and how long you will be there.

Also, consider getting the recommended vaccinations for the area. For example, Hepatitis A & B are rarely required but strongly recommended for most developing nations. Check your government’s travel health advisory (i.e., CDC for US residents, NHS for UK residents) for specific guidance on where you want to travel.

Don’t leave this one until last minute either. Some vaccinations need to be done at least a month before travel.

7. Decide How to Get to the Airport

Will you drive or take an Uber? If you’re driving, check parking fees. Will you park at the airport or at an off-airport lot? Is there a discount for booking early?

Though the US has websites to find discount parking at airports, we’ve personally not found any better deals than just pre-booking directly with our local airport.

However, in the UK we loved yourparkingspace.co.uk , where locals advertise parking spots on their property. Often, it’s much cheaper than parking at the airport.

8. Getting Around Your Destination

Since we are already talking about transportation, the next item on our pre-travel checklist is to work out how you’re going to get around at your destination.

Are you going to rent a car or use public transportation? Do you need to arrange an airport pick-up? Are you going to use any long-distance buses or trains? Usually, you’ll find discounts when you book between 1 – 3 months before your travel.

In the US and Europe, we’ve always had great luck using Rentalcars.com to book our car hire.

9. Get an International Driver's License

If you’re going to drive overseas, you’ll likely need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to accompany your home country’s driver’s license.

Honestly, I find these things a bit silly, since there’s no test, it’s just another fee to pay. However, without it most countries won’t recognize your license and it does help translate your license into some languages. Though, not all countries recognize an IDP, so check before you buy.

You must buy an IDP in the country where you hold a valid driver’s license.

• US driver’s license holders can purchase from AAA.
• UK driving license holders can purchase at most post offices.
• Canadian driver’s license holders can purchase from BCAA.

10. Sort Your Money

This is one of the most essential items on our pre-travel checklist. If you’re traveling domestically your biggest concern maybe ATM fees, especially if you use a local bank. However, if you’re traveling internationally there’s a lot more to consider.

• Find a card/bank without foreign transaction fees nor ATM fees.
• Make sure the card(s) you plan to use are accepted at your destination. Not every country readily uses credit cards. Even when they do, brands like American Express and Discover are not widely accepted.
• Always having some local cash on hand will make sure you don’t get stuck. Keep in mind, if you need to order foreign currency, this could take up to a week with your bank.

11. Inform Your Bank and Credit Cards

Yet another one we learned the hard way. Make sure your bank and credit cards know where you’re traveling and your travel dates. This is especially important if you don’t travel often, or you’re traveling to a high-risk area.

When we were in South America, we tried using Jeremy’s credit card for a rental car. He hadn’t let the bank know ahead of time, so the bank rejected the transaction and locked the card. When he called to explain the situation, they required him to come into a local branch to verify ID. Of course, this was impossible and super unhelpful. We would have been in real trouble if we didn’t have my card as a backup.

12. Buy an Adapter

Before heading overseas, check which plug type your destination uses.

If you plan to bring any electronics that need to plug in, like a phone or battery charger, you may need a plug adapter. These inexpensive gadgets are often challenging to find once overseas. We use a worldwide adapter, like this one on Amazon .

Also, check your destination’s voltage. These days, most travel items, like laptops and cell phones, have 95-240 VAC compliant plugs. However, it’s important you check. A plug adapter is not a voltage converter and using the wrong voltage can literally blow up your electronics.

Universal Travel Adapter

Travel Voltage Converter

13. make copies of your documents.

We make three copies of our travel documents, including passports and driver’s licenses.

• One hard copy we keep hidden on us for emergencies.
• A second copy we give to a trustworthy friend or relative.
• The third is an electronic copy we keep in our online cloud storage.

We also make a list of emergency contact numbers, including credit cards, banks, and the closest embassy or consulate.

Finally, we keep hard copies of travel tickets, even when we have tickets on our cell phones. What happens if we can’t access our email, or the phone glitches? We’ve also had situations where the airline/train company, etc., wouldn’t accept a digital ticket.

14. Arrange Pet Sitting

Obviously, if you don’t have pets, this isn’t something you need to worry about, but with three cats, this is high on our pre-travel checklist when planning any trip.

For short trips, we use an in-home pet service. For longer trips, we use a kitty condo boarding service. It’s pricey but worth the extra peace of mind they won’t be getting into anything while we are away. These may look like sweet faces, but trust me, it’s just a cover.

15. Prepare Your Home

When we lived in an apartment it was so easy to take off for a few weeks; we’d turn off the gas and water, and off we’d go. However, living in a house is very different. Newspapers and mail pile up and the lawn grows out of control. To ensure the house doesn’t look like an easy break-in target we have to arrange these things to be managed before we go.

For a full list of items to check through, see our article on Preparing Your Home for Your Trip .

16. Consider Your Safety

Traveling to an unfamiliar city or foreign land is extremely exciting; though, it can also be dangerous. The best way to stay safe is by staying informed.

• Research crime rates, specifically tourist crime, and which areas to avoid.
• As a U.S. national, I also register with the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program registers my trip with the local embassy in my destination, in case of a natural disaster for instance. They also send me safety updates for my destination.
• Give a loved one your itinerary. Even if we can’t give specifics, which is usually the case, we give general timelines on where we’ll be.
• Consider letting your accommodation know where you’re going and when you should be back. We only do this for remote adventures. For instance, I vividly remember getting lost in a Borneo jungle. It was somewhat comforting knowing the small guest house owner knew where we were. Luckily, it all worked out and we made it back before causing any concern. 

17. Figure Out How to Stay Connected

Will your phone work where you are going? Does your carrier have an economical international plan, or do you need to buy a SIM card while you are there? Does your phone allow tethering, or will you rent or buy a mobile hotspot?

How readily available is Wi-Fi? Will it be available in your hotel or at nearby cafes? If you plan on using public Wi-Fi, you may also want to bring your own VPN to keep your data safe.

18. Work Out Your Must Do List

Okay, so now that we’ve worked out all the serious stuff on the pre-travel checklist, let’s get down to the fun stuff! What do you want to do while you’re there? 

Though we are not advocates for planning every detail of a trip, we like to have our minimum “must see list”. Remember, it’s easy to miss what you don’t know is there. Do your research ahead of time and mitigate any traveler’s remorse.

19. Research Photo Spots

This one is for my fellow photography addicts. To get those great shots it takes a little more research than just putting something on a “must see” list. To make the most of your trip, figure out the best sunrise and sunset spots. Plus, work out the best time of day for lighting at your “must see” attractions. 

20. Consider What to Pack

I have a love-hate relationship with packing.

The part of me that loves it, enjoys the planning side. Okay, fine, it’s actually more the shopping side of the task I love most. But, a lot of planning goes into shopping, am I right? I have to consider the climate and what gear we already have. It’s a lot of work.

The part I don’t care much for is the actual packing. To reduce the stress of packing, we use a packing checklist. Here you can grab a free copy of our Couples’ Weekend Away Packing List .

21. Decide on Luggage

Now you know what you need to pack, the next thing on our pre-travel checklist is to decide what bag(s) to bring.

Depending on where we are going and how we are traveling, determines what bag we use. Also, we always check baggage allowances early. If the bag we want to bring won’t work for the trip, then we have time to buy another one. 

To see our favorite travel luggage, check out our post Right Bag for the Right Trip .

22. Learn a Few Basic Phrases

When you’re going someplace where you don’t know the local language, it’s always useful to learn a few key phrases.

At the very least, bring a phrase book. I personally like point-and-speak phrase books, like Yubisahi’s English to Japanese point-and-speak book. By far this was the most useful book I had with me living in Japan.

If you’ll have internet service on your phone, set up the free Google Translator app. Use the camera function to translate signs and menus. So helpful!

A few phrases to know by heart include:

• Hello / Goodbye
• Please / Thank you
• Sorry / Excuse me
• I don’t understand

Japanese Point and Speak Phrase Book

French Picture Phrase Book

Spanish Picture Phrase Book

Italian Picture Phrase Book

23. download some tunes.

Traveling is stressful, especially dealing with airports. One way to keep chill is by listening to your favorite tunes. Create playlists for the airport, something to sleep to on a long flight, something for lounging at the pool, and of course an anthem for the road trip.

I love to road trip to 90’s tunes – give me some Wallflowers, Smashing Pumpkins, Sound Garden, and Matchbox Twenty, traffic just fades away. What’s your favorite music to travel to?

24. Plan the First and Last Day

Often overlooked, the last item on our pre-travel checklist is so important.

Have a plan for your first day. You should know where you’re staying and how you’re getting there from the airport. Also consider what time you can check in. If you arrive before check in, is there a safe location to leave your bags as you go out and explore?

On your last day, consider what time you need to check out of your hotel vs when you actually fly out. Can you get a late check out? Is there a safe place to leave your bags?

Download the Pre-Travel Checklist

Download a printable copy of this pre-travel checklist to plan your next trip.

See our Travel Resources Page for more travel planning and packing guides.

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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The Ultimate Pre Travel Checklist for Planning a Trip

by Drifter Planet | Apr 24, 2018 | Travel Planning

Traveling is fun but planning a trip can be a stressful experience depending on a few aspects.

If you have been following our adventures, I’m sure you must have noticed that San and I usually encourage spontaneous travel. But hey – don’t get us wrong. A basic level of pre-planning is required to avoid last minute mess-ups. At times we have managed to do everything within one hour, but hey – it all depends on the kind trip that we’re taking.

The level of planning that is required for any vacation doesn’t necessarily only depend on the duration of the trip but many other aspects. If you’re traveling internationally or solo or just visiting a new destination – there is usually a need for a more thorough planning to avoid last-minute surprises that are bound to spring up.

So are you planning on travel anytime soon and wondering if you’re forgetting something? Check out our list, most likely we have covered every aspect of trip planning to help you enjoy your vacation:

1) Choosing Where to Go

Like many people, San and I don’t just pick the first destination that comes to our mind. Instead, we decide where to go based on many factors. At this stage of planning, we usually keep one or two aspects of our trip flexible – it can be the dates, the destination or even the method of transportation.

At this stage of travel planning, we ask ourselves a few questions:

Is it easy to reach there? Do we need a visa for this destination (or destinations if it is multiple countries)? Will it be a high season at the time of our visit? Can we just drive there ourselves?

Most of the time we check multiple websites to find a list the destinations that fit our budget for a specific period of time. We really like the vacation planning grid on  Tripcentral.ca that tells us the overall travel cost for multiple places for different months.

Another website that we always check is Skyscanner because it has a feature called “everywhere” that tells us the cheapest places where one can fly and even the cheapest months.

2) Booking Transport to Reach

Usually for us, this step of the planning process is not as long as the others because we often pick where to go depending on how feasible it is to reach there. By this stage, we usually know how we’re going to reach there.

While we were living in Asia, we often just booked air tickets for visiting a new country except if we were traveling domestically. However, after moving to Europe, we consider driving, train transport, taking a bus or even sharing a ride on Bla Bla cars if we’re traveling within the European Union.

3) Sorting Out Your Stay

Just like most of the points on this list, even for this point we normally have a general idea of what we’re going to do at this stage because it is a deciding factor. If we’re visiting a super expensive city (like Amsterdam ), then we normally first look for hostels. If it is a beach destination, then we look for beach huts, cabanas or cabins. For forests, we look for tree house s or safari lodges.

Sorting a place to stay is an important part of your travel planning – pre-travel checklist

If we were driving there on a rented campervan, then we would most likely only consider campground. Again, a little basic research on a website like TripAdvisor surely helps to find the most suitable options.

At this stage, it is very important to keep the location of the stay in mind so that it is easy for you to move around.

4) Initiating Visa Paperwork, if Needed

San has a German passport and I have an Indian one. Usually he doesn’t need a visa but I do. Over the years I have applied for so many visas that the process comes to me naturally.

Typically, the visa process involves submitting a filled application along with the itinerary. In most cases, you’d also need to submit a copy of your air tickets, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statement, proof of residence and proof of leaving the country. If you already have a US visa or a Schengen visa, some countries will let you enter without a pre visa or just an electronic visa (E.g. Turkey , the Philippines , Croatia, Romania, etc).

5) Checking the Weather and Packing Appropriately

It was raining all the time when I visited Amsterdam the first time – pre travel checklist

Do not underestimate the importance of this step because you don’t want to be uncomfortably cold or when it is raining, or even snowing.

After spending a week in Sri Lanka’s rains, San and I decided to always check the weather forecast before packing. It doesn’t require a lot of effort to pack your rain poncho or gumboots but at times these things are super expensive to buy at touristy places.

It is always easier to pack for a beach holiday – you normally just need a few swimsuits, sarong, shorts, tank tops, a sundress or two and flip-flops. Packing for a cold destination needs careful packing so that you stay warm and comfortable all the time. It gets even trickier if you don’t have much baggage space and are going to multiple destinations out of which some are cold and the others are warm.

Packing for music festivals is a little different than most of the trips so be sure to check out our detailed guide.

6) Travel Insurance

I’m surprised to see how many people skip this point. Here’s the thing – booking travel insurance is usually not expensive. In fact, it can be as low as $20 based on the duration of your stay. However, paying for last minute disasters is usually not cheap and will make you regret not buying travel insurance.

7) PreBooking Special Activities

You may not need to prebook your activities or tours unless you’re doing something that’s once in a lifetime kind of special.

Back in 2010, when I visited the New York City, I wished I had prebooked Statue of Liberty’s Crown tickets so that I could go on top.

Skydiving in Thailand – One of the very few things that I prebooked

When I visited Thailand , I prebooked my Skydive because the slots were limited. I also prebooked my sleep aboard tour on Maya Bay so that I could be one of the very few ones to visit this amazing place before and after hours.

My point is – you don’t always need to prebook most of your activities or tours but in case you’re planning on doing something that’s been on your bucket list for long, you kind of have to make more effort from before.

8) Do You Need Foreign Exchange?

Believe it or not, most of the time I end up withdrawing money at ATMs when I reach a new country. Surprisingly the exchange rate is more favorable than what most Forex guys would charge.

However, there are exceptions – when I’m visiting Europe or America from Asia, I usually compare exchange rates from multiple Forex centers and exchange the currency one or two days before I fly.

9) Saving Your Travel Documents on your device

Go green and don’t print your travel documents unless they are absolutely necessary. Nowadays most of the places accept soft documents on hand held devices so I email them to myself and save PDFs on my phone. I often make a folder on Dropbox app on my iPhone and save an offline version of my travel documents.

10) Emptying Space on Your Phone or Camera Card for New Photos

Let’s face it – we all love to click photos. We’re not encouraging you to travel only through your camera lens, but we’re helping you prepare for being able to store your photos when you click them.

Being travel content creators, San and I usually carry three different cameras while we travel. Sometimes making space for new media takes time because not all transfers are quick. This is something we do on the last day before traveling and you’d want to do this too.

11) Charging All Gadgets the Night Before

Even though they are smart, sadly smartphones die faster than most of the gadgets. Nowadays most of the people don’t just rely on their chargers that can be plugged but also carry powerbanks and portable batteries. Powerbanks are extremely useful but they need to be charged for a longer duration so that they can actually work. We always charge all our gadgets before leaving and you’d want to do that too.

12) Recheck Your Flight Time Before You Sleep.. and Relax

San and I must have taken 100s of flights / trains and buses together but there was just one we missed. It happened because I got too confident about the time of our flight and I did not bother to double check. Lesson learned – always check the time of your flight before you go. After doing so, go set up an alarm and sleep for at least 8 hours before you go, unless you’re planning on sleeping while you’re on your way.

Remember the most important aspect of traveling – smile and stay in a good mood. Your smile will help you a lot in many situations but if your mood is bad, you will end up ruining your trip. So sit back, relax, smile and be happy that you’re lucky enough to travel.

Related Posts:

Great checklist! I always forget to charge my mobile and power bank. Thank you for sharing this awesome checklist

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a think for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

Pin It on Pinterest

Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Drifter Planet

Maddy's Avenue

By: Maddy Cornelius · Last Updated: December 30, 2023

Pre-Travel Checklist: 25 Things You Must Do Before International Travel

Though preparing for an international trip is exciting, it can also be very stressful in the weeks and days leading up to your departure. From the big things like booking your flights and buying travel insurance, to all of the little things like calling your bank and checking the weather forecast, there is a lot to cover.  If you don’t have a pre-travel checklist to reference, you might totally forget to do something important before you take off, which will mean more stress and less fun while you’re traveling. Nobody wants that!

This pre-travel checklist will help ensure that you’re totally ready to go when your departure date arrives.

In this pre-travel checklist, you will find 25 things you must do before you travel out of the country!

Pre-Travel Checklist: 25 Things You Must Do Before Traveling

1. buy travel insurance.

The most important — and most overlooked — thing you must do before you travel is purchase travel insurance ! The truth is, it can be hard to spend money on something you may not need after all. But in the event that something does happen, you will be so thankful that you have it.

While traveling, anything can go wrong — and if you travel enough, you can bet that something will. From unexpected cancellations or injuries, to stolen belongings and lost luggage, anything can happen.

To be blunt, it’s foolish not to invest in travel insurance when it’s so affordable and easy to purchase.  We highly recommend purchasing your travel insurance through SafetyWing because they offer great coverage, a quick and easy process, and come highly recommended by the likes of National Geographic and Lonely Planet.

To get an instant quote for your next trip, simply  click here .

2. Apply for any necessary documentation

Depending on the country you’re visiting, you may need to apply for a visa or some other special permission.

Start researching this as soon as possible, since it could take weeks to finish the application process and obtain the proper documentation.

3. Make copies of your passport

In case your passport is lost or stolen, you will be thankful to have a couple of printed copies of your passport. This will make the process of getting a new passport much easier.

You should keep a copy in your carry-on, and a copy in your checked bag. It’s also a good idea to scan a copy of your passport and either email it to yourself or save it in your Google Drive.

4. Call your doctor

If you’re traveling to a faraway land, you may require vaccines and/or medications. Call your doctor or go in for an appointment to see if you’re good to go!

5. Score a cheap flight

Roughly three to six months before your trip, you should be on the lookout for flights, and ready to pounce when the price is right. We highly recommend searching on Skyscanner  for flights, as well as on STA Travel  (if you’re under the age of 26 and Blue Tickets are available).

RELATED: 20 Secrets to Always Booking the Cheapest Flight Possible

6. Book your accommodations

A few months before you depart, you should also book your accommodations. We always find that the sooner you book, the cheaper and better they are! We always use Hotels.com for booking our accommodations, whether we’re booking a resort, hotel, or homestay, because they have the best deals and options.

Click here  to find great deals  on accommodations for your next trip!

7. Alert your bank(s)

Before you leave, call or go online and let your bank(s) know where and when you’re traveling.

That way, your credit and debit cards will work while you’re abroad — an absolute necessity!

8. Learn a few key phrases in the local language

When you travel to another country, it’s always a good and courteous idea to learn some simple words and phrases like, “hello,” “please,” “thank you,””nice to meet you,” “where is…,” “excuse me,” and “do you speak English?”

Most often, local people will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you only know how to say a few words. Plus, you should never assume that others will know your language.

9. Read up on the local customs & etiquette

Before you visit somewhere new — and especially somewhere very different than your country — you should do plenty of research on the local customs and etiquette. The last thing you want to do is offend someone or look stupid for doing or saying the wrong thing.

You should always research things like how to dress, how to greet people, the dining and drinking etiquette, if there are any off-limit conversation topics, and if/when/how much to tip, among many other topics.

10. Get an international driver’s license

If you plan to rent a car, scooter, or any other motorized vehicle while you’re abroad, you may need to get an international driver’s license.

Requirements vary from country to country, so make sure to do your research well in advance!

11. Plan a rough itinerary

When planning a trip, the last thing you want to do is schedule your vacation time down to the minutes. At 10:00 AM we eat breakfast, at 10:30 AM we go shopping, at 11:30 AM we take a walking tour.

No, no, no.

But on the other side of the spectrum, you also don’t want to go in blind, without any sort of plan at all.

Before your trip, do some research on what you’d like to do in each place, and then make a rough itinerary. That way, you’ll leave room for serendipity, while also including all of the important, can’t-miss bits.

12. Check if there are any local events going on

Once you’ve chosen your trip dates, you should find out if there are any exciting events going on that you may want to experience.

Concerts, festivals, holidays, and sporting events are some of the potential happenings you won’t want to miss!

13. Purchase tickets and book tours

Is there a museum you plan to visit? Or maybe a winery you want to tour? Whatever it is, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets and book tours in advance, since they could sell out. Plus, prices listed online are usually better than what you’ll find last-minute when you arrive.

We always use TripAdvisor to search for and book tours. They have thousands of experiences available with a few clicks of a button, and of course, millions of reviews so you can ensure it’ll be money well spent.

14. Do restaurant research

As you all know, food is one of our main reasons for traveling, so of course, we do tons of restaurant research before we go!

We use a combination of travel and food blogs, Yelp, Foursquare, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor to find potential restaurants and cross-check them.

15. Let someone know that you’re traveling

Before you go, you should tell someone you trust about your plans, and if possible, give them a copy of your entire itinerary.

That way, in case of any emergency, you can be accounted for much easier.

16. Gather up all of your confirmations

Whether you prefer to print out all of your flight itineraries, accommodation confirmations, transportation tickets, etc. or to keep them in a file online, it’s important to get organized.

You should have all of your confirmations in one easily accessible place. You never know when you will need to reference them, or when a government official might demand to see them!

17. Check the weather forecast

Before you start packing for your trip, make sure you check the weather forecast. Just because somewhere — like California, for example — has pretty consistent weather, it does not mean it can’t change.

If you rely on what you think you know about a place’s climate and weather patterns, you could be caught by surprise. The last thing you want is to have to shop for clothes and footwear you need, once you’ve already arrived at your destination. (I’ve done this more than once, ugh.)

18. Get an adapter & a converter

Throughout the world, there are all different shapes of wall outlets, which means you need an adapter with the properly configured prongs to then plug your devices into.

I’ve used this adapter for years and love it because it’s compact, it’s compatible with most (if not all) countries around the world, and it includes a USB port, as well as the regular plug, so you can plug in many things at once!

Depending on the electronics you plan to use while abroad, you may also require a voltage converter. This article explains why and when you might need a converter.

19. Get cash out

When you travel, you should always have some emergency cash on you — whether in your currency or the local one.

You can’t predict when you’ll find yourself in a pinch, but you can bet that if you don’t have any cash, the situation could become much worse.

20. Figure out your transportation to & from the airport

Will you call or cab or use a ride-hail app? Will a friend or family member take and pick you up?

At least a few days before your departure, you should have a plan for getting to and from the airport to make sure your trip starts off smoothly.

21. Plan your transportation to your accommodation

There’s nothing worse than arriving in a foreign place where you don’t speak the language, exhausted from hours and hours of traveling, and not knowing where to go.

Before you depart, do research on where exactly your accommodation is, and what the easiest (or cheapest) way to get there is. Depending on where you’re going, you should look into trains, shuttles, buses, ride-hail apps, taxis, and even boats. That way, you’ll have everything figured out when you finally arrive.

22. Star places on Google Maps

Out of the thousands of travel apps out there, I think the most useful one is Google Maps. Before I go anywhere, I always open up the app, and star (save) all of the places I know I’m going: my hotels, restaurants, tour meeting points, etc.

These stars (and your exact current location) always show up in the app, whether you have service/wifi or not. This makes navigation an absolute breeze and I truly have no idea how I ever traveled without Google Maps before.

23. Get your house ready for your departure

Before you leave, you don’t want to forget the little things like taking out the trash, throwing out perishable food, and locking everything up.

My friend Claire, over at Tall Girl Big World , published a great list of 11 things she does around her house before she takes off!

24. Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

STEP is a free service for American citizens and nationals which provides important alerts and warnings about the safety conditions in your destination(s). STEP also helps the US Embassy, friends, and family contact you in case of an emergency. Click  here  to enroll your trip into STEP!

Many other countries also offer these services. If you’re not from the US, check your government’s travel-related website to see if you can register your trip, too.

25. Buy travel insurance. Seriously.

We’ve said this once, and now we’re saying it again because it is that important.

You should never travel out of the country without travel insurance .

You simply have too much at stake (your body, your health, your money, your belongings, your time) to not make a small investment in travel insurance. If something happens during your trip and you’re not insured, you will be so sorry…

I’m about to embark on a 6-month trip through Guatemala, New Zealand, Australia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, and you can bet that I bought travel insurance through SafetyWing !

When it comes to prepping for a trip, there are so many different things to consider, worry about, and complete. Combine that with your regular life responsibilities, and going on a trip can sometimes seem downright stressful (no matter how excited and grateful you are to go)!

That’s exactly why we made this pre-trip checklist for you, complete with 25 things to do before you go on an international trip.

We hope that our pre-travel checklist will make your life a bit easier and ensure you never forget to call the bank, check the weather forecast, or buy travel insurance again!

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What else is on your pre-trip checklist? Is there anything you always forget to do or pack when prepping to travel internationally? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Hey! I'm the cook, world explorer, chief wordsmith, and photographer behind Maddy's Avenue. A California native, I've lived in many countries around the globe, but I'm currently traveling through Latin America. Slowly. Running two businesses. Livin' the "digital nomad" life. I’m here to learn, grow, and explore this planet - ever in search of big flavors and epic adventures. My goal? To inspire you to live a bold life: to discover yourself and the world around you at greater depths – one forkful, or one plane ticket, at a time. Thanks for being here!

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Want to pack light but don't know where to start? Let's find the perfect size bag using this quiz !

Her Packing List

Trip Planning

The pre-trip countdown: what to do when.

For those of us with only two weeks of vacation time, most of the year goes towards planning a trip for that short amount of time. I start planning trips usually six months in advance to fully be prepared and make the most of the escape.

You should have your destination already picked out before the pre-trip countdown begins.

Six Months Out

Save Money: Go ahead and start saving money that you’ll need before and during your trip. Cut down on non-essentials in your daily life. You’d be surprised by how much money you save when you bring your lunch, skip the Starbucks and take public transportation instead of driving. And invite friends over for movie nights or wine tastings instead of big nights out at clubs. If you’re a smoker, this is the perfect time to quit and save money.

Cull Unnecessary Items: Unsubscribe from those subscription boxes like BirchBox and magazines you never have time to read. Delete the daily deal emails so you won’t be tempted to buy. Purge the clothing or household items you never wear by bringing it to a consignment store or selling online for extra cash.

Track the Money: Then set up a bank account or a jar for the money you’re saving for the trip. Tape a picture of your destination to it to keep you focused and keep you from pulling money out of it early. Track your spending on Mint.com to set budgets for food, shopping and transportation.

>> This is also the perfect time to get your travel blog up and running so you can track your planning and travel prep leading up to the big adventure! See our guide: How to Start a Travel Blog

Three Months Out

Passport & Visas: If you’re going international, make sure your passport isn’t expired and has plenty of extra pages. Go ahead and apply for any visas you might need, as you want to give them plenty of time in case something goes wrong. And of course, if you don’t have a passport, apply now!

Research Flights: Now is also a good time to price flights . Set alerts on websites like Kayak that will let you know when prices are expected to rise and fall. This gives you enough time to book and then use the remaining time to save exclusively for spending money.

One Month Out

Travel Doctor: Visit your doctor to see if you’ll need any shots or immunizations for your chosen destination. Some shots, like Japanese encephalitis, will need to be specially ordered and need a lead time. Your doctor can also recommend what pills you might need to take like malaria tablets .

Book Accommodation: While it isn’t essential, you can go ahead and book hotels if you’re concerned about it. If you’re visiting during the high-season, an event or holiday, it doesn’t hurt to go ahead and book just the first few nights. This is especially important if you’re arriving very late or very early. You can also write down the information for places you may want to stay that you can call to book when you arrive. If you’re using apartment rental sites like AirBnB , you should book one month out to give your host plenty of notice.

One Week Out

Get Paperwork in Order: Type up a list of where you’ll be and when with relevant phone numbers to leave with someone back home. Save another copy on a Google Drive or DropBox account. Scan a copy of your passport and do the same, as well as bringing a printed copy with you.

Money Matters: Tell your bank and credit card company where you’ll be so that they don’t freeze your accounts. See if your bank offers money changing services and get at least $100 in foreign currency.

Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance or make sure that your insurance at home covers you while overseas.

Last-Minute Details: Double check the time and date of your flight and which airport it flies out of. Don’t get them mixed up if your city has multiple airports! Lay out the items you’ll be packing, organize and pack them right !

Get ready to go!

Written by caroline.

Caroline Eubanks is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, but has also called Charleston, South Carolina and Sydney, Australia home. After college graduation and a series of useless part-time jobs, she went to Australia for a working holiday. In that time, she worked as a bartender, bungee jumped, scuba dived, pet kangaroos, held koalas and drank hundreds of cups of tea. You can find Caroline at Caroline in the City .

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Book Your Trip

Viator – Enhance your trip experience by booking from thousands of tours across the globe.

Booking.com – Search for hotels, hostels, and apartments using this one resource. Use it for flights, car rentals, and airport taxis as well.

Trusted Housesitters – Save money on travel accommodation by becoming a housesitter. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens.

Reader Interactions

January 6, 2015 at 5:24 am

Actually, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions, you should purchase travel insurance within 2 weeks of booking flights and any non-refundable hotel deposits or payments.

I find the best airfares can be found 4-5 months before departure. Be sure you join frequent traveler programs to accrue points and miles. Be sure you have those program account numbers entered in every booking.

Many countries refuse entry unless your passport is valid for 6 months past your visit. Always renew a passport early and allow 4-6 weeks to get the passport.

Research the type of electrical outlets and plugs required for each country you visit. Get plug adapters 30 days before your trip.

January 6, 2015 at 6:35 pm

Typo! Under Save Money, please change pubic to public. That’s a pretty nasty mental image!

January 8, 2015 at 6:36 am

This is great! I usually have everything worked out way before my trip too – it’s just too exiting! I don’t know how travel insuracnes work in other countries, but i just got one with a cancellation service, that will refund pre-paid travel expenses such as plane tickets if I get sick or even if I fail an exam and have to retake it during the vacation.. This means that I can book my tickets now while they’re cheap, even though I have six exams before summer that could potentially ruin my vacation 😀 this has to be purchased well in advance, too 😉 Also, some shots need a double dosis with about a month between them, so I’d do that sooner, too 😉

February 13, 2017 at 11:54 pm

Australian govt website smarttraveller has an area where you can register your travel details. I am sure many other countries now have this too. It’s so reassuring to know that if anything happens in any country I’m in – from natural disasters to political coups – the govt knows I’m there and can help contact my family and help me out!

Also, don’t forget to tell your credit card companies that you’re overseas! You REALLY don’t want to be abroad and have no access to your savings – like I was in Canada! Thankfully my bank has an agreement with ScotiaBank, amd they sorted it out for me – but not before I had Tim Hortons Timbits for dinner because it was the most filling thing I could find for my last $3!!!

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49 Things You Need to Do to Plan Your Best Trip (Free Travel Research & Planning Checklist)

• Updated: 04/06/2024

Before you jet off on your next adventure, ensure you have all your travel research and planning in order. To help, use this ultimate travel research checklist  to guide you through the necessary steps for more enjoyable planning and a stress-minimized trip.

I love to travel, though I do not necessarily enjoy all the tedious steps required to get out the door and start having fun. So, I rely heavily on checklists like this planning list , a packing list , and a prep and close-the-house list  to streamline my departure. Leaning on these saves me time and money and helps to avoid unexpected situations, making for worry-free trips. I hope they can do the same for you.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time adventurer, I have designed this travel research and planning guide to cover the things you must cross off your to-do list before leaving for a trip. 

From the fun stuff like flights, accommodation, and local attractions—to the necessary details, especially for more complicated international travel, like getting visas , knowing about local customs, and purchasing travel insurance , use this list to explore the world confident you have things covered. 

Table Of Contents

Download your free travel planning checklist here.

Prefer not to print? Jump to my explanation of the 14 stages of trip planning  with 49 separate things you should do below. Otherwise, click the image beneath to access and print my free Travel Planning Checklist .

The Importance of Travel Research

Before setting off on any adventure, it is crucial to do your research. Travel research helps you gather information about your destination, allowing you to make informed decision s and avoid unnecessary stress. By taking the time to research and plan, you can uncover hidden gems, know about local events, find the best deals, and arrange your itinerary to maximize your trip enjoyment. 

Plus, conducting research helps travelers be more thoughtful and respectful visitors by being aware of local customs.

Sign up for my monthly Discovery Newsletter & get a free Trip Budget Calculator !

Learn how to further simplify your trip research, planning, and organization for every stage of your trip in “ 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research .”

When to Start Planning a Trip

When is the ideal time to start planning a trip? Whenever you decide to go! Though—several months, or at least six months in advance , is generally best. However, some destinations, like high-demand national parks with limited visitor and lodging capacity, may require planning up to 12 months or more in advance. 

Plus, it depends who is traveling . Solo or couple travelers can more easily plan last-minute trips as they tend to have more schedule flexibility (i.e., not following family school break schedules) and can choose from more affordable double or single-room lodging options, which tend to be more abundant.

Because families usually require more of everything , from plane tickets to more spacious lodging and even bigger rental cars, planning further in advance becomes more necessary, especially as it allows them to secure the best of these resources at the best pricing. If you are a family traveler or part of a big multi-generational group, you will want to begin planning further in advance—six months to a year is ideal.

14 Stages of Trip Planning & 49 Tips

How you follow these 14 stages of travel planning depends on how long you have before you depart for your trip and your comfort level with leaving things to the last minute. 

Because I do not enjoy the feeling of big to-dos being undone or last-minute scrambles, I aim to complete all 14 stages of travel planning anywhere from one to several months in advance. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable playing your timeframes looser. 

Step 1: Decide on Your Destination (7 Questions)

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend (Budget Template)

Step 4: Set a High-Level Itinerary (Get Shortcuts)

Step 5: getting there, find the best deals on airfare (3 resources).

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Step 9: Focus on Food, Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Step 14: Stay Connected While You Travel (Resources)

You may have several destinations in mind for an upcoming trip—or none at all. To get assistance narrowing down your options, consider your travel wants, needs, and limitations by answering the seven questions below to help you figure this out.

How long do you have to travel?

Your work and school schedules or family obligations may dictate the duration of your travel. Or perhaps budget  constraints cap the number of your away-from-home vacation days.

So, before you choose where to go, know how long you can spend there. If your holiday break is limited, you will want to minimize the time or expense of transportation, guiding you to pick closer destinations or places with direct flights.

What do you want to do?

Do you want a warm week lounging on the beach within reach of an easy and affordable nonstop flight? Or are you looking for a city trip with cultural activities? Perhaps the pull of nature is strong, and you want a hiking adventure? Or a bit of all of the above? Know what experiences you or your group would like to have during your time away and pick a place that meets it best.

This question is linked to the one above but digs deeper. Confirm your potential destination offers the right breadth and depth of activities and cultural or culinary highlights. Are there enough things to do and experience to last your trip and meet your wants and needs? Determine whether these options will make for an ideal visit. 

How to get there?

Explore how to get to your potential destination. Does getting there require a multi-day drive? Or a flight with a long layover? Gain a high-level idea of the time and cost involved with the “getting there” part of travel and confirm your time off can easily accommodate long transit times if required. Then, further dive into this step by learning your best options for getting around  once you arrive, here .

When is the best time to go?

To avoid destinations during their rainy seasons and less ideal temperature times, look up historical weather averages for your potential vacation spot before you commit. Use a helpful site like SunHeron  to look at month-by-month temperatures and rainfall for nearly any destination. Doing this will give you a better chance of having the weather be a helper for a great experience instead of a hindrance

What do you want to pay?

It is never fun to start digging into a trip to an incredible place only to realize a few steps in that you cannot afford it. This exact situation happened to us. Several summers ago, we did not plan far enough in advance for a family summer trip to pricey Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Limited availability and expensive lodging options forced us to backtrack and find a more budget-friendly alternative destination—surprisingly, Vail, Colorado.

So, before committing to a spot, set your budget , then do quick hit searches on the costs of available transportation, lodging, activities, and dining to confirm they fit what you can afford.

Is it safe?

Ensuring your health and safety during your trip should be a top priority, especially when visiting an international destination and you are unfamiliar with the customs and language. Before you go, look up travel warnings , read recent traveler accounts on blogs or social media channels, and even message the account owners with your safety questions. Then, check the local news sites. Gathering information about recent on-the-ground experiences will help you decide if this destination is right for you.

Step 2: International Travel: Understand Visa & Vaccination Requirements & Travel Restrictions/Warnings (4 Tips)

This step is for international travel. Before buying your plane tickets, understand entry requirements related to passports and visas, if applicable. 

Ensure you have an up-to-date passport & learn about visa requirements.

For international travel, always ensure your passport will not expire soon and it will be valid for your dates of entry. A good rule of thumb is your passport should be valid for six months after entry . However, sometimes it is less. Confirm exact entry requirements by researching this with the official government customs and tourism organization for the country you plan to visit.

A quick online search should get you the answers you need. For US travelers, check and confirm destination requirements on the helpful “ Learn About Your Destination” page of the US State Department website.

If your passport is expired or set to expire within a validity window, like six months, take immediate steps to renew it. In the US, obtaining a new one can take weeks, if not several months. Get all the details you need about obtaining and renewing US Passports here .

Review travel advisories, security alerts, vaccination & other health requirements.

For US citizens planning to travel abroad, search for your destination on the US State Department website , look for travel advisories, security alerts, and detailed information about health matters, including links to vaccination requirements. Or go directly to the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Destinations page for extensive health recommendations.

Additionally, maintain your safety by booking lodging  in busier and well-known areas and following the tips I recommend here  to prepare for unexpected emergencies .

If traveling to Europe, know about EITAS, a coming-soon travel permit requirement.

Also, if you plan to travel to Europe, learn about the new electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) for visiting Europe. This coming-soon authorization is not a visa. It is a travel permit. As non-EU Schengen members, US travelers must eventually apply for this new travel authorization before entering Europe.

US travelers, enroll in STEP.

For US travelers for an extra measure of security and safety, consider enrolling your trip with the US State Department as part of their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP . Doing this will share your travel status with the US government which will allow you to receive important safety information about your destination country and help the US Embassy contact you in an emergency. Enroll here. 

Step 3: On Budgeting, Know What You Can Spend

Does your budget determine where you can go? Or does your destination determine your budget?  An essential part of your travel planning is being realistic about what you can afford . There are few better ways to ruin the effect of a top-notch vacation than to return home after it, realizing you overspent, and then having to contend with the pain of outsize credit card debt and the regret that comes with it.  Instead, book a trip to a place that meets you where your money is. Memorable travel experiences do not have to cost a fortune.

Use a budget calculator like the one I provide for free with signups to my monthly Discovery travel newsletter , shown above. Or create your own budget that includes the major expense items like transportation, lodging, activities, meals, and incidentals that cover anything from souvenirs to travel insurance to pet sitting.

Once you decide on your destination , determine if you will stay in one place or move around and make multiple stops. Will your path of travel be circular—where you end up in the original place you began so that you are flying into and out of the same airport? Or will it be linear? A linear path means you will fly to one destination and return home from another—requiring plane tickets commonly referred to in the travel industry as open jaw tickets. 

Your budget and available vacation time may dictate staying in one place. Or it will allow you to include several different stops in one trip.  Get shortcuts to quickly determine a high-level itinerary for any destination in this article .

Flights and related on-the-ground transportation costs can often be the most significant expenses of any trip.  To find the best airfare deals, compare prices across multiple airlines. Consider flexible travel dates to take advantage of cheaper fares and rates. Additionally, look to redeem frequent flier miles or sign up for travel credit cards that give you miles bonuses.

Maximize your savings by learning to find the best fare deals using Google Flights Explore and Google Flights price tracker . Or read this overview of how to track down the best airfare deals .

Step 6: Getting Around, Rental Cars & Local Transportation Options (6 Tips)

Familiarize yourself with these six transportation tips for taxis, public transit, rental cars, and safe walking routes applicable to any new destination.

Plan for how to get around.

Knowing in advance how you plan to get around your vacation spot will impact where you decide to book your lodging . If you plan to rent a car and drive, you will want vacation accommodation that provides easy vehicle access—and ideally nearby and free parking. Or, if you plan to rely on ride shares and public transportation, you may want to ensure close lodging proximity to taxi stands or train or bus stops. 

Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Before you arrive at your destination, familiarize yourself with the local transportation . Research different options, such as public buses, trains, ride shares, and taxis, to determine the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get around. These alternatives can be very different in international destinations. 

For example, the most recommended rideshare in Malta, which we visited for a spring break trip , was Bolt, followed by a few others I was unfamiliar with, like eCabs and Ryde.

If you learn about these things in advance, you can pre-download the apps , set up an account, and link payment methods before you arrive. Additionally, consider purchasing local transportation cards or passes, as these often offer discounted rates for multiple journeys.

Get rental car tips & gather resources.

If you plan to rent a car, review these 15 rental car tips which will save you money, reduce potential hassles, and explain how to get complimentary upgrades. Then, understand whether you need to buy rental car insurance —something that even the most experienced travelers get confused by—with this thorough overview .

When traveling internationally, research to find out if you need an international driving permit for your destination. If you do, get this permit in advance, as sometimes the paperwork may take a few weeks. Check to see if you need an international driving permit via this helpful article . 

Learn the (local) rules of the road.

For any international travelers, you will want to familiarize yourself with the local driving rules in the country you plan to drive in advance. Doing so can help you avoid unintentional penalties and minimize the chance of on-the-road incidents. 

US travelers can understand driver safety abroad by referencing this State Department page . This page provides helpful country links and outlines local driving rules—from default speed limits to signaling requirements to where to park.

Consider pre-booking an airport pickup.

Especially for international trips, if you do not feel confident about your understanding of local transportation options, make things easy for yourself upon arrival. Consider requesting your lodging to arrange a pickup for you . This reserved ride will likely be more expensive, though it will give you peace of mind that you will not get things “wrong” when you arrive.

Then, when at your destination, ask for assistance from your accommodation manager or concierge to help better explain your on-the-ground transportation options .

After an international overnight flight, our family sometimes pre-books airport taxis, as we did on a visit to Rome . When exhausted and running on empty from a long and likely sleepless flight, it is a relief to know our in-town transportation is reliably taken care of. 

Know safe walking routes.

If you plan to explore a new destination on foot, familiarize yourself with safe walking paths . Research this ahead of time. Or ask once at your accommodation. The front desk staff and management, who generally live locally, are a valuable resource for sharing the best routes, areas, and times for moving around safely.

Step 7: Choose Where to Stay (Shortcuts & Resources)

Pinpointing the right location for lodging is never easy. To figure it out fast—my first stop is to use the “ Where to stay ” button on Google Hotels , which will show neighborhood-by-neighborhood descriptions and ratings for all major destinations, allowing you to quickly zero in on the right neighborhood for you to stay in. See where to find it in the quick clip below.

Alternatively, run an AI or online search on “ best places to stay in [your destination] ” and review the results. Or, reference up-to-date travel guidebooks , which generally provide a helpful point of view on the best areas to stay. 

Additionally, since I find great lodging in top locations has an outsize positive impact on our travel experiences, I put a lot of effort into finding the best places to stay.  Get tips on how to do this for your lodging searches in this article .

Step 8: Decide, Save & Book the Things You Want to Do (4 Tips)

Now that you have the framework of your trip set, it is time for the most fun part—figuring out things you want to do once you get there.

Search for things to do online.

If your best trip experience includes seeing top attractions and activities, you will want to research the top things to do in a destination that best fits your interests. Run AI searches or look online for “things to do in [your destination].”

Travel blogs, social media, and sites like Pinterest or Reddit are helpful for this. Or read a guidebook  or visit Google Travel , searching your destination to get an idea about the top attractions and get recommendations for more things to see or do.

To determine what you want to do most, read reviews from fellow travelers to understand what to expect. Then, consider purchasing tickets or making reservations for the most popular attractions to avoid long queues and secure your spot.

Save your favorites.

My preferred way to keep track of things I want to do in a destination is to save them to a custom list in Google Maps . Doing this gives me quick access to my favorites on my mobile phone via my Google Maps app while traveling. I share why and how to create similar custom lists in this article . 

Check out the guided activity and tour options.

Another good way to round out your research for what to do in any area is by checking out tour booking sites like Viator , Get Your Guide or Airbnb Experiences . Use them to look at the top-rated experiences for your destination. You might discover a cooking class, photo tour, guided hike, history walk, and so much more—activities that could be one of the more memorable parts of your vacation.

Ask for recommendations.

Before your trip, ask your friends, family, and acquaintances for suggestions for what to do in your planned destination if they have already been there.  T hen, when your trip is here, and you finally and excitingly arrive— connect and chat with your lodging managers, taxi drivers, tour guides, servers, and any other locals you can befriend to ask for their recommendations. 

By doing this, we have learned about many things we would have missed if we did not connect with locals, like off-the-radar restaurants, event-related parades, holiday processionals, or the best spots to catch sunsets. While traveling, we value these local recommendations so highly that we often will reshape our entire plan for how we spend a day to accommodate them. 

Step 9: Focus on Food - Reserve Restaurants & Learn About Local Dishes (2 Recommendations)

Does your culinary experience matter to you on vacation? I have a food blogger and cookbook author friend who makes researching places to eat and reserving restaurants her immediate third activity after booking airfare and lodging for any trip. So, if incorporating an epicurean experience into your travel is important, include the two steps below in your pre-trip planning.

Make restaurant reservations.

Search online to get a list of top eateries in your destination. Reference Google Maps, articles, blog posts, or run AI inquiries. Or ask other travelers who have been to the area recently, as they are always happy to share their favorites. Prioritize the places you want to eat and make reservations. If you cannot do this in advance online, do not sweat it. Do it in person when you arrive. Or ask your lodging for dining recommendations and assistance with booking reservations.

Learn about the food before you go.

Although international trips provide ample opportunities for new food experiences, you do not have to go far from home to indulge in regional food specialties while on vacation. For example, on a fall getaway to Door County, Wisconsin , near our hometown of Chicago, we were sure to order cheese curds, a Badger State specialty, paired with local brews. 

Before your trip, search online for “best food to eat in [your destination]” to see what tops the list. On a spring trip to Rome , it was Jerusalem artichokes. When in Malta , it was a rabbit dish and many other unfamiliar foods.

Eating at different places and trying new dishes, drinks, and snacks can be one of the most memorable aspects of your travel. To get a head start, take a global tour from these food guide and cookbook recommendations .

Step 10: Create, Update & Finalize a Detailed Trip Itinerary (Resources)

Now that you have your transportation, lodging, activities, and possibly even your dining planned or loosely set, it is time to put it all down to paper.  Use an online app like TripIt to keep track of your bookings and day-to-day plans. Or go semi-old school like I do and put it in an Excel document . Since I have yet to find an app that functions exactly how I want, I created my own itinerary framework that includes all the elements I prefer.

I share this free framework  downloadable in four file types in this article . In it, I also link to more places to find free or affordable trip itinerary templates. 

Then, for safety purposes , share your itinerary with family and friends so they know where you will be when you are away from home.

Step 11: Plan for Emergencies & Unexpected Situations (3 Tips)

Follow these three recommendations to help you avoid or quickly recover from emergencies and unexpected situations while traveling.

Conduct practical safety prep.

Before each trip, familiarize yourself with local emergency service numbers and healthcare facilities in your planned destination. When traveling internationally—particularly to an area at risk for conflict, know where to find your local embassy or consulate.  Additionally, ensure your family and friends know where you are going and how to reach you. If you created a detailed itinerary  share it with them. Then, continue to check in throughout the trip.

Buy travel insurance.

It is an extra expense every traveler would love to skip. However, given the cost of your vacation and what is at risk—your trip budget, your health, and your property—the cost of travel insurance should be considered an essential and non-negotiable expense, especially for international trips. Read about why to get travel insurance and where to find it in this article .

My preferred resource for buying travel insurance is InsureMyTrip.com , an online travel insurance agent and search engine that I use to shop policies from different insurers, buying from the ones with the highest user ratings.

Know what to do in case of theft.

Do you have a plan for what to do in case your wallet, phone, computer, or passport is taken or goes missing? Do you know how to protect your sensitive data? Or how to quickly replace credit cards or a phone? Or get a replacement passport so you can get home?

If not, familiarize yourself with these steps in case your phone goes missing , or read this account of a traveler who had to navigate getting her phone stolen out of her hand in Cartagena, Colombia.

Then, make front-and-back print and digital copies of all IDs, passports, credit cards, and travel insurance policies, keeping copies easily accessible in case of emergency, theft, or loss. Share copies of all items with a trusted friend or family member who can quickly send them back to you if needed.

Step 12: Packing & Prepping Your Home Before Your Trip (Resources)

Taking care to pack efficiently will make your trip a more comfortable one. Before you go, research weather conditions at your destination and plan accordingly. Make a checklist of essential items, such as toiletries, medication, electronics, and travel adapters. Pack versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and temperatures. And remember a travel first aid kit with essential medical supplies.

Because I bring many repeat items every time we travel, I spent a year carefully crafting, updating, and tweaking a universal and printable packing list to reuse for every trip. Using this helps me avoid “recreating the (packing) wheel” every time I leave home, which helps save time and minimizes prep. 

Access, download, and print this universal packing list , which includes a comprehensive medical kit, here . 

Additionally, since I am a fan of checklists and streamlining tasks, I created a second checklist to close the house and prep for packing—that includes to-do items like buying trip-specific gear or picking up medical prescriptions in advance to avoid last-minute scrambles. Check out the list here. 

If you are new to traveling and packing, get 25 of my best packing tips that I follow for every trip.

Step 13: Make Your Finances Accessible on Domestic & International Trips (13 Tips)

Before you go on any trip, be sure to have a plan for how to pay for all expenses, access your cash, and use your credit cards.

On domestic trips: two tips on spending and cash.

If your getaway is domestic, this step should be relatively easy, as how you spend will be similar to what you do at home. However, there are two things you may want to consider before you leave. Getting extra cash from a local no-fee ATM and ensuring you have up-to-date logins with mobile pay apps like Zelle or Venmo. 

Even in this age of high connectivity, it is still relatively easy to encounter a market vendor, fair, or pop-up snack shop that does not accept credit cards. So, you will want a cash supply handy . Doing this will help you avoid unnecessary and out-of-the-way stops at high-fee and out-of-network ATMs. Sometimes, vendors will also accept mobile payments from apps like Venmo or Zelle. 

For example, during a recent domestic trip to New Orleans, our family enjoyed listening to musicians who accepted tips via Venmo, allowing us to scan their QR code and drop some cash—in appreciation of their talent and time. So, before you leave for your trip, if you use these apps, ensure you are actively logged in and can access your accounts.

On international trips: 11 tips for spending, credit cards, cash, and safety.

Prearranging and maintaining comprehensive and secure financial access requires a few more steps when traveling internationally. Here is a list of 10 things you will want to plan for: 

1. Determine which credit card(s) you plan to use . Ideally, choose the one(s) that offers the lowest, or zero, foreign transaction fees.

2. If you use a mobile hands-free payment like Apple Pay, ensure your default credit card linked to your mobile payment account is the card with the lowest foreign transaction fees. 

3. For travelers who do not already use a hands-free payment method like Apple Pay, consider setting it up, as it is a convenient wallet-free way to pay when traveling. Keeping your wallet tucked away may also make you less of a target for potential pickpockets who tend to mark international travelers.

4. If you plan to use a credit card while traveling internationally, process your transactions in the local currency . At the point-of-sale, avoid converting the transaction to your home currency since this often translates into a less advantageous exchange rate. 

5. Know the currency exchange rate between your home and destination country before you leave home—this will help you better manage your spending and budget. Download a currency converter app like XE , to easily translate local prices to your home currency.

6. Plan to take out the local country currency from an ATM when you arrive. Some travelers prefer to pre-buy foreign currency at their local hometown bank before they leave for their trip. However, we are always comfortable doing this at the airport upon arrival.

Know which local ATMs offer the lowest fees for international visitors for cash withdrawals and which charge the highest—and should be avoided. Visit traveler forums and social media groups , or read guidebooks  to learn this information.

7. Bring back up cash in your own currency , which you can exchange in an emergency. Include small bills if you can. You can often use these in a pinch for tips and when you run short on small denominations of local cash. However, local currency—depending on the country—is generally preferred.

8. Remove all unnecessary credit , identity, membership, and banking cards from your wallet that you do not plan to use while traveling and store them safely at home. Doing this is preventative in case of wallet loss or theft. Keeping so many cards at home means you will have fewer to cancel or replace.

9. Make copies of both sides of your banking and credit cards . Keep print or digital copies accessible. For a backup— share them with a friend or family member who will be staying home and can send them to you in the event of loss or theft. 

10. Have a plan for keeping your wallet and valuables safe while on your trip. Assume on an international trip, you may be a target for pickpockets. Make it difficult for would-be thieves by using secure carrying bags and backpacks with zippered pockets.

Practice never leaving your personal items unattended or on the back of chairs. If you need to set a bag down, wrap a strap securely around a leg or arm. Also, ensure all openings are fully zipped and face inward toward your body. Depending on your destination, consider sewing hidden interior pockets to pants or using money belts under clothes to keep cash and IDs secure.

Another helpful step you can take includes being aware of your surroundings and avoiding being distracted in public by your phone while traveling. It is relatively easy for a cyclist or motorcycle rider to whip by and grab an unlocked phone from unsuspecting hands.

11. Finally, before you go, move ample cash into your checking or ATM-linked account to fund your trip and to fully process automatic bill withdrawals to eliminate the possibility of overdrafts or other unpleasant financial surprises that could happen while you are away. If you do not have auto bill payments set up, pre-pay all upcoming bills before you leave.

Note: Many credit cards and banks no longer require you to alert them when you plan to leave the country as they track trip-related purchases like plane tickets, taxis, and hotel bookings. 

However, check with your banking and credit card companies before you go to understand their travel recommendations and to avoid possible suspicious-activity freezes on your accounts.

This step is easy for domestic journeys, as depending on your data plan, you can ideally use your mobile phone to text and call to stay in touch like you would at home.  However, constant connectivity gets more complicated for international trips. When traveling abroad, you want to determine how you plan to use your mobile phone .

Will you stay off-network and use it only when connected to Wi-Fi? Or pay a daily network international roaming fee—up to a pricey $10 per day with networks like Verizon? Or, instead, buy a data plan from a local network using e-sim technology?

Does this feel complicated? Even to me, a regular international traveler, and others—it does also. Based on your budget and connectivity needs, you will want to figure out which way of staying connected is right for you. To decide, price out international plans from your mobile carrier and then learn more about going the eSIM route with info in this helpful article .

Once you know how you plan to stay in touch, download apps you anticipate you may need to use. When traveling internationally, this may include downloading What’sApp , a global messaging app and voice-over-IP service heavily used outside of the United States.  When abroad, I frequently use this app to communicate with lodging contacts and tour guides and to confirm reservations.

Additionally, be sure to have all lodging or tour booking apps downloaded and updated on your phone. You will want to access the messaging functionality within apps like Airbnb, Booking.com, or other hotel apps, which you may need to use to send and receive communications. 

Hands-down, thorough travel research is the key to a stress-free adventure. By taking time to gather destination information so you can make informed planning decisions, you can ensure a smooth and memory-making journey. 

From researching your destination and finding the best deals to understanding local customs and preparing essential travel documents, each step plays a vital role in creating your best travel experience.

So, before you embark on your next adventure, check off the items on this ultimate travel research checklist. With research and planning complete, you can explore the world with confidence and peace of mind. The more you know, the better prepared you will be for any unexpected challenges or opportunities that come your way. Happy travels!

Related Reading

If you are searching for more travel planning assistance to help you save time and money and to stay organized, check out the related articles below.

• Google for Travel: Plan Better with These 8 Tools
• Why You Will Love Google Maps for Trip Planning
• Travel Better: How to Best Use Google Flights Explore
• How to Save Time & Money with Google Flights Price Tracker
• 5 Proven Ways to Simplify and Organize Your Travel Research
• Rental Car Insurance: When You Need It & When You Don’t
• Pack Faster & Better with This Universal Printable Packing List
• 25 Expert Packing Tips to Help You Travel Better
• Pre-Trip: A Practical Checklist to Close the House & Pack

Additional Trip Planning Resources

To further help you with travel planning, I share my go-to resources for every trip below. 

Google Flights. My first research stop for affordable flights for every trip. Learn why here . 

Google Hotels . Use its “ Where to stay ” button to discover the best neighborhoods to base your visit.

Booking.com. For hotel and rental bookings, I appreciate its flexible cancellation, candid user reviews, discounts, loyalty program, and easy-to-use interface.

Viator , Get Your Guide , & Airbnb Experiences . Quickly find and book highly-rated tours and activities on these sites.

Google Travel Things to Do & Google Maps . Find more things to do in your destination on Google Travel, then record where you want to visit on a custom Google Maps list. 

AllTrails . Love to hike? Me too. I religiously use AllTrails to discover hiking and biking trails and download its offline maps to manage my hikes.

Guide Along . 5-star self-guided audio tours that are GPS-compatible for US road trips and national parks. We loved the Glacier National Park tour .

Insure My Trip. I never travel internationally without trip insurance. Learn why here . My preferred place to shop and compare policies is InsureMyTrip.com . 

Plus, check out the 15 travel apps I use on trips, my preferred guidebooks , and my free customizable travel itinerary template , downloadable in four file formats.

About the author:  Janice Moskoff is a travel writer and blogger who loves hiking, exploring the world, and reading. She writes to inspire travel-loving families, adult friends, and couples on her blog,  Gather and Go Travel . Check out  her bio , learn how she became  a blogger , and discover how to  work with her . Sign up for her monthly  Discovery Newsletter  to get her latest travel recommendations and  how-to’s .

Love to travel? Sign up for m y monthly Gather & Go Travel Discovery Newsletter and get a free trip budget calculator .

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. And the income goes to keeping the site community-supported and ads minimal.

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Pre-Trip Planning

Pre-trip planning is essential for a successful backpacking excursion. Mapping out your entire route beforehand lowers your chances of getting lost, choosing longer hikes than you have time for, or, worst, getting turned back before you begin due to trail closures, forgotten permits or adverse trail conditions. Learn how to prepare for a variety of backcountry excursions with the help of Backpacker’s pre-trip planning guides.

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From meal planning to meeting the townies, every aspiring thru-hiker should hear this hard-won advice., latest in pre-trip planning, >", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/thru-hiking-support-crew/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "ask a thru-hiker: how can i arrange a support crew on my hike"}}'> ask a thru-hiker: how can i arrange a support crew on my hike.

Having a friend join you as support for a few days during your hike can be a welcome break—and a chance to reconnect with your life at home. But for it to be a positive experience, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/avoid-these-5-autumn-hiking-mistakes-for-a-better-shoulder-season-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Avoid These 5 Autumn Hiking Mistakes for a Better Shoulder-Season Trip"}}'> Avoid These 5 Autumn Hiking Mistakes for a Better Shoulder-Season Trip

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>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/a-hikers-guide-to-car-shuttles/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Planning a One-Way Hike? Master the Art of the Car Shuttle."}}'> Planning a One-Way Hike? Master the Art of the Car Shuttle.

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>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/lower-your-backpacking-trips-carbon-footprint-and-cost-with-these-smart-strategies/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Lower Your Backpacking Trip’s Carbon Footprint—and Cost—With These Smart Strategies"}}'> Lower Your Backpacking Trip’s Carbon Footprint—and Cost—With These Smart Strategies

We already know that backpacking is better for the planet than other forms of travel. But how much better, exactly? And can we make hiking even greener?

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/how-to-plan-a-trek-abroad/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Planning Your Dream Trek Abroad is Easier Than You Think"}}'> Planning Your Dream Trek Abroad is Easier Than You Think

Some destinations may still be closed to US travelers, but that just means you have more time to plot out the perfect trek. Start planning now for the hike of a lifetime.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/ask-a-thru-hiker-what-is-a-hiker-box-and-how-can-it-save-you/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Is a Hiker Box and How Can it Save Your Skin?"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: What Is a Hiker Box and How Can it Save Your Skin?

In a pinch, they can can keep you going—but only if we all do our part.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/ask-a-thru-hiker-whats-the-best-way-to-get-fuel-on-the-trail/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Best Way to Get Fuel on the Trail?"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: What’s the Best Way to Get Fuel on the Trail?

Buy, ship, or check hiker boxes and just hope for the best? Here's how to keep your stove running on your thru-hike.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/ask-a-thru-hiker-how-to-hike-for-4-months-without-your-life-falling-apart/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "How to Hike for 4 Months Without Your Life Falling Apart"}}'> How to Hike for 4 Months Without Your Life Falling Apart

Before you head out on a thru-hike, set expectations at home and at work, and make sure that everyone knows what to do when trouble arises.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/5-mistakes-that-can-end-your-thru-hike-and-how-to-avoid-them/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "5 Mistakes That Can End Your Thru-Hike (and How to Avoid Them)"}}'> 5 Mistakes That Can End Your Thru-Hike (and How to Avoid Them)

From training to planning, prep right to maximize your chances of going the distance.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/top-10-indoor-diy-projects-for-backpackers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "10 Indoor DIY Projects for Backpackers"}}'> 10 Indoor DIY Projects for Backpackers

It's the perfect time to tackle one of these indoor DIY projects to set yourself up for a great hiking season.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/perfect-girls-only-backpacking-programs/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Five Perfect Girls-Only Summer Backpacking Programs"}}'> Five Perfect Girls-Only Summer Backpacking Programs

Ditch summer camp for these five excellent adventures, where young women gain wilderness skills and the confidence to use them from real outdoor role models.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/best-podcasts-for-hikers/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "The 5 Best Podcasts for Long-Distance Hikers"}}'> The 5 Best Podcasts for Long-Distance Hikers

When you're hiking for weeks or months at a time, sometimes you need a little audio therapy. These podcasts are just what the doctor ordered.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/thru-hiking-national-parks/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: Long Trails in National Parks"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: Long Trails in National Parks

Can you see America's best idea on a thru-hike? You sure can—if you can figure out how to pick up your permit.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/hiking-a-long-trail-with-a-family/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: I Want to Hike a Long Trail, But I Have a Family"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: I Want to Hike a Long Trail, But I Have a Family

Going on a long hike is complicated under the best of circumstances—but kids and a partner open up a whole new world of challenges.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/how-to-start-a-thru-hike-on-a-long-trail/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: How to Start a Long Trail"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: How to Start a Long Trail

Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or another long path? Make the most of your time before you blast off.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/plan-a-big-backpacking-trip/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "How to Plan a Big Backpacking Trip"}}'> How to Plan a Big Backpacking Trip

Want to check an epic hike off your life list? Start ticking off these boxes and make it happen.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/how-to-hike-a-long-trail-with-a-job/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Ask a Thru-Hiker: Take a Long Hike Without Quitting Your Job"}}'> Ask a Thru-Hiker: Take a Long Hike Without Quitting Your Job

Have the thru-hike itch, but don't want to ditch your career? A short long trail may be just what you need.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/how-to-take-a-toddler-backpacking-without-losing-your-mind/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "How to Take a Toddler Backpacking Without Losing Your Mind"}}'> How to Take a Toddler Backpacking Without Losing Your Mind

The trail can be a challenging place for parents and kids. Set aside your expectations of how a hike should go and learn what you can.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/pre-trip-planning/thru-hiking-101-online-course/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Thru-Hiking 101 Online Course"}}'> Thru-Hiking 101 Online Course

Want to go on a thru-hike but not sure where to start? Take our course to learn how.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/how-to-live-your-life/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "How to Make Your Dream Trip Happen"}}'> How to Make Your Dream Trip Happen

Use your head to start checking adventures off your list.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/moneyinthebank/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "8 Grants to Fund Your Next Adventure"}}'> 8 Grants to Fund Your Next Adventure

Are your plans bigger than your pockets? These grants could help fund your next big effort.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/4-reasons-we-need-more-female-outdoors-leaders/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "4 Reasons We Need More Female Outdoors Leaders"}}'> 4 Reasons We Need More Female Outdoors Leaders

New research shows that women are less likely to see themselves as leaders in the outdoors. That's everyone's loss.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/how-to-convince-people-to-go-on-a-hike-with-you/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "How to Convince People to Go on a Hike With You"}}'> How to Convince People to Go on a Hike With You

Never hike alone again with this handy guide to convincing key people in your life to hit the trail with you.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/the-high-life-hut-hut-hike/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "The High Life: Hut, Hut, Hike!"}}'> The High Life: Hut, Hut, Hike!

Why should a backpacker want anything other than a tent? Michael Lanza can think of five good reasons.

>", "path": "https://www.backpacker.com/skills/next-level-how-to-lead-a-group/", "listing_type": "category", "location": "list", "title": "Next Level: How To Lead A Group"}}'> Next Level: How To Lead A Group

From planning to execution, we've got 11 ways to become a better leader both on the trail, and off.

Do You Get Pre-Trip Anxiety?

If you're a bundle of nerves before traveling, here's what the experts suggest..

Posted December 2, 2021 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

• Anxiety before traveling is very common.
• The mind floods with things to worry about.
• Travel journalists are not immune from pre-trip anxiety.

I was walking with my friend Harriet the other day, and she told me that she and her family were meeting in two weeks on St. John’s Island in the Caribbean. “Ahhh…” I said, smiling, "I can imagine what you are looking forward to. Sunshine. Warmth. Swimming. Sailing…” “No,” she responded. “I’m so nervous I can hardly focus on anything else.”

“What are you nervous about?”

“Making sure I get my negative COVID test in time. What if my flights are changed or even canceled? Not packing the right things or forgetting important things. Getting all my important papers together…”

“You have pre-trip anxiety ,” I offered.

“Yes,” I continued. “Take it from someone who knows about it from the inside. It is common before traveling. Make that very common.”

‘You mean I’m not alone?” Harriet asked. “I thought it was just me.”

“You know about the countless times I have hit the road as a travel journalist. You probably think it’s second nature to me. Well, the truth is that I am always nervous before leaving. I invariably pack the wrong clothes. If it’s hot at the destination, I’ve packed for cool weather. If it’s cold, I have to buy warm clothes when I get there. And that’s just the beginning,” I added, laughing. “I have a packing list that is five pages long where I include anything I could possibly need in case I get stranded somewhere because of a strike, terrorist attack, or coup d’état.”

I could see Harriet’s face relax. “It’s a big comfort to know I’m not alone. And it even has a name.”

That night, I got an email from her. “Today I went from 'Oy!' to laughter from knowing I’m the only one with this ‘condition’ or ‘dis-order.’ Maybe it’s PTAD (pre-trip anxiety dis-order)! Whatever, I feel better and a little less anxious.”

Dealing With Snafus

One of the biggest sources of agita occurs when travelers have made extensive plans in advance and there are snafus. A restaurant never received their reservations. A special museum exhibit has reached the maximum number of viewers and they can’t get in. A private tour has been canceled. They can’t find the confirmation email for a private car to pick them up at the airport.

I have a very easy solution to that, although it might not suit everyone. Except for where I’m staying, I don’t plan anything. That eliminates all the stress of worrying about whether or not I will see and do everything at the destination. Instead, I show up, meet people, listen to local recommendations, and let the place reveal itself to me on its own terms. By traveling this way, I have had fabulous, funny, educational, touching, bonding , surprising, sometimes life-changing experiences wherever I go.

Over the years, I have asked the experts — seasoned professional travel journalists — if they get pre-trip anxiety. Karen Lupine (pseudonym) said, “Before trips, I feel the need to clear my to-do list, no matter how long. It’s like wanting to prepare for a perfect life when I return, all caught up. I never get it all done and it’s stressful , but every trip it’s like this.”

Traveling With Medical and Physical Challenges

Jorie Gavin (pseudonym) confided: “Ever since I became a type 1 diabetic seven years ago, I have to pack a week in advance to make sure I have everything. Forget my insulin? I'll die. Forget candy when my blood sugar gets too low? I'll die. Forget test strips and blood meter? Won't know my blood sugar. I need to bring doubles and triples of everything. It takes up half my suitcase. But, still, that does not stop me from traveling. I just take fewer clothes.”

My colleague Barbara Wysocki shared her way of dealing with anxiety that results from a physical challenge. “In the years since my eyesight dimmed, my best strategy to avoid anxiety is to ‘depend on the kindness of strangers.’ That includes asking flight attendants to fill in customs forms and relying on doormen and concierges at any convenient hotel for everything from taxis to show tickets. I repay my travel karma by reaching out to new faces when I'm back home.”

Travel writer Lina Zeldovich says she gets anxiety every time she travels. “I worry about missing the plane, bags getting lost, flights being canceled, missing connections, canceled hotel reservations (happened more than once), and losing passports. And I am a nervous flyer, too, LOL. So, basically, everything. But I will still travel, dammit! I proudly wear the badge of a nervous travel writer.”

And my award-winning travel photojournalist husband, Paul, is not immune from pre-trip anxiety. He is concerned that he’ll get an urgent assignment and need photos and article information he doesn’t have with him. As it’s impossible to take every file, it’s already happened a few times.

Some of the strategies mentioned may help or give you ideas for calming your anxiety monster. Or maybe, like Harriet, you’re just relieved to know you are definitely not alone!

Judith Fein is an award-winning international travel journalist who has contributed to 130 publications, the author of three books about transformative travel, an inspirational speaker, and an opera librettist.

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Pre-Trip Planning for a Hiking & Backpacking Trip

Off The Grid Hiking Gear , Safety 14

One of the most important parts of any hike or backpacking adventure is your Pre-Trip Planning. Planning will help ensure your trip goes smoothly, and will allow you to account for any dangers that you may face on your adventure.

Here are the first things I do before planning any hiking trip.

• I analyze what the weather conditions, environmental conditions, and route conditions will be like.
• I think about the possible threats and dangers I may face on my trip.
• I come up with a plan to deal with any obstacles that I may encounter on my trip.

Hiking Gear Considerations

The gear I choose is directly related to my pre-trip planning. By analyzing what conditions and obstacles I will likely face, I can then start to put together a bag that will compliment my skills, and keep me safe in the face of any potential dangers.

Route Considerations

• What water sources are along my planned route ? This will tell me how much water I need to carry, how many water bottles I need to pack, and what type of filtration system I should carry.
• What are the average temperatures and weather patterns that I can expect along my route ? This will tell me what type of clothing, shelter, and weather related gear I need to pack.
• What threats might I face along the route ?  This can be anything from route related dangers (extreme climbs, flash flooding, avalanche dangers, difficult terrain, etc.) to wilderness dangers like wild animals or poisonous insects. By knowing what threats I’m likely to face, I can get a better idea of what precautions to take, and what type of gear is necessary.

Communication & Navigational Considerations

• How well do I know the route ? Have I traveled this route before, or do I need to take extra time before my trip to study Topographical maps? This is also where I decide what navigational items I need to take, such as extra TOPO route maps, GPS devices, pacing beads, a compass, etc…
• How can I communicate to the outside world during an emergency ? Are there portions of the route where cell service will be unavailable? Do route conditions warrant bringing another form of emergency communication such as a shortwave transmitter?

Intelligence & Recon

• Are there sources of information that I can obtain about my route before I leave ? This can be everything from trail associations websites and guidebooks, to online forums, hiking clubs, and historical data.
• Are there experts that you can consult before setting out ? This can include park rangers, search and rescue experts, or other hikers that have first-hand knowledge of your route.  This is invaluable knowledge that can help you avoid the pitfalls and dangers associated with your planned route.

By taking the time to plan out your routes, you give yourself a much better chance of staying safe when facing dangers on your trip.

14 Comments

Making plans for any backpacking trip is essential, however, the weather can change before and during your trip. Do not worry, continue on with your trip as planned simply because it will help condition you for changes that could occur in a SHTF scenario. Do you think a SHTF situation will only occur during the best of conditions? Regardless the weather, go on your trip as planned; it will only better prepare you for an actual SHTF situation.

TOPO Maps sold by Nat Geo are treated to be water resistant and USGS Sectional Maps are also good, but not water resistance treated. As an Orienteering instructor I have found that over land the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) method is much easier to interpret than the Long/Lat coordinates used for centuries… Long/Lat are better over water. UTM is marked in 1,000 meter squares and use the East/North measurements… very simple and makes finding your location with a GPS much easier IMHO. I continue to update my older TOPO maps with the newer maps with UTM marking. I also have the regional TOPO application on my computer, so I can customize a map to my immediate needs. DO NOT FORGET THE COMPASS… batteries die and you need a reliable fall-back device.

Also, if the route you are taking is a potential escape route, relying on the TOPO map for accurate water sources could be wrong / outdated; so it is advisable to go through your route before the actual need arises.

If you are heading out on your own, make sure you tell someone the general area where you will be and an expected time of return, along with a ‘if not heard from me by ‘X’ time, call SAR. I always carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB); when alone or with a group of scouts. When alone, it may be your only method of getting immediate help, and as a scout leader having one on the trip is an added amount of insurance, providing parents with an increased sense of security should a wilderness emergency occur. You can get a good PLB for under $300, and just how much is your (or someone else’s) life worth! Do your research; I personally would not use SPOT as it is not as versatile as the ACR, and prices are not too far apart.

Can you explain the difference between SPOT and the ACR. I know that SPOT requires an annual subscription fee and the others do not but SPOT is a lot cheaper by two thirds and having some emergency comms is better than non, especially if you don’t venture out into the boonies every weekend.

The SPOT Personal Locator device can and does work, but I chose the ACR unit for the following reasons:

SPOT uses communication satellites where ACR uses the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites;

Comm sats takes longer to be acquired and to triangulate, and has more dead zones, where COSPAS-SARSAT satellites on a dedicated frequency allow faster locating and has fewer dead zones.

SPOT requires an annual fee, where the ACR is a one-time purchase;

SPOT has multiple buttons and LEDs that can be confusing and/or could get accidentally depressed, where the ACR unit has the antenna wrapped around the unit covering buttons and no nonsense LEDs;

Customer reviews… simply stated, I read too many negative reviews of SPOT being unreliable, and should not be considered as a true ‘life or death’ situation PLB.

After I purchased my ACR unit, another scout leader bought a SPOT, and after actual comparison of the two units during trekking events. Standing next to each other, I used my ACR, the other scout leader used his SPOT. The ACR sent the test message 100% of the time, where the SPOT sent the message only 75% of the time from the same locations in the Rockies at the same time to the same recipient.

Both SPOT and ACR have online setup features, and I understand the SPOT site is not as user friendly as the ACR site.

Sure, SPOT can be configured to send predefined messages like “I’m Okay” or “Send Help”, provided you get the connection to the Comm Sats, but so can the ACR unit, albeit ACR only sends a “Test Message” of your current GPS coordinates to a cell phone or email account you set up online.

When I am on the trail, I can deploy the antenna and press the test button and within 5 minutes either the cell phone or the email account I had configured to send the message to is received. When keeping in touch with others, typically the primary or secondary registered emergency contact you can have a predefined time (lunch and dinner) as to when you will send a test message of your GPS coordinates, and if they have not heard from you in a reasonable time frame they can at least place a call for you in case you could not; advising the planned route, and the track of your coordinates during the trek up to the last known contact.

In short, I personally prefer the ACR unit over the SPOT for better reliability IF there was an actual life or death situation; AND if it was a life or death situation I would rather I spent $300 for a more reliable unit as compared to $100 for a less reliable unit.

i live in wisconsin and here we have the ice age trail which goes from one end of the state to the other. (east and west) i cant manage to find out if any other states have something similar to this? im looking for a way to get to the west coast using mostly hiking trails. as little road as possible. can anyone help me out??

That is quite a trip to contemplate… there is the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the John Muir Trail, the Colorado Trail, but I do not know of any combination of trails that would take you from Wisconsin to the West Coast. I would suggest doing searches of hiking trails by individual states you would go through. You might try trails dot com and search by state… good luck.

Most states have there own trails and MT chains running throw them these range as far as WI to NY

Its not easy, I can tell ya that much. and Trails dot com?? Dude- that site is a joke. For long-range trips you need a route graphic that shows the region, and the trail on a measurement of scale for the surroundings… Trails dot com has, dots.

The PCT is not a Dot, two 4mo. trips on that trail will assure anyone of that.

In the rare instance someone read this and entertains an Idea of a trip like our young friend “Mike D” was hypothesizing… I Agree with “Mike”. Research of what trails are available for road-trip style, Thru-trail travel is frustrating and time consuming. Going by State and even counties can help, under the Nat. Park Service and Outdoor Recreation sections of the websites associated with the region. But with SO MANY sites set up for “Drive-then-Hike”er’s and “Family Friendly Recreation trails” and dont forget, the “Bike Loops” that seem to qualify as wild, scenic escape trails for backpacking adventurers… It can be hours until you find out, “oh, that junk just goes in a 5 mile loop…” Maybe ok for a gear check. Look for keywords and names of trails, then find out what they are- when it can be done based on your prep and equip (i.e. if you could manage the winter temps and hazards with your gear, or should you find a way to wait for summer…) Get a cheap map of large areas you are traveling and highlight your Ideas.- Look all around the gaps for towns and alternate crossings, minding all variables of weather, lodging, food and equipment supply ability and availability, Post offices… then what about the nearest town? go through the trip in pinches, point A to B. Whats in this section? what is in my way to my objective? is this a trail? how long is it? whats the elevation? how do other people do it on this trail in this area? Where is Water? When is it available?

Places along the PCT can be weird. There are weird places all over this nation! Little outposts that you can receive UPS shipments, but they close for long periods during winter. Places that seem like they will be nice but its just a guy in a shack selling hormel chili with a phone you can call collect from… –And the internet can warn you of such places- you just gotta know what you are looking for. Names and Places- Google it and keep looking, as much as possible. That kind of Trip is No Joke -Mikey D. Pack Boxes of food and extra gear, clothes and shoes, get your Mom to mail em to ya when you call her and tell her to send em! – Get your head right about your capability to adapt and what your limits are likely to be. Imagine the worst weather you have ever been in and then imagine you were in it all night in a coat… What would you do? Be real, Bro. Find your weakness and shore it up! – Shoes rub your feet? cant walk long with blisters… Have a Tent? What can you do ifya had to go without it? …keep your head spinning, and when its too much and you start freaking out like I do when I know I have committed to a trip like this…… TAKE A BREAK. We can’t plan for everything, and there are ways through it anyway you get dealt your cards. Everyone is an Expert- too, ya know… I’m writing a lecture right now! – Yes a 22 is versitile – no its not the best survival rifle. Yes magnesium and flint can start fires but there are cool tools that are better- and if you dont have any of that then you are skewed-blued-and-tatooed anyhow. Maybe learn some primative methods? if ya get discouraged like I did because you have none of this great gear everyone is talking about and you are living bare bones with no hope of that stuff, take heart in the old ways. Remember that we did it before all these gismos and 850+ down was available. Think Practical and Purpose Directed- and Learn to love hefty garbage bags. Stay Optimistic and Be Happy in the Short life we have here- Living Outdoors is a Experience that demonstrates the Laws of Change in Nature and Illustrates to us the Transition our Lives constantly endure… Do Your Best to Prepare and also have the Heart to Embrace the adversity, allow yourself dignity even if you Fail. Dont miss the lesson! Thanks for reading haha -Travel Lite

Check out the “North Country Trail”. Happy Packing!

I believe there is a trail called the “Coast To Coast Trail”.

I believe it is called the “American Discovery Trail” from Delaware to San Fransisco and parallels close to the I-80 / I-70 roads. You might be able to head a bit southwest and pick up the Oregon Trail in Omaha.

ADT… Wow Last I heard it was still an Idea, How Cool! -Thanks Mike! …Learn somethin everyday

I almost agree. One of the “before you begin to plan” steps is memorizing the topo of the area you will travel. That’s a good way to get a handle on the possible threats problems inherent inthe trail.

like what they say, always prepare for the worst and hope for the best

Lots of great things mentioned here. I would underscore the weather conditions are extremely important. I like using weather underground website and try to look out as far in advance as possible. Reading and researching about what to expect from others who may have hiked your route before you do, also helps!

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How to Plan a Trip: A Month-by-Month Guide

Trip planning can be a daunting task. Flights, insurance, gear, itineraries, accommodation, and so much more all need to be considered and sorted out before you go.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed , especially when you haven’t done something like this before.

After over close to twenty years of traveling the world, I’ve planned countless trips and vacations for myself, friends, and family, even group tours. In the beginning, it was trial by fire. I learned a lot of lessons the hard way . However, that helped me develop an efficient checklist that ensures I don’t miss anything important during the trip-planning process.

One big question I get asked a lot is when to start planning. To answer that question, this post breaks the planning process down into month-by-month steps so you can plan your next trip with ease.

Here’s how to plan a trip:

Table of Contents

12 Months Out: Decide on Your Destination(s)

12 months out: start collecting points & miles, 8 months out: visa requirements, passports, and vaccines, 4-6 months out: book your flight, 3-4 months out: book your accommodation, 2 months out: plan your activities, 1 month out: get travel insurance, 7 days out: pack.

If you already have a dream destination in mind, great! If not, here are some posts to help you get started:

• 11 Cheap Places to Visit on the US Dollar
• 10 Places to Travel on a Budget
• The Best Tropical Islands in the World
• My Favorite Cities in the World
• My 31 Favorite Places to Visit in the USA

But, this far out, the real thing you want to do is start saving money and figuring out your costs. Accommodation and flights are the obvious ones, but how much do restaurants, attractions, and other activities cost? Knowing these costs will allow you accurately estimate how much money you’ll need. Here is how to research costs:

• Buy a guidebook
• Check out my free travel guides (we break down all costs for each destination)
• Skim the cost of living on Numbeo.com
• Google prices for major activities you want to do, such as scuba diving, winery tours, etc. ( Get Your Guide is a good place to start)
• Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for flight prices and sign up for alerts to get emails if the price changes
• Use Discover Cars to price out (and book) a rental car if you need one
• Use Booking.com and Hostelworld to research accommodation costs

That may seem like a lot but you just want to get a general idea of how much you need to save. You can head to this page to see all my articles on how to save money for your trip .

These days, most cards have welcome offers of 60,000-80,000 points (some can be as high as 100,000) when you meet their minimum spending requirement (generally $2,000-5,000 USD within a 3–6-month time frame). That’s enough miles for a free round-trip economy flight to Europe from the East Coast of North America.

For more information on this subject, check out these posts:

• Points & Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card
• My Favorite Travel Credit Cards
• How to Earn Points by Paying Your Rent
• The Ultimate Guide to Points & Miles
• How to Collect Points & Miles in Canada

In addition, get a fee-free ATM card. I use Charles Schwab, but there are lots of other banks that don’t charge ATM fees (don’t forget to check your local banks and credit unions too). Here’s how you can avoid bank fees while traveling .

While you likely won’t need a visa to your desired destination, you should still check to make sure. If you’re a US citizen, use the State Department’s search tool to learn about your destination’s entry requirements. (Canadians can use this search tool .)

Additionally, make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends. Many countries require this for entry. Passport application and renewal wait times can be long (the standard is 6-8 weeks in the US), so do this as soon as possible.

Also, research if you need any vaccines for your trip as many countries require vaccines to enter (and I don’t mean COVID). You can learn more about country requirements and recommendations at the CDC’s website . They can help you find a clinic near you as well (if you’re in the US).

Here are two articles on how to score a cheap flight:

• How to Always Find Cheap Flights
• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight

If you’ve signed up for a travel credit card and received your sign-up bonus, use your miles to book your flight and/or hotel. The further out you book, the more availability there will be. Use tools like Point.me and Awayz to help you find the best redemptions on your points (for flights and hotels, respectively).

But even if you aren’t using miles or didn’t find a cheap flight deal, there are still many ways to avoid being the person on the flight who paid the most for their ticket. My two favorite sites for finding cheap airfare are Skyscanner and Google Flights .  

Here are my go-to sites when it comes to finding the best deals on accommodation:

• Hostelworld – Hostelworld has the largest selection of hostels and is my go-to site for finding affordable hostels.
• Booking.com – Booking.com is the best overall platform for finding budget hotels and guesthouses.
• Agoda – Agoda has the best results if you’re heading to Asia (though it sometimes has good US deals too).

I recommend checking the cancelation policy of wherever you book. I like having the flexibility to cancel if something comes up.

If you’re on a tight budget or you want to connect with more locals during your travels, consider joining platforms like Couchsurfing or BeWelcome . These communities allow travelers to stay with residents for free as a sort of cultural exchange.

Long-term travelers can also try housesitting or WWOOFing as well, as they both offer free accommodation (in exchange for pet sitting or farm work, respectively).

Now it’s time for the fun part of travel planning! That means reading books about your destination, learning general travel tips, connecting with online communities, and pre-booking any necessary activities.

Pre-booking ensures you don’t miss out on things that you really want to do on your trip. If you’re going to a popular destination, tours and activities fill up quickly, and if you’re going to a smaller place, activities or tours might only run on certain days and have limited availability.

Either way, Get Your Guide the best place to search for and pre-book activities, tours, and tickets. Local tour operators and attractions can list their offerings on this online marketplace, so you can find tons of stuff here, from food tours to museum tickets with skip-the-line entry.

Get travel insurance . That way, these purchases are protected should something happen that makes you cancel your trip.

A lot of people think, “I’m healthy. I don’t need travel insurance.” But travel insurance is much more than just medical protection. It covers you when your camera breaks, your flight is canceled, a family member dies and you have to come home, or something gets stolen. (That’s why you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with any common travel scams to look out for, as well as how to conduct yourself in order to blend in to avoid looking like a target for petty theft.)

Yes, it’s an added expense. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I never leave home without it, because I’ve seen firsthand just what can happen on the road.

I never thought I would pop my eardrum while I was scuba diving in Thailand, break my camera in Italy, or get knifed in Colombia.

Unfortunately, bad things can happen when you’re traveling. True, these events are few and far between. But they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you’re not prepared to pay out of pocket, buy travel insurance.

Here are some posts on travel insurance to get you started:

• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• The 5 Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

I never leave home without travel insurance. You shouldn’t either.

I travel with a 45L REI bag and then a smaller day bag. Here’s my suggested packing list to help you take just the right amount of stuff and avoid overpacking ( here’s a list for female travelers ).

Additionally, bring any prescriptions you need for the duration of your trip. Try not to rely on filling those abroad (though bring a prescription and doctor’s note just in case).

With everything taken care of, it’s time to go on your trip and have fun! Make a list of last-minute items you need to pack the day of (your toothbrush, glasses, phone charger, etc.) and check in online beforehand (you can do so 24 hours in advance). (If you’ve got lounge access through a premium travel rewards card , you might find yourself looking forward to getting to the airport early.)

If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. That’s perfectly normal. Feeling anxious or unsure is something every traveler experiences. But you’ve made it this far. Trust your planning and follow your instincts. You’re about to have the trip of a lifetime.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Russia-Ukraine war latest: Putin 'may launch all-out bid to seize second city' - as Western officials fear major Russian advance

Russia has launched fresh strikes on critical infrastructure - with Kyiv residents told to cut energy consumption every night for the rest of 2024. Meanwhile, Western officials reportedly fear a major Russian advance - amid concerns Vladimir Putin could launch an attempt to seize Kharkiv.

Saturday 13 April 2024 14:06, UK

• Ukrainian defences 'at risk of collapse' as officials fear major Russian advance - and all-out assault to seize second city
• Russia hits critical infrastructure in overnight missile strikes
• Putin mocks peace conference
• The big picture : Everything you need to know about the war this week
• Your questions answered: Is it too late to save Ukraine?

While we haven't been able to bring you live updates today, we have been keeping an eye on what's been happening in the Ukraine conflict. 

Here's a quick round-up of the key updates so far: 

At least 10 people, including children, have been killed by shelling in a Russian-occupied town in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region, a local Kremlin-installed official said.

A Ukrainian rocket also struck a machine-building plant in Russian-occupied Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, injuring three civilians, according to Moscow-based official Vladimir Rogov.

Meanwhile, Russia has claimed to have taken a village in Ukraine's Donetsk region. 

Russia's defence ministry said the capturing of Pervomaiske had improved its tactical position on the frontline. 

Ukraine's army chief has also warned the situation on the eastern front had deteriorated in recent days, with Moscow's forces intensifying its armoured assaults. 

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi said battles were still raging for control of a village west of the devastated Bakhmut - an area that has seen some of the bloodiest fighting throughout the war.

We'll be back tomorrow morning with more updates on the war in Ukraine.

Two Biden administration officials have revealed the extent of China's involvement in Russia's war on Ukraine.

The officials spoke to Reuters news agency and said China has massively increased its sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology to Moscow.

These items are important because Russia is using them to make tanks, aircraft, missiles and other weapons for the war.

They also said:

• About 90% of Russia's microelectronics came from China
• Nearly 70% of Russia's approximately $900m in machine tool imports in the last quarter of last year came from China
• Chinese and Russian entities have been working together to make drones in Russia
• China is helping Russia improve its satellite and other space-based capabilities for use in the war. This could increase the threat Russia poses across Europe

US President Joe Biden has previously raised concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping about Beijing's indirect involvement in the war.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen returned this week from a visit to Beijing and said she had warned China that the Biden administration was prepared to sanction Chinese banks, companies and Beijing's leadership if they helped Russia's military in the war.

She has already been given the go-ahead from Mr Biden to sanction financial institutions that help Russia's military-industrial complex.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to travel to China for talks next month.

Russia, increasingly isolated economically and diplomatically, has become more reliant on China in recent months.

One official said Chinese materials are helping Moscow undertake its "most ambitious defence expansion since the Soviet era and on a faster timeline than we believed possible early on in this conflict".

"Our view is that one of the most game-changing moves available to us at this time to support Ukraine is to persuade the PRC (China) to stop helping Russia reconstitute its military industrial base. Russia would struggle to sustain its war effort without PRC input," the official said. 

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Reuters that Beijing has not provided weapons to any party and that it is "not a producer of or party involved in the Ukraine crisis".

"We urge the US side to refrain from disparaging and scapegoating the normal relationship between China and Russia."

If Russia defeats Ukraine it will be a "turning point in history", former UK prime minister Boris Johnson says.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he criticised Western countries for not providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs to defeat Russia.

"Every week in which we fail to do the obvious — and give the Ukrainians the weapons they need — is a week in which Putin gets closer to his disgusting ambition, to torture a European country to death.

"Every day the pressure on the Ukrainians is growing — and yet the solution is within our grasp."

Mr Johnson, who visited Ukraine a number of times during his premiership, said: "A defeat for Ukraine would usher in a new era of fear in the whole Euro-Atlantic area, as Putin continues his drive to rebuild the Soviet empire: from the Baltics to Georgia to Moldova to Central Asia to the Arctic.

"It will be a terrifying moment for the people of Taiwan and the clearest possible signal to China that the West has lost the willpower to protect democracy.

"It will be a turning point in history, the moment when the West finally loses its post-war hegemony, the moment when borders everywhere are suddenly up for grabs and aggression is seen to pay — and all because of a failure to stand up for Ukraine."

Mr Johnson warned the world is "on a knife-edge, with a real risk that Western democracies are about to be humiliated, and autocracies emboldened around the world — because of our lassitude, our pathetic refusal to do what is necessary".

He said Ukraine is so short of shells that its troops sometimes have to wait under Russian bombardment because they can't fire back.

The shortage of air defences means Kharkiv, the second-largest city, is "in danger of being turned into another Mariupol", he added.

Ukrainians were able to intercept 90% of incoming strikes, he said, but now "we are starving them, for reasons I do not understand, of the protective shields they need".

Mr Johnson called on the US Congress to approve a $60bn military aid package earmarked for Ukraine and on the Germans to supply Taurus missiles.

The West - including Britain - needs to "snap out of our sleep-walk", he said, adding: "The simplest and most cost-effective way to defend freedom is to invest now in the defence of Ukraine."

Rescue workers in Ukraine have saved five puppies from under the debris of a destroyed building.

The non-residential building was on fire in the north-eastern city of Sumy, close to the border with Russia.

A video from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine showed the firefighters cuddling the squealing puppies and rinsing them off with water.

In a post of the emergency service's Telegram channel, officials said the "little ones" were not injured.

"This rescue story reminds us of the importance of human compassion and the willingness to help everyone, regardless of the circumstances," they added.

Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops.  

On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month.  

They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future.

A former Ukrainian secret service employee has been injured in Moscow after a device under his car exploded.

Vasily Prozorov suffered leg injuries that are not considered life threatening after the device detonated as he tried to start his car, Radio Free Europe cited Russian media as saying.

According to RFE, Mr Prozorov worked for Ukraine's SBU until 2018.

The following year, he told media in Moscow that he had collaborated with Russia "for ideological reasons" from April 2014 until he left the SBU.

These photos show the damage to a thermal power plant in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine.

A massive missile and drone attack destroyed and damaged a number of power plants across Ukraine overnight, part of a renewed Russian campaign targeting energy infrastructure.

The Trypilska plant, which was the biggest energy supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, was struck numerous times, destroying the transformer, turbines and generators.

Vladimir Putin said the attacks were a response to Ukrainian strikes that targeted Russian oil refineries.

In Kharkiv, there were at least 10 other strikes on energy infrastructure, resulting in damage like that seen in these photos.

Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said more than 200,000 people in the region were without power.

Herman Halushchenko, its energy minister, said it was a "large scale, enormous, missile attack that affected our energy sector very badly".

More details have emerged about American Russell Bentley, who is missing in the Russian-controlled Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.

Online news outlet Mash said he disappeared on 8 April after a district in the city of Donetsk was shelled by Ukrainian forces.

Mash cited his wife as saying he had gone to see if anyone needed help but had not returned.

Mr Bentley joined pro-Russian fighters in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

According to Russian news outlet RIA, he later swapped his gun for journalism and worked with state-run news outlet Sputnik.

In a 2022 Rolling Stone interview, he came across as a conspiracy theorist (he said the collapse of the World Trade Towers was a "pre-planned controlled demolition") and a fan of dictators (he described war crimes-accused former Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi as "one of the greatest").

He became a citizen of the Donetsk People's Republic in 2017 and a citizen of Russia in 2020, said the interview, which was headlined The Bizarre Story Of How A Hardcore Texas Leftist Became A Frontline Putin Propagandist.

In words similar to those of Russia's president Vladimir Putin, Mr Bentley described the Ukrainian military as "genuine mass-murdering Nazis", also claiming their ranks were swelled by "thousands of ISIS cannibals" - claims that have been widely dismissed by commentators.

The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with an additional €1bn (£850m) in military support this year, and has earmarked three-times that amount for next year.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte delivered the news in a social media post.

The extra support in 2024 takes the total sum for this year to €3bn (£2.56bn), along with €400m (£340m) to support Ukraine's economy, Mr Rutte said.

"Ukraine must win this battle - for their and our safety," he said.

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