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Vacation packing list: 27 essentials for any trip.

This vacation packing list covers the major essentials you don't want to forget.

Vacation Packing List

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Make sure you have everything you need for your next getaway.

While every vacation packing list ultimately looks different based on a variety of factors – the destination, traveler(s), budget and more – consider this guide a jumping-off point for the must-haves. You can also scroll down to More Vacation Packing Lists to see recommendations for specific trips.

Vacation packing list

For the journey, for the vacation.

Courtesy of Coolife

Before your adventure begins, you'll want to decide what type of bag(s) to pack. To determine the type of luggage you'll need, consider:

• How many days will you be traveling? If you're traveling for a week or longer, you may want to bring a large suitcase that can be checked in at the airport, or perhaps a complete luggage set . For a shorter trip, a carry-on and personal item (such as a backpack or small weekender bag ) should be sufficient.  
• Who are you traveling with? Determine if you can combine your belongings to avoid unnecessary checked luggage fees. If traveling with children who can help carry bags, consider some kids luggage they'll be excited to carry or roll along. 
• What type of climate(s) will you be in? For cold weather vacations, you might consider stuffing all of your outdoor gear into a rolling duffel bag . 
• What are the baggage restrictions for your mode of travel? Check carry-on size requirements for your specific airline to ensure your luggage will fit in the overhead bin. Cruise lines also have weight and quantity restrictions for luggage, so consult your cruise line's website for additional details.
• What kind of clothing will you need? Is this a casual trip or will you need formalwear for dinners and other gatherings? If you'll need the latter, you might want to purchase a garment bag to prevent wrinkled clothing. 

Packing cubes

Courtesy of Eagle Creek

To maximize suitcase space and stay organized, invest in at least one set of packing cubes. Travel experts recommend any of the packing cubes by Eagle Creek , as well as this cheap, quality set on Amazon . For more options, check out The Best Packing Cubes, Chosen by Travel Experts .

Credit cards

When traveling, it's good to have at least two credit card options with you. That way, if there are any issues with one card (or maybe a merchant doesn't accept American Express or Discover, a common occurrence when traveling abroad), you've got a backup payment option. It's also helpful in the event your credit card gets compromised and subsequently locked.

Read: The Best Travel Credit Cards

Travel documents

Having your boarding pass and personal identification is essential no matter where you're traveling. For international travel, you'll want a passport wallet for your passport along with any visa or customs forms you may need. Be sure to keep these documents either on your body or in your personal item that you place in under the seat in front of you on the plane (not in the overhead bin, where you may not always have access).

Travel pillow

Courtesy of Cabeau

Whether it's a long flight, train ride or car trip, dozing off without support can be a literal pain in the neck. Depending on what's comfortable for you, the Cabeau Evolution S3 and the Trtl Travel Pillow are two of the top U.S. News travel pillows . If you're short on space, you may want to consider the multitasking Tube Travel Neck Pillow , which doubles as a packing cube.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated while on the go is essential, and traveling with a reusable water bottle is an environmentally friendly way to do it. The LifeStraw Go is dishwasher-safe (when you remove the filter) and made of BPA-free plastic; the flip-straw has a two-step filter to trap bacteria and more. To keep your water cold for hours, the YETI Rambler has a durable stainless steel construction in a variety of colors and is the perfect canvas for travel stickers you collect along the way. To save space, try the Nomader Collapsible water bottle.

Hand sanitizer and holder

Keeping your hands clean while traveling helps fend off germs and unwanted illnesses. Hand sanitizer is essential for any trip, and clipping a travel-size bottle of it to your carry-on or handbag makes it easily accessible when you need it. You can find hand sanitizer holders on Amazon or at your local dollar store. You may also want to consider some antibacterial wipes for your in-flight tray table and sticky situations.

Toiletry bag and toiletries

Organizing your makeup, hair products, personal hygiene items and shaving supplies in a quality toiletry bag – such as the well-rated Lug Trolley on Amazon – makes it easy to find your essentials while traveling. Depending on what you plan to pack, a hanging style like the L.L.Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag , with a removable shower caddy and built-in hook, helps to save counter space and is especially useful in tight cruise ship cabins. To easily see everything at once, choose any of the clear cosmetics cases from CALPAK , which are available in multiple sizes and color trims.

For air travel, you'll need to keep in mind the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: that all liquids, gels and creams must be 3 ounces or less and placed into a one-quart clear bag. You can find refillable and travel-size toiletries and reusable quart-sized TSA-approved bags on Amazon .

Read: The Best Toiletry Bags

Medications and first-aid kit

You'll want to be sure to pack any prescription medications in your carry-on bag, along with other medications you may need while traveling, such as Dramamine . It's also helpful to have a travel-size first-aid kit with Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and more.

Compression socks

For everything from long flights to walking miles exploring a new destination, compression socks can help provide additional support and reduce swelling. With varying levels of compression available, one medium-level option to consider is the Bombas Everyday Compression Socks – a U.S. News top pick .

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Walking shoes

Courtesy of Birkenstock

Every journey includes a fair amount of walking, and nothing can put a stop to the fun like foot pain. Before you depart, be sure to invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes . For a sneaker style, the ASICS Gel-Contend is a U.S. News top pick. If you'd like a slip-on style, the Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Loafer for both men and women provides comfort and stability, while being able to be dressed up or worn casually. For a sandal, consider a supportive option like the Birkenstock Mayari .

Travel purse/bag

One way to keep identification, credit cards and other personal information organized and protected while traveling is with a well-designed purse or belt bag , such as the Anti-Theft Classic Messenger or the Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack by Travelon . The Lug Convertible Carousel also includes RFID protection and can be worn as a belt bag or as a crossbody.

If you're looking for a fashionable bag that can easily go from day to night, check out the TUMI Voyageur Crossbody , which has a choice of leather or nylon construction with leather accents, multiple compartments and gold hardware. The sustainable and machine-washable Vera Bradley Utility Tote Bag is another great option, with a removable shoulder strap and exterior pockets for your phone and other essentials.

Read: The Top Travel Purses

Long-sleeved shirt

When you're traveling, there's a good chance you might be changing climates or find yourself a bit chilled from air conditioning. Pack a long-sleeve tee, such as the L.L.Bean Beyond Soft Tee for women or the Carefree Unshrinkable Tee for men . This basic wardrobe staple works as a shirt on its own, a base layer in colder weather or a pull-on style over a tee. For young travelers, consider the Kids' Graphic Tee from L.L. Bean for a bit of playful fun.

Button-up shirt

For a shirt that can truly multitask, pack a button-up shirt. A classic style – like a Calvin Klein shirt for men or a timeless white button-down for women on Amazon – can be dressed up for dinner or a museum visit, paired with shorts and rolled sleeves for exploring, or put it on with a bathing suit as a cover-up.

This wardrobe staple is a travel essential. Versatile black, white or navy tees can be worn alone, under a blazer or layered for added warmth as needed. Pack a few basic options like the cotton tees at Lands' End for women , men , girls and boys , then add a fun graphic tee or two.

Packable jacket

Courtesy of Patagonia

A jacket that can fold up small to be tucked into your luggage is essential for any vacation packing list. From rain jackets to lightweight puffer jackets, choose the perfect packable jacket to keep you warm and dry in any locale.

Evening outfit

Even if you're going to the beach or planning a casual retreat, chances are you'll go out for a nicer dinner at least one night. Women may want to consider a black travel dress on Amazon , which can be dressed up with evening sandals and a necklace (or worn during the day for sightseeing). Men can invest in a packable travel blazer and wrinkle-free dress pants.

Reusable/foldable bag

Whether you're heading to the local market or going on a day trip, a packable tote like the CALPAK Compakt Tote Bag is ideal for stowing your daytime essentials and finds you buy along the way. If you're the type that likes to buy a lot of souvenirs from your travels, the Lug Packable Boxer is ideal to use for a day tote while traveling and as a personal item on your return flight. One of these reusable bags can also double as a beach bag. Or, if you want to bring a beach bag to double as your everyday travel bag, check out the best beach bags from U.S. News for additional recommendations.

Read: The Top Travel Accessories, Chosen by Our Editors

Focus on the moment (and enjoy the visual later) with a digital camera like the Panasonic Lumix G100 4K . A mirrorless model with both the ability to capture video and still images offers versatility whether you want to record the waves at sunset or snap a selfie in front of a museum. To get creative angles or have a tripod on the go, the Joby GorillaPod is a flexible and bendable option for travel.

If you're an active traveler, a GoPro HERO9 is a must-pack item. It has built-in stabilization features, and you can livestream your endeavors, film video or shoot images with this waterproof design. For a vintage-infused photo gallery, the Fujifilm Instax Mini EVO Instant Camera is a hybrid camera that allows you to store images on a memory card or print them directly from the device. It's the perfect way to document your travels along the way.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Protect your skin and the oceans with reef-safe sunscreen . Depending on your destination, some places – including Hawaii; Key West, Florida; Aruba; parts of Mexico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to name a few – have laws against the sale of sunscreens with reef-harming ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Many of the traditional brands of sunscreen have these ingredients, so look for an effective mineral-based sunscreen like Blue Lizard or Sun Bum .

In addition to sunscreen, a hat protects your face from the sun's harmful rays. What's more, it can be a fashionable addition to your beach attire. A packable style like the San Diego Hat Company women's large brim hat can be rolled and packed into a suitcase or carry-on, and provide a generous amount of shade at the beach, by the lake and beyond. For more recommendations, see U.S. News' list of the best beach hats .

While there's an endless array of bathing suit options, classic styles like a black tank suit for women can be paired with a long skirt to be transformed into an outfit. Or, a classic men's swim trunk can be worn with a polo top to maximize your vacation wardrobe. For the kids, Lands' End offers cute and functional designs for girls and boys .

Beach towels

Whether you want to add something soft to your favorite beach chair or you want to lay it right on the sand, a beach towel that repels sand and dries quickly is a vacation must-have. Consider a quick-drying oversized Turkish towel from Amazon or an attention-grabbing Lilly Pulitzer beach towel . You may also want to invest in a beach blanket .

Ideal as added sun protection or for walking through the air-conditioned corridors of a resort or cruise ship, a cute swimsuit cover-up is another packing essential. Some options include a chic J.Crew beach shirt , a stylish romper or a sheer La Blanca kimono .

Read: What to Wear on a Cruise

Nothing says laid-back vacation like a pair of flip-flops. Havaianas has styles for the whole family , in an array of colors and prints to coordinate with your beach attire.

Water shoes

Cuts on feet from coral, shells or even glass can be extremely painful. To protect the soles of you and yours, consider the Native Jefferson shoes , available in both children's and adult sizes. Designed for street wear, these versatile shoes are also water-friendly, making them ideal for everything from strolling the boardwalk to tubing down the river. For a more traditional water shoe, check out the Keen Newport sandals .

Sunscreen and cover-ups may protect your skin, but the sun can really hurt your eyes (especially when it reflects off the water). Top off your vacation style with Ray-Ban aviators or a classic Wayfarer . If you're seeking a chic retro vibe, you can't go wrong with a Kate Spade cat-eye frame.

More Vacation Packing Lists

Check out these other packing guides compiled by U.S. News:

• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Packing List
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• Road Trip Packing List
• Camping Packing List
• What to Pack in a Carry-on

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Rachael Hood loves the entire packing process. From finding the right suitcase to curating the ideal wardrobe and accessories for every trip, Hood has been perfecting her vacation packing list for years. Her must-pack items include a TUMI handbag, a Lug cosmetic case and a CALPAK packable tote. She used her personal experience along with retail merchandising background and research skills to create this list.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Vacation Rental Travel Insurance Plans
• How to Renew Your Passport
• TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry: Which One Is Right for You?
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Before You Travel

Before you travel, take steps to prepare so you can stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Know Your Health Status

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Learn About Blood Clots

Airplane travel, especially flights longer than 4 hours, may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Learn how to prevent blood clots during travel.

Share the following information about yourself or your trip with your provider:

• Special conditions such as pregnancy, allergies, or chronic health problems.
• Destinations on your itinerary.
• Type of accommodations (hotels, hostels, short term rentals).
• Type of travel (cruise, business, adventure travel).
• Timing and length of your trip.
• Planned activities.

Take recommended medicines as directed. If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only take medicine that you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Learn more about traveling abroad with medicine .

Plan for the Unexpected

Sometimes unexpected issues occur during travel. Learn what you can do before you leave to protect yourself and your travel companions.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

There are different types of travel insurance such as trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. Learn more about travel insurance .

Enroll with the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) . Check for and monitor any travel advisories for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the  US Department of State  knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency. Carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Some other tips to prepare for emergencies:

• Write down the contact information of people or services you may need while abroad.
• Check in with someone regularly during your trip.
• Dial 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the United States or Canada,
• Dial 00 1 202-501-4444 if calling from overseas, or
• Let family members know they can contact the embassy or consulate for help if they are worried about your safety while abroad.

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

More information for some travelers who may need to take extra precautions:

• Traveling with a disability
• Travelers with a weakened immune system
• Traveling with a chronic illness
• Pregnant travelers

Follow CDC’s guidance on how to stay safe during travel and after travel .

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12 Ways to Be Prepared for Anything While Traveling

When I was a kid, I was a Boy Scout. I made it pretty far too, but then I became a teenager, decided it was “lame,” and quit. As a Boy Scout, I learned how to tie knots, camp outdoors, be a good citizen, play with knives, and got to have cool sleepovers.

One of the most important things you learn as a Boy Scout is their motto to always “be prepared,” and as I’ve grown up and traveled the world, I’ve found this to also be a travel truism.

You never know what might happen on the road .

Stepping out your door into the unknown is what makes travel so exciting. Each day brings endless possibility, but that possibility is for both good and bad. You may end up enjoying a day sightseeing in Paris — or getting robbed in Berlin . You may spend an amazing day on the beaches of Thailand — or suffer food poisoning in Costa Rica .

But if you’re prepared, you’ll be able to face whatever happens to you on the road:

1. Take Multipurpose Gear

Packing multi-use gear ensures you can easily adjust to changing conditions and helps reduce the amount of clothing you need to take. For example, I like pants that zip off into shorts, walking shoes that look nice enough for an evening out, and using my swim trunks as a pair of shorts. This saves both room in my bag as well as money since I don’t need to buy as much stuff. This always ensures you are dressed for any occasion (after all, who knows when you’ll suddenly find yourself invited to party?!).

Here are some posts on gear that can help you:

• How to pick the right backpack
• My suggested packing list (and a women’s version too )

2. Carry a Small First Aid Kit

While you can find modern medicine anywhere in the world, I always carry a small first aid kit with a few essential items to be safe. I take Tylenol, stomach illness medicine, eyedrops, Band-Aids, scissors, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, and a small supply of doctor-approved antibiotics. I’m usually able to find a pharmacy when I need one, but in case of an emergency, it’s good to have these items handy.

Here’s a detailed guide on putting together a first aid kit .

(And, on a similar note, here are 10 ways to avoid getting sick on the road .)

3. Pack a Small Flashlight

You’d be surprised how many travelers don’t carry one, but a flashlight or headlamp will prove to be invaluable when you suddenly decide to go caving in Panama , when your hike lasts longer than expected and nightfall sets in, or when the electricity goes out unexpectedly, which is not uncommon in a lot of places.

4. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle (with a Filter)

Carrying a reusable water bottle and filter not only saves you money as a traveler, but it also prevents tons of single-use plastic from ending up in landfills or the ocean. And yes, should an emergency arise, you’ll be prepared. Most people can survive for 3 weeks without food — but you’ll only make it 3 days without water. Never leave home without a reusable bottle and filter, so that even you’ll have access to drinkable water if you’re in places where drinking the tap water isn’t recommended. SteriPen and LifeStraw are both great options.

5. Learn Basic Phrases

Locals don’t expect you to be an expert in their language, but knowing how to say “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you” goes a long way. After all, wouldn’t you be annoyed if someone came to your home and expected you to know their language?

Knowing a few key phrases will not only make interactions easier, but it will also help you when you bargain for goods, order food, get lost, or need help.

Lonely Planet makes excellent pocket language guides for just about every language spoken, and Benny Lewis wrote this excellent guide on learning languages .

6. Study Nonverbal Communication

Most people interact using both verbal and nonverbal communication, so paying attention to facial expressions can help you appropriately read a situation, even if you don’t understand the verbal part. When you don’t know the language, keep calm and take a moment to read the feelings of the person. This has helped me defuse tense situations with taxi drivers, vendors, and hotel owners. Understanding nonverbal communication doesn’t happen overnight and it does take practice. Here are some helpful guides for getting started:

• A Guide to Non-Verbal Communication
• How to Read Body Language
• Tips on Non-Verbal Communication
• 10 Websites for Non-Verbal Communication Tips

7. Keep Emergency Cash with You

While there is almost always an ATM around these days, you never know when emergency cash might come in handy. You could end up in an airport and find that none of your ATM cards work and you are stuck without any money (which happened to me once). I recommend having a stash of $200 USD for emergency situations. I don’t carry this money around but leave it in my hotel room safe in case something happens. It will be useful if you get robbed or lose your wallet.

8. Have Backup Credit and Bank Cards

I always keep one backup credit card and bank card with me in case of emergencies. You never know when one bank might decide to lock your account for suspicious activity without telling you (yes, that has also happened to me) or when you might get robbed. I once had my bank account information stolen while I was traveling in Europe. My bank had to deactivate my card, and if I hadn’t had a second one with me, I wouldn’t have had access to any money.

Here are some helpful blog posts on credit cards and banking for you:

• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card (With Suggested Favorites)
• How to Avoid Bank Fees When Traveling
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide

9. Make Copies of Your Passport and Important Documents

Keeping copies of your documents can come in handy during an emergency, especially if you lose your originals. If you get robbed or lose your passport, having copies ready for officials can make filing police reports and obtaining new documents much easier. When I lost my passport, my backup copies helped with my police report and served as my proof of identity at the American embassy. Copy your passport, your health/travel insurance paperwork, and your credit cards.

10. Carry a List of Emergency Contacts

If something happens to you, having a list of emergency numbers on you will help medical professionals know who to contact. I also keep a list of my allergies with me so if I need treatment and can’t answer questions, doctors know what I’m allergic to.

I keep two copies: one with me and one in my bag in my hotel room. Because having backups is important!

11. Have Travel Insurance

The ultimate form of preparedness, having travel insurance will be a blessing if you have to go to the hospital because you popped an eardrum scuba diving, got sick on the road, or broke a leg. Chances are nothing is going to happen to you while traveling, but, when it does, you are going to want to have insurance. Only a fool travels without it.

Here’s a list of suggested articles on how to pick the best travel insurance:

• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Backpacker Travel Insurance
• Safety Wing Review

12. Read Before You Go

There’s nothing more important than knowing about the place you’re visiting. Head to a library or bookstore and get a few books on what life is like where you’re going. If someone came into your home and ignored all your rules, you would get upset — the same guidelines are applicable when you travel overseas. Knowing basic rules and etiquette can help you avoid any misunderstandings and leave a favorable impression in your host’s minds.

You never know when you might face the unexpected, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of traveling, it’s that even the best-laid plans can go awry. You may not use everything on this list, and, hopefully, you won’t ever need some of them, but the point is to be ready when you do. After all, a scout is always prepared.  

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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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

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30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + Printable Checklist

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Everyone knows how stressful the last few days before the vacation usually are. Your responsible inner voice always manages to creep in and whisper, “ What if someone robs my house while I’m away? What if I forget to turn off the stove and the house burns down?”

The ‘ What if’ is your enemy, and you need to get rid of it. And do you know what’s the best remedy for the ‘ what if’ syndrome? It’s to make sure that you’re prepared. You NEED to confirm that you’ve gone through, at least, the most critical stuff. And there’s no better way of doing this than by going through a checklist and marking off the empty boxes one by one.

So go ahead and grab your printable PDF checklist of 30 things to do before traveling abroad and start ticking those boxes! If you want a more detailed version, continue reading down below.

1. Check the Expiry Date of Your Documents

Ensure that your passport , ID card, driver’s license, bank cards, and other documents aren’t about to expire. Most countries won’t let you in if your passport expires in less than six months.

Remember that documents take a few weeks to renew, so do that at least a month before you depart.

Read Next: You Bought Airline Tickets Online. Now What? (Guide)

2. Email and Print the Most Important Documents

Scan your documents (passport, visa, driver’s license, ID card), email them yourself, and print copies. In case they get stolen, the renewal process will go faster if you have copies on hand or in your inbox. Also, keep them separate from the original copies.

Tip: Get an RFID-Blocking organizer for all of your documents and keep all of them in a safe place.

3. Get Your Visa Ready

First of all, get a visa (if required) and check if the dates are correct. You’ll find which countries need a permit at the official U.S. embassy’s website .

4. If Traveling with Children, Get a Child Consent

A lot of people forget about child consent. If a child is less than 18 years old isn’t traveling with both parents, you’ll need written permission from the other parent.

5. Don’t Forget to Print and Screenshot Check-Ins, Accommodations, and Tickets

It’s a good idea to print or send to your phone all bookings, check-ins, airline tickets, tickets for attractions, and tickets for buses, trains, and metros.

6. Check If You Need an International Drivers License

You should get an International Drivers License (IDL), also known as International Driving Permit (IDP), which will allow you to drive in most countries. Though IDPs aren’t required everywhere – you’ll find a map that shows which countries require them over here . If you’re living in the U.S., you can get them through the American Automobile Association , and they cost only a few bucks. You can fill the application online and later print a valid license.

7. Get Travel Insurance

First, check if your credit card already comes with travel insurance. If not, you should buy one. Ensure that it covers medical and juridical expenses, theft and robbery, lost luggage , and missed or canceled flights.

8. Get Vaccinated

Find out if you need any vaccines by visiting the official World Health Organization’s website. The most common required ones are yellow fever, malaria, meningococcal disease, and polio. You can also call a local travel vaccination center, and they’ll tell you which ones you need.

Remember that some vaccines have to be made a few weeks before your trip. Also, often you need to take multiple shots with some days between them. So you should get vaccinated early.

9. Pack Important Medicine

Most medications  can be carried on board , according to TSA. Though you should make certain that your medicine is in its original packaging and in adequate quantities. Pack something to bring down the temperature, painkillers, bandages, a digital thermometer, pills against diarrhea, and something for sunburns.

10. Don’t Forget the Prescriptions for Your Medications

If you use prescribed medicine, you should get your prescriptions before you go. TSA requires you to have them on board, and you’ll need them if you run out.

11. Plan for Day Trips and Activities

Some like to keep their trips spontaneous, but it’s often a good idea to book at least some activities in advance. Sometimes, you won’t get the tickets on the spot because they’re booked.

For instance, one of our staff members has an upcoming trip to Spain in two months, and he wants to visit the El Caminito del Rey, other known as “The world’s most dangerous hike.” He was shocked to find out that the tickets sold out months ago, and he was lucky to get a spot. So be like me and book the most important activities a few months early.

12. Check for Travel Warnings and Register with the Embassy

A few weeks before you go, keep an eye on the official U.S. Travel Advisories  because they’ll give out warnings for potentially dangerous countries and warzones. It would be a good idea to register with the local U.S. embassy before going, so they can give instructions to you if something goes wrong.

13. Inform Your Bank When and Where You’re Going

If you’re living in Ohio and your bank sees purchases from a different country, they’ll think that someone has stolen your card. To prevent this, inform them when and where you’ll be going.

14. Pay Your Bills in Advance or Set up Automatic Payments

This tip is an obvious one. You don’t want to come back only to find out that you’re in debt. I usually pay two months in advance to avoid nasty surprises.

15. Check the Exchange Rates, Atm Fees, and Exchange Some Cash

Learn what currency they’re using and the exchange rate so you don’t get ripped off. Also, visit your bank’s website and write down the abroad fees for transactions and ATM withdrawals. It’s usually cheaper to exchange roughly a hundred bucks before you go and withdraw the rest through the ATM once you’re there.

16. Hold Your Mail and Set up Email Autoresponder

For your regular mail, you can ask the post office to hold your letters for a few weeks or ask your neighbors to pick them up. Also, don’t forget to set up an autoresponder on Gmail , so your clients and colleagues know that you’re away.

17. Check Your Phone Fees, and Maybe Get a Cheap Sim Card Abroad

Often it’s a bad idea to use your phone abroad. You may receive charges even for incoming calls and messages, so instead, get a cheap SIM once you’re there. To use SIM cards in other countries, you’ll first need to open your phone,’ which you can do at most mobile stores for a small fee. If you are using your own SIM, check the abroad fees, so you have a good idea of what to expect.

18. Find Someone to Take Care of Your Pets

If you have pets, arrange for your relatives, friends, or neighbors to take care of them or purchase pet sitting services.

19. Look at the Weather Forecasts

By finding out what the weather will be like, you’ll be able to pack accordingly. Also, learn about potential hurricanes, flash floods, thunderstorms, tsunamis, e.t.c., and learn about what you should do in those situations.

20. Find out the Local Transportation Costs

Check the local costs for buses, trains, metros, and taxis – look for the average prices and discounts for specified-time tickets. Maybe opt-in for a rental instead? For instance, in most third world countries taxis are usually the best way of transportation, as they’re pretty cheap. But sometimes it’s even less expensive to rent a car.

21. Learn the Airline Luggage Restrictions

Don’t forget to check the restrictions before you start packing because you might exceed the weight or size limits. Also, don’t forget to go through ALL connecting flights as well. One time, our staff member forgot to purchase onboard luggage on a domestic flight and had to overpay at the airport!

22. Get Adapters and Check for Dual-Voltage on Your Devices

Find out if you’ll need an adapter and what voltage they use. For instance, the U.S. uses 110v, while the EU uses 220V. In this case, you would need to ensure that the voltage of your 110V electronics is also suitable for 220V.

Usually, you can see that in small letters on the charger ( 100-240V.) You can use voltage in that range; otherwise, your devices will fry.

Tip: Get a universal travel adapter , which works in most countries, so you don’t have to purchase and carry multiple ones.

23. Download Offline Versions of Google Maps

Did you know that you can download offline versions of Google Maps? Generally, a 100-200 mile radius takes up around 250MB. If you do that, your maps will work as usual, and you’ll be able to find anything you need at a glance. That’s especially handy if you’re planning on renting a vehicle.

24. Charge Electronics, Pack Memory Cards, and Chargers Delete Old Photos

TSA requires that your electronics have a full charge when you go through security , and they might ask you to turn them on. So charge your devices, don’t forget to pack your chargers, memory cards, and delete old photos from your last trip, so you have enough space for new ones.

25. Plan Your Drive to and from the Airport

Arrange a friend to take you to and from the airport because parking is often full or very expensive at airports. We use a taxi or public transport.

26. Let Your Neighbors Know That You’ll Be Away

If you’re close with your neighbors, it might be a good idea to let them know that you’ll be away. Tell them to contact the police if anyone comes snooping around or they see any activity in the house.

27. Unplug Electronics, Turn off the AC, and Turn down Water Heating

To save some utility costs, and potentially avoid electrical hazards, prepare your house before you leave. You should turn off your AC, or set it to low. Then, unplug all electronics and turn off your water heating or set it to a low temperature.

28. Clean Your Fridge of Fruits, Dairies, and Other Organics

You don’t want to come home to the scent of rotten food! So you should plan ahead and throw out all organics that could degrade.

29. Water the Plants, Set Timers for Lights, Close the Blinds and Take out the Trash

Before leaving, use this final list to make sure you’re all set to go:

• Water the plants
• If you have timers for lights, set your lights to go on at random times during the day to trick thieves
• Close the blinds
• Sweep the floors
• Take out the trash
• Change your bedsheets, because you’ll be too tired to do that when you’re back

30. Hide Your Valuables Someplace Safe

If you have valuables in your house, you should store them someplace safe. Hide your jewelry, silverware, and other valuables somewhere in your home, or, even better, rent a safe deposit box at the local bank.

The Bottom Line

There you go – your ‘ what if’  syndrome has been cured! If you’ve read all 30 items in this list and made sure to follow them, you should be all set to depart on your long-awaited trip.

Are you searching for more tips for your vacation? Check out these  80 packing tips for international travel  to make the most out of your luggage.

This post is also available in: English

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One response to “30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + Printable Checklist”

Oscar, your post really resonated with me! 🙌 The way you broke down the complexities of quantum physics was brilliant. I’m curious, though, how do you reconcile quantum entanglement with Einstein’s theory of relativity? Also, could you delve a bit deeper into the concept of superposition? I think it could offer some valuable insights. From my own experience as a physics teacher, I’ve found that real-life examples, such as the famous Schrödinger’s cat experiment, really help students grasp these abstract concepts. Keep up the good work! 👏

Just wanna comment on few general things, The website style and design is perfect, the subject matter is very wonderful : D.

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Travel Preparations: Pre-Departure Tips You Need

by Hailey Jurd - Last updated on August 14, 2017

• Before You Go

Heading abroad on the adventure of a lifetime is exciting, inspiring and… nerve-wracking! It’s okay to have some butterflies in your stomach, matter of fact, it would be weird if you didn’t. To reduce the chance of a full blown anxiety-stress-freak-out , we recommend that you have all travel preparations smashed out pre-departure.

As well as being completely zen before you even leave, being prepared to travel pre-departure will make your time in-country a more successful experience, reduce potential risks, and increase the positive impact you make on your host community.

So, where do you begin…?!?! Well, this article is a great start. I’ll guide you through some necessary travel preparations to make before you depart on your experience abroad. 

[Don’t have a trip planned yet? Let an Online Advisor match you to your ideal international program! ]

Set smart (S.M.A.R.T) goals

Before you decide on a destination, program, or volunteer project, it’s a great idea to set goals and achievements to work toward throughout your journey. It may seem silly, but it’s a very important step in making early travel preparations in order to guarantee the success of your time abroad!

The concept of a S.M.A.R.T goal is comprehensive and super-simple to create:

S - Specific: Your goals should be well defined and clear.

M - Measurable: Is you goal obtainable and how is success measured?

A - Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and can be achieved in the available time frame.

R - Relevant: Goals should be relevant to the task at hand - in this case, your travel journey.

T - Time-based or trackable: Set yourself a deadline, and hold yourself to it.

Goals can be aimed toward personal growth, professional development or specific to the work that you are planning to do. Struggling to start your goal setting? Begin by reflecting on your motivations for traveling/volunteering/interning abroad and listing five of them. You will see a theme emerge from these motivations and goals should evolve naturally.

I find that a stunning piece of stationary helps ward off the goal-setting procrastination, buying a journal or diary specifically for your trip helps kick off the journey and your excitement. Use this journal as you make travel preparations, and during your trip abroad, to document important information, ideas, bucket lists and to revert back to your goals when you need to.

By the end of your adventure you will have a great resource full of all your memories – not to mention, journaling is a great boredom buster while traveling (especially in-transit) when, more often than not, you can’t rely on Netflix to get you through.

Set some S.M.A.R.T goals for your time abroad.

Endorse your travel — get certified!

There is no better way to prepare yourself for your adventure abroad than to up-skill by completing a certification course. With the boom of online-learning courses there are many options for furthering yourself from the comfort of your own home pre-departure and, bonus, they are affordable!

Brush Up on Your Lovely Language Skills

Learning key phrases of a new language is a crucial travel preparation and one that is often put to the wayside. At the minimum, you should know how to say these phrases in the local language…

• My name is…
• Where is / where are…?

Begin practicing before you leave home by using language apps, podcasts, watching movies, using the language in conversation with friends and family or by attending a physical or online language class. The best way to learn is through practice, so make sure that once you are at your destination you put your language skills into real-life situations, be brave and habla alto !

Check Out a TEFL Course

If you are heading abroad to volunteer in childcare or teaching abroad then it pays to enroll in a TEFL course . A TEFL course will prepare you with practical methods and skills to teach a classroom of children or adults confidently and effectively. A TEFL certification will also put you in good stead for a paid ESL teaching job either at home or abroad.

An easy step 1: get your passport (if you don’t already have one!).

Up-Skill with Pre-Departure Travel Courses

Traveling abroad is exciting, fun and sometimes a bit daunting. Learn to travel with confidence by enrolling in a Travel Health & Safety online course . This is particularly relevant to first time, solo, or nervous travelers. An online travel safety course can teach you all of the skills and tips you need to keep yourself safe, healthy and having the time of your life.

Considering volunteering abroad? Make sure you make a meaningful impact by up-skilling first with an international volunteering online course . Prepare yourself fully for the volunteering journey and arm yourself with the skills needed to make a responsible, sustainable and effective impact on the community in which you are volunteering in. Also, a perfect way to endorse your volunteering on your resume and further your professional development.

Any or all of these certifications are a rock-solid way of validating and endorsing your travel on your resume, filling a hole that a gap-year may make on your all-important documents.

[ First-time international volunteer? You’ve GOTTA download our free eBook! ]

Manage those expectations.

Managing your expectations is key in travel preparations to ensure that your time abroad is a winner. This comes down to research, mindset, and commitment. 

If you are volunteering or interning through an organization, make sure you read all of the information that they provide. I know that the last thing you want to do is read a 20-page PDF, but trust me, these organizations know these destinations and experiences inside and out! They want you to be as prepared as possible, so that you can have the best time possible.

Pre-departure prep courses will have you smiling and set up for success abroad.

Conduct your own personal research on things like; 

• Local culture
• Living arrangements

Knowing what you are in for will reduce culture-shock and set realistic expectations. 

It may sound like a cliche, but keep an open mind. Your experience abroad will be heavily influenced by how you accept and embrace local culture, people and ways of life. If you are closed off to these things, you won’t have a very enjoyable time. Cliches are good, be ALL the cliches! Keep an open mind, step out of your comfort zone, seize the day etc, etc…

Volunteering abroad, or any international program, should be treated with the respect and dedication. You have chosen to travel abroad, give back and further yourself and so, you should be prepared to go the full nine yards during your working week. Never fear, you will have plenty of down time and weekends to explore this new and exciting destination.

[ Save & compare your dream programs with MyGoAbroad ]

Take care of yourself while you travel!

Get your ducks in a row

Essentially, without some very necessary paperwork, your dreams of a trip abroad will go “ kaput .” Here are some questions to ask yourself when making your travel preparations…

• Do you have a passport? Yes — good work, make sure that it is valid for six months past your return date. No? Get one, ASAP!
• Do you need to obtain a visa to be allowed entry into your chosen destination? Research this with your designated embassy or discuss it with your program provider. They’ll know the requirements.
• Are your vaccinations up-to-date or do you need any specific vaccinations for your chosen destination? For example, some parts of Africa will only allow you to enter if you have you Yellow Fever vaccination. Visit a travel doctor with a comprehensive copy of your itinerary and they will discuss vaccinations, medications and risk management with you.
• Have you purchased travel insurance? And, if so, do you understand what it does and doesn’t cover? Make sure to speak to the insurance company about what activities are covered and have an understanding of the claim process, should you have to make one.
• Have you booked an airport pick-up and first nights accommodation for when you arrive at your destination? Chances are you will be tired and overwhelmed when you step off the plane, knowing that you have pre-organized transport and accommodation will reduce stress levels and keep you safe in your first 24 hours in-country.
• Have you spoken with your bank about using your debit and/or credit cards abroad? Let them know specifically where you are traveling to so that they don’t cut off access to your money on the account of them assuming it is fraud.

Me, Myself & I

Your well-being while you are abroad is super-mega-important, you don’t want your memories to be clouded by a persistent illness or mental health issues. Take care of yourself before you leave, stock up on vitamins, and make sure that you have a solid support network of friends and family to talk to when things start getting hard.

It is inevitable that you will find yourself with an upset stomach or a bout of homesickness, but so long as you prepared for these pre-departure, you will get over them quickly and be back to having an adventure for the books. Make sure you speak to your doctor or a mental health care professional before you leave so that you are armed with strategies and solutions for whatever life throws at you while you are on the road. 

Making travel preparations pre-departure, and taking the steps to really prep will make your time abroad a breeze.

Travel Preparation Checklist:

• Have a passport that is in-date and any necessary Visas pre-arranged
• Visit a travel doctor and receive required vaccinations 
• Pack a basic (or not so basic) first-aid kit
• Book first nights accommodation (at least) and airport pick-up
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
• Speak to your bank about travel money options and let them know, specifically, where you are traveling to
• Ensure that your mobile phone is unlocked for an international sim
• Discuss communication expectations with your friends and family
• Research climate and pack accordingly (try not to over-pack!!)
• Download your favorite podcasts and albums
• Buy an amazing journal for goal-setting and keeping travel memories safe 
• A open mind, a sense of adventure and a passion for meaningful travel

So, what now?

Following these travel preparation tips will set you up for a successful and overall more thrilling time abroad, remember that research is key and keep that mind of yours open to new and exciting opportunities. Go out there, have fun and keep yourself safe!

Get Inspired: How Travel Makes Us Humble

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12 Tips to Prepare for an International Trip

Tips for take-off to landing

Going on an international trip soon? The rules for international flights have many dos and don't's. Here are 12 tips gleaned from experienced globe trotters designed to make that long-haul flight easier. 

Pack Lightly

On one of my first international business trips as an adult, I overpacked drastically. Guess who had to carry a large heavy suitcase, a large purse, and a garment bag around Paris at Metro and train stations that didn’t have elevators or escalators? After that, I swore to only pack what I could comfortably carry by myself. Check out my packing tips here.

Choose an Aisle Seat

On long flights, it’s recommended that you get up and walk to stretch your muscles and avoid blood clots in your legs. This is much easier to do in an aisle seat, so book one as soon as you book your ticket.

There's an App for That!

Apps can be a savior when traveling, but especially when you're abroad. You can use travel apps them to keep in touch with your airline, translate different languages, search for services at airports, choose your seats and myriad other tasks.

Dress Accordingly

On a long flight, you want to look well-dressed, but you also want to be comfortable. so you don’t want to wear clothes that cut or bind. I wear a wrinkle-proof jacket that can double as a blanket or a pillow, and I always wear a long pashmina for the same reason. The pashmina can also be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. Buy my favorite for $10 at the Bijoux Terner website. I also wear slip-on flat shoes that are easy to take on and off at security and on your flight. All of this isbeautifully illustrated here at the Chelsea Tells Storiesblog.

Arrive Early

Most airlines want you at the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off, especially if you’re leaving from a U.S. international gateway airport . It will give you time to check your bags, check in, navigate the airport security checkpoint and get to your gate in plenty of time and arrive ​stress-free.

Zip Through Customs

Those who travel internationally know that U.S. Customs and Immigration lines can be a nightmare, especially at peak arrival times at the major international U.S. airports. Smart travelers carry the  Global Entry  card, which speeds you right past the Immigration and Customs lines. And a bonus -- it also works for the domestic Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program .

Lounge Around

Because you need to be at the airport so far in advance, consider paying for access to an airline-branded or airport lounge. There are plenty of lounges that allow you to pay a fee for entry. It's good to have time away from the masses before boarding your flight.

Drink Water

It’s OK to have a glass of wine or two while on your flight, but you really need to stay hydrated, because aircraft cabins are extremely dry. And instead of bothering flight attendants for endless little cups of water, go to your local dollar store, buy a water bottle and ask them to fill that up.

Cone of Silence

Nothing is worse than being on a plane with a screaming child or a chatty Cathy seatmate. That’s why I never travel without either a pair of  noise canceling headphones or my Beats Flex By Dr. Dre earbuds. Pop on either of them and enjoy the silence.

Sleepy Time

When it’s time to rest, you want to be comfortable. So invest in an inflatable neck pillow (I know they look silly, but they are a great sleep enhancer), an eye mask and comfortable socks.

Charge Me Up

More airlines are installing power ports on their aircraft, but you can’t always depend on that. When I flew to Paris for Christmas, the flight over had a USB port, but the flight home didn’t. That’s why I always carry mytrusty Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, which allows me to charge my iPhone and iPad quickly.

Show The Love

The flight attendants are there for your safety. But they also work hard to ensure that our flight is comfortable and stress-free. Show your appreciation by presenting them with a box of sealed chocolates, like Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares or Ferrero Rocher truffles. And although you're not expecting it, they may show the love back to you in return. 

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21 International Travel Checklist Items To Make Your Life Easier

Planning a big overseas trip–maybe even for the first or second time–and trying to put together the perfect international travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything before you leave?

We have you covered: as full-time travelers for more than 4 years across nearly 50 countries, we are well accustomed to preparing for international travel.

We’ve put together this international travel checklist to make sure you leave for the airport stress-free and ready to enjoy a phenomenal vacation abroad!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

International Travel Checklist: Booking Your Trip

Calculate your travel budget and plan with your eyes open..

Before starting any of your trip planning, we recommend setting a budget for your travels.

Having a number in mind (though this is a very, very old post, we still stand by this formula for calculating your travel budget) will not only keep you from overspending, it’ll also keep you from underspending in the early planning stages.

You don’t want to get to the end of your trip and realize you could have splurged on that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after all!

Sketch out your travel itinerary.

Once you have a budget in mind, go ahead and sketch out an itinerary for where you want to go once you arrive at your destination.

There is no limit to the variety of bucket list-worthy trips in the world, making narrowing down your options most of the challenge of this step!

This is one of our favorite things to do on this international travel checklist, and detailed itineraries are also my favorite blog posts to write.

If you’re headed to a destination we’ve covered on Our Escape Clause, use the search bar on the top right of the screen to find what suggested itineraries we have for your trip!

Check visa requirements.

Depending on where you are coming from and where you are going, this step might vary from a cursory Google search all the way up to planning a year in advance so you have time to gather your documents and get to an interview.

For US citizens, we recommend checking visa requirements for your intended destination on the travel.state.gov website , which will always have the most up-to-date official information.

Check COVID-19 documentation requirements.

In 2021 (and let’s be real: probably in 2022 and quite possibly beyond that), it’s a whole new world as far as traveling abroad goes, and this checklist would not be complete without mentioning COVID-19 documentation.

Whether you need to show your vaccination card, a negative test, or both, odds are you’ll need to square away some documentation to travel internationally.

Don’t forget to check any requirements for coming home, too!

Buy your plane tickets!

Personally, the moment that we finally purchase our plane tickets is virtually always the moment that a trip really, truly starts to feel real.

It’s exhilarating, and hopefully, a highlight for you as you work through this international travel checklist as well!

Book your hotels & rental car.

Once you have your travel itinerary ready to go, your plane tickets purchased, and your visa sorted (if applicable), it’s time for the next phase of preparing for international travel: booking your hotels for each destination and your rental car.

We typically use Booking.com (and occasionally Airbnb ) to find our hotels and apartments, Get Your Guide to book most tours and tickets,  and use Discover Cars to find our rental cars.

Start learning phrases in the language of your destination.

For the vast majority of international trips, this is more out of politeness than an extreme necessity, but still: as your trip starts getting closer, start learning a few phrases in the language spoken in your destination!

A few to start with are: yes, no, please, thank you, hello, goodbye, I would like, where is the toilet, and excuse me.

International Travel Checklist: Getting Your Documents in Order

Check the expiration date on your passport..

For most countries, your passport will need to have an expiration date more than 6 months after you leave the country.

If yours is getting close to expired, get that taken care of ASAP, especially if your trip is coming up (like, start looking at the process of renewing your passport this second ).

Book onward travel if needed.

Technically speaking, most countries around the world require you to have your exit plan firmly in place in order to enter their country.

Depending on where exactly you’re going and your level of passport privilege, this may be a very important step on your international travel checklist or more of a CYA move, but either way, it’s good to have it taken care of.

If you have a round-trip plane ticket booked, no worries, this doesn’t apply to you.

If you have a one-way ticket booked, print out or download it to your phone (don’t rely on having the internet to look something up in your email–we’ve learned that one the hard way) proof of your plan to leave the country in question.

If you don’t have a plane ticket, perhaps because you are planning to take a train or bus to your next stop, a hotel reservation or visa for your next destination may sometimes work, but it depends on the immigration officer or airline employee (as they often are de facto in charge of enforcing these rules) in question.

Buy travel insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is as compared to traveling in general, and how much money and headache it can save you in the face of something going wrong, it is absolutely worth buying when preparing for international travel.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen on the road, and traveling abroad is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

For the vast majority of destinations, we use and recommend Safety Wing for travel insurance.

Get an international driving permit if needed.

If you’re planning on driving on your trip abroad, be sure to check and see if you need to add an international driving permit to your checklist for international travel before you go!

These are essentially translations of your license into many languages–some countries require them, some technically do and rarely enforce it, some require it only if your license isn’t in one of several languages, and some don’t require it at all.

You can obtain a permit at home before you go by following these steps .

If necessary, get vaccinated.

Depending on where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how up-to-date your immunizations are, you may need anywhere from a slew of vaccines to prepare for your international trip, documentation of vaccines you’ve already received (especially in 2021), or nothing at all.

The more prep time you have to get any vaccines that you do need, the easier your trip planning will go!

Email a copy of your itinerary to yourself and a trusted loved one.

The odds of a loved one needing to access your itinerary during your trip abroad are small, but even still, there’s no downside to making sure someone back home knows where you are!

On your side, it’s always handy to have a copy of all your hotel bookings, rental car bookings, plane tickets, etc, handy–you never know when you might need to refer back to something.

Generally, as part of planning a trip, we make an email folder specifically for that trip and put all relevant reservations and information in there to ensure we’re able to keep track of everything.

International Travel Checklist: Taking Care of Your Home

Stop your mail..

Don’t let mail pile up at your home while you’re away–make sure it is held at the post office for you for the duration of your trip.

For travelers from the USA like us, you can easily set up a mail hold here through USPS online .

Let family and friends know how to contact you.

Do you plan to stay in touch with family and friends through an international phone plan? Skype? Whatsapp? Email? Social media?

Whatever the plan, be sure to let your loved ones know–especially if you’re planning a longer trip–and if it makes sense for your situation, help them set up any necessary apps that they may not have yet.

Hire a house or pet sitter if needed.

If you have plants that need watering, a pup that needs walking, a pool that needs cleaning, or just a house that needs someone to come by and make sure everything is okay, get a house and/or pet sitter worked out as far in advance of your trip as possible.

The closer to your travel dates that you start making arrangements, the more stressful the process can be.

International Travel Checklist: Getting Everything Packed

Make a packing list and buy anything you need..

Obviously, your packing list will vary dramatically based on your destination, but here are a few items that are on our own international travel checklist, typically regardless of destination.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Money Belt  — This is up to you, but I’ll include it here due to its popularity. We no longer use a money belt, but if you’re more comfortable having your passports on your person while exploring you can consider bringing one.

If you’re looking for a detailed packing list, we have dozens of them on Our Escape Clause including for summer in Europe , winter in Europe , Italy , Mexico , Colombia , and Ireland .

Check your prescription medications.

Do you have enough of a supply to last the length of your trip?

If you need to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage, is it in original packaging?

Let your banks and credit card companies know that you’re traveling abroad.

For most banks, this can be done online these days, but you can also choose to call to set a travel notification in a pinch.

Generally, they’ll want to know what countries you’re visiting and for how long, and simply make a note in your file.

Forget to do this, though, and you risk your card being denied when you try to use it abroad!

Be sure you have all your long-haul flight essentials.

We’ve dedicated an entire post to making sure you bring the right things with you for the endurance event that is getting through a long haul flight semi-comfortably, but here are a few things to get you started: an eye mask , lip balm, cozy socks, hand sanitizer, offline entertainment, and a portable USB charger .

If you like to download things to watch or listen to for flights, consider picking out one of the best travel shows to watch along the way!

Weigh your luggage before you leave.

… and compare it to not only the airline you’re flying with to reach your initial destination, but also any other airlines you’re flying for different legs of your trip, as well.

For example, if you fly from New York to Paris with Delta but are flying from Paris to Rome with Ryanair, make sure your luggage meets Ryanair’s requirements as well to avoid a headache later in your trip.

International Travel Checklist: Streamlining Your Arrival

Keep a pen in your carry-on..

If you end up needing to fill out an arrival card before passing through immigration, either on the plane before landing or upon arrival before getting in line for processing, you’ll be so glad to have a pen with you!

Have a plan in place to get from the airport to your hotel.

The final step of your international travel checklist is as simple as it is important: make an arrival plan.

When you arrive at your destination, you’re undoubtedly going to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably a bit jet-lagged, too!

No matter how many times we arrive in a new country, it never stops being a tiny bit stressful, simply because there are a lot of variables at play in the first few hours of arriving somewhere new.

Make life easier on yourself by thinking ahead: when planning your trip , figure out your exact steps of what will happen after the plane lands.

That means exactly how far away your hotel is, how you’ll get there from the airport (train, bus, rental car, taxi?), and if you’ll be traveling by taxi, what a reasonable price is and/or if there is set fare from the airport to the city center (there often is)

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

5 thoughts on “21 International Travel Checklist Items To Make Your Life Easier”

Very Helpful to Get My Task List Started! If you have something specific to the Holy Land regarding packing list and preparation tasks, I’d love to get my hands on it!

Thanks, Val! Nothing specific to that area at this time, but you never know in the future. 🙂

So glad I found your blog! I’ve traveled to multiple countries over the years, yet, you gave me new things to consider and since it’s been awhile since I’ve traveled it’s helpful to have all of this info in one place! I was wondering whether you recommend we use our cell phones in Europe and talk to our carrier about an international plan or purchase a temporary one at our destination? We are traveling to France this summer and Ireland two times next year. Thank you so much!

Hi Marissa! If your phone is unlocked, purchasing a European SIM card will almost certainly be far cheaper than an international plan. 🙂 You can buy a SIM card once you arrive at the airport (there are virtually always stalls set up as you leave), or you can even buy one on Amazon before you go! I believe Orange sells theirs on Amazon.

Great, thanks Kate!

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The 19-Step International Travel Checklist: How to Prepare to Go Abroad

Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Michela

Traveling internationally is both exciting and intimidating – with so many moving parts to keep track of while trip planning, you don’t want to forget essentials that will make your international travel experience safe and stress-free. With this international travel checklist , you’ll know exactly the steps to take in preparing for your upcoming trip.

Preparing for an international trip is not just about deciding what outfits you’re going to wear or what activities you’re trying to cross off your bucket list or how you’re going to stay entertained on a long-haul flight .

Travel prep includes everything from researching the visa requirements of your destination to finding a pet-sitter to simply having a pen on the plane.

This international travel checklist gives an overview of all the steps you should take before departure, plus important travel tips we often overlook, to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through that link, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure !

Download the PDF International Travel Checklist

Step one is to convert this informative post into a handy checklist you can download and print as your international travel prep gets underway!

You will receive tons of information about preparing for international travel throughout this post, but if you’re looking for a quick and easy fix, you can jump straight to the downloadable checklist of the actionable steps you need to take.

It’s also a helpful handout to keep things organized as you’re preparing to go abroad – you have a lot to think about, so a printed list can at least streamline one aspect of your trip prep!

Not to mention you can download so much more, like a packing list or photo editing presets, since this checklist is part of The Travel Library .

Email address

Preparing for International Travel: Before Departure

1. check visa entry requirements for your destination.

The first thing you should do when preparing for international travel is update yourself if there are any visa requirements for entering the country with the passport you hold (I have the most experience with my US passport, so I’ll mostly be referencing travel as a US citizen.)

You can do a quick check for visa requirements by country and then contact the embassy covering your jurisdiction to proceed with applying for a visa if necessary.

2. Book Plane Tickets & Other Important Reservations In Advance

As soon as you know you’re leaving the country, start looking to book flights, accommodation, car rentals, and any other reservations that would be detrimental to your itinerary to not have planned.

Use my favorite cheap flight hacks to find a flight and keep in mind countries can be strict if you don’t have a return ticket home. Have some kind of proof of onward travel or your return plane ticket when going through customs.

3. Ensure Documents Are Up To Date

The most important document for international travel is your passport. Besides not losing it, you must make sure the document is not expired.

Passport renewals should be done as soon as possible if you realize your passport is expired before your next trip.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some destinations will not allow you in their country if your passport will expire within 6 months of your trip or if you don’t have enough blank pages.

4. Enroll In The STEP Program

United States citizens should always enter their trip information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , offered by the US Department of State.

By entering your information, you will then be notified by email of any relevant safety news affecting your destination, including protests, emergencies, and embassy contact information.

If an emergency does occur, it makes it easier for the embassy to contact you and your family, so this is one of the most important things to do on this international travel checklist.

5. Plan For How You Will Use Your Phone

This has always been a big one for me – probably because I’ve been in countless situations where my phone doesn’t work while I travel!

You have several options for figuring out how you will use your phone abroad:

• Pay for your international phone plan through your domestic provider. (Typically expensive, but convenient)
• Only use free WiFi.
• Buy a local SIM card. (You can learn about the basics in my guide to buying a SIM card in Italy .)
• Pay for a WiFi roaming hotspot like Solis .

Depending on your budget and duration of your trip, some options are better than others. If you’re only abroad for a week, then I would just use free WiFi or pay for an international phone plan through my provider.

Anything longer and paying for a SIM card is way more worth it. The SIM takes a few days to activate, so even though it’s cheaper still than an international phone plan, it’s not very convenient for travels less than a week.

6. Notify Your Bank Where You’re Traveling To

Depending on your bank, you may have to submit a travel notification so they know what days and where you will be out of the country in order to not flag your purchases as fraud.

Also find out if the bank or certain credit card companies charge fees for international transactions.

7. Buy Travel Insurance

I typically never buy travel insurance, but going abroad is a different story. Not only is your trip abroad expensive, but your health insurance will likely not cover you for anything while you’re in a foreign country.

It is worth it to protect your trip and be prepared for any emergencies by investing in travel insurance. World Nomads has different policies for your needs and budget to keep you covered and have some peace of mind while traveling.

8. Ensure You Have Enough of Any Prescription Medication During Your Travels

Before embarking on your trip, order and pick up any medication or vitamins you will need for the duration of your trip.

Items like toiletries and clothes are easy to get abroad, but prescription medication is not something you want to forget.

Pro Tip: Always keep medicine in your carry-on in case your checked bag gets lost.

9. Obtain An International Driving Permit (If Necessary)

If you are planning to go on a road trip abroad, rent a car, or drive for any reason, then make sure to check if your US Driver’s License is valid in that country.

In most cases, you will have to get an International Driving Permit which is basically an authentication of your US Driver’s License.

Do this step several weeks in advance of your trip in case you have to wait for the permit by mail.

10. Receive Required Vaccinations (If Necessary)

The CDC has a feature to search for health information according to each destination around the globe. This includes current public health situations in the country and required vaccines, if any, upon entry.

11. Research Your Destination’s Current Conditions

What’s the weather like where you’re traveling to? Is there a holiday occurring during your travel dates? Asking yourself these questions and finding the answers will help you to avoid bumps in your itinerary as best as possible.

Being far away from home, you won’t have the same comforts and resources. Surprises like a national holiday where no stores are open or a train strike (yes, both of these happen in Italy where I live) can freak you out if you have to change around your travel plans!

Spontaneity is one of the most fun parts of traveling, but having a plan to be prepared can help you avoid sticky situations.

Handle Things at Home

12. Schedule a Pet or House Sitter

Taking a trip means you can forget about your troubles at home – well, not entirely. If you need your house taken care of or someone to watch a pet, get those services in order well before you leave for your trip.

Scheduling services last-minute can mean no availability, which creates a stressful situation, which we are trying to AVOID with this checklist!

13. Stop Mail Service

You’re on vacation, but your mail is not! If your mail piles up while you’re abroad, you run the risk of items stopped being delivered.

The US post office, for example, can usually hold mail up to 30 days . If you are traveling for longer than that, you may have to sign up for a forwarding service so your mail is received.

14. Share Your Itinerary With Friends & Family

The last step for handling things at home is to share your itinerary with someone staying behind. This tip is especially important for solo travelers, so friends and family can know where you’re supposed to be and when in case something happens.

You can share your detailed itinerary through apps like Wanderlog , where you can also update it as you travel.

At minimum, give loved ones or close neighbors an idea of where you’ll be and for how long so they can keep an eye out for things back home and know how to contact you if necessary.

It’s also to helpful to leave copies of documents like your passport with your family in case of emergency.

Carry-On Packing Essentials for International Travel

There are certain items you should always keep in your carry-on – medicine, valuables like jewelry, as well as an extra outfit (especially for international trips with connecting flights – you never know if you’ll be the unlucky one to have their luggage lost.)

Keep essentials easy-to-reach all throughout your airport experience. When you need to sign something or charge your phone, you don’t want to have to open up your suitcase and dig through your stuff at the airport gate trying to try and find a pen or charging cord.

Pro Tip: Take photos of your suitcases in case they get lost. It may assist the airline in recovering your lost bags quicker!

15. Extra Pens

It may be the simplest thing to cross off on this international travel checklist, but don’t forget to throw some pens into your carry-on bag or personal item.

On international flights, you’ll have to fill out customs forms and potentially other documentation based on the destination or airline. Always bring a pen with you and keep it accessible throughout your flight.

You don’t want to be stressed trying to ask neighbors for a pen or being unprepared for customs (they like to move quickly and efficiently.)

16. Important Document Folder

Especially when traveling alone and now in 2021 with COVID-related travel restrictions and rules still in place, I always carry an easily-accessible, closable folder that holds my important documents.

In this folder I’ll keep:

• Printed Boarding Pass
• Printed Itinerary
• Copies of any necessary documents like birth certificate, SSN, etc. (I only do this if I’m doing long-term travel, like study abroad)
• Visa Documentation
• Passport (I typically keep my passport in my WANDRD Backpack because it has a secret, unidentifiable pocket on the backside for anti-theft security)
• COVID-related Travel Documents – Proof of Vaccination, Proof of Negative Test, etc.

Keep the folder accessible for check-in and customs. You may also add customs forms to this folder along your journey to make sure you don’t lose them.

Pro Tip: Make sure to also take photos of important documents like your passport. If you lose it, it could help you get a replacement faster.

17. Portable Charger

I never leave for a trip – especially a long one- without my Anker Powercore Portable Charger . While traveling internationally, you never know what can happen.

You may have the wrong outlet adapter or the USB port in the plane cabin might not work and the last thing you want to do is be without a phone.

It may be the only place you have evidence of hotel reservations, transportation tickets, and moreover, where you can contact family and friends to tell them you’re safe.

The Anker portable chargers are the best brand I’ve come across, lasting me years, and worth the $60 in comparison to buying a cheap one that will stop working after a few charges.

Storytime! I once traveled to London for a weekend and on my return flight to Italy, the plane was stuck on the tarmac for SIX HOURS! I returned to Pisa eight hours late, having missed my bus back to Florence, and my phone had been dead for hours – which also happened to be the only place I had evidence of a bus ticket to try to get on the next bus. These are the kind of situations you want to avoid by always having a portable charger on you!

18. Universal Adapter

Along the lines of keeping your phone battery alive, you want to make sure you’re traveling with a universal adapter that will fit the plugs of the country you are traveling to!

No plug adapter equals no way to charge devices, use hair appliances, or power up whatever other electronics you travel with.

Most universal adapters are inexpensive and – as they say – universal, meaning they can work with a lot of different plug types. Make sure your destination is one of the plug types included before you purchase.

19. Cash in Local Currency

I personally prefer to use my card when I travel, but it depends on your destination and your bank’s policies if that’s a viable option for you.

For example, if your bank charges high fees for using your card abroad, then paying in local currency may be more economical. On the other hand, some destinations more than others are going to widely accept debit and credit cards.

Whether you wish to pay in cash or card throughout your travels, I recommend exchanging at least a couple of days’ worth in currency to ensure you have a backup method of payment in case of emergency.

Think about if you will need to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel and any purchases you may have to make as soon as you arrive in the country. The more things that fall into that category, the more money I would exchange into local currency.

Plus, if you forgot to notify your bank of your travels, you may not be able to take out cash from ATMs or your card may be declined.

Find out more about currency and using ATMs abroad before you go. Just remember, it’s always good to have a backup plan!

Final Thoughts

Traveling abroad is an incredibly rewarding experience. This international travel checklist covers all the serious stuff you need to take care of before your trip.

But it’s all so that you can avoid stressful situations and travel away from home with peace of mind!

I hope these tips were helpful and allow you to enjoy your international travel while being adequately prepared!

Any questions about the international travel checklist? Leave me a comment!

Save this checklist on Pinterest!

Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and time-saving quick itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!

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30 Important Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad (Checklist)

As you begin preparing for international travel, you may start to feel overwhelmed by all the things you’ll need to do. Do I have all the documents I need? Have I taken care of all the details at home?

Worry not, we’re here to help with this checklist of things you’ll need to do before traveling abroad. It has all the essential stuff you will need to do before heading to the airport.

1. Get a passport.

If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Most countries won’t let you through immigration if your passport’s expiration date is less than 6 months away.

Also check that there are enough blank pages in it for immigration stamps.

If you need a passport, apply for one right away. Depending on current demand, they have been known to take as long as 3 months to arrive.

But if it’s an emergency and you don’t know how to expedite passport renewal , there are services that can get it to you in only a few days.

2. Get your visas.

Not all countries offer visas on arrival . Depending on the passport you carry, you may need to get visas for your intended destinations. Each country has different arrangements, and requirements can change, so always verify.

Waiting for a visa can take a month or more, so submit your visa application early. Once it arrives, ensure it will be valid for your entire stay and check that the dates are correct.

ⓘ TIP:   You can check the visa requirements for your destination HERE.

3. Check the expiration date on all your documents.

In addition to your passport, make a note of when your driver’s license, IDs, bank cards, and other documents are due to expire. Even if it’ll be good for a few more months after your return, it won’t hurt to renew now.

Depending on workloads, documents can take a few weeks to receive. And don’t rely on your mail service to deliver on time. Our son’s driver’s license was “returned to sender” for no reason at all. Took an extra month to get it.

4. Check entry requirements

This is one of the most important things to prepare before traveling abroad. Imagine being turned away at the immigration desk!

Check the entry requirements of the country you’re due to fly to before setting off. Some destinations may ask you to quarantine if you’re coming from a high-risk country. Others may allow you to skip quarantine if you’ve been vaccinated, can prove you’ve recently recovered, or can provide a negative test.

Also don’t forget about your home country. For example, the UK expects you to quarantine on your return. Depending on where you’ve been, it may be in a hotel at your own expense.

5. Get a child consent.

If an immigration officer, airline employee, or travel company sees a child traveling internationally with only one parent or with another adult (i.e., a relative, friend, teacher, etc.), they may ask to see a Letter of Consent.

The Minor Travel Consent Form has become increasingly necessary due to the rise in instances of child abduction – particularly instances of custody cases and human trafficking.

6. Check if you’ll need an International Drivers License

An International Driving Permit (IDP) will allow you to drive in most countries. You can find a map that shows which countries require IDPs here .

If you have an American driver’s license, you can get a permit from the  American Automobile Association or order it online. If your license is from elsewhere, you’ll need to contact the appropriate bureau in your home country.

The International Driving Permit is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. A new IDP must be applied for each year.

7. Make copies of documents.

If something happens to your passport or wallet, you’ll need all of your identifying information to replace it. Use your phone’s camera to photograph of the important passport pages (personal information and visa) and photo ID so you will have it on hand in an emergency.

For extra reassurance, pack color photocopies of all your important documents in your suitcase.

8. Screenshot check-ins, accommodations, and tickets

We organize all our travel arrangements on TripIt. But if you don’t use a travel app, make a screenshot of all bookings, check-ins, airline tickets, boarding passes, and tickets for attractions, buses, trains, and metros.

Medical preparations for traveling

9. verify country-specific vaccinations..

As we learned during the pandemic, some countries won’t let you enter without proof you’ve been immunized against certain diseases. The most common required ones are yellow fever, malaria, meningococcal disease, and polio.

Remember that some vaccines have to be made a few weeks before your trip. Also, often you need to take multiple shots with some days between them. So, you should get vaccinated early.

All immunizations must be recorded and presented on an official International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as the “yellow health card.”

ⓘ TIP:  Find out if you need any vaccines by visiting the CDC website. You can also call a local travel vaccination center to ask.

10. Check your medications.

If you use medication, ensure you have enough to last throughout the duration of your trip. Luggage can go missing, so don’t pack it. Carry your medications on board.

Make certain that your medicine is in its original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription with you, as some medications are regulated differently overseas.

Also, if you are undergoing any special treatment, consider carrying a scanned copy of your records or a letter from your doctor detailing your treatment.

ⓘ TIP: Your travel gear should also include something for pain/fever, bandages, a digital thermometer, diarrhea medication, and sunscreen.

Financial preparations for traveling overseas

11. research travel fees and taxes..

Some countries require travelers to pay an entrance or departure fee, which can cost as much as $200. These fees are not included in the price of your airline ticket, so budget accordingly.

12. Ensure your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting.

Does your card have a chip? Most foreign banks have switched to chip-and-PIN technology, and fewer businesses abroad accept the outdated magnetic-strip cards.

Tap-to-pay is also extremely popular overseas.

13. Alert your credit card company to your travel plans.

Few things are worse than not being able to access funds while overseas! (We speak from personal experience.)

Tell your bank when you’ll be traveling and where you will be, and ask them to add the information to your file. If you don’t, your bank’s fraud department may freeze your account, assuming someone’s stolen your number.

ⓘ TIP:   Add the customer service phone number to your contacts. This will ensure you can quickly call the bank in an emergency.

14. Check your homeowner’s/renter’s policy

Your current homeowners or renters insurance policy might already cover you for losses like theft while you’re traveling. Many policies limit payouts on specific high-value items like cameras, computers and jewelry, however.

All insurance policies are different, so before your next trip, speak with your insurance agent or call your insurance carrier for the full range of details.

15. Check your credit card’s additional benefits

Your credit card may offer benefits that will come in handy while traveling:

• Coverage for things like canceled flights and lost bags. Trust us: this came in handy when our trip to Sicily was canceled due to the pandemic.
• Fee waivers so you don’t get charged any extra fees for using an ATM or exchanging currencies.
• Rental car coverage.

16. Buy travel insurance

While your credit card and insurance policies may offer certain travel-related benefits, they don’t cover everything. Travel insurance  can safeguard your trip investment and is very affordable.

No one expects bad things to happen, but they do. Travel insurance has you covered if your trip gets canceled, need medical care, have a travel delay, or face an unexpected family crisis.

There are even cancel for any reason policies. Decide not to travel because you don’t like a country’s new entry requirements? You’re covered.

ⓘ TIP: If you have already started your trip, you can still get coverage with already abroad travel insurance .f

17. Pay your bills in advance or set up automatic payments.

This is an obvious one. You don’t want to come home and find out your electricity was turned off.

Sign up for your bank’s Bill Pay feature and enable online access. You’ll be able to transfer money and/or pay bills while you’re overseas. Alternatively, you may want to pay any bills in advance or leave signed checks with a trusted friend.

Plan your itinerary

18. buy tickets before you arrive..

Tourists can often get special discounts that locals cannot access, and some of these must be purchased before arrival. We’ve seen hefty savings for train tickets in some countries, but they’re only available to overseas customers. They may have to be physically mailed to you at home, so check well before you get on the plane.

19. Book tours ahead of time

Ticket lines can be super long at popular tourist locations. Purchase skip-the-line tickets ahead of time and you’ll breeze right in the door without a wait. This is probably one of our favorite tips for making the best use of your time. When we were at the Louvre, the ticket line was literally halfway around the building — and it’s a huge building!

ⓘ TIP: Many destinations offer a city pass that offers free or discounted admission to major attractions and transportation. Some even include public transportation to and from the airport, which is a good reason for purhasing it before travelling abroad.

20. Search and download travel apps and maps.

Many apps are available that will help you plan your trip and navigate while there. Our go-tos include TripIt, Google Maps, Waze, and Google Translate.

To avoid data charges from your wireless carrier, download all your travel apps before you leave and ensure that any apps you choose can be accessed offline. You can  download offline versions of Google Maps here. 

Security while traveling

21. check travel advisories and register with your embassy..

A few weeks before you go, keep an eye on the official  U.S. Travel Advisories  or U.K. Foreign Travel Advice because they’ll give out warnings for potentially dangerous countries and warzones.

If you’re an American citizen, it would also be a good idea to register with the  local U.S. embassy  before going. If there’s an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know where you are and get you to safety. It’s also smart to print out the address and contact information of the local embassy.

22. Arrange digital backup.

Set up an account with a service like DropBox or an internet photo gallery before you leave so you can back up your photos and computer files on the road.

It’s peace of mind in the event your electronics are lost or stolen.

23. Protect your home.

Ask a friendly neighbor to keep an eye out for deliveries, and have your local post office hold your mail while you’re gone.

Ask someone to check on your place once a week. And if you know your neighbors, you might want to let them know that you’ll be away. Ask them to contact the police if anyone comes snooping around or they see any activity in the house.

24. Find someone to take care of your pets

If you have pets, arrange for a pet sitter or ask a relative, friend, or neighbor to take care of them.

25. Hire a local guide.

No matter whether you’re on a private walking tour or a multi-day group tour, all guides have one thing in common: They want to keep you safe. If nothing else, they have a reputation to uphold.

As a traveler, you may not be aware of local scam artist routines, speak the local language, or know which neighborhoods are safe after dark. A local will know that and more.

Working with a local guide can ensure your “memorable experience” is a good one.

26. Protect your home

Get everything ready for your absence:

• Clean your fridge and discard anything that can go bad (dairy, produce, meats, sauces, etc.)
• Water the plants
• If you have timers for lights, set your lights and radio to go on at random times
• Close the blinds
• Turn off your AC, or set the heat to low.
• Unplug all electronics
• Turn off your water heater or set it to a low temperature.
• Wash the dishes
• Take out the trash

27. Hide your valuables in a safe place

If you have valuables in your house, you should store them someplace safe. If you don’t have a safe-deposit box at the local bank, hide your jewelry, silverware, and other valuables in a safe place at home.

ⓘ TIP: Hide your valuables in a diversion safe. It looks like a regular household product or natural object and won’t raise suspicion. For example, this one looks like a can of Del Monte cut corn.

Staying in touch while you travel

28. check your cell phone and plan.

Not all cell phones will work in every country. Your best bet is to carry a quad-band phone or one that operates on the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA, and if your phone only supports CDMA, it’s highly unlikely to work internationally.

Some phones will accept a SIM card while others are locked and won’t. if your phone is unlocked, you have options for using your phone overseas.

If you have a locked phone, you’ll have to ask your carrier to activate international calling. There’s usually a charge for doing this, but it is much less than the roaming charges you’ll get if you don’t do it.

29. Share your travel plans.

Let loved ones know your travel plans so they can contact you. In the unlikely event there’s a news event or catastrophe in one of your destinations, knowing where you actually are may put their minds at ease.

When a volcano spewed ash into the air over western Indonesia, our friends didn’t worry. They knew we were far from the action, enjoying Bali’s sunny weather.

Other things to prepare before traveling abroad

30. check airline luggage restrictions.

Check the airline’s policies for checked and carry-on luggage so you don’t exceed the weight or size limits. Also remember to check your connecting flights as well.

Depending on the airline, luggage may be an additional fee. Buying it online ahead of time may be a savings over paying for it at the airport.

More travel tips

For more travel inspiration, look for shots of your destination on our photo site.

Other travel tips on As We Saw It include:

10 Tips on How to Avoid Jet Lag

• 21 Helpful Tips for First Time Cruisers

10 Best Ways to Stay Healthy on a Plane

• 7 Airports That Offer Free Layover Tours
• Should You Set a Goal to Travel to Every Country?

Find our favorite travel gear in our Amazon shop.

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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2 thoughts on “30 important things to do before traveling abroad (checklist)”.

• Pingback: What to do before a trip to oversea? – Goldmockingbird's Getaway

Thank u for the tips..its a very great list and useful

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25 Things You Should Do Before Boarding a Plane, According to a Frequent Flier

Air travel can be stressful, so we've rounded up 25 things you should do before your next flight so you can relax.

Between making sure your suitcase isn't an ounce over 50 pounds and rushing to your gate before the doors close, air travel can be a stressful experience — but it doesn't have to be. We've rounded up 25 things you should do before your next flight, so you can relax and know that you're totally prepared.

1. Download and Use Your Airline’s App

Unless you're checking a bag, there's no reason to queue up at the check-in desk or deal with a fingerprint-smudged kiosk at the airport. Download your airline's app ahead of time, make sure your reservation details are in, and then use it to check-in. That way, you can head straight to security when you arrive at the airport. Delta's app will even check you in automatically 24 hours in advance of your flight. Several airlines, including Alaska and Southwest, now offer free onboard entertainment via passengers' personal devices through their apps, so you should have them on your phone anyway.

2. Get the Airline Credit Card

Don't fly enough to earn elite status? Airline credit cards like the United Explorer and American's Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select offer cardholders perks similar to elites, including free checked bags and priority boarding. Carrying one of these cards can save you money on luggage and ensure you'll find carry-on space in the overhead bins ahead of the crowd.

3. Have a Status Strategy

Speaking of airline status, if you are going for gold (or silver, or platinum) this year, make sure your frequent-flier number is attached to all your airline reservations. Even if you're not flying your usual carriers, chances are the airline you're on is partners with another you fly more frequently thanks to alliances. That way, you can earn airline miles toward status on every single flight you take.

4. Check Aircraft Alternatives

Seats and amenities can vary dramatically, even from plane to plane within a single family of jets in a particular airline's fleet. Once you settle on an airline, double-check the aircraft type and seat map on the carrier's site to make sure you're flying the plane you want. After all, you don't want to think you're booking one of Qatar Airways' QSuites only to end up with a random recliner.

5. Assess Your Seating Situation

Whether you like a window or an aisle , it's worth checking SeatGuru 's detailed seat maps to confirm your chosen place on the plane won't be too close to the galley or the lavatories, with their associated noises (and smells!).

6. Stay Organized

Keep all your information in one place by using App in the Air or TripIt , two apps that do things like consolidate your flight statuses, check-in times, gate numbers, and nearby lounge locations, and will update you on schedule and gate changes.

7. Check Real-time Reports

Like a jilted lover, airline apps are usually the last to know when things are going wrong. Use FlightStats to track flight statuses, on-time performances, weather conditions, and even the flight history of your specific aircraft, all in real time so that if your plane is delayed, you can be the first to know and the first to get rebooked.

8. Remember the Liquid Lowdown

Remember, any liquids you're carrying through TSA checkpoints must be less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and placed in a see-through bag no larger than a quart.

9. Sign Up for PreCheck, Already

Keep those shoes and belts on, leave the liquids and laptops in your bag, and forgo the full-body scans by getting TSA PreCheck . You could pay $85 for PreCheck itself, or spend $100 for Global Entry , which also confers PreCheck (usually) as well as expedited immigrations and customs access. Several credit cards, including the Capital One Venture and the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, will even refund you the application fee for either program.

10. Investigate Security Speed

Bypass the worst security checkpoints at over 200 airports around the globe by tapping into the MiFlight app's crowd-sourced, real-time checkpoint waiting times.

11. Size Up Your Bag

Sighting a new revenue source, many airlines have instituted strict size limits for carry-on bags, which are stringently enforced by eagle-eyed gate agents. Check your bag's dimensions at home and make sure they adhere to your airline's limits. Keep in mind that European carriers' limits vary slightly from those in the U.S. Blame it on standard versus metric.

12. Gather Your Gadgets

Phone: check. Laptop: check. Tablet: check. Camera: check. Spare charger: check. Power cords: check. Travelers are carrying more electronics than ever. Luckily, there are organizer cases galore to keep all your devices and cables within reach and ready for security screening.

13. Remove Those Batteries

Due to fears of onboard fires, airlines have instituted smart luggage battery bans since January 2018. If your bag has a battery pack, be prepared to show that it is removable in case your bag has to be gate-checked. But don't leave that battery pack at home, necessarily. Just because your airplane seat is supposed to have power ports does not guarantee that they'll actually work when you're on the plane.

14. Grab and Go

Hate airplane food, but afraid you'll miss boarding while waiting in a line at an airport restaurant? Use the Grab app to pre-order and pay for items at participating restaurants and vendors at over 30 airports in the U.S. and U.K. Place your order on your ride to the airport and pick it up on your way to the gate without breaking stride.

15. Connect for Less

Many airports offer free Wi-Fi , but beware of hackers. Using a VPN offers a measure of protection.

16. Lounge Around

Why wait at the gate when you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and snacks in the comfort of a lounge? LoungeBuddy posts reviews on airport lounges around the world, including their entry requirements and how you can score day passes. Several premium credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Platinum Card from American Express, confer access to hundreds of Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Frequent travelers can also consider airline-specific cards such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or United Club Card, which get you into a particular carrier's clubs. The agents in them can also usually help you faster than those out in the terminal, and get you rebooked if something goes awry with your travel plans.

17. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Airplane cabin climate settings seem to vacillate between icebox and toaster oven, with no habitable happy medium in between. And no one wants to touch those germy air nozzles, which only provide a hissing draft of dry air anyway. Dress for any contingency by wearing multiple light layers , and look stylish to boot.

18. Stick Your Neck Out

As airlines squeeze more and more seats into coach, ergonomics seem to be flying out the window. Luckily, travel pillow technology has never been better, with options for every type of sitter and sleeper. It's time to invest in a quality travel pillow that will spare your neck and back the worst effects of a long flight in cattle class.

19. Bring Your Own Bottle

Avoid single-use plastic (and a bottle of water that costs $8 post-security) by bringing an empty travel water bottle with you instead. Some are even collapsible to save you space, and more airports have installed water bottle filling stations next to drinking fountains to make carrying your own that much more convenient.

20. Disinfect Everything

Due to the number of people passing through and touching everything, airports and airplanes are some of the germiest places around. Protect yourself as much as possible by using disinfecting wipes on your hands and your airplane seat once you get settled. Because they're not liquid, like hand sanitizer, wipes will also not count toward your carry-on liquid limit.

21. Moisturize Like a Maniac

Even on next-generation jets like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, cabin humidity levels rarely top 20% (and are only around 8-10% on conventional aircraft). To avoid looking like a prune after your flight, pack a light moisturizer and apply it frequently.

22. Get a Jump on Jet Lag

Flying across multiple time zones? Use an app like Entrain or Timeshifter before you fly. Both help you gradually shift your pre-travel schedule toward your destination time zone based on your specific plans and preferences so that by the time you fly, you're already ahead of jet lag.

23. Park Like a Pro

Airport parking lots can fill up quickly during the busiest travel times. Use SpotHero to reserve a place in advance at lots near over 40 airports throughout the U.S.

24. Understand Your Credit Card Protection

Flight delays and cancellations happen. If you travel frequently, it pays to carry a credit card you know will protect you under certain circumstances. Many offer compensation for delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more if you use them to pay for travel plans. So if you have to spend money staying somewhere overnight or to replace certain items, it won't come out of your bottom line. Before traveling, read your card's benefits packet carefully to understand what you're entitled to and how to go about claiming it.

25. Investigate Intelligent Insurance

Beyond delays, cancellations, and lost luggage, which are covered by most major credit cards, you might want to insure an expensive trip with a policy that includes provisions for emergency medical evacuation and cancellation for any reason. InsureMyTrip.com is a convenient resource for comparing travel insurance plans from major providers.

Bonus: Don't Forget the Essentials

If you're flying during the pandemic, you'll want to check your airline's guidelines for travel as well as your destination's requirements for incoming visitors. Stash extra face masks , wipes, hand sanitizer, and any other essentials in both your carry-on and checked luggage so you're never without them.

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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.

Eight tips on how to prepare for traveling

Well, we all want our trips to be a success as we get ready for them. You might at one time found out that you have left something in you hotel room or at home hours after you have left. This can happen to anyone. Here we will point out eight tips on how to prepare for traveling that will make sure you have everything ready by the time you get to leave. This might be your hotel room or your home.

1. Take your time when packing your stuff

Humans being humans tend to get excited especially when something fun is about to happen. Travelling will make you so excited that your packing won’t be all that great. You will tend to leave somethings behind, you might not note for a day or two until when you really need that particular thing. My advice, take your time. It is very advisable to pack the previous night before you get to go. This will ensure that you do not pack in a hurry. If you can manage, pack 24 hours earlier to be on the safe side.

2. Make a checklist

Making a checklist will even beat packing earlier. A checklist will ensure all you stuff are in order and you won’t get to leave anything behind. On the other hand making a checklist takes time. You should make the checklist as you decide on where you are going. Make the checklist days before you get to pack. This is good as you will have time to decide on what you need and what you do not need. Making a checklist is tricky as you will find you need almost everything that you own. Thus, it is advisable to take as much time as you might need.

3. Travelling light

I might be very hard to believe that you will need to travel light. People tend to think carrying everything is the best way to get prepared for anything that might happen as you travel. But on the contrary it’s not. You will need space for souvenirs not to forget avoiding the pressure of always wondering where your luggage might be. In short, just carry what you need. You do not want to carry heavy cloths in an arid place. You won’t even get to wear most of your cloths. You will want to carry your fastest drying cloths and light ones for that matter.

4. Send luggage before you get to travel

If you are sure you won’t be needing the stuff in your travel bag, well you can send it before you get top travel. This is usually fun. You will travel very light without you worrying about losing some of the luggage. This will give you freedom of movement, you will get to go to any place without figuring out where to put your luggage. As we all now, getting a place to put your luggage for some hours is so depressing as either there are no places or they are already full. FirstLuggage provides this kind or service at reasonable price.

5. Know where you are going

Just in case you are going to a new environment, make a point of knowing the place better before you get to go. Know the nearest hospitals and other essential places like filling stations. This will ensure that you know your environment in case if any emergencies. You might find yourself in a tight spot and you may not know what to do.

6. Book your hotels early

It is usually so embarrassing when you get to enter a hotel only to be told no more rooms available. You will find yourself staying in places you had not even planned you would ever find yourself in. Booking hotels or in any case a motel, should be done early so that you avoid getting stranded when you get to where you are going. Booking your places is as essential as packing what you need. Keep in mind that you can bet better prices if you book at least three months in advance or if you like taking risk you can always try to book a last-minute deal. Check how I saved almost 800 USD re-booking my hotel .

7. Know your costs

Well, your costs are the most essential things that you will have to know. You might find the trip going as planned until you get to the bottom of your piggy bank. Most people underestimate the money they might use while travelling. They find their credit card s maxed out with nothing more to use. It is very advisable to research the costs you might need while you are out there. It is not once or twice that some people have to cut short their travel day as they run out of cash. If possible pay for a to and fro ticket. This will ensure you have a ticket home just in case you run out of cash.

8. Have well planned activities

Nobody wants to get bored in any trip or while travelling. If it’s a long journey of which you might take a lot of time in a flight or in a bus or even in a hotel. Have a plan of stuff you could do to pass time or you might find yourself regretting why you even left the comfort of your home. In any if your travel might be a long one, make a list of things to do in that particular place. Research well and have the best time of your life, after all you are paying for it.

What are your tips to prepare for travel? Share in the comments below!

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How to Prepare for a Flight

Last Updated: December 20, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Amy Tan . Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 98,089 times.

No matter your destination, a flight is your doorway to an adventure. It can be exciting and stressful, especially if it is your first time. Preparing for a flight isn't too difficult as long as you start gathering what you need ahead of time. You will need your travel ID, ticket, and other important documents. Before you set out, pack your bags full of clothing and other supplies necessary to enjoying your trip. Then, on the day of your flight, you'll be ready to reach the airport with plenty of time to spare. Proper preparation makes flying safe and simple so you can sit back and enjoy your trip.

Gathering Money and Documents

• Be aware that many countries require travelers to get a visa. The U.S., for instance, has tourist and immigration visas you have to apply for online. You can't get in without a valid visa from the government.

• Many insurance policies reimburse you if you have to cancel your flight. You can't predict what will happen, but good coverage makes a trip cancellation much easier to deal with.
• You don't need travel insurance for short domestic trips. It's better for longer, costlier trips and ones outside of the country.
• Keep in mind that you are also required to get immunizations for some trips. Consider it to be part of the insurance process. Get them from a doctor 4 to 6 weeks before you travel.

• For instance, bring information about chronic conditions like allergies. This will also give you an opportunity to clear the trip with your doctor and get any necessary immunizations if you're going international.
• Countries like Japan, for instance restrict plenty of medical drugs. Some are allowed in with a doctor's note but others aren't. Clear up the confusion by looking up the travel regulations when you travel internationally.

• Don't forget to stick your contact information on your luggage and electronics. Many bags have tags you can use, but you may also be able to get them at the airport. Another option is to buy ID tags or stickers before you travel.
• Include information like addresses if they're relevant. For example, customs officials could ask where you're staying when you enter a country.
• If you're going to another country, bring along the address and phone number for your country's embassy or consulate.

• You could use your bank or credit card for money when you're out of the country. Contact your bank first to inform them that you're traveling and find out if your plastic is good there. Be wary of high ATM fees when you travel.
• If you're leaving the country, consider going to a bank or exchange counter to get some of the local currency. You could also try getting traveler's checks to exchange for currency

• Getting a plane ticket is simple. All you have to do is book your flight online and watch for the confirmation letter in your email. Give your name and confirmation number at the airline service counter or kiosk to print your boarding pass.
• Many airlines have phone apps that create mobile boarding passes. You can also do an online check-in for your flight if you plan on printing out your pass or have it sent to your phone.

Packing Check-In Bags

• More and more airlines, including the budget ones, charge fees for every piece of luggage you check onto the plane. Unless you're packing super light, expect to contend with the fees when you check in at the airport.
• When you're reading up about your airline, pay particular attention to the size and weight limits of the bags you're allowed to bring. Going over these limits means additional fees. Airlines also charge extra for every additional bag you bring.

• On average, your bag needs to be no more than 62 in (160 cm) in size, or 27 × 21 × 14 in (69 × 53 × 36 cm).
• The maximum weight for the average checked bag is 50 lb (23 kg). Try to keep your bag under this limit to avoid fees. If you have to bring a lot of stuff, consider packing a second bag since it is often cheaper than bringing a single, heavy bag.

• For example, if you plan on taking an 11-day vacation, pack enough clothing for 11 outfits. Consider slipping a set into your carry-on bag so you have it in case anything happens to your luggage.
• Clothing easily is the biggest obstacle to packing since you need so much of it. Find ways to avoid taking a lot, such as by packing lightly and making use of laundry services at your destination.

• Check out the forecast for your destination and pack accordingly.
• Think about carrying an extra pair of shoes as well if you have space. You can wear your walking shoes, but you might need something comfortable or water-resistant like flip-flops.
• Wear a coat or jacket onto the plane so you don't have to make room for it in your luggage. It doesn't count against your carry-on limit.

• Consider adding important supplies to your carry-on. For example, deodorant and toothpaste are handy to have available on a lengthy flight.
• Any bottle over 3.4 fluid ounces (100 mL) in size has to be in your checked luggage. Most supplies are fine in a checked bag, but go for a smaller bottle if you wish to carry it with you on the plane.
• If you're going the ultralight route, eliminate anything you expect to buy when you arrive at your destination.

Assembling Carry-On Bags

• The average maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag is 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm).
• Keep in mind that if your carry-on bag is too big, you will be asked to check it in at the airline's counter before you're allowed through security. That means you have to pay any fees that come along with checked bags, too.

• Keep your medication in its original container labeled with your name and the dosage. Don't leave medication loose in your bag or a pill organizer since that makes it more difficult for security to identify what you're carrying.
• Consider bringing along information about serious conditions like allergies. You could get a medical alert bracelet to wear. That way, you can get better treatment in case something goes wrong.

• The best entertainment device to bring is a tablet since you can load all sorts of apps on it. Load it up with plenty of books, movies, music, and games. It takes up way less space than alternative forms of entertainment.
• Try to plan out how you intend on filling the time. Set aside a couple of hours to watch a movie, for instance. If you're on a long trip, estimate the remaining flight time you have left to fill and pack accordingly.

• Check the airline and travel security rules to plan what you are bringing. You will be surprised at what you're allowed to bring. They let you bring just about anything, but solid, lightweight snacks like fruit, chips, and cereal are best.
• You can't really bring drinks past security. What you can do, however, is bring an empty bottle with you and fill it up before you get onto the plane. Alternatively, buy a drink at the airport after clearing security.

• Airlines generally let you take a personal item onto the plane along with your carry-on. Blankets and pillows are great choices if you can't fit them into your bag.
• Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs are also good to bring if you plan on sleeping on the plane, though they're also good for some peace and quiet while you're awake.

Heading to the Airport

• To avoid leaving important things at home, make a list of everything you need. Pack in advance so you don't end up hoping you fit everything in at the last minute.
• Look up a list of what is illegal to bring on planes. This will make the check-in process much easier. Security can force you to throw away things like big bottles of liquids, so make sure those items are in your luggage if you intend on bringing them.

• If you're a driver, airports have places where you can leave your car. It gets pricey, so read up about the fees first.
• Public transportation is an option sometimes if you don't mind hauling your luggage yourself. Otherwise, call a driving service in advance so you have plenty of time to get to the airport.

• If you check in and print your boarding pass out in advance, you may be able to save some time.
• Keep in mind that you can't control the wait to get through airport security. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security, especially during busy travel periods like holidays, so you don't miss your flight.

• Getting through the airport is relatively simple as long as you took care to pack your bags. The guards will check your carry-on and give you a quick pat-down.
• Security checkpoints are always in the same area as the airline check-in counters in the opposite direction of the entrance doors. Also, look for screens and signs posted on the walls with information about where your plane is. This information may also be printed on your boarding pass.
• If you check in online or through an airline app, you do not need to visit the airline counter. Instead, head toward security. Your boarding pass is in the app or an email you can print out at home.

Expert Q&A

• Lock your home up well before you go. Consider having someone stop by and check on it to discourage thieves. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Children are allowed to travel alone on planes. Let the airline know so they can make accommodations. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
• Make copies of your important documents in case something happens during your trip. Keep them stored in a secure spot, such as a safe in your hotel room. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

• Some medications are controlled or banned by certain countries and travel agencies. Check the rules, then bring a doctor's note and medical documents for any prescriptions you have. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 0
• Many countries have strict travel regulations. Always research what documents you need and what you are allowed to bring with you when traveling internationally. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
• If you lie on customs during an international flight, you can cause a lot of problems for yourself. Be honest to avoid legal trouble or getting a travel ban. [23] X Research source Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Passport or ID
• Plane ticket
• Boarding pass
• Medical documents and supplies
• Contact information
• Check-in bag
• Carry-on bag
• Entertainment
• Hygienic supplies
• Earplugs or headphones
• Pillow (optional)
• Blanket (optional)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Amy Tan. Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers. Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.
• ↑ https://www.insureandgo.com.au/travel-tips/why-travel-insurance-is-important.jsp
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist
• ↑ https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2017/07/22/cash-vs-atm-card/
• ↑ https://faq.flyfrontier.com/help/how-do-i-obtain-and-print-my-boarding-pass
• ↑ https://customersupport.spirit.com/hc/en-us/articles/202096476-What-are-the-size-and-weight-limits-for-bags-
• ↑ http://www.travelindependent.info/what-to-pack-travel.htm
• ↑ https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart
• ↑ https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.jsp
• ↑ https://www.cntraveler.com/story/can-you-bring-food-through-airport-security
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/23/travel/five-things-to-bring-on-every-long-flight.html
• ↑ http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/to-from-logan/
• ↑ https://www.airhelp.com/en/blog/how-early-should-i-get-to-airport/
• ↑ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening
• ↑ https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/safety/info-2015/home-safety-travel-tips-photo.html
• ↑ https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Kids_Fly_Alone.pdf
• ↑ https://umabroad.umn.edu/students/travel/customs

About This Article

Flying can seem stressful, but if you pack well and make sure you follow protocol, you'll be much more relaxed on your flight. Look up your airline’s bag and item regulations and make sure your luggage is within the limits. You can weigh it at home using a bathroom scale. In your hand luggage, you’ll want to pack some solid snacks like potato chips, fruit, and cereal bars, and something to entertain yourself, like a book, tablet, and headphones. For long flights, you’ll also want a travel pillow, eye mask, and maybe a blanket so you can get some sleep. Before you leave for the airport, double-check you have your passport or your ID if you’re just traveling domestically. Arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to give you plenty of time to check in and get through security. For more tips, including how to check in for your flight, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

What are the things to prepare for traveling long-term? What do you need to keep in mind and how can you be prepared for anything when you’re going on a long-term trip? Here’s an international travel checklist with an overview of what you need to prepare and know before going on a long-term adventure.

I still remember that feeling of excitement when I was preparing for my first solo long-term trip.

I was going to travel for a year to Australia and New Zealand. I had little travel experience and not really a clue what I was doing. I felt nervous and anxious about leaving my family, friends, and home but also thrilled for the adventure ahead.

When you’re about to go on a long-term trip, there are a lot of things to take care off. And while you’re preparing for that adventure into the unknown, you might also go through a variety of emotions for the upcoming trip.

You might feel overwhelmed at times by all the things you need to do at home (storing your belongings, arranging a postal address, saying goodbye to your loved ones), nervous about the trip ahead (am I really ready for this??) and hopefully also very excited for this new adventure.

I can fully relate to these feelings as I’ve been through it myself many times.

I’ve been living a nomad life for 10 years now. Every time I’m about to leave my home base and set out on a new adventure, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for the next chapter of my journey.

Reading Tip: Why I decided to leave the grind and become a nomad

Throughout the years I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Realizing you can’t enter a country because your passport is going to expire within 6 months or having your credit card blocked because you forgot to tell your bank you’re traveling to a new destination isn’t fun…

To avoid making the same mistakes, I’ve started making an international travel checklist for myself with all the things to prepare before traveling to my next destination(s).

I’m also sharing some useful tips and resources so you’re prepared for anything while traveling long-term!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Travel Checklist – Essential documents to prepare before traveling

1. get a passport with enough visa pages.

Depending on how many countries you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough visa pages available in your passport.

Some countries request having a blank page for either an entry stamp or a visa. If you don’t have any blank pages left, you might be refused entry.

Upon applying for a new passport, check how many pages the standard passport of your country of residency has. If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should consider requesting a 52-page passport.

Most countries also require your passport to have six months of remaining validity . As you never know how your trip will go, just always make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip.

If you’re already traveling and you notice that you’re running out of visa pages or passport validity, you should be able to renew your passport in your embassy or consulate abroad.

Just keep in mind that it will take longer to receive a new passport when you apply for one abroad than it would in your home country.

2. Check the visa requirements of your destination(s)

Never forget to check the visa requirements of your destination(s) before you leave on your trip. Some countries offer a visa upon arrival, other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance.

Nowadays most countries have an e-visa portal through which you can apply for a visa online. However, there are still countries that only issue visas at their embassies.

For a few countries, such as China, you have to apply in person in your country of residency. Keep this in mind if you’re f.eg. planning an overland trip from Europe to Asia !

A great resource for checking the visa requirements for each country and how to apply is iVisa . This service also offers assistance if the application process turns out to be a bit complicated.

Another tip is to always keep track of the time you have on your visa . This might seem obvious but is often overlooked.

I once miscalculated the days on my 30-day visa for Bali. Upon departure at the airport, an immigration officer kept questioning me for more than an hour why I had overstayed my visa.

I wasn’t even aware of it until I realized I had miscalculated with one day… I had to pay a fine and was able to catch my flight to Malaysia just on time.

So don’t make the same mistake as me and also, don’t leave on the last day of your visa in case your flight is delayed or gets canceled… You don’t want to be stuck at the airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. I’ll tell you later on in this article what to do in case of flight cancellation.

3. Get an international driver’s license

You might initially not have plans to rent a car and drive yourself but if you go on a long-term trip, it’s always good to be prepared for anything. You never know that you suddenly feel like going on a road trip or that you have to drive in an emergency situation.

When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had no intention of driving myself but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I could if something would happen.

Not all countries require an international driver’s license but it’s good to have one in case you run into any issues.

4. Get proof of vaccination if required

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to get certain vaccinations. You can check here to see if your destination requires any mandatory vaccinations.

When I traveled to Africa many years ago, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever or I wasn’t allowed to enter certain countries. I also got vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus. I’m telling you, I’m prepared for anything…

Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination.

5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash

I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card. It’s good to have a backup in case one of the cards gets lost or stolen. That’s why you should never put your cards together in your wallet or handbag but instead keep them in separate places.

Most countries have ATMs nowadays but you need to check beforehand if you’re better of with a card supported by Visa or MasterCard . In countries like Kyrgyzstan, most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Don’t forget to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad. You don’t want them to block your debit or credit card when you need to withdraw money from an ATM abroad.

I also have a travel card from Wise (formerly known as TransferWise). You can easily open an account online and apply for a debit card that you can use worldwide to withdraw money at a very low fee (1.75%).

Some countries don’t have well-functioning ATMs yet, like Uzbekistan , so it’s also very useful to bring some emergency cash. US Dollars are accepted worldwide and usually have one of the best exchange rates.

And last but not least, carry local currency with you in case you go to a shop or restaurant that doesn’t accept credit cards.

Tip: Most airports have ATMs nowadays but charge a larger fee than ATMs in cities. The rates to exchange money at the airports are also usually higher. Only withdraw or exchange enough money to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and get some local currency once you’re in the city.

6. Make copies of your travel documents

Once you have all of the above documents in order, make paper copies of them. It’s handy to have paper copies of your passport, driver’s license, etc. in case you lose your original ones or if they get stolen. That’s why you should store the copies in a separate bag than where you keep the original ones.

Tip: If you travel in countries that are known for bribing officials, never hand over your original documents. Give them a paper copy instead and say that you left the original ones in your hotel room.

Fortunately, I’ve never been in such a situation but I’ve heard horror stories of travelers in which the officials would only return their passports after they paid a huge bribe…

I also always have a scanned copy of my documents on my phone and on an online account that I can access on any device.

Things to prepare in case of unexpected circumstances

7. get long-term medical travel insurance.

Chances are that nothing will happen when you’re on the road but look at what 2020 has taught us…

From catching a weird virus to motorcycle accidents, lost luggage at the airport, pickpocketing, breaking your leg while  skiing , or falling during a horse trek , bad luck can strike you at the most unexpected moment.

Having medical travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital as you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget on medical costs.

For advice on what to do in case of flight cancellation and delay, read the section below.

Reading Tip: One of the Best Medical Travel Insurances for Nomads – SafetyWing Review

8. Know what to do in case of flight cancelation or flight problems

It can always happen that your flight gets delayed or canceled. Especially nowadays, due to the current situation, many airlines cancel flights last-minute.

Like many other travelers, I’ve had this happening to me in 2020. That’s when I found out about Flightright .

Flightright is a great platform to help you get to know your rights in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and they also offer assistance with flight problems caused by corona.

What to do if my flight is canceled? I firstly contact my airline to see if I can get a replacement flight or a refund. On top of that, I also check if I’m entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

To know how much compensation I can get for my canceled flight, I use Flightright’s free compensation calculator . They offer great advice to know your rights as a passenger and what you should do to claim your compensation.

If the airline refuses to pay, Flightright also has a team of travel law experts that offer legal services to enforce your claim.

So in case you’d encounter any problems with your flight (delays, cancellations, strikes, overbooking,…), definitely check out Flightright’s platform as they tell you in detail what you’re rights are and what to do!

9. Know who to contact in case of emergency

Keep the contact information of your local embassy on your phone or write it down and keep it close in case you encounter problems with local authorities.

I once had trouble with some police officers in Kyrgyzstan who were claiming I needed proof of registration to travel in the country. That wasn’t true as these regulations had changed in the last year.

These police officers were just trying to get a bribe out of me. I kept my calm but when they started using threats like having me arrested, I took out my phone and told them I was going to call my embassy. They immediately left me alone.

It’s also not a bad idea to register with your local embassy . You can email them or give them a quick call as soon as you’re at your destination.

If there would be an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know that you’re there and will help you get to safety.

I’d also recommend installing the TripWhistle app on your phone. This app maps your location, allows you to text or send your GPS coordinates to someone, and provides you with the emergency numbers for the police, the fire department, and medical services in nearly 200 countries.

10. Keep a list of emergency contact info and stay connected with your home

As I often travel alone, I always carry a list with the contact details of my mother and sister in the form of a small card. I keep one in my wallet and one in my backpack.

I do this in case something would happen to me so medical professionals know who to contact.

If you have allergies, I would also write them down on a card. In case you need treatment and you can’t answer questions, the doctors at least will know what you’re allergic to.

I know that the list above seems a bit gloomy. I’m a very positive person and the chances that something happens on the road are very slim. It’s just always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for anything!

Now let’s move on to fun things to prepare for your upcoming adventure!

More Useful things to prepare for travel

11. essential travel items.

I’ll soon make a post of what I carry in my backpack as a long-term traveler. But no matter your destination and how long you go traveling, these are the items you should always pack:

• small first-aid kit including bandaids, antibacterial ointment, paracetamol, medicine for stomach illness,…
• hand sanitizer and toilet paper
• small flashlight
• portable charger
• universal travel adapter
• reusable water bottle with a filter so you can safely drink tap water wherever you are
• pen and paper : very useful to take notes, fill in papers at customs,…
• protein bars or snacks : if you want to be prepared for anything, make sure to have some food with you!
• thread and needle travel kit : very handy when there’s a rip in your bag or clothing

Read: What’s in My Camera Bag – Essential Gea r for Travel Photographers

12. Useful travel apps

It’s crazy to think that when I started traveling in 2011, smartphones and travel apps didn’t exist yet.

I used to find my way around places by using a foldable paper map, find accommodation by reading suggestions from a guide book or knocking on doors,… So much has changed in the last decade!!

I might sometimes feel nostalgic about those good old-school travel days but some travel apps have made things a lot easier.

Here are the travel apps I find most useful and are worldwide accessible:

• Google Maps or any GPS app to find your way around places. I also download maps for offline use.
• Google Translate : this app translates into 103 languages, has access to nearly 60 languages for offline use, offers camera translation in 37 languages (handy to read signs or menus) and has two-way instant speech translation available in 32 languages
• XE Currency Converter : this app quickly provides up-to-day currency rates and you can also use it offline.
• GlobeTips : this app advises you how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator.
• Booking.com : there are many apps that help you find (last-minute) accommodation. I always use the booking.com app to find good deals that suit my budget.

13. Book first night accommodation

I’m an adventurous traveler and like spontaneous travel but I always book my first night’s accommodation in a new country in advance.

I’m usually tired after a flight or a long day of overland travel and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have a place to relax for at least one night upon arrival.

It gives me the time to arrive, to adjust to my new environment, to explore the area, and prepare for the next steps of my journey.

Reading Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap and Free Accommodation around the World

14. Research your destination

I always do some research about the countries I’m visiting. Not only to have an idea of which places I would like to see but also to have some knowledge about the local culture and customs.

I don’t want to be an ignorant traveler thinking that the rules and etiquette from my home country are the same everywhere else in the world.

Research the dress code. You really don’t want to be that girl wearing short dresses in a conservative country or that guy wearing shorts and sandals while visiting religious sites.

Know what is allowed and not to avoid misunderstandings. When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had to be very aware of my hand gestures. In some countries, a thumbs-up means the same as putting up your middle finger…

Remember that you’re a visitor. If you invite someone into your home, you would like them to respect your rules and customs. Do the same when you’re traveling, even if those customs don’t align with yours. It’s part of the travel experience.

15. Learn basic phrases

People love it when they hear you’re trying to speak their native tongue. They’ll react with amazement, give you a big smile, and won’t label you as “just another tourist”.

They’re happy when a foreigner puts effort into learning their language, even if it’s just basic phrases like “hello, how are you, thank you,…” and they’ll respect you for that.

By learning the basics of the local language, doors that otherwise would remain closed have opened.

I’ve been countless times invited for a drink, a meal or a sleeping place. People quickly open up if they hear you’re putting effort into learning their language.

Learning the local language has been a very enriching experience and taught me more about the country than if I would just visit its historical and tourist sites.

Reading Tip: 7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language

16. Be flexible and have a positive and open mindset

There’s this saying ” If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. This is oh so true!

Nothing ever goes as planned, especially when you’re traveling. Unexpected things will happen. It’s part of the adventure and the journey.

I’ve learned to be flexible, have an open mind, and approach unforeseen events with a positive mindset. Every challenge is an invitation to learn and whatever came my way, it always brought me where I’m supposed to be.

I hope this travel checklist is helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared for your upcoming adventure! If you’d have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message.

Do you have more things to add to this international travel checklist? Do you have more tips and resources that are useful to be prepared for anything on the road? Let me know in the comments below!

MORE USEFUL POST ABOUT LONG-TERM TRAVEL:

The Ultimate List of 23 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Travel and volunteer abroad for free with these 4 work exchange programs

The Complete Guide to Teach English Online with 37 Online Teaching schools and Platforms

4 Realistic and Best Ways to Find Free Accommodation for Travellers

How to Make Money While Traveling the World including the 12 Best Travel Jobs

2 thoughts on “16 things to prepare for a long trip – international travel checklist”.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner.

Thank you Jay

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Flying from Knoxville's airport this holiday season? 15 ways to prepare for holiday travel

Knoxville's airport is getting busier , and the holiday season each November and December is a peak time for crowds. The days before and after major holidays are especially hectic at McGhee Tyson Airport, as families and friends crisscross the country to celebrate.

"The crush of holiday travel really culminates in Thanksgiving, that week before and a couple of days after," said Becky Huckaby, vice president of public relations at the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority.

The season also raises specific questions, like, how should I pack gifts? Or, how do I pack light, even in winter?

Here are 15 tips to get you through Knoxville's airport and onward to your holiday celebrations with ease.

More: Knoxville's airport moves forward with $180 million parking garage as lots fill up fast

What time should I get to the airport for holiday travel?

Just like getting more sleep prevents a range of health issues, getting to the airport early prevents a range of travel issues. And showing up at least two hours ahead of departure time isn't just for Airport Dads during the holidays.

Even at a small hub airport like McGhee Tyson, parking is tight , ticket counters get busy and TSA security lines get long.

"Making sure you give yourself plenty of time, even if you don't historically have to do that, is important," Huckaby said.

Many airlines will not accept checked bags once you're 60 or 30 minutes away from departure time. TSA lines can be held up if bags need to be checked or IDs aren't produced quickly. Airport staff can help address some issues, but the more time you give them and yourself, the less rushed and anxious your experience will be.

Download the airline app and MyTSA app

There's an app for everything, and airlines and TSA are no exception.

Make sure you know which airline you are flying with and download its app.

Five airlines service McGhee Tyson, and each has a free app that allows you to check in online, keep a mobile boarding pass and get alerts if there's a change to your flight:

• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• United Airlines

Some airline apps even tell you when your bag has made it onto your aircraft. And when you're ready for another trip, you can book through apps as well.

The MyTSA app allows you to see how busy the airport is likely to be at your travel time, which items you can and can't bring through security and information about delays. You can also get live assistance from TSA on any security questions.

Get TSA PreCheck to save time

Who doesn't love a shorter line? About 99% of passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck wait less than 10 minutes in security lines, according to the agency. Through the program, passengers don't have to take off their shoes or remove laptops and liquids from their bags, making for a faster experience.

After filling out an online application , you can visit the enrollment center at 9080 Barbee Lane Suite 102 in West Knoxville to finish the process, which includes fingerprinting. A 5-year enrollment costs $78, and you will get a special ID number to add to airline reservations. Children 17 and younger can join PreCheck with an adult if it's listed on their boarding pass.

Travel on holidays and avoid peak travel dates

Holidays themselves are almost always less busy than all the days surrounding them. Flights on holidays also may be available at a lower price.

If you can, avoid traveling on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the busiest travel day of the year, or the Wednesday before. Flying on Thanksgiving Day may not seem ideal, but it will get you through the airport with smaller crowds and fewer headaches.

The same goes for Christmas. Dec. 16, Dec. 21 and Dec. 30 were the busiest days surrounding the holiday in 2022, according to TSA checkpoint data .

Travel early or late

The earliest and latest flights of the day may require you to set your alarm hours before you normally get up or endure a red eye that lands in the early morning. The reward is a cheaper flight and a less busy airport.

If you can catch a few hours of sleep on the plane, you likely won't regret the ease of navigating the airport or saving a few hundred dollars.

Check McGhee Tyson website for flight info

Knoxville's airport keeps arrival and departure times and other flight information on its website at flyknoxville.com/flights . Even if you aren't the one traveling, this is the easiest way to see what time your loved ones are expected at their destination.

You can also see if a flight has been delayed, find airline contact information and see all destinations that McGhee Tyson services.

Know McGhee Tyson's parking options and availability

At flyknoxville.com , you can also see how full the short-term lot, long-term lot and economy lots are.

Though their names suggest a difference in how long you keep your car there, the only difference between the short-term and long-term parking is their distance from the terminal building and their price.

With historically low parking spaces relative to demand, how full a lot is could change even as you drive to the airport. Be aware that if you bring a car, you might have to walk at least 15 minutes to get to the terminal building. The economy lots on the other side of the Hilton are serviced by a shuttle.

• Short-term lot: $22 per day
• Long-term lot: $16 per day
• Economy lot: $11 per day

The airport also offers hourly parking for $3 an hour up to the daily rate.

Pack light, even in winter

Layering rather than bulking is the trick to getting those sweaters, coats and jackets to your destination. Bring light sweaters and jackets that fold and compress easily. If you do bring a bulky jacket, wear it as you travel so you don't have to pack it.

Make good use of your free personal item, like a small backpack, which can fit many items if packed smartly and tightly. Rolling clothes is a good option.

There are many benefits to only bringing a carry-on bag. It's cheaper, and in many cases free, to bring a carry-on bag. Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, two popular low-cost carriers at McGhee Tyson, charge per carry-on bag, but American, Delta and United Airlines do not.

Additionally, large checked luggage must be dropped off at a ticket counter, extending your airport wait times. Pack lightly to avoid going without your stuff and be aware of bag fees and size limitations for each airline.

Any necessary items like prescription medication and toiletries you use daily should be kept in your carry-on bag to ensure they stay with you.

Small or medium gifts should also be taken in a carry-on, so you don't risk losing them. If you are bringing gifts in a carry-on bag, try to leave them unwrapped so TSA agents don't open them for you. Unless you brought them a gift to help them through a stressful time! (More on that later.)

For bigger gifts, shipping them to your destination or directly to the recipient is easier than using expensive space in a checked bag. You can usually have them gift-wrapped for delivery.

If you feel fine with last-minute holiday shopping, you can wait to get gifts until you reach your destination and take advantage of big sales along the way.

Check in online to avoid the ticket counter

More travelers are checking in online before getting to the airport, and for good reason. Movies teach us that ticket counters are sites of frustration, yelling and broken relationships. Don't make your life imitate art.

Most airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before departure, but some allow you to check in earlier. Once you get to the airport, you can use automated kiosks to print out your ticket and tags for checked bags, but even these can get backed up at peak times. Keeping a mobile ticket and packing only a carry-on will allow you to skip these time vortexes altogether.

Get travel size containers for toiletries

The most commonly confiscated item at TSA lines are large liquid, gel and aerosol containers. Keep your toiletries to 3.4 fluid ounces or smaller and put them in a quart-sized clear, zip-top bag. Travel-sized toiletry containers are available at major retailers like Walmart, Target and Amazon.

While we're talking confiscated items, please don't bring a firearm in a carry-on bag. TSA reported a record number of confiscated firearms last year . Unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container are permitted in checked bags, so long as you let the airline know when you check in. They certainly are not allowed in the passenger section of an airplane, and you'll back up security lines greatly if you try, becoming the airport pariah.

Bring an empty water bottle and snacks

You can bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it up at McGhee Tyson's filtered water bottle filling stations in the terminal. This will save money on expensive bottled water and help the environment.

You can also bring snacks with you through security, even though the airport's restaurants, like Ruby Tuesday and Quiznos Subs, are expected to operate at their normal hours over the holidays.

Reserve Uber or taxi ahead of time

For those who don't want to bring a car, ride sharing services like Uber, Lyft and taxis are available at the airport and can be booked ahead of time so you aren't left in a bind. Especially if you are arriving or taking off late at night, there's no guarantee a driver will be available at all times of day, so it's best to reserve ahead of time.

Rental cars should also be booked ahead of time, in case one isn't available at a busy time.

It also might be easier to have a friend or family member drop you off and pick you up. McGhee Tyson has a free Phone and Wait Lot adjacent to the long-term lot where drivers can wait in their cars until they get a call from a passenger to arrange a pick-up location.

Request assistance through airline ahead of time

For those needing extra assistance like a wheelchair or captioned flight safety videos, assistance should be requested through an airline rather than the airport alone.

McGhee Tyson staff can help a person navigate their airport, but an airline can ensure those with disabilities of various kinds get help through their entire travel experience. Check your airline's website to see what assistance it offers and to request assistance.

Be kind to airport staff and flight crews

It should go without saying, but the holidays are stressful for workers, and it isn't hard to spread a little cheer by showing kindness to airport staff and flight crews.

"Remember that their primary goal is to get you there on time and to get you there safely," said Kim Yarnell, a customer service representative at McGhee Tyson.

The Federal Aviation Administration said in August that unruly passenger behavior had decreased 80% since an all-time high in early 2021 in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, reports of passengers yelling at and physically assaulting air crews continue.

Instead of simply behaving well, why not go above and beyond and bring airport staff and flight crews a little holiday gift of their own?

"Take them a little something," Yarnell said. "It will always make somebody's day."

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email  [email protected] .

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  knoxnews.com/subscribe .   

The April total solar eclipse could snarl traffic for hours across thousands of miles

Millions of Americans will be looking to the sky during a rare total solar eclipse on April 8 , and experts warn the excitement could create dangerous and busy traffic conditions as people pack into the narrow band of the country with the best view.

"Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse," said Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association.

Roads could be especially packed at the center of the eclipse's path as Americans who want the best view crowd into cities, towns and remote areas, many without the infrastructure to handle big crowds.

A similar scenario played out in 2017 during the nation's last total solar eclipse , where congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after the totality of the eclipse, according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests that the worst of the traffic — both on big interstates and rural backroads — will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to exit all at once.

This year, in Ohio's Lorain County, county officials are warning residents to be aware about the increase in visitors, traffic and jammed roads — and possible cell phone signal drops.

“What we could have is crowds here that we’re not used to,” wrote Dave Freeman, the director of Lorain County Emergency Management. “We’re not set up infrastructure-wise for that, we don’t have the roads.”

Where will traffic be the worst during 2024 total solar eclipse?

Roads in states where sky gazers will travel to see the centerline of totality will be most prone to traffic jams.

Even though Oklahoma only has a small corner of the state in the path of totality, the state "is expected to receive an influx of anywhere from 17,000 to 66,000 visitors to watch the solar eclipse," reads an announcement from Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Officials there are warning residents "the large influx of visitors to southeastern Oklahoma could overwhelm and backup the area's road systems," including two-lane highways passing through small towns.

They advise residents to expect hotels and visiting areas at maximum capacity, increased traffic and delays in deliveries.

A coast-to-coast traffic nightmare What will the solar eclipse mean for drivers?

The last total solar eclipse snarled US traffic

Wyoming Department of Transportation spokesman Doug McGee said more than 536,000 cars filled the state's streets after the eclipse in 2017 and the state highway system "was taxed like it’s never been before," The Denver Post reported.

And "travel from Casper, Wyoming, to Denver, Colorado—normally a 4-hour trip—took 10 hours or more," according to an analysis of traffic from Transportation Research News.

The analysis's author Jonathan Upchurch said most sky gazers traveled to the paths of totality by car, "roadways experienced very little traffic congestion on the days leading up to totality" and "almost every Interstate route passing through the path of totality showed red on Google Traffic maps" after the eclipse reached totality.

The 2017 traffic woes followed warnings from officials .

Be careful if you're driving during the eclipse

Texas state officials are also warning drivers to "be on alert for distracted pedestrians looking to the sky." They also say drivers should not wear eclipse glasses, which block out most light, while driving.

Here's where and when to see it A total solar eclipse will cross the US in April

Officials there and elsewhere along the solar eclipse's line of totality are recommending drivers keep their headlights on, be mindful of pedestrians on the road and even stock up on essentials like fuel and food ahead of the eclipse.

AAA, which insures drivers across the country, is also warning people that sky gazers looking for a good view of the eclipse will be on the roads. They recommend drivers put their sun visors in their cars down to block their view of the sun and watch closely for pedestrian traffic.

How should Americans prepare for traffic jams?

AAA and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol suggest several ways Americans can prepare for traffic jams related to the solar eclipse:

• Plan ahead so you don't have to travel to errands or appointments around when the eclipse is happening.
• Don't pull over on the side of a road or highway to view the eclipse — Find a parking area instead.
• Fuel up before the eclipse and have some essentials on hand while traveling

When and where can you view the 2024 total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun's light , leading to a period of partial or full darkness on Earth.

The path of totality, where the sun is fully blocked, in the U.S. begins in Texas and the eclipse starts around 1:27 p.m. local time.

Cities on the centerline of the April 8 eclipse include Dallas, Texas , Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, New York, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Contributing: Ashley May, Janet Loehrke, Ramon Padilla and Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY

Contact Kayla Jimenez at [email protected] .  Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is the best time to prepare for summer travel

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Great travel deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

You’ve probably already heard of Prime Day, and Black Friday might be circled on your calendar, but there’s a new sales event in town — the  Big Spring Sale . Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, from March 20 through March 25, is the spring answer to Prime Day. You’ll find a wide range of  products discounted at Amazon , including everything you need for summer travel. So, if you’re searching for great travel product deals, you won’t want to miss this sale.

At this time of year, you’re probably starting to think about where you’re going to head to on vacation this summer. Whether you’ve got your tickets booked already or you’re still in the planning stage, you know the kinds of things you’re going to need, from  luggage  to  passport holders  to  toiletry bags approved by the Transportation Security Administration  (TSA). Then, there are the items that are just nice to have for fun, comfortable travel, such as  noise-canceling headphones  or a travel monitor. 

However you travel, Amazon’s  Big Spring Sale  has the best travel product deals. But, you’ll also find top deals on spring-cleaning essentials, beauty products, everything you need for upcoming spring holidays and so much more. 

Best travel deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones   12% OFF

With their impressive noise-canceling properties, these headphones are ideal for noisy flights or busy trains. You can listen to media from your phone or make the most of the in-flight entertainment. They have up to 24 hours of battery life and are comfortable enough to wear for long periods. 

Telena Small Sling Bag   30% OFF

This small crossbody bag is great for travel, as it won’t take up much room in your luggage or you can take it on flights as a personal item. Although compact, it’s surprisingly roomy, so it can hold your everyday essentials while you’re out sightseeing. 

Amazon Basics RFID Travel Passport Wallet Organizer   22% OFF

You have space for your passport, credit cards and cash in this handy travel wallet. Since it’s made from RFID-blocking material, you can rest assured that your cards are safe. 

The Ridge Wallet   20% OFF

If you’re looking for a minimalist RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards, this is an ideal choice. It can fit up to 12 cards, plus it has a strap for notes — though it isn’t a wallet you’d want to carry a lot of cash in. It’s slim enough to easily fit in a back pocket. 

Coolife Suitcase Set   $10 OFF COUPON

This three-piece luggage set includes a wheeled suitcase, a backpack and a toiletry bag. The suitcase is hard-sided to protect your belongings and comes with a TSA-approved lock. The backpack has a strap to attach it to the trolley, making it easier to travel with both.

Stuery Weekender Bags   20% OFF COUPON

Not only is this travel duffel great as a carry-on or for weekends away, it comes with extras. You also get a small crossbody bag and a toiletry case, both of which are useful on vacation. 

PACKISM TSA-Approved Toiletry Bags   6% OFF COUPON

Rather than hastily transferring all your liquid toiletries into the glorified freezer bags provided at the airport, it’s so much easier to come prepared. These clear toiletry bags are TSA-approved for liquids in carry-on luggage. They come as a set of three. 

BAGAIL Packing Cubes   10% OFF COUPON

These packing cubes can protect your clothes and help you stay organized when you travel. In this eight-piece set, you get packing cubes in medium, large and extra-large; sock, shoe and underwear bags; a drawstring bag and a cosmetics case. 

SHRRADOO Extra-Large Travel Laptop Backpack   15% OFF

The large capacity of this backpack makes it a great choice for travel. If you’re flying, it fits within most airlines’ dimensions for larger carry-ons. With plenty of compartments, it’s easy to stay organized. There’s room for a laptop of up to 17 inches. 

More travel deals from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

• FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch   24% OFF
• Kintion Pocket Mirror   15% OFF
• MNN Portable Monitor   5% OFF
• MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack   45% OFF
• BEOW Luggage Set   24% OFF + 5% OFF COUPON
• Mountain Voyage Minimalist Wallet   39% OFF
• Telena Belt Bag   20% OFF
• Soufull 40-Ounce Tumbler with Handle   38% OFF
• Samsung Galaxy Buds   20% OFF
• BlueHills 2-Pack Premium Soft Travel Blanket Pillow   11% OFF COUPON
• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones  29% OFF
• SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage  20% OFF
• Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On Luggage  17% OFF
• Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage  15% OFF
• napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling  32% OFF
• MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack  45% OFF
• Kintion LED Compact Travel Makeup Mirror  15% OFF
• FYY Travel Cable Organizer Pouch  24% OFF

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our  Daily Deals  for the best products at the best prices and sign up  here  to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.

• Home office

The Best Under-Desk Treadmill

I’m not one to run, unless it’s toward an ice cream truck or away from a brain-ravenous zombie. Yet with an under-desk treadmill, I have little excuse to avoid exercise because I can take a quick walk from the comfort of my home office.

After spending three collective months testing under-desk treadmills, with more than 30 people, we’re certain the best under-desk treadmill is the Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill . Although it hasn’t turned me into a fitness fanatic, the Goplus treadmill has absolutely helped me become more physically active while working. This walking pad is easy to use and comfortable to walk on for long periods of time, and light enough that it’s not unwieldy to move around (to make space for an office chair ).

But under-desk treadmills, including our pick, have short (or, in some cases, nonexistent) warranties, and they aren’t as versatile as traditional treadmills. You shouldn’t expect to get the same mileage from a walking pad as you would from one of our traditional treadmill picks , though that’s not surprising since these devices cost significantly less than traditional models.

Everything we recommend

Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

The best under-desk treadmill.

This Bluetooth-enabled treadmill is easy to set up and offers a smooth ride—but it has only a 90-day warranty.

Buying Options

GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill

Slower, with a better warranty.

This model has a better warranty than our top pick, and it weighs nearly 20 pounds less. But it can’t reach running speeds, and it has a lower weight limit.

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The Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill is simple to set up, and it smoothly accelerates to its top speed of 7.5 mph. Our testers found that the deck was sturdy enough to walk on while they completed tasks at their standing desks. And they appreciated the collapsible handlebars and dual front wheels, which make it easier to move this treadmill around.

But like other under-desk treadmills we tested, the Goplus doesn’t seem built to last. The belt didn’t whir or screech after several weeks of use, as those on some other models did, but it did start to fray along the edge, like a well-worn sweater just beginning to pill. Though we still found the treadmill completely usable, if this fraying will bother you, the 90-day warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear.

The Goplus treadmill doesn’t have a dynamic display screen for tracking workout vitals or streaming shows, and this was a common shortcoming among models we tested. However, the treadmill does have both a Bluetooth speaker for music and a bare-bones fitness tracker built into the deck. It also comes with a mobile app to track exercise data, though the app was finicky during testing. We think it’s best to stick with a dedicated fitness tracker that seamlessly logs your movement—don’t forget to move your arms—and connects you to other fitness enthusiasts.

It can safely accommodate up to 265 pounds; that’s more than most of the models we tested, including our other pick, could accommodate.

The GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill is easy to set up, and it offers a smooth ride, a deck screen with Bluetooth speaker, and a belt size mirroring that of our top pick. It also comes with a one-year warranty, which is substantially better than the Goplus model’s 90-day warranty.

But the GoYouth walking pad tops out at 3.7 mph, and it can only support up to 220 pounds. Also, in our testing, its belt started to fray after just a few weeks of use—damage that isn’t covered by the warranty.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how our picks compare, how we picked and tested, our pick: goplus 2 in 1 under desk treadmill, also great: goyouth 2 in 1 under desk electric treadmill, the competition.

Senior staff writer Kaitlyn Wells has covered everything you need for a home office, including file organization tools , laser printers , paper planners , and standing desks .

For this guide, Kaitlyn researched the differences between traditional and under-desk treadmills, and she considered popular models beloved by influencers. She also scoured fitness blogs to get a variety of takes on the benefits and shortcomings of the desk category. To test these machines, she compiled a team of more than 30 testers with various fitness levels, remote work experience, and body types.

She also spoke with Alicia Flach , a licensed physical therapist and the director of UofSC Rehab Lab, to learn the safest way to use an under-desk treadmill. And she consulted Wirecutter’s fitness writer, Seth Berkman , for this guide.

There’s no denying the benefits of walking. A daily walk can reduce the risk of breast cancer, protect the joints most prone to osteoarthritis, calm some sugary food cravings, and boost the immune system, Harvard Medical School reports. Plus, spending most of the workday sitting increases the chance of dying early for any reason by 16% and of cardiovascular disease by 34%, according to a roughly 13-year study , published in the journal JAMA Network Open in January 2024.

Scary statistics aside, finding time for exercise can feel like a chore. In fact, one in four Americans aren’t getting their hearts pumping, according to a 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report . The reasons are multifaceted—from limited funds and free time to lack of safe open spaces, such as parks. For those stuck indoors, by choice or necessity, an under-desk treadmill (often called a walking pad) makes quick work of adding movement to the day.

An under-desk treadmill looks similar to a traditional treadmill—with a belt and a speed that tops out at the slowest of running paces (usually around 5 miles per hour). But, unlike traditional treadmills, under-desk models don’t typically have folding mechanisms or grab bars, incline settings, or large touchscreens.

The appeal of a walking pad is being able to fit movement into your day while simultaneously completing a few work-related tasks. And since they’re so compact, walking pads can fit comfortably under most desks, or they can be tucked beneath a bed frame when not in use. Thanks to this portability, an under-desk treadmill may stand a better chance of living out its days as gym equipment, rather than turning into a pricy laundry basket .

Until you get the hang of walking while you work, we recommend that you maintain a slow pace and avoid mentally taxing tasks. While using their walking pads, our panelists found it easy to complete less-intensive tasks, such as answering phone calls and emails on their walking pads. Others struggled to juggle drafting long documents, moving between multiple browser tabs, and messaging their colleagues—without holding onto their standing desks for dear life.

We browsed online retailers, read fitness blogs, spoke with friends, and studied fitness-influencer recommendations to compile a list of 24 under-desk treadmills for consideration. We compared features like LED displays, remote controls, mobile apps, handrails, and Bluetooth connectivity. We noted each model’s speed range, belt size, overall dimensions, horsepower, machine weight, weight capacity, warranty, and owner reviews.

Ultimately, we found that under-desk treadmills aren’t decked out with as many features as their traditional counterparts . They don’t offer things like 60-inch belts, adjustable inclines, deck descriptions, and higher running speeds. After all, these walking pads are designed for, well, walking while you work. The fewer distractions and the smaller the footprint, the better. So our established guidelines for picking and testing treadmills often fell short here.

In general, we selected models with longer and wider belts, speed ranges from 0.5 to 4 miles per hour or more, and a mix of onboard features, like a remote control and display screen.

We also ruled out treadmills that weighed more than 70 pounds and were harder for someone to lift solo. We disqualified models that couldn’t accommodate at least 200 pounds, or the average weight of a person assigned male at birth in the United States. And we dismissed any models that had a slew of negative reviews pointing to long-term durability issues.

That left us with eight contenders for group testing:

• Egofit Walker Pro M1
• Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
• Sperax Walking Pad
• Urevo Strol Lite 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill
• WalkingPad P1 Walking Treadmill
• WalkingPad A1 Pro Walking Treadmill
• WalkingPad C2 Folding Treadmill

Before bringing these models to our panel testers, we tested the minimum and maximum speeds and onboard features. We also practiced lifting and moving the under-desk treadmills from a desk to a storage area in a basement. And we worked from and walked on these treadmills over two weeks.

More than 30 testers later jogged, walked, and worked on these treadmills at our Long Island City, New York, office over the course of three weeks. They noted each model’s relative ease of use, belt responsiveness, noise level, and overall performance. They let us know if their height, weight, or gait made using the machines easier or more difficult. And they multitasked, walking on these pads while using our standing-desk picks .

Then we used the highest-rated walking pads from group testing for two months. We kept detailed notes on each machine’s performance and contacted customer service if any issues arose. We synthesized our data with an analysis of hundreds of customer reviews to make our picks.

The Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill provides a comfortable and safe ride. But, like all of the under-desk treadmills we tested, it lacks the more-robust features of a traditional treadmill, and its warranty is surprisingly short. This model has collapsible handrails and dual front wheels, so it’s easy to slide under a desk or a bed when not in use.

Setup is a breeze. We unboxed, aligned, and connected this treadmill in under 10 minutes, without any hiccups. Its intuitive remote controls the belt speed, and we found it easy to use.

It has some advanced features. The Goplus walking pad comes with a built-in Bluetooth speaker for streaming music. Bluetooth and streaming capabilities are often found among $2,000 conventional treadmills. But those features are uncommon among the $150 to $500 walking pads—and even a pricey $2,500 under-desk treadmill —we researched. Of the eight models we tested, only the GoYouth 2 in 1 (our also-great pick) and the WalkingPad C2 Folding Treadmill offer Bluetooth connectivity.

The Goplus treadmill also has a phone stand hidden within the collapsible handrail. Other models with handrails, such as the Urevo Strol Lite 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill , do too. But you can use the phone stand only when the handrail is engaged. Still, we think you’re better off keeping a mobile device at your desk and streaming movies or workout videos from a laptop, since that provides a bigger screen for a more-comfortable viewing experience.

It offers a smooth ride. Most panelists thought the Goplus 2 in 1 treadmill offered a fair amount of traction while still allowing them to move seamlessly. And, unlike the WalkingPad models we tested, the Goplus model didn’t start whirring or screeching after three months of regular use. However, the belt did start to shift to the side, like half of the other models we tested. We were able to readjust the belt with the included Allen wrench.

The belt (measuring roughly 40 by 16 inches) offers enough space for most people to walk without feeling cramped at their desk. That said, our tester who weighs around 290 pounds found the belt too narrow to comfortably use. Testers with wide gaits or who wore hefty, foam-soled shoes (such as Brooks or Hokas shoes) had similar complaints.

It’s sturdy. Our testers described this under-desk treadmill with terms like “solid” and “definitely stable,” and they said they felt secure using it while multitasking at their desks. “It has been a game changer for my productivity,” one panelist noted.

It places an emphasis on safety. This walking pad can accelerate up to 7.5 mph, so it’s useful both for walking and for running indoors. But it can surpass 2.5 mph only with the collapsable handrail engaged. The handrail is a bit sticky to unfold. But, unlike that of the Urevo Strol Lite 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill , the Goplus’s handrail remains steady once it’s locked into place, and it comes with a safety string.

It has a weight capacity on a par with that of most rivals. This treadmill can support someone who weighs up to 265 pounds, which is average for the category. Our other pick, the GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill , can only support up to 220 pounds.

If you need a machine that can hold more weight, we recommend investing in a conventional treadmill , designed to hold at least 300 to 325 pounds. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to find many under-desk models with similar capacities. The Sperax Walking Pad we tested supports up to 320 pounds, but it performed poorly during testing, and it had the narrowest belt of the bunch.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Weighing 70 pounds, the Goplus under-desk treadmill is the heaviest model we tested. But it’s equipped with dual front wheels, which make lifting and sliding the machine easier for those who are comfortable moving such weight.
• The deck’s LED display rotates between calories, distance, speed, and time while you exercise. If you’re impatiently waiting for a specific tracker to appear, this can get annoying.
• The no-frills machine doesn’t feature a cupholder, a fan, or an incline, as traditional treadmills do.
• This walking pad has only a 90-day warranty, while other models offer a one-year warranty. It took days for Goplus’s customer service to respond to email inquiries, but this was the case with most of the under-desk treadmills we tested. But when we described hypothetical performance issues, to gauge the usefulness of its customer service, Goplus proactively sought solutions.

If you have trouble lifting heavy objects, or you don’t plan to run while at your desk, get the GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill . It’s lighter and more maneuverable, and it has a longer warranty than our top pick , the Goplus 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill. But the GoYouth model can’t reach running speeds or support as much weight.

It’s the easiest to maneuver of our picks. This treadmill weighs just 51 pounds—almost 20 pounds less than our top pick. So during testing this model was easy to slide along its dual front wheels from a desk to storage. (Of the treadmills we tested, only the Sperax Walking Pad weighs less, at 45 pounds.)

This under-desk treadmill isn’t designed for running. Like most models we tested, this machine can’t hit running speeds, and it tops out at just 3.7 mph (that’s 3.8 mph slower than our top pick can do).

Still, panelists thought this treadmill provided a comfortable ride. They described the belt as “smooth” and “a little bouncy,” and said it “totally lives up to my expectations.” Some testers slightly preferred walking on the GoYouth treadmill’s belt over the Goplus’s. Although both treadmills offered a smooth ride, several panelists thought the Goplus belt was a tad too heavy underfoot. WalkingPad models with speed limits mirroring that of the GoYouth treadmill felt “clunky” and “hard” underfoot.

It supports less weight than our top pick. Though some marketing materials suggest this walking pad has a weight limit of 300 pounds, customer support confirmed its real weight capacity is 220 pounds. Our top pick can support up to 265 pounds.

As expected for treadmills in this category, long-term durability isn’t guaranteed. The GoYouth treadmill’s belt started to fray after just a couple of months of use. The minimal fraying was normal wear and tear that we could not repair, and it didn’t impact the belt’s performance. And, as with those of other under-desk treadmills, its one-year limited warranty doesn’t cover normal wear and tear (just mechanical defects the manufacturer describes as “non-human factors”).

Most of our testers did not enjoy exercising on the Egofit Walker Pro M1 ’s short, 34½-inch belt. They said the belt was stiffer and rotated more slowly than belts on other models we tested, even after several adjustments. And they said they had to take more-frequent breaks, due to this walking pad’s fixed incline.

Despite the Sperax Walking Pad ’s bare-bones look, it offered a smoother ride than half of the models we tested. But at 16½ inches, the belt was the narrowest of the bunch, making it harder for people with wide gaits to use. Plus, the belt shifted after every session, and no amount of tension adjustment helped.

The Urevo Strol Lite 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill offered a smooth ride, but testers said the belt was too loud. No one liked how the handlebars shook during use, and they wished this model came with an emergency pull string, like traditional treadmill models do.

Our testers liked the modern look of the three WalkingPad models we tested: the A1 Pro Walking Treadmill , the C2 Folding Treadmill , and the P1 Walking Treadmill . But they found the automatic mode (which adjusted the walking speed, depending on where they stepped) to be clunky. Sometimes it wasn’t responsive, and other times it jerked too quickly at startup. These models fold in half for better storage, but the belts don’t tuck seamlessly into the frames when folded. Some testers believed that made it easier for the belts to become loose on subsequent walks. And after just a few weeks of use, the treadmills all made worrisome whirring noises, which didn’t quiet after belt adjustments or oiling.

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

Alicia Flach, PT, DPT, NCS, director of UofSC Rehab Lab, clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina Physical Therapy program , phone interview , January 10, 2024

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

The Best Treadmill

by Seth Berkman and Ingrid Skjong

We’ve tested 29 treadmills since 2017. The stable, spacious, easy-to-use NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is our top pick.

The Best Under-Desk Footrests

by Melanie Pinola

We put our feet up for weeks to find the best footrests to help you improve the ergonomics at your desk—and make work more comfortable.

The Best Standing Desk Converters

by Kevin Purdy and Melanie Pinola

We built and worked on 17 standing desk converters, and we found that the Ergo Desktop Kangaroo Pro Junior remains the best way to stand at a stationary desk.

The Torturous History of the Treadmill

by Dan Koeppel

Popular home-exercise device or implement of torture? In the case of the home treadmill, it’s both. We explore the machine’s dark past and brighter future.

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As the celestial ballet unfolds and the Moon dances through the Earth's shadow, sky gazers around the world prepare to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of a lunar eclipse. While the event offers a ca...