Travel doesn’t fall apart because you forgot a swimsuit, it unravels when you miss the boring-but-critical stuff. This travel checklist is your safety net. In one place, you’ll confirm passports and flights, lock in stays and transport, line up activities, and pack with purpose (chargers, meds, adapters, no last-minute scrambles). Below you’ll find 20 essentials plus pro tips I use on every international trip so you can save money, skip stress, and land ready to enjoy day one. Bookmark it, duplicate it, and check things off as you go.
Quick-Glance Checklist (Copy/Paste)
Passport (valid 6+ months, blank pages)
Flights confirmed (dates/times/airports)
Accommodations booked & confirmed
Local transportation arranged (car, rail, transfers)
Activities/tours reserved
Packing list finalized
Travel documents printed/saved offline
Daily itinerary (flexible)
Money plan (cash/cards/ATM strategy)
Bank/card travel notice + phone plan/SIM
Travel insurance purchased
Medications & first aid
Weather-ready clothing & comfy shoes
Electronics + chargers/adapters/power bank
Toiletries + sunscreen
Travel-size liquids set
Snacks for transit
Extra IDs/important documents
Emergency & accommodation contacts
Loyalty numbers/reward memberships
The 20 Essentials (What to Do + Pro Tips)
1) Passport
Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and has blank pages for visas/stamps.
Pro tip: Keep a digital photo of your passport in a secure cloud folder.
2) Flights
Double-check dates, times, airports, and terminal changes.
Pro tip: Enable airline app notifications for gate changes and delays.
3) Accommodations
Confirm all stays and note check-in details (codes, desk hours, deposit policies).
Pro tip: Save the address in the local language for taxis.
4) Transportation
Book car rentals, rail passes, airport transfers, and rideshare apps in advance.
Pro tip: Screenshot QR codes and tickets for offline access.
5) Activities
Reserve tours, attractions, and timed entries early, popular slots sell out.
Pro tip: Cluster activities by neighborhood to reduce transit time.
6) Packing
Build your list by weather and activities. Pack outfits that mix & match.
Pro tip: Use packing cubes and weigh your bag before you leave.
7) Travel Documents
Keep copies of itineraries, confirmations, and visas, both printed and offline.
Pro tip: Store everything in a single “Trip” folder on your phone.
8) Itinerary
Outline your must-dos with buffer time for rest or surprises.
Pro tip: Add sunrise/sunset times to plan photos and outdoor sights.
9) Money
Carry a small amount of local cash plus fee-friendly cards.
Pro tip: Know the ATM/bank fees and set transaction alerts.
10) Communication
Tell your bank you’re traveling; set up an international plan or local eSIM/SIM.
Pro tip: Download offline maps and translation for your destination.
11) Insurance
Get travel insurance for medical, cancellations, and baggage.
Pro tip: Take photos of receipts for quick claims.
12) Medications
Bring prescriptions in original containers + a basic first-aid kit.
Pro tip: Pack meds in your personal item, not checked luggage.
13) Clothing
Check the forecast and cultural norms. Layers win every time.
Pro tip: Add one dress-up option for unexpected dinners or shows.
14) Electronics
Chargers, plugs, adapters, and a power bank.
Pro tip: A small outlet splitter = more devices, fewer headaches.
15) Toiletries
Toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, SPF, and any must-have hair products.
Pro tip: Solid toiletries bypass liquid limits.
16) Travel-Sized Items
Keep liquids under airport limits and pack only what you’ll use.
Pro tip: Refill reusable minis to cut waste and cost.
17) Snacks
Granola bars, nuts, or jerky, for long flights and late arrivals.
Pro tip: Add an empty water bottle to refill after security.
18) Important Documents
Driver’s license, extra ID, and any permits required.
Pro tip: Carry a spare passport photo, you’ll thank yourself.
19) Contact Information
Emergency numbers, accommodation contacts, and tour operators.
Pro tip: Write key numbers on a card in case your phone dies.
20) Travel Rewards
Have your loyalty numbers handy to earn points on flights, hotels, and rides.
Pro tip: Add them to bookings before you depart.
Helpful Add-Ons (Nice to Have)
- Small laundry kit (sink stopper + travel detergent)
- Compact umbrella or light rain jacket
- Foldable tote for groceries/souvenirs
- Spare pair of glasses/contacts
FAQs
How early should I check my passport?
Ideally 2–3 months before you book. Many destinations prefer 6+ months validity.
Do I really need travel insurance?
If you’d feel the cost of a missed flight or medical visit, yes. It’s peace of mind.
What’s the best way to handle money abroad?
A mix: one no-fee debit card for ATMs, one credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and a small amount of local cash.
International phone plan or local SIM?
If you’ll use lots of data, a local eSIM/SIM is usually cheaper. For short trips or minimal data, a roaming plan can be simpler.
Before You Go: Lock It In
- Duplicate this checklist to Notes/Docs and make it your own.
- Batch confirm bookings (flights → stays → transport → activities).
- Offline-proof everything (tickets, maps, insurance, contacts).
- Stage your carry-on with meds, chargers, IDs, and one change of clothes.
Want a printable? Say “make the printable” and I’ll generate a one-page PDF + Google Doc version you can check off on your phone.
Work With Me: 1:1 Travel Coaching (Plan It Right the First Time)
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? On a coaching call we’ll:
- Map your route (dates, visas, timing, neighborhoods).
- Build a budget with real numbers (flights, stays, daily spend).
- Cut the stress with a step-by-step pre-trip timeline.
- Save money with my favorite tools for flights, stays, SIMs, and insurance.
Perfect for: first international trip, solo travel, family trips, multi-country itineraries, or “I have 100 tabs open” energy.
Next step: Tell me your dates, destination(s), traveler count, and budget range, I'll reply with a quick game plan and a link to book.
