You’ve booked the flights, set your out-of-office reply, and convinced yourself that your suitcase will close.
But before you strut into the sunset (or sprint to the gate), don’t skip the mighty pre-departure travel checklist.
It’s your sanity-saver, meltdown-preventer, and the reason you won’t end up wearing hotel slippers as shoes.
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Visa(s)
- Boarding pass
- Travel insurance
- Vaccination certificate(s)
- Hotel reservations
- Emergency contact list
- Copies of important documents
- Travel itinerary
Money Matters
- Local currency
- Credit/debit cards
- Travel money card
- Notified your bank
- Budget plan
- Backup payment method
Packing Essentials
- Luggage tags
- Clothing for the climate
- Footwear
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Glasses/contacts
- Travel pillow
- Earplugs/eye mask
- Snacks
- Reusable water bottle
Tech Gear
- Phone
- Chargers
- Power bank
- Universal adapter
- Headphones
- Camera
- SIM card/eSIM
- Offline maps/apps
- E-books or entertainment
Safety and Health
- First aid kit
- Prescription list
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Face masks
- Travel-size disinfectant wipes
- Health insurance info
- Motion sickness remedies
Home Prep
- Locked doors/windows
- Set alarm system
- Unplugged appliances
- Trash taken out
- Watered plants
- Pet care arranged
- Mail held or collected
- Lights on timers
Transportation
- Airport transfers booked
- Car rental confirmed
- Public transport apps downloaded
- Driving license (international if needed)
- Parking booked
- Ride-share apps updated
Communication
- Roaming plan or local SIM
- Translation apps
- Emergency numbers saved
- Travel group chat made
- Important phrases learned
- Wi-Fi hotspot device
You know the moment when you’re 38,000 feet in the air and realize you forgot your charger? That’s why the pre-departure travel checklist is your unsung hero. It’s the backstage crew making sure the star (you) shines onstage without tripping over a power cable—or your own shoelaces. Travel smart, laugh often, and double-check the passport.