PRE-TRIP
Things to do before an international trip: a pre-departure checklist
Most problems abroad start as small omissions at home. Work through documents, data, money, home, health and the departure day before you leave.
Documents and bookings#
Confirm passport validity, visa and entry requirements, export or print boarding passes, hotel and transport confirmations, and keep a digital copy of the insurance policy.
Keep originals and copies separate; carry only the documents you need that day and leave the rest in the hotel safe.
Phone and data#
Set up an eSIM, local SIM or confirmed roaming plan before departure rather than after landing, and download offline maps plus airline and transit apps.
Save the hotel address, key contacts and emergency numbers on the phone so they work without a signal.
Money and payments#
Confirm the cards you carry support international and contactless transactions, and take a little cash for places that do not take cards.
Check foreign transaction fees before you go and, if needed, enable the card or switch to a cheaper option in advance.
Home and logistics#
Sort mail and automatic payments, clear the rubbish, arrange keys, empty the fridge and ask someone to collect mail or water plants.
Switch off unnecessary power, and tell one person at home your itinerary and how to reach you in an emergency.
Health and carry-on essentials#
Pack enough prescription medication with original packaging and the prescription, plus your insurance card and basic first-aid items.
Check whether the destination has vaccine, medical or other entry health requirements and complete them before you travel.
The departure day#
Check the flight status and on-time performance, arrive three hours early for international flights, and keep documents and boarding pass within easy reach.
Review the security rules for liquids and electronics at the airport, and pack your power bank, liquids and laptop according to the baggage rules.
Sources
MORE GUIDES
Keep reading before you go
What to pack for international travel: a checklist that fits a carry-on
Start from the luggage rules, then add documents, tech and essentials. A checklist keeps the bag light and legal at security.
Airport security: liquids, electronics and batteries
Most checkpoint delays come from the same three things: liquids, large electronics and power banks. Pack them to be checked quickly.
Connecting flights: how to check transit visas and baggage through-check
Single tickets and self-transfer flights handle baggage and missed connections differently. Check visa rules before you fly.