Pre-Trip Checklist: 47 Things to Do Before You Leave
Last Updated: May 18, 2026
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Missing something before a trip can cost you hundreds of euros and a lot of stress. This checklist covers everything — from 3 months out to the morning you leave.
3 Months Before
- Check your passport — must be valid for 6 months beyond your return date
- Apply for a new passport if needed (allow 6–10 weeks)
- Book flights and main accommodation
- Check if you need a visa for your destinations
- Apply for any required visas
- Get travel insurance — compare at least 3 providers
- Book any time-sensitive attractions (Vatican, Uffizi, Sagrada Família)
1 Month Before
- Notify your bank of your travel dates and destinations
- Check your debit/credit card foreign transaction fees
- Order a no-fee travel card if needed (Wise, Revolut, Charles Schwab)
- Check your phone plan — does it include international data?
- If your plan doesn’t cover international data, consider buying a local SIM card or setting up an eSIM for your destination before you leave
- Book inter-city trains or buses (especially in Europe — prices rise closer to departure)
- Make copies of your passport, insurance, and booking confirmations
- Email copies of all documents to yourself
- Check vaccination requirements for your destinations
- Schedule any required vaccinations
- Arrange pet or plant care at home
- Let someone trustworthy know your itinerary
1 Week Before
- Check in online for flights (opens 24–48 hours before)
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, maps.me)
- Download your airline app
- Save all booking confirmations offline or as PDFs
- Download a translation app (Google Translate — download the language packs)
- Pack your bag and do a test-carry around the block
- Weigh your bags — check airline limits
- Charge all devices and portable batteries
- Buy travel-size toiletries if needed
- Check the weather forecast for your destination
- Set up automatic bill payments while away
- Pause mail delivery or arrange a pickup
- Clean out your fridge
The Day Before
- Confirm flight time — check for delays or gate changes
- Charge all devices to 100%
- Lay out your travel outfit and documents
- Set multiple alarms
- Confirm airport transfer or taxi booking
- Lock all windows and doors
- Turn off unnecessary appliances
- Water plants and set up timers
Morning of Departure
- Passport ✓
- Wallet and cards ✓
- Phone and charger ✓
- Travel insurance documents ✓
- Boarding passes (digital or printed) ✓
- Keys to give to your house-sitter (or lock up) ✓
- Arrive at airport at least 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international ✓
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