Pre-Travel Checklist

What to check before a trip

Transparently, I can be an anxious traveler. I like going with the flow sometimes once on a trip, but I am big on research. I like to check out information about an areas culture and dress codes. If there’re any entry requirements, I’m finding that out ASAP. Below is my typical pre-travel checklist.

The timelines here are merely suggestions in most cases, but these are items I check for before any trip. I’ve also included a list of everything I’m sure to pack (in addition to clothes of course).

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Before booking

Entry requirements

Though I don’t typically act on it immediately, I always check entry requirements of the country I’m planning to visit before I book. This way I know how far in advance I need to book for, what can be last minute vs. not, and what additional costs I may incur.

The best place to confirm this is always with official government agencies. I recommend checking both the point of departure and your destination to confirm they have the same information.

Things to do/activities

Why book a trip with no idea of what you want to do? Even if you’re not a pre-booker or planner, this helps determine the ideal length of your trip. You may also find that some activities book up well in advance, and you want to be prepared for those things you have your heart set on.

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6 months out

Confirm your passport expiration date.

Most destinations require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your trip, in case of emergencies. This is the case for the United States passports, and may be for others as well. I try to check my passport’s expiration date well in advance of the trip to give me time to renew if necessary.

Research transit options to/from airport.

Some group trips include this service, in which case I omit this from my planning. However, I otherwise try to check in advance whether I’ll need to arrange transit upon arrival. If it seems that I need to book private transfer or make special arrangements, it’s good to know in advance.

Check with your doctor about vaccines and medications.

One perk of having family in global healthcare is always having access to information on what vaccines or medications are needed or suggested for a destination. For example, it was recommended that I get a typhoid vaccine and prescription for altitude medication before Peru. Some countries actually mandate certain vaccinations, such as the Yellow Fever vaccine for Kenya.

Talk to your doctor and check government sites to see what is needed for your trip. Do this in advance in case you need to make an extra appointment or the medication needs time to function.

Research (and purchase) travel and medical insurance

If you read my blog on handling medical emergencies while traveling, you’ll know that I have firsthand experience in trips gone wrong. Always make sure that your medical insurance covers you at your destination. If it does not, you’ll want to make sure you get travel insurance that does. Pre-departure, you may also consider getting travel insurance to cover things like trip interruption or lost luggage.

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1-2 Weeks Before Departure

Check your prescription medication supplies.

Always check to make sure you’ll have enough of whatever prescription medications. You’ll want to make sure you have enough to get through your trip, and a couple days extra just in case. If it doesn’t seem like you will, get in touch with your doctor. Especially in the US, it can take time to get an early refill, even for travel.

Stock up on hygiene products.

Restock your travel hygiene products at least a week out to avoid a last-minute rush or overpaying at your destination.

Confirm destination outlets.

Check if you need adapters or converters for your travel destination. Checking in advance means giving yourself time to order them if necessary.

Notify your bank of your plans.

The last thing you want is to end up in a foreign country without access to money. Notify your bank and credit card institutions of your travel plans to avoid freezes.

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Packing List

You may find some of these items in my article on my top 5 packing essentials for international travel. That being said, below is a list of the main items I aim to pack for every trip. These are things that are tried and true, and I’ve found useful over the years. I also pack some things according to destination or climate, so this is not a complete list!

Aside from my clothing and other daily items like toothpaste and a toothbrush, I always make sure to have the following in my bag.

• Portable charger
  • I have a few different versions, but I always bring at least one portable charger. One of my personal favorites is the linked anker battery. I always make sure I pack an extra cord as well, as some locations don’t sell certain output types (like USB) for all chargers!
• Reusable filtered water bottle
  • I started bringing this with me on a trip to Belize and Guatemala but have started bringing it everywhere. I personally prefer Lifestraw due to its ability to filter out more microorganisms than some other brands, and how simple it is to replace the filters. As someone with a sensitive stomach, the last thing I need is to get sick from my water.
• Electrolytes
  • Electrolyte drink powder is a lifesaver on long travel days, in high altitude, and hot/humid destinations. I’ve tried a few kinds, but some of my favorites have been Waterboy and Liquid I.V. The latter also has a sugar free version if that’s a concern! As a side note – do not use these in combination with your filtered bottle unless you want a big mess.
• Multi-port charger/outlet adapter
  • Like I mentioned in my previous packing article, I prefer to take a block with multiple output options. This simplifies what I have to bring with me, and can charge more than one item in shared spaces or accommodations with few outlets.
  • Depending on location, I also bring an outlet adapter (note that this is not the same as a converter). I typically bring a universal international adapter, and sometimes a location-specific adapter as well. The adapter that’s linked has a slot for a regular plug, as well as a USB and USB-C port.
• Prescription meds
  • I’m somewhat of a walking pharmacy with my various prescriptions. They’re the first thing I make sure I have enough of when I’m packing.
• Tri-pod & camera equipment
  • Especially on solo trips, I bring my flexible phone tripod and use it with the included remote or just my watch controls. Sadly I did leave this one in a bathroom on a mountain in Madeira (RIP) but I loved it so much I replaced it when I got home.
  • I also bring equipment specific to my camera (charger, memory cards, etc.). Something I recently got was this card reader that connects right to my phone for instant downloads. I can’t wait to use it on my next trip!
• Small bag
  • Whether a tote bag or my stowable backpack, I always have a small, empty bag with me. This way, I don’t have to unpack a carry-on for day-trips and tours.
• Disinfectant wipes
  • Both surface cleaning and hand wipes are essential, in my opinion. It’s so easy to get sick while traveling, and this is one way I try to combat it. (Plus, they were a godsend when I dropped my phone in an airport toilet….)
• Headphones and/or ear plugs
  • I LOVE my Loops ear plugs. They’re perfect for air planes and public transit when you don’t necessarily want to listen to music or watch a movie. Personally I prefer the Switch model so I can have different levels of noise cancellation for my comfort and safety.
• Lightweight towel
  • While most places I stay have linens, I always pack my lightweight microfiber towel. It’s an affordable way to make sure I’m always covered. It’s also one way I keep my curly hair semi-tame when my routine is otherwise interrupted.
• Camping toilet paper/wet wipes
  • I’ve been in one too many situations where I or my travel companions have been left without toilet paper. This is more common in some locations than others. I now always travel with some toilet wipes in my wallet, and/or a roll of travel toilet paper for camping. Fun fact: this preparedness has also spread to my “must bring” list for concerts and events.
• Stain remover wipes
  • I am MESSY. I can’t order a coffee or have a meal with sauce without getting something on myself. Enough said.
• First aid kit
  • As much as I’m messy, I’m about twice as clumsy. I recommend packing even a simple first aid kit with disinfectant, bandages, painkillers, etc. For me and my ankle issues, I also bring an ice wrap for the end of long walking days.

Packing for Hot & Tropical Climates

• Bug repellant
  • When I’m tight on packing space, I opt for repellant wipes that don’t count against my liquids and are more lightweight. Otherwise, I like my bug repellant lotion, gifted to me by a family member who works in travel health.
  • Note: I’ve tried the bracelets. They did NOT work for me. Do with that what you will.
• Sunscreen
  • Try to make sure whatever you bring is reef safe if you plan on entering the ocean. I always bring this sunscreen stick for my face and sun-sensitive scars. Sometimes it’s cheaper to purchase your regular sun cream before arriving to your destination, so check before you go!
• Portable fan
  • I bought this fan for my trip to Texas and it’ll be making a repeat appearance on next year’s trip to Tanzania. As someone who doesn’t do well with heat tolerance (thank you, Lexapro!) having this on hand is essential.

For colder climates

• Layers, layers, layers!
  • Bring different length sleeves, varying thickness jackets, and even vests. I like to try to shop these resale – The North Face, Cotopaxi, REI and Patagonia all have a used clothing site. Items can be a fraction of the price and it’s a good way to save money and shop sustainably.
• Ear/head covering

My best advice to travelers is to be prepared. Even if you’ve been to a location before, regulations change all the time. Always check your entry requirements and documents. Have an idea of what you’ll do once you’re there. Research the culture (including money culture!). Make sure you know what currency is accepted and if cash is required. Look into any specific packing needs – I’ve found TikTok and Instagram to be great resources! Most of all, enjoy that anticipation!