Planning a trip is usually great fun, whether for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure. Booking flights and somewhere to stay are the main to-dos, but there are lots of little things that can slip through the cracks, such as double-checking whether you need a visa or a vaccine. That’s why having a pretravel checklist can make for a smoother departure and reduce stress before you hit the road.
Here are nine things you should do in the run-up to your trip and before you leave for the airport, including preparing your home and choosing a phone plan.
1. Make sure your passport is up to date
While a standard adult U.S. passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue (or renewal), you should renew sooner than that.
Many countries (currently about 75 worldwide) require at least six months of passport validity beyond your departure date. If your passport is going to expire in less than six months after you leave for an international trip, you could be denied entry. Additionally, some nations require that your passport have between one and three completely blank visa pages, so check the rules for your destination.
If your passport has details that are no longer accurate (e.g., a name change), you’ll either need a new passport entirely or ensure that the name on your ticket matches the one in your passport.
Many countries in Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccine.
Photo by Cre8 design/Shutterstock
2. Check if you need a visa and immunizations
Some countries require visas and proof of immunization before you can board the plane.
Start by researching the entry requirements for your destination. Most governments have official websites or consular offices that provide detailed information about what is necessary to visit.
Whether or not you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay. Most visas will be in your passport, but if a country offers an e-visa, it’s a good idea to print that (just showing it on your phone may not be enough). Some countries have non-negotiable immunizations that need to be obtained before entry (for instance, a number of countries in Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination). It’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic for up-to-date information on vaccinations and health advisories, such as where antimalarials might be useful.
3. Consider travel insurance
No matter how well you plan your vacation, there’s always the potential for accidents and unforeseen circumstances that can derail everything.
Travel insurance can help safeguard you against unexpected events, like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or flight delays. Not only does it mitigate financial losses, but it also ensures you have someone to help you if things go wrong far from home.
In some scenarios, like an expedition cruise to a polar region, the company organizing the trip makes travel insurance mandatory, so check what requirements your tour has ahead of time. Some cruise lines offer insurance directly through their booking process, which makes it an easier—if not always the most economical—option.
Keep in mind that credit card insurance covers some things, but not all, and that different cards cover different things. Cancel For Any Reason Coverage (CFAR) is another option in the insurance toolkit to review: It gained popularity during COVID and can still be useful in certain cases.
Even if you don’t end up needing your travel insurance, having it can provide peace of mind.
4. Make a safety plan for yourself
Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of your destination, and be aware of any political or health situations. The Department of State is a good place to start, although it’s quite conservative in its approach to safety issues. Consider looking for blog posts about “important things to know before visiting (insert destination here)” to see what else pops up.
Be sure to share your itinerary with a friend or family member so they know your whereabouts in case of emergency. Signing up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is another good idea. It’s a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling abroad, which allows them to input information about their trip (where they’re going, how they can be contacted, etc.) so that the State Department can help in emergencies (from finding local attorneys and doctors to leaving the country in the event of war or natural disaster).
5. Confirm whether you’ll need a special driving permit
Different countries have different regulations when it comes to driving, and in some cases, the driver’s license issued by your home state won’t cut it. Depending on where you’re going, you may need an international driving permit instead.
Luckily, they’re easy to get. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) issues permits in their various offices countrywide and by mail for $20; all you need to do is submit a simple application, two passport-type photos, and a copy of both sides of your driver’s license. They’re currently valid in more than 150 countries. Some countries, like China, don’t consider international licenses valid and instead offer their own temporary driving permit for travelers, so be sure to look up the rules in your destination. U.S. embassies in those countries and the Department of State can help.
6. Choose an international phone plan (or plan for a different option once on the ground)
Check if your current carrier offers international roaming options. If it doesn’t (or the cost is prohibitively expensive), consider purchasing a prepaid plan from a local carrier at your destination (though if you go that route, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local network). You can often purchase local SIM cards at booths in the airport. Another option is an eSIM (a digital version of a SIM card) from companies like Airalo.
Some carriers, like Google Fi, offer automatic international service—no setup, or extra packages, or SIM cards necessary—and at the same price as in your home country.
Another option is to rent a Wi-Fi hot spot (available at phone stores for as little as $7 a day, or Travelers Wifi will mail you one). You could also just leave your phone in airplane mode and use Wi-Fi whenever you can get it.
7. Prepare your home for while you’re away
You know the basics: taking out the trash, setting your thermostat, double-checking that all doors and windows are locked. Consider unplugging any non-essential appliances to prevent energy waste and reduce the risk of electrical issues. Empty your refrigerator of perishable items to avoid coming home to something unrecognizably moldy, and clean up any food crumbs that might attract pests. If you can’t arrange for someone to care for plants in your absence, consider buying a self-watering device, like those from Cowbell Plant Co.
If you’re going on a longer trip, it’s also a good idea to ask a neighbor to collect your mail to avoid the appearance of an empty home or ask USPS to hold it. If you want to keep an eye on your home while traveling, consider a security system such as Ring or SwitchBot.
8. Download in-flight entertainment
Nobody wants to be stuck on a long-haul flight without something to keep them occupied. Although most airlines offer in-flight movies and shows, there’s a chance the options won’t interest you (or aren’t in your preferred language). Download a few for offline watching; this can save your sanity when traveling with kids.
It’s also a good idea to check with your specific airline to see if its in-flight entertainment is available only through a personal device, which would require you to download an app before boarding (as United does).
9. Pack your bags
What to pack for a trip depends on where you’re going and what you have planned. The following lists are good starting points.
Clothing
- Footwear (including hiking boots or water shoes; our editor at large packs this boot on every winter trip)
- Socks (we’re partial to Bombas)
- Layers of cold-weather gear (merino wool holds in heat, wicks away moisture, and is naturally antimicrobial)
- Jackets/outwear (outdoor gear companies are making progress in the plus-size category too)
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear and other beach necessities
- Hat (for sun or cold)
Personal documents
- Passport
- ID
- Booking confirmations
- Insurance card and travel insurance contact number
- Documentation for any medication that might be controlled in other countries (e.g., Singapore has a list)
Electronics
- Phone
- Chargers/adapters
- Headphones
- AirTags if you’re checking bags
- Travel apps that travel editors use
Essentials
- Medications (keep prescriptions in their official bottles)
- Compression socks for the flight
- Packing cubes
- Water bottle
- Neck pillow
Packing lists
- The Essential Cruise Packing List
- The Ultimate Camping Checklist
- The Ultimate Beach Packing List
- The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List
This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on December 3, 2024 with current information.
