There’s nothing like the thrill of an upcoming international adventure: the new places, cultures, and experiences waiting just around the corner. But before you can relax into vacation mode, there’s the practical side of things: making sure you’re packed, prepped, and organized so nothing gets in the way of your trip.
Here’s an international travel checklist to help you cover all the essentials:
🧳 What to Pack
- Versatile outfits: Choose pieces that mix and match easily, so you can pack light without sacrificing style.
- Comfortable shoes: Walking-friendly pairs of shoes are a must for exploring cobblestone streets or airport terminals.
- Travel-sized toiletries: TSA-approved containers save space and stress.
- Medication & wellness items: Prescriptions, vitamins, and anything you rely on daily.
- Adapters & chargers: Don’t get stuck with a dead phone in a new country.
📝 What to Prep
- Passport & visas: Check expiration dates early. Many countries require at least six months of validity.
- Travel insurance: Coverage for flights, health, and luggage can be a lifesaver.
- Local currency & cards: A mix of cash and cards gives you flexibility.
- Transportation & transfers: Arrange how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel ahead of time.
- Emergency contacts: Save numbers for airlines, hotels, and your travel advisor in your phone.
📄 What to Print (or Save Offline)
- Flight confirmations and boarding passes
- Hotel reservations and contact info
- Activity or tour confirmations
- A copy of your passport (kept separate from the real one)
- Travel insurance documents
✨ Pro tip: Even in our digital age, having paper backups is invaluable if Wi-Fi is spotty or your phone battery runs out.
Make It Easy on Yourself
To simplify things, I’ve created a free Travel Planning Checklist you can download and use for your own trips. It’s the exact guide I share with my clients to make sure nothing gets overlooked. It’s step-by-step from the time you book your trip until you get back home.
👉 Download Your Free Checklist Here
Travel planning doesn’t have to feel like juggling a hundred details on your own. With the right prep (and the right support) you can focus less on logistics and more on the joy of the journey.