30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + PDF Checklist (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Check the Expiry Date of Your Documents 2. Email and Print the Most Important Documents 3. Get Your Visa Ready 4. If Traveling with Children, Get a Child Consent 5. Don’t Forget to Print and Screenshot Check-Ins, Accommodations, and Tickets 6. Check If You Need an International Drivers License 7. Get Travel Insurance 8. Get Vaccinated 9. Pack Important Medicine 10. Don’t Forget the Prescriptions for Your Medications 11. Plan for Day Trips and Activities 12. Check for Travel Warnings and Register with the Embassy 13. Inform Your Bank When and Where You’re Going 14. Pay Your Bills in Advance or Set up Automatic Payments 15. Check the Exchange Rates, Atm Fees, and Exchange Some Cash 16. Hold Your Mail and Set up Email Autoresponder 17. Check Your Phone Fees, and Maybe Get a Cheap Sim Card Abroad 18. Find Someone to Take Care of Your Pets 19. Look at the Weather Forecasts 20. Find out the Local Transportation Costs 21. Learn the Airline Luggage Restrictions 22. Get Adapters and Check for Dual-Voltage on Your Devices 23. Download Offline Versions of Google Maps 24. Charge Electronics, Pack Memory Cards, and Chargers Delete Old Photos 25. Plan Your Drive to and from the Airport 26. Let Your Neighbors Know That You’ll Be Away 27. Unplug Electronics, Turn off the AC, and Turn down Water Heating 28. Clean Your Fridge of Fruits, Dairies, and Other Organics 29. Water the Plants, Set Timers for Lights, Close the Blinds and Take out the Trash 30. Hide Your Valuables Someplace Safe The Bottom Line FAQs References

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Everyone knows how stressful the last few days before the vacation usually are. Your responsible inner voice always manages to creep in and whisper, “What if someone robs my house while I’m away? What if I forget to turn off the stove and the house burns down?”

The ‘What if’ is your enemy, and you need to get rid of it. And do you know what’s the best remedy for the ‘what if’ syndrome? It’s to make sure that you’re prepared. You NEED to confirm that you’ve gone through, at least, the most critical stuff. And there’s no better way of doing this than by going through a checklist and marking off the empty boxes one by one.

So go ahead and grab your printable PDF checklist of 30 things to do before traveling abroad and start ticking those boxes! If you want a more detailed version, continue reading down below.

Open PDF checklist

1. Check the Expiry Date of Your Documents

Ensure that your passport, ID card, driver’s license, bank cards, and other documents aren’t about to expire. Most countries won’t let you in if your passport expires in less than six months.

Remember that documents take a few weeks to renew, so do that at least a month before you depart.

Read Next: You Bought Airline Tickets Online. Now What? (Guide)

2. Email and Print the Most Important Documents

Scan your documents (passport, visa, driver’s license, ID card), email them yourself, and print copies. In case they get stolen, the renewal process will go faster if you have copies on hand or in your inbox. Also, keep them separate from the original copies.

Tip: Get an RFID-Blocking organizer for all of your documents and keep all of them in a safe place.

3. Get Your Visa Ready

First of all, get a visa (if required) and check if the dates are correct. You’ll find which countries need a permit at the official U.S. embassy’s website.

4. If Traveling with Children, Get a Child Consent

A lot of people forget about child consent. If a child is less than 18 years old isn’t traveling with both parents, you’ll need written permission from the other parent.

5. Don’t Forget to Print and Screenshot Check-Ins, Accommodations, and Tickets

It’s a good idea to print or send to your phone all bookings, check-ins, airline tickets, tickets for attractions, and tickets for buses, trains, and metros.

6. Check If You Need an International Drivers License

You should get an International Drivers License (IDL), also known as International Driving Permit (IDP), which will allow you to drive in most countries. Though IDPs aren’t required everywhere – you’ll find a map that shows which countries require them over here. If you’re living in the U.S., you can get them through the American Automobile Association, and they cost only a few bucks. You can fill the application online and later print a valid license.

7. Get Travel Insurance

First, check if your credit card already comes with travel insurance. If not, you should buy one. Ensure that it covers medical and juridical expenses, theft and robbery, lost luggage, and missed or canceled flights.

8. Get Vaccinated

Find out if you need any vaccines by visiting the official World Health Organization’s website. The most common required ones are yellow fever, malaria, meningococcal disease, and polio. You can also call a local travel vaccination center, and they’ll tell you which ones you need.

Remember that some vaccines have to be made a few weeks before your trip. Also, often you need to take multiple shots with some days between them. So you should get vaccinated early.

9. Pack Important Medicine

Most medicationscan be carried on board, according to TSA. Though you should make certain that your medicine is in its original packaging and in adequate quantities. Pack something to bring down the temperature, painkillers, bandages, a digital thermometer, pills against diarrhea, and something for sunburns.

10. Don’t Forget the Prescriptions for Your Medications

If you use prescribed medicine, you should get your prescriptions before you go. TSA requires you to have them on board, and you’ll need them if you run out.

11. Plan for Day Trips and Activities

Some like to keep their trips spontaneous, but it’s often a good idea to book at least some activities in advance. Sometimes, you won’t get the tickets on the spot because they’re booked.

For instance, one of our staff members has an upcoming trip to Spain in two months, and he wants to visit the El Caminito del Rey, other known as “The world’s most dangerous hike.” He was shocked to find out that the tickets sold out months ago, and he was lucky to get a spot. So be like me and book the most important activities a few months early.

30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + PDF Checklist (1)

12. Check for Travel Warnings and Register with the Embassy

A few weeks before you go, keep an eye on the official U.S. Travel Advisoriesbecause they’ll give out warnings for potentially dangerous countries and warzones. It would be a good idea to register with the local U.S. embassy before going, so they can give instructions to you if something goes wrong.

13. Inform Your Bank When and Where You’re Going

If you’re living in Ohio and your bank sees purchases from a different country, they’ll think that someone has stolen your card. To prevent this, inform them when and where you’ll be going.

14. Pay Your Bills in Advance or Set up Automatic Payments

This tip is an obvious one. You don’t want to come back only to find out that you’re in debt. I usually pay two months in advance to avoid nasty surprises.

15. Check the Exchange Rates, Atm Fees, and Exchange Some Cash

Learn what currency they’re using and the exchange rate so you don’t get ripped off. Also, visit your bank’s website and write down the abroad fees for transactions and ATM withdrawals. It’s usually cheaper to exchange roughly a hundred bucks before you go and withdraw the rest through the ATM once you’re there.

16. Hold Your Mail and Set up Email Autoresponder

For your regular mail, you can ask the post office to hold your letters for a few weeks or ask your neighbors to pick them up. Also, don’t forget to set up an autoresponder on Gmail, so your clients and colleagues know that you’re away.

17. Check Your Phone Fees, and Maybe Get a Cheap Sim Card Abroad

Often it’s a bad idea to use your phone abroad. You may receive charges even for incoming calls and messages, so instead, get a cheap SIM once you’re there. To use SIM cards in other countries, you’ll first need to open your phone,’ which you can do at most mobile stores for a small fee. If you are using your own SIM, check the abroad fees, so you have a good idea of what to expect.

18. Find Someone to Take Care of Your Pets

If you have pets, arrange for your relatives, friends, or neighbors to take care of them or purchase pet sitting services.

19. Look at the Weather Forecasts

By finding out what the weather will be like, you’ll be able to pack accordingly. Also, learn about potential hurricanes, flash floods, thunderstorms, tsunamis, e.t.c., and learn about what you should do in those situations.

20. Find out the Local Transportation Costs

Check the local costs for buses, trains, metros, and taxis – look for the average prices and discounts for specified-time tickets. Maybe opt-in for a rental instead? For instance, in most third world countries taxis are usually the best way of transportation, as they’re pretty cheap. But sometimes it’s even less expensive to rent a car.

30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + PDF Checklist (2)

21. Learn the Airline Luggage Restrictions

Don’t forget to check the restrictions before you start packing because you might exceed the weight or size limits. Also, don’t forget to go through ALL connecting flights as well. One time, our staff member forgot to purchase onboard luggage on a domestic flight and had to overpay at the airport!

22. Get Adapters and Check for Dual-Voltage on Your Devices

Find out if you’ll need an adapter and what voltage they use. For instance, the U.S. uses 110v, while the EU uses 220V. In this case, you would need to ensure that the voltage of your 110V electronics is also suitable for 220V.

Usually, you can see that in small letters on the charger ( 100-240V.) You can use voltage in that range; otherwise, your devices will fry.

Tip: Get a universal travel adapter, which works in most countries, so you don’t have to purchase and carry multiple ones.

23. Download Offline Versions of Google Maps

Did you know that you can download offline versions of Google Maps? Generally, a 100-200 mile radius takes up around 250MB. If you do that, your maps will work as usual, and you’ll be able to find anything you need at a glance. That’s especially handy if you’re planning on renting a vehicle.

24. Charge Electronics, Pack Memory Cards, and Chargers Delete Old Photos

TSA requires that your electronics have a full charge when you go through security, and they might ask you to turn them on. So charge your devices, don’t forget to pack your chargers, memory cards, and delete old photos from your last trip, so you have enough space for new ones.

25. Plan Your Drive to and from the Airport

Arrange a friend to take you to and from the airport because parking is often full or very expensive at airports. We use a taxi or public transport.

26. Let Your Neighbors Know That You’ll Be Away

If you’re close with your neighbors, it might be a good idea to let them know that you’ll be away. Tell them to contact the police if anyone comes snooping around or they see any activity in the house.

27. Unplug Electronics, Turn off the AC, and Turn down Water Heating

To save some utility costs, and potentially avoid electrical hazards, prepare your house before you leave. You should turn off your AC, or set it to low. Then, unplug all electronics and turn off your water heating or set it to a low temperature.

28. Clean Your Fridge of Fruits, Dairies, and Other Organics

You don’t want to come home to the scent of rotten food! So you should plan ahead and throw out all organics that could degrade.

29. Water the Plants, Set Timers for Lights, Close the Blinds and Take out the Trash

Before leaving, use this final list to make sure you’re all set to go:

  • Water the plants
  • If you have timers for lights, set your lights to go on at random times during the day to trick thieves
  • Close the blinds
  • Sweep the floors
  • Take out the trash
  • Change your bedsheets, because you’ll be too tired to do that when you’re back

30. Hide Your Valuables Someplace Safe

If you have valuables in your house, you should store them someplace safe. Hide your jewelry, silverware, and other valuables somewhere in your home, or, even better, rent a safe deposit box at the local bank.

The Bottom Line

There you go – your ‘what if’syndrome has been cured! If you’ve read all 30 items in this list and made sure to follow them, you should be all set to depart on your long-awaited trip.

Are you searching for more tips for your vacation? Check out these80 packing tips for international travelto make the most out of your luggage.

30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + PDF Checklist (3)

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30 Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad + PDF Checklist (2024)

FAQs

What are the steps to take before traveling abroad? ›

Table of Contents
  1. Prepare your travel documents.
  2. Research your destination.
  3. Address money matters.
  4. Compare transportation & accommodation options.
  5. Book everything in advance.
  6. Avoid travel fatigue.
  7. Prioritize your health & safety.
  8. Pack appropriately.
Jul 12, 2023

What do I need to prepare for international travel? ›

Help your overseas journey run smoothly — and stay safe too — by completing this international travel checklist before you depart.
  1. Double-check your documents. ...
  2. Make copies. ...
  3. Get vaccinated. ...
  4. Register with the U.S. State Department. ...
  5. Get a prescription refill. ...
  6. Have a plan for cash. ...
  7. Stay connected. ...
  8. Opt for global coverage.
Apr 5, 2024

What to pack for a 4 week trip checklist? ›

Checked Luggage Checklist
  • Clothing essentials (remember the 5-4-3-2-1 rule) 5 tops. 4 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts, etc.) ...
  • Additional clothing pieces. Sleepwear. ...
  • Toiletries. Sunscreen. ...
  • Sewing kit.
  • First aid kit (include bandages, disinfectant, insect repellent, etc.)
  • Hairbrush and styling tools.
  • Plug adaptor(s)
  • Laundry bag.
Sep 14, 2023

How to pack for an overseas trip? ›

13 Packing Tips for Your International Travels
  1. Bring comfortable walking shoes – Ones you've worn previously! ...
  2. Pack a bag within your bag. ...
  3. Pack an outfit for entering religious sites. ...
  4. Keep the essentials in your carry on. ...
  5. In fact, just bring a carry on! ...
  6. Roll your clothes to save space. ...
  7. Think layers.
Nov 30, 2023

What not to bring when traveling internationally? ›

  • Excessive Valuables: Leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary valuables at home.
  • Unnecessary Gadgets: Think twice before packing items you rarely use.
  • Too Many Clothes: Overpacking can make your luggage heavy, make travel difficult and limit space for souvenirs.
Oct 17, 2023

How do I prepare my body for international travel? ›

Eat lightly, stay hydrated, and have no coffee or alcohol and only minimal sugar until the flight's almost over. Some people are susceptible to blood clots in their legs during long flights (factors include obesity, age, genetics, smoking, and use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy).

How do I prepare my stomach for international travel? ›

Make sure your pre-travel diet includes plenty of fiber, which makes stools softer and more comfortable to pass. Foods high in fiber include many fruits, like apples (with the skin), raspberries, and pears; beans; and whole-grain foods such as bran cereal.

What do US citizens need to travel internationally? ›

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

What do you need at the airport for international flights? ›

International travel documents
  • Passport. Passports are required for all international travel. ...
  • Visa. If you're a citizen of a foreign country and would like to visit the U.S., you'll probably need a visa. ...
  • Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method? ›

So, what is it? The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is very simple: The numbers represent the number of certain items of clothing. According to the method, five tops, four bottoms, three shoes, two dresses, and an accessory set—consisting of a jewelry set, sunglasses, and a hat—should go in your suitcase.

How many bras should I pack for a week? ›

All that, of course, depends on the duration of your trip, but we'd say three is a safe bet for a week-long getaway. If you're staying any longer, throw in an extra bra or two, or consider giving them a wash at the very least.

What might I be forgetting to pack? ›

8 Things You Will Forget to Pack (and Survive Without)
  • Your favourite shampoo. ...
  • Your chargers. ...
  • Important documents. ...
  • Your prescription medicine. ...
  • Your swimming gear. ...
  • Memories. ...
  • That amazing shirt. ...
  • Money.

What to prepare for international travel? ›

7 Things You Must Do Before Your Next International Trip
  1. Make sure your passport and visa are up-to-date. ...
  2. Check for health advisories and travel warnings and advisories. ...
  3. Register your trip with the State Department. ...
  4. Stock your wallet with acceptable methods of payment. ...
  5. Buy travel insurance. ...
  6. Pack appropriately.

What do you need to obtain before you travel to a foreign country? ›

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to travel outside the U.S., you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. Learn how to find your destination's visa requirements. While not all countries require visas for American travelers, many do.

What do I need before international flight? ›

International travel documents
  • Passport. Passports are required for all international travel. ...
  • Visa. If you're a citizen of a foreign country and would like to visit the U.S., you'll probably need a visa. ...
  • Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

What documents do you always need when you travel abroad? ›

A travel document is a form of identity issued to you by the government. For example, passports and visas are both travel documents that you would need to cross international borders. Failing to produce the correct documents at border control could mean you are denied entry to the country you are travelling to.

How do I travel abroad for the first time? ›

8 tips for first-time international travelers
  1. Check your documents.
  2. Consider signing up for a travel rewards card.
  3. Give yourself a long booking window.
  4. Be selective about lodging.
  5. Consider the not-so-common essentials.
  6. Pack right for the flight.
  7. Give a heads up to your credit card issuer.
  8. Make the clock your friend.
May 9, 2024

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