Bringing everything you need to do and pack before an international trip into one list takes most of the stress out of the last day. A good checklist covers more than what goes in your suitcase: documents, bookings, payments, what to do before leaving home and what you'll need when you arrive. We've ordered this list by time, so you can see what to do when and tick items off as you go.
Short answer: Start passport and visa paperwork 2–3 months ahead. A month before, sort out insurance, cards and mobile data. A week before, confirm bookings and prepare your packing list. The day before, check in online and do a final check of documents, payment cards and your home.
💡 In BudTrip you can create separate checklists for your suitcase, carry-on or trip preparation. See BudTrip
2–3 months before your trip
- Check your passport's validity. Many countries require your passport to remain valid for a set period after your return (often three or six months). If you need a new one, apply now.
- Find out whether you need a visa or travel authorisation. If you do, book an appointment and start gathering documents. For example, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months and no later than 15 days before your trip. Some countries require an online authorisation for visa-free visitors, such as the US ESTA or the UK ETA.
- Book transport and accommodation. Note the cancellation terms and free cancellation deadline.
- Buy tickets for popular events and museums. Places with limited capacity can sell out early.
- If you're hiring a car, check the licence requirements. Some countries may require an International Driving Permit.
1 month before
- Buy travel insurance. Save the policy number and emergency helpline.
- Make sure your cards work abroad. Check limits and foreign transaction fees, and save your bank's international helpline number.
- Choose your mobile data option: roaming plan, eSIM or local SIM.
- Health preparation: Get enough of any regular medicines, and check whether your destination has vaccination or health requirements. Some medicines may need a prescription or extra documents to enter a country.
- Draft your daily plan and note important addresses.
1 week before
- Confirm your bookings: Check for flight schedule changes and confirm your hotel check-in time.
- Make digital copies of your documents: Store copies of your passport, visa, insurance and bookings somewhere secure.
- Prepare your packing list. For a detailed list, see the Complete packing guide.
- Get a little local currency: For first-day transport and small purchases.
- Download offline maps and your translation app's language pack.
- Arrange things at home: Pet and plant care, deliveries and bills.
The day before
- Check in online and save your boarding pass to your phone.
- Weigh your bag and check the liquid and electronics rules for your carry-on.
- Charge your electronics: phone, power bank, headphones.
- Check your journey to the airport and departure time one last time.
For more on the final days before your flight, see What to do before a flight.
Documents checklist
- Passport and visa or travel authorisation if needed
- National ID card if applicable
- Flight, train or bus tickets
- Hotel or accommodation booking
- Travel insurance policy
- Car hire documents and driving licence
- Health documents and prescriptions
- Digital copies of your documents
Money and payments checklist
- A main card enabled for use abroad
- A backup card kept separately
- A little local currency
- Your bank's international contact number
- A daily spending target
⚠ Note: Don't keep all your cards in the same bag. Store one card or a small amount of emergency cash somewhere separate and safe. If you're entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it.
Phone and electronics checklist
- Phone and charger
- Power bank (in your carry-on)
- The right plug adapter for your destination
- Headphones
- Camera and memory card
- eSIM or data plan
- Offline maps and the apps you need
Before you leave home
- Check doors and windows are locked
- Unplug electrical appliances
- Check water and gas
- Take out the rubbish and deal with perishable food in the fridge
- Make sure pet and plant care is arranged
- Do one last check that your passport, boarding pass, cards and phone are with you
After you arrive
- Check your phone has connected to mobile data
- Use official transport options from the airport into town
- Put valuables in the hotel safe when you arrive
- Let family or friends know you've arrived
- Start recording your first expenses
Common mistakes
- Discovering your passport is expiring in the final week: Renewals and visas take time.
- Only making a packing list: Documents, payments and home tasks belong on the list too.
- Leaving everything to the last day: A list spread over time prevents last-minute panic.
- Travelling without a backup payment method: If your only card is blocked, you're stuck.
Build your checklists in BudTrip
In BudTrip you can create several lists for different purposes and tick off each item or task as you complete it. Add booking details and addresses to your travel notes to keep your expenses, preparation and key information in the same app.
This content is for general information only. Visa, entry and customs rules can change; always check official sources before you travel.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
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