travel checklist
6 - 12 Months Before:
- Decide on dates and destination(s)
- Reach out to travel advisor
- Request time off from work
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and entrance requirements for the country
- Review destination information at travel.state.gov
- Check for holidays and festivals
- Book flights
- Book hotels and tours
- Make sure travel advisor knows of any special occasions and any dietary / mobility needs
- Buy travel insurance
2 - 3 Months Before:
- Book transfers/transportation
- Set up Google alerts for your destination
- Make restaurant reservations
- Check for museums/shops you want to visit
- Book museum tickets
- Familiarize yourself with security requirements for any airports you are transitioning through
2 - 3 Weeks Before:
- Take out cash/local currency
- Buy electrical adapter(s) for countries visiting (or universal adapter)
- Reach out to phone provider to update for international plan
- Make sure credit card providers know you will be traveling
- Share your itinerary with a friend/relative
- Make copies of passports and leave with trusted friend/relative and keep copy with you
- Familiarize yourself with local tipping customs/dress code
- Download apps you may need
- Enroll in STEP
- Make note of local emergency numbers (police, hotel, etc..) WITH + country code
Day Before:
- Check into your flight
- Check weather report again at your destination
- Triple check that you have passports, ID, cell phones, medicines (in original packaging with prescription), chargers in your personal item bag.
- Lost baggage happens. I recommend carrying the following items in case of a lost checked bag: travel size deoderant, travel size toothpaste + toothbrush, travel size contact lens solution + case, hairbrush, eyeglasses, change of clothes. Additionally, if you are traveling somewhere warm, carry-on your bathing suit + flip flops. If you are traveling somewhere cold, carry-on your coat.
- Weigh your luggage
- Know which terminal you are flying out of
- ENJOY YOUR TRIP!