š Essential Travel Documents
Passport (Valid 6+ Months)
Most countries require passport validity extending 6 months beyond your travel dates. Verify expiration date and renew if needed. Processing takes 8-11 weeks (routine) or 5-7 weeks (expedited).
U.S. State Department - Passport ServicesVisa / Travel Authorization
Check visa requirements for your destination. Some countries require advance visa applications; others offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa. U.S. travelers to Europe need ETIAS authorization starting 2024.
Country Information - Visa RequirementsDriver's License + International Driving Permit (if needed)
If renting a car abroad, carry your valid driver's license. Many countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP)āobtain from AAA for $20. IDP translates your license into 10 languages.
Travel Insurance Documents
Print policy number, 24/7 emergency contact numbers, and coverage summary. Save digital copies in email/cloud. Essential for filing claims for medical emergencies or trip disruptions.
Reservation Confirmations
Print or save offline: flight confirmations, hotel bookings, car rental vouchers, tour reservations, airport transfer details. Include confirmation numbers and contact phone numbers.
Emergency Contact List
List emergency contacts (family, friends), embassy/consulate numbers for destination country, credit card customer service numbers, insurance emergency line, doctor contact information.
Find U.S. Embassy / ConsulateDocument Photocopies
Make copies of passport, visa, driver's license, credit cards, travel insurance. Keep copies separate from originals (in different bag). Email scans to yourself for cloud access.
š Health & Medical Preparations
Required Vaccinations
Check vaccination requirements 6-8 weeks before departure. Yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A/B, and COVID-19 vaccines may be required or recommended depending on destination. Some vaccines require multiple doses over weeks.
CDC Travel Health NoticesPrescription Medications (Original Containers)
Pack medications in original prescription bottles with pharmacy labels. Carry 1-2 weeks extra supply in case of travel delays. Get doctor's letter for controlled substances. Keep medications in carry-on luggage.
Travel First Aid Kit
Include: pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication, motion sickness pills, bandages, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, tweezers, thermometer.
Health Insurance Card
Carry health insurance card and verify international coverage. Most domestic plans don't cover overseas careāconsider supplemental travel medical insurance for international trips.
Sunscreen & Insect Repellent
Pack broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. For tropical destinations, bring DEET-based insect repellent (20-30% concentration) to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue, or Zika.
Extra Glasses / Contact Lenses
Bring spare eyeglasses or extra contact lenses plus solution. Losing/breaking glasses abroad can disrupt your trip. Consider prescription sunglasses for outdoor destinations.
š§³ Packing Essentials
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Research destination weather. Pack layers for variable temperatures. Include: 1 jacket, comfortable walking shoes, 1 dress outfit, underwear/socks for trip length + 2 extra days. Roll clothes to save space.
Toiletries (TSA-Compliant Sizes)
For carry-on: liquids ā¤3.4oz (100ml) each in quart-size clear bag. Include toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, razor, feminine products. Buy full-size at destination if checking bags.
Electronics & Chargers
Phone + charger, laptop/tablet + charger, camera + memory cards, universal power adapter (for international travel), portable battery pack, headphones. Carry electronics in carry-on.
Money & Payment Methods
Notify credit card companies of travel dates to prevent fraud holds. Carry 2+ credit cards (in case one is declined/lost). Bring $200-300 in local currency or U.S. dollars. Use ATMs at destination for best exchange rates.
Day Bag / Backpack
Small backpack or crossbody bag for daily excursions. Should fit: water bottle, snacks, guidebook, camera, light jacket, sunscreen. Choose anti-theft design with hidden zippers for high-tourist areas.
TSA-Approved Luggage Locks
Lock checked luggage with TSA-approved locks (TSA can open without breaking). Secure zippers together. Consider cable locks for hostel lockers or backpacks.
Reusable Water Bottle
Empty bottle goes through TSA security; refill after checkpoint. Saves money and reduces plastic waste. Insulated bottles keep drinks cold/hot for hours.
āļø Airport & Flight Preparation
Online Check-In (24 Hours Before)
Check in online 24 hours before departure to secure better seat selection and save time at airport. Download mobile boarding pass or print at home. Verify baggage allowance.
Arrive Early at Airport
Domestic flights: arrive 2 hours early. International flights: arrive 3 hours early. Allow extra time during holidays or at busy airports. Factor in parking/shuttle time.
TSA Security Wait TimesTSA PreCheck / Global Entry (if enrolled)
TSA PreCheck expedites domestic security (no shoe/belt/laptop removal). Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck plus faster customs re-entry to U.S. Applications take 2-3 months to process.
Apply for TSA PreCheckPrepare for Security Screening
Remove shoes, belt, jacket. Place liquids, laptop, tablets in separate bins. Empty pockets completely. Prohibited items: sharp objects, large liquids, lithium batteries in checked bags, lighters in checked bags.
Snacks & Entertainment
Pack non-liquid snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit) for flight. Download movies, podcasts, books to device before departureāin-flight Wi-Fi is expensive. Bring noise-canceling headphones.
Neck Pillow & Eye Mask
For long flights, neck pillow prevents stiff neck. Eye mask and earplugs help you sleep despite cabin lighting/noise. Compression socks reduce leg swelling on flights over 4 hours.
š Home Preparations Before Leaving
Hold Mail / Newspaper Delivery
Request USPS mail hold online or at post office (free service). Piled-up mail signals empty home to thieves. Or have trusted neighbor collect mail daily.
USPS Hold Mail ServiceArrange Pet Care
Book pet boarding, hire pet sitter, or confirm friend/family availability. Leave emergency vet contact info, feeding instructions, medications. Update pet's ID tags and microchip registration.
Adjust Thermostat & Utilities
Set thermostat to energy-saving temp (55-60Ā°F winter, 80-85Ā°F summer). Unplug electronics to prevent phantom energy drain. Turn off water main if traveling over 2 weeks (prevents flood damage).
Set Timers for Lights
Use automatic timers to turn lights on/off at realistic times (evening hours). Creates appearance someone's home. Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely via smartphone.
Activate Security System / Cameras
Arm home security system. Test cameras and motion sensors. Notify security company of travel dates. Lock all windows and doors including garage.
Leave Itinerary with Trusted Contact
Share travel itinerary (flight numbers, hotel addresses, dates) with family/friend. Include your phone number and emergency contacts. Register trip with U.S. State Department STEP program for safety alerts.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)Ready to Book Your Trip?
Now that you're prepared, find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Don't forget travel insurance for peace of mind.