International Trip
by NeatTick · Used 0 times
Passport and entry prep, money and phone setup, and the full packing list for a trip abroad.
This is a community template. Start a checklist to check items off or edit them.
International Travel Prep
Documents
- Check your passport is valid 6+ months past your return date
- Check visa or entry-authorization rules for each country (including layovers)
- Make digital and paper copies of your passport and cards
- Get an International Driving Permit if you'll drive
- Enroll in STEP (U.S. State Department travel alerts)
Money
- Tell your bank and card issuers your travel dates
- Pack a card with no foreign transaction fees
- Get a little local currency or plan an ATM stop
Phone
- Set up an international plan or eSIM
- Download a translation app
Health & safety
- Buy travel insurance (check medical coverage abroad)
- Check CDC travel health notices for your destination
- Keep prescriptions in original labeled bottles
- Save your embassy's address and the local emergency number
- Share your itinerary with someone at home
- Check the plug type and voltage for your devices
Before You Leave Home
A few days before
- Confirm reservations (travel, lodging, campsite)
- Arrange pet care or boarding
- Hold mail and packages (or ask a neighbor)
- Pay bills that come due while you're away
- Refill prescriptions that will run out
- Tell a trusted neighbor or friend your dates
- Download maps, shows, and boarding passes
The day you leave
- Empty the trash and recycling
- Clear perishables from the fridge
- Run and empty the dishwasher
- Set the thermostat to away mode
- Set the water heater to vacation mode
- Unplug small appliances and electronics
- Water plants
- Set lights on a timer
- Check the stove and iron are off
- Lock windows and doors, including the garage
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust
Carry-On Essentials
Documents & money
- Driver's license or passport
- Boarding pass (or airline app)
- Wallet with cards and some cash
- House and car keys
In the bag
- Quart-size liquids bag (TSA 3-1-1)
- Empty water bottle (fill after security)
- Snacks for the flight
- Headphones or earbuds
- Book, e-reader, or downloaded shows
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Warm layer for the plane
- Pen for customs or arrival forms
- Gum or mints
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
Just in case
- Change of underwear and socks
- Jewelry and other valuables (never in checked bags)
Clothing Basics
- Underwear (one per day, plus a spare)
- Socks (one pair per day, plus a spare)
- Sleepwear
- Tops (one per day)
- Pants, shorts, or skirts
- Sweater or fleece
- Jacket for the forecast
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Second pair of shoes
- Belt
- One dressier outfit
- Workout clothes (optional)
- Slippers or house shoes (optional)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Accessories and jewelry you'll actually wear
Toiletries
Daily routine
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties and styling products
- Lip balm
- Makeup and remover
- Contact lenses, case, and solution
- Glasses (and a spare pair)
Health
- Prescription medications (in your carry-on when flying)
- Pain reliever
- Allergy medicine
- Adhesive bandages
- Feminine hygiene products
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Toiletry bag (travel sizes if carrying on)
Tech & Chargers
- Phone charger and cable
- Power bank (carry-on only when flying)
- Multi-port USB wall charger
- Spare charging cables
- Laptop and charger
- Tablet or e-reader and charger
- Smartwatch or fitness tracker charger
- Camera, batteries, and memory cards
- Travel power adapter (for international trips)
- Short extension cord or small power strip
- Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar)
- Portable speaker (optional)