Checklist
International Travel Checklist
What to sort out before a trip abroad, and what to pack for it. Print it or download it as PDF, Excel or Word. For visa rules, plug adapters, currency and weather gear, build a list for your destination.
Before you leave
Documents, money and to-dos to sort out before a trip abroad. Visa rules, plug adapters and currency depend on where you go: build a list for your destination and those rows are added.
Check in online and save your boarding passes offline
Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline
Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet
See a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before for vaccines
Before you go: lock up, unplug appliances, arrange pet and plant care, hold the mail, leave a spare key with someone
Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)
Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees
Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home
Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)
Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)
Wallet with ID, driver's licence, health insurance card and payment cards
House and car keys, in your carry-on
Pen for arrival forms
Money belt or hidden pouch for passport and spare cash
Set up an eSIM or roaming plan for data
Save your two-factor backup codes in case you lose your phone
List your medications by generic name, with a doctor's note
What should you pack for an international trip?
Counts are per person for a 7-day trip.
Clothing
Underwear ×8
Per person
Socks ×8
Per person
Everyday outfits (tops and bottoms) ×5
Per person
Comfortable walking shoes
Sleepwear
Light layer (sweater or hoodie)
One smart outfit and shoes for a dinner out
Change of clothes in your carry-on
Flip-flops or shower sandals
Swimsuit
Compression socks
Belt
Workout clothes and shoes (if you exercise on the road)
Light scarf, shawl or travel blanket for cold planes and buses
Tech & Accessories
Phone charger, with USB-C and USB-A cables
Power bank, in your carry-on (never in a checked bag)
Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling for flights)
Laptop or tablet and charger (if you bring one)
Wired earbuds or a Bluetooth transmitter for the seatback screen
Multi-port USB charger or short extension cord
Camera with a spare battery and memory card
Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar) in checked bags
Health & Safety
Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
Toiletry bag: deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, razor
Clear quart bag for carry-on liquids (100 ml / 3.4 oz each)
Prescription medication and daily vitamins (with a copy of the prescription)
Glasses or contacts, solution, eye drops and a spare pair (if you wear them)
Hairbrush or comb, and hair products
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover (if you wear it)
Basic meds: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antacid, antihistamine, cold medicine
Small first-aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Travel wet wipes
Earplugs
Sleep eye mask
Lip balm with SPF
Nail clippers, nail file and tweezers
Period products (if you need them)
Blister plasters and anti-chafe balm
Pocket tissues or a small roll of toilet paper
Electrolyte powder packets
Perfume or cologne (if you wear it)
Motion-sickness tablets or bands
Face mask for the plane
Gear & Activity
Reusable water bottle
Daypack
Zip bags in a few sizes
Packable tote or shopping bag
Laundry bag for dirty clothes
Luggage tags with your phone and email
Luggage lock
Anti-theft crossbody bag
Mini sewing kit and safety pins
Small flashlight or headlamp
Extras
Travel neck pillow
Snacks and gum for the journey
Book or e-reader
Notebook or travel journal
Download or print this list