Before You Go: The International Travel Checklist
Jani’s International Double-Check:
☐ Passport valid 6+ months past your return date
☐ Visa requirements confirmed
☐ Bank notified you’re leaving the country
☐ Copies of every important document, packed separately from the originals
☐ Patience for customs lines… bring extra
International travel takes a little more planning than a domestic trip, but a good checklist makes it easy. Not every item will apply to every destination, but this list will help you leave home feeling prepared.
Before You Book
☐ Check passport expiration date (many countries require at least six months of validity)
☐ Research visa requirements
☐ Review entry requirements for your destination
☐ Purchase travel insurance
☐ Verify any recommended or required vaccinations
☐ Check airline baggage allowances
☐ Register with STEP (U.S. citizens, if desired)
Travel Documents
☐ Passport
☐ Visa (if required)
☐ Boarding passes
☐ Hotel confirmations
☐ Tour confirmations
☐ Cruise documents (if applicable)
☐ Travel insurance information
☐ Emergency contact list
☐ Printed itinerary
☐ Copies of important documents
☐ Driver’s license
Money
☐ Notify your bank of international travel (if required)
☐ Bring at least two credit cards
☐ Debit card
☐ Small amount of U.S. cash
☐ Local currency (if desired)
☐ Check foreign transaction fees
☐ Download your banking app
Electronics
☐ Cell phone
☐ Chargers
☐ Portable power bank
☐ International plug adapter
☐ Voltage converter (if needed)
☐ Camera
☐ Memory cards
☐ Headphones
☐ Download maps for offline use
Health
☐ Prescription medications
☐ Copies of prescriptions
☐ Basic first aid kit
☐ Motion sickness medication
☐ Pain reliever
☐ Allergy medication
☐ Hand sanitizer
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Insect repellent
Packing
☐ Clothing appropriate for the weather
☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Rain jacket or umbrella
☐ Day bag or backpack
☐ Refillable water bottle
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Hat
☐ Laundry bag
Before You Leave Home
☐ Check in for your flight
☐ Download airline app
☐ Download destination maps
☐ Charge all electronics
☐ Arrange pet care
☐ Hold mail if needed
☐ Take out trash
☐ Empty refrigerator of perishables
☐ Lock doors and windows
☐ Adjust thermostat
☐ Confirm transportation to the airport
Arrival
☐ Complete immigration forms if required
☐ Pick up local currency if needed
☐ Purchase a local SIM or activate your international phone plan
☐ Confirm transportation to your hotel
☐ Locate your embassy or consulate information
☐ Relax… you’re finally on vacation!
Happy travels!
XOXO, Jani ❤️
Passport rules, visa requirements, and entry requirements vary by destination and can change. Always verify the latest information with your destination country’s official government website, your airline, and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.
Did you know?
For deeper dives on passports, TSA, and everything else that goes into an international trip, visit the Traveler’s Handbook for the complete guides.
Related Traveler’s Handbook Articles
Journeys With Jani: Traveler’s Handbook 
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