The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: 10 Actions to Do Before You Fly

A person with a backpack steps out of their home, heading towards scenic mountains on a bright day.

I am someone who is overall pretty organized and on top of everything, and this habit definitely shows itself before I travel. I think sometimes I put more effort in the pre-travel tasks than the actual trip planning. I only feel fully ready for my vacation once I have completed my unofficial pre-travel checklist. 

Here is my ultimate pre-travel checklist of everything you absolutely must do before you fly to ensure a stress-free trip.

The Paper Work:

1. Make copies of all your documents 

This might seem a bit extreme-until it isn’t. Make a copy of all your important documents. These documents could include passport, photo IDs, visas, insurances and booking confirmations. I hope this never happens but there is always a chance you lose your phone, and you’ll want a copy of these documents when that happens. I always print these documents beforehand, but I also keep copies of them digitally and save them in my notes on my phone. Literally the note is called “Important Information” and this includes digital copies of my passport, license, medical card, medical insurance and emergency contact. And the great thing about this is that you only have to do it once. The only thing you have to update are the booking confirmations for your next trip.

2. Check to see if your passport expires soon.

This might sound obvious to mention, but just do it. Make sure that your passport isn’t close to expiration, or worse, completely expired. Make sure to double-check your passport's expiration date! You can't travel internationally with an expired one, and tons of countries won't even let you enter unless your passport is valid for at least six months past your trip.

3. Visa Verification

   
   

Check to see if a visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required before arriving at your destination. Don't assume you can get one on arrival; every country has its own set of rules! These days the process is quite easy and most of it is done online.

Safety and sharing:

4. Share your location

This suggestion is more for solo travelers but still a great one. Share your location with at least 3 people who are close to you. I do this for safety reasons especially. Someone should know where you are, even if you’re in a country 14 hours away. This gives peace of mind to both yourself and loved ones.

5. Share your itinerary

This one goes hand in hand with sharing your location. Send your full itinerary, flight numbers, and accommodation bookings to people close to you, so someone always knows where you are as well as where you should be.

6. Check your insurances

Have an idea of the type of medical and travel insurance you have. I am not saying memorize all the benefits and numbers, but to have an idea of what you’re covered for and who to call if you need it. Your insurance might be covered through work, your school or even your credit card. Compare them all and see what is best. If you are not covered at all, absolutely get insurance while traveling, do not take the risk.

Tech and logistics

7. Set up your cellular data

Download and activate an eSIM ahead of time so you have the data the moment you land. I personally use Airalo on my phone, but you can use any that works.

You can use my referral code MELINA1429 at Airalo for $4.50 off your first purchase!

8. Offline downloads.

Before losing Wi-fi or access to your cellular data in your home country, download everything you need. 

Some examples of things I download before my trip are:

• Google Maps

• Airline boarding passes

• TV shows and movies on streaming platforms, and YouTube videos

• Music on Spotify 

• Audio books or digital books

The Home Checklist (Before you leave your home)

9. Unplug everything

This might seem a bit extreme and the majority of the time, nothing will happen whether you do this or not, but I do it and I've never regretted taking the extra 5 minutes to do it. I unplug almost everything. No I don't mean unplug your stove and fridge, I mean the more basic appliances and things. For example, I'll unplug water boilers, coffee machines, chargers etc. Depending on where you live this might also lower your electricity bill. Oh and don’t forget to check that everything is off.

10. Come home to a clean home

Everything you do before your trip is one less thing you have to do on your return, trust me and thank me later. You will thank your past self for doing all the hard stuff before your trip. Empty out the trash, clean the dishes, clean the sheets, vacuum the floor. Every time I go on vacation I get these tasks done with, so when I come back home I know all I have to do is empty my luggage, throw everything in the wash and that is it. It is the best feeling.

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These are just suggestions and some of the things to consider before you leave your home and travel the world. It is always good to be prepared for some worst-case scenarios, but as someone who has traveled a lot, ultimately, you can never be fully prepared. The reality of travel is that things will happen. Plans will change, logistics will fail, and you just have to be ready to adapt and face any challenges that might come your way with a bit of flexibility.

But don't let the fear of the unexpected hold you back or stress you out while you're packing. In the end, just enjoy it and have fun. Traveling is a huge privilege, and you'll never forget the moments and stories you create when you do.