✅ First-Time Traveler Checklist
Everything to sort before your first big trip — from passport to packing — in one simple checklist.
Start here
Your first international trip feels daunting, but it comes down to a handful of steps done in the right order. Work through this checklist and you will arrive calm and prepared.
As soon as you book
- Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
- Find out whether your destination needs a visa or travel authorization — and apply early.
- Note your country's official travel advisory for the destination.
- Buy travel insurance while your plans are still refundable.
A few weeks before
- Tell your bank you are traveling so cards are not blocked.
- Sort connectivity: an eSIM is the easiest way to have data on arrival.
- Make digital and paper copies of your passport, tickets and bookings.
- Check any recommended vaccinations or health requirements.
The week before
- Confirm flights, hotel and airport transfer.
- Download offline maps and your airline's app.
- Pack light — lay everything out, then remove a third.
- Set aside some local currency or a card that avoids foreign fees.
Day of travel
- Arrive at the airport 3 hours early for international flights.
- Keep passport, phone, charger and medication in your carry-on.
- Screenshot your bookings in case there is no signal.
Do these and the rest takes care of itself. Save this checklist and reuse it for every trip.
✈️ Before you go
Sort the practical stuff that saves money and stress:
Frequently asked questions
What about as soon as you book?
Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Find out whether your destination needs a visa or travel authorization — and apply early. Note your country's official travel advisory for the destination. Buy travel insurance while your plans are still refundable.
What about a few weeks before?
Tell your bank you are traveling so cards are not blocked. Sort connectivity: an eSIM is the easiest way to have data on arrival. Make digital and paper copies of your passport, tickets and bookings. Check any recommended vaccinations or health requirements.
What about the week before?
Confirm flights, hotel and airport transfer. Download offline maps and your airline's app. Pack light — lay everything out, then remove a third. Set aside some local currency or a card that avoids foreign fees.