Free Downloadable Travel Checklist
Listen, I did zero things on any of our checklists the first time I left the country. I packed my bags, showed up at the airport, and somehow got to Ireland and back.
Since then, I’ve learned a lot. And that is why we have so many travel checklists.
This is the perfect travel checklist for three months to three weeks prior to a trip.
There are a few items on here, like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, that take at least a few months to acquire, so plan accordingly.
We joke that this website is built off of our mistakes. But more than that, we’ve seen the people in tears trying to push through security who didn’t budget enough time. The person who can’t get their phone to connect in a remote area or new country. The person who lost their one and only payment method. We’ve seen a lot, and so much of it can be avoided with some planning.
Having a travel checklist, or five, can calm your mind and keep your trip on track.
I’m only partially kidding about the five checklists.
Do you have to do everything on every list? No. But reading through a few of them can save you time, money and headaches.
These travel checklists are all found in this planning section of the website.
Start here: Travel Planning 101 – Ultimate Travel Planning Checklist. This will take you through almost any scenario.
If you want just essential items, read 13 Essential Travel Prep Tips.
Read 19 Simple Steps to Prep Your Home for Vacation for all things home-related.
And make sure you have all of the travel apps you might need on your phone. This is a list of our favorites!
The checklist below is filled with basics. It is also in a downloadable format you can keep right on your computer desktop or print off to store somewhere handy.
Don’t forget to share this with your travel buddies by hitting the share buttons below!
I run through this list 2-4 weeks before a trip.
Air Travel
- Read: Beginner’s Guide to Plane Travel (even if you have flown before!)
- Create accounts for the airlines you’ll be flying
- Download apps – set up notifications
- Check luggage rules for all airlines
- Know the basic TSA rules
- Check-in 24 hours before the flight
- Get a digital boarding pass
- If you have TSA PreCheck, make sure the green checkmark is on your digital boarding pass (you can call the airline and add your Known Traveler Number if it is not!)
- Leave ample time to arrive, park/get dropped off, check bags and get through security
- If flying out of the country, download the Mobile Passport Control app if you do not have Global Entry
Technology
- Download transportation apps: public transport, ride share, etc.
- Buy a local e-Sim (I)*
- Buy a portable battery bank
- Download hotel apps
- Download mobile tickets, booking or event apps
- Our favorite travel apps
*for international travel, downloading a local eSim (or buying a sim card) is often cheaper than the plan through your carrier
Packing
- Check bag dimensions and weight if you are flying
- Separate your liquids if you are flying carry-on, otherwise pack them in your checked bag
- Check weather 1 week prior and pack appropriately
Car Travel
- Get an oil change and/or tune-up
- Make an Emergency kit for your car
- Download podcasts
- Bring a paper atlas – A fun way to track road trips!
- Download offline maps for remote areas
- Read Beginner’s Guide to Car Rental even if you have rented before!
- Read 18 Tips for a Solo Road Trip
All Travel
- Read Planning 101 – Ultimate Travel Planning Checklist
- Double-check all reservation dates
- Prep your house for being away
- Register your trip with the State Dept if traveling out of the country
- Purchase travel insurance
- Get a travel-specific credit card
- Bring cash – $100 minimum
- Check expiration dates on passport or state ID
- Read all contracts (look for hidden fees)
- Download all apps you might use
- Learn key phrases in the local language
Planning your trip?
Book your accommodation
We use booking.com for accommodations. They offer a range of hotels, resorts, apartments, guesthouses, and even hostels. The platform also has a loyalty program that allows users to save even more.
Book your tours
We prefer booking tours through one provider and keeping our mobile tickets in one spot. We use GetYourGuide. We love that they work with local companies and provide a wide variety of tours!
Stay Connected
We love Airalo for our eSims. eSim is the easiest way to obtain data outside your network. We have used their eSim cards in Budapest, Canada and Ecuador. Simply download the Airalo app and pick the country you are traveling to and the amount of data you want. Follow the installation instructions and turn it on when you arrive!
Shopping for your trip?
We make a small commission when you use our Amazon Affiliate link. This helps offset maintaining our website at no cost to you.
- Top Tips for Choosing a Hotel on a Budget
- How To Get Comfortable With Solo Travel – 14 Ideas To Get You Started!
- How to Use Google Flights and Save Money
- Packing for a Hot, Humid Destination
- Travel Planning 101: The Ultimate Travel Planning Checklist
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