Missing just one of these crucial steps could turn your dream vacation into a travel nightmare. It is crazy to think about the people that have missed flights, lost money, and even had their vacations shortened because they didn’t follow some simple checklists. My mom and dad have had issues the last three years, and it is about time for them to learn a few ways to do flying a bit better. Here is a complete guide not only for them, but for you as well.
The Complete Pre-Flight Playbook
Successful travel isn’t about luck, it’s about preparation. Here’s your comprehensive guide to everything that must happen before you step foot on that plane. Preparation is the key to having a successful travel adventure. Crazy things will happen that are unforeseen, but this checklist should help in any event.
Check Your Passport’s Expiration Date
This isn’t just about whether your passport is expired – most countries require at least six months of validity remaining. Thailand, the Philippines, and dozens of other destinations will turn you away at the border if your passport expires within six months, even if your trip is only a week long.
Research Visa Requirements
Don’t assume you can just show up. Countries like Russia, China, and Brazil require visas that can take weeks to process. Even “visa-free” destinations sometimes require electronic travel authorizations that must be obtained in advance. The U.S. State Department’s website has current requirements for every destination.
Verify Vaccination Requirements
COVID-19 changed the game, but many countries have always required specific vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory for travel to parts of Africa and South America, and some require proof of vaccination against diseases like hepatitis or typhoid. Check with the CDC’s travel health website at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Countries like India and South East Asia people need a good Typhoid vaccine. Some places also have Malaria or Dengue Fever. It is always best to check what vaccines you may need.
Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Travel insurance isn’t just for expensive trips. A simple medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Quality travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost luggage. Companies like World Nomads, Allianz, or Travel Guard offer policies starting around $50-100 for most trips.
My favorite is SafetyWing. SafetyWing is a great travel insurance and health insurance that helps even when you are abroad. So make sure you are covered.
Get an eSIM for International Connectivity
Here’s the travel hack that saves hundreds: skip expensive international roaming plans and get an eSIM before you leave. Services like Airalo, Holafly, Saily or Nomad offer data plans for virtually every country, often for 90% less than carrier roaming fees. Download the eSIM before you travel, and you’ll have instant internet when you land.
Personally, I like the ease of use from Saily. Rates start as low as $4-5 for a seven day trip, and you never know when you may need wifi and data. Nonstop Dan, the YouTuber, got stopped in Kuwait and needed some wifi when talking with some police, but didn’t have any. So it is always best to top up and spend $4-5 before it costs you $50–60 in roaming costs.
Master Your Airline’s Baggage Policy
Every airline has different rules, and they change frequently. Delta’s baggage allowance differs from United’s, and international flights often have different limits than domestic ones. Check weight limits, size restrictions, and fees for both carry-on and checked bags. Some budget airlines charge $50+ for carry-ons that don’t meet their specific requirements.
Flying with one airline and switching does not mean they will have the same luggage rules. Eva allows two bags, but only a 7Kg or 15 lb carry-on. They do weigh them so be aware. Some airlines say you can have 50 lbs or 23 kg bags while others have a higher amount. A good luggage scale can help out.
Notify Your Banks and Credit Card Companies
Banks use sophisticated fraud detection that flags unusual spending patterns. A purchase in Paris when you normally shop in Phoenix triggers immediate card blocks. Call your bank’s travel notification line or use their mobile app to register your travel dates and destinations. Do this for every card you plan to use.
It is always best to notify your banks and credit card companies. You do not want to be stuck with no money in a country because you got blocked due to fraud. Be aware of scams too.
Research Local Laws and Customs
What’s legal at home might be illegal abroad. Some countries have strict rules about medications (even over-the-counter ones), alcohol, political materials, or religious items. Some countries restrict alcohol use, while others make people take off head coverings while in churches. The UAE has zero tolerance for certain medications that are common in the U.S. Know before you go.
It is always best to do a bit of research on the local laws and customs.
Check In Online Early
Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before departure for domestic flights, 24-48 hours for international. Check in immediately when it opens to secure better seats and avoid airport lines. This is especially crucial for budget airlines that charge for seat selection at the airport. This is just one of those smart airport habits to make sure you are doing.
Personally, I would say checking in early means you avoid all lines while at the airport. It is all about dropping off those bags, and heading to security. Make life easier, but checking in early.
Monitor Your Flight Status Religiously
Flight schedules change constantly due to weather, mechanical issues, and crew scheduling. It is always best to keep updates on the airline’s app and the boards in the airport. You never know when a gate change could happen, or a flight has been delayed.
Check your flight status daily in the week leading up to departure, and download your airline’s app for real-time updates. Sign up for text or email notifications about delays and gate changes.
Secure Your Important Documents
Make copies of your passport, driver’s license, travel insurance, hotel confirmations, and emergency contacts. It is always best to have physical copies and digital ones. You never know if you may lose your passport and it could be hard getting back on a plane without one.
Keep physical copies in separate bags, and email yourself digital copies you can access from any device. Store important documents in a waterproof bag or document holder.
Plan Your Airport Transportation
Airports are notorious for making money off people, but parking is one that can rack up a ton of money. Find a relative, a friend, or someone to get you to the airport. Then have a way to get the city or hotel from the airport. In major cities there can car shares, trains, or buses to help you out.
Pack a Strategic Carry-On
Your carry-on should contain everything you’d need for 2-3 days if your checked bag is lost. That means pack your medications, change of clothes, toiletries, phone charger, and important documents. A friend of mine lost his luggage on the way to my wedding. They got the bags back during the reception, so he didn’t have much clothing so he had to get some new shoes and a shirt from the local K-Mart.
Pack one complete outfit in your carry-on, including underwear and socks. You never know if you may need it. Accidents can happen.
Organize Essential Medications
Bring extra medication in case of delays – at least a week’s supply beyond your trip length. Keep medications in original bottles with prescription labels, and carry a doctor’s note for controlled substances. Pack all medications in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.
Download Offline Resources
Download offline maps for your destination using Google Maps or Maps.me. They allow you to navigate cities and locations without the need of date or wifi. You never know when you may need it. Install translation apps like Google Translate with offline language packs.
Save important information like hotel addresses, emergency contacts, and embassy information in your phone’s notes app. These can come in handy for arrival cards, and if you are getting a taxi from the airport.
Research Local Emergency Information
Know how to contact police, medical services, and your country’s embassy or consulate. In many countries, the emergency number isn’t 911. Save these numbers in your phone and write them down separately. Register with your embassy’s travel program (like STEP for U.S. citizens) for emergency assistance.
Arrive With Time to Spare
The standard advice is two hours early for domestic flights, three hours for international. But during peak travel periods, holidays, or at notoriously busy airports, add an extra hour. It’s better to sit in the gate area than miss your flight due to long security lines.
A couple of years ago, Amsterdam and London Heathrow were having security lines of 3-4 hours long meaning passengers that didn’t build up enough time missed their flights. It is always best to have spare time than miss a flight.
Charge Everything and Pack Backups
Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged before leaving home. Bring portable chargers for your phone and other devices. Many flights now have USB ports, but don’t count on them working. Download entertainment content before your flight in case WiFi is unavailable or expensive.
The Bottom Line
Great travel experiences aren’t accidental – they’re the result of thorough preparation. Every item on this checklist represents a potential problem that could derail your trip. But when you’ve covered all the bases, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your journey.
The difference between travelers who have amazing experiences and those who face constant problems isn’t luck – it’s preparation. Follow this checklist, and you’ll join the ranks of travelers who make it look effortless, because they’ve done the work behind the scenes to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Your next great adventure is waiting. Make sure you’re ready for it.