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International Travel Checklist

4.8/5 with 513 votes
Table of Contents

Introduction

Our International Travel Checklist is designed to help you prepare for your journey abroad without missing any crucial details. From organizing paperwork and immunizations to ensuring you pack all essential items, this template covers everything you need for a smooth travel experience. With the Checklist App, you can easily save, customize, and sync your tasks across devices, so you're always ready for your adventure. Don't forget to share your checklist with friends or family for collaborative planning. Have a safe journey!

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Toggle Planning details status

Planning details

Toggle Paperwork status

Paperwork

Apply for your passport with all visas well ahead of departure. If you already have one, be sure that it is valid and that your renewal date falls well after you return.
Toggle Immunizations: Double check that you know what is required in every country you will be visiting and get your shots well in advance. status

Immunizations: Double check that you know what is required in every country you will be visiting and get your shots well in advance.

Toggle Communications status

Communications

Reconfirm your arrival dates via fax or emails to your hotels or other accommodations, especially if they are going to pre-arrange any transportation services.
Toggle Hold services status

Hold services

Cancel newspaper deliveries and arrange for the post office to hold mail delivery.
Toggle Pet care status

Pet care

Arrange for a sitter, or for boarding.
Toggle House care status

House care

Arrange a house sitter, or someone to water plants and keep an eye on things.
Toggle Documents to take with you status

Documents to take with you

Toggle Passport and required visas, and record of immunizations status

Passport and required visas, and record of immunizations

Keep them handy at all times.
Toggle Airline round-trip tickets status

Airline round-trip tickets

This are important in case the country requires return verification.
Toggle State drivers license status

State drivers license

You may also need a an international driver's license.
Toggle Traveler checks status

Traveler checks

Possibly also pre-purchased foreign currency available at your local bank.
Toggle Internationally accepted credit cards status

Internationally accepted credit cards

Use these for all purchases except tipping or smaller transactions.
Toggle Travel itinerary status

Travel itinerary

Include all telephone numbers and addresses for destinations.
Toggle Proof of Purchase status

Proof of Purchase

Important for items such as a laptop so there can be no question of ownership.
Toggle Copies. status

Copies.

Have two of everything in case one set gets lost!
Toggle Insurance status

Insurance

Toggle Medical insurance status

Medical insurance

Find out if your medical insurance is valid in other countries in case of an emergency. If not, consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy.
Toggle Driver's Insurance status

Driver's Insurance

Some automobile insurance coverage is portable to other countries. If your coverage is portable, you can save buying car rental liability insurance.
Toggle Traveler's insurance. status

Traveler's insurance.

Toggle Important items to pack status

Important items to pack

Toggle Prescription drugs status

Prescription drugs

These should all be clearly marked and in childproof containers.
Toggle Basic first aid kit status

Basic first aid kit

Include salt tablets for arid countries.
Toggle Medical cards status

Medical cards

These should state any allergies or medical conditions.
Toggle Luggage status

Luggage

Plain and durable is best.
Toggle Foreign language/English paperback book status

Foreign language/English paperback book

Be familiar with basic terms.
Toggle Battery or wind-up alarm clock status

Battery or wind-up alarm clock

Be sure to set it and your watch on local time.
Toggle Electrical adapters status

Electrical adapters

Most countries uses 220 volts.
Toggle Personal appliances status

Personal appliances

Hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors.
Toggle Flashlight status

Flashlight

This comes in handy in case of a blackout.
Toggle Items to leave behind status

Items to leave behind

Toggle Itinerary. status

Itinerary.

Leave a copy with family or a friend
Toggle Passport copy. status

Passport copy.

Including all pages and photo and all other travel documentation
Toggle Unnecessary credit cards status

Unnecessary credit cards

Any cards you will not be using, leave at home.
Toggle Expensive jewelry status

Expensive jewelry

Other than your wedding rings and watch, any other jewelry should be costume.
Toggle Knives status

Knives

Really, any sharp object that may be mistake as a weapon.
Toggle When you arrive at your destination status

When you arrive at your destination

Toggle Reconfirm your next day itinerary status

Reconfirm your next day itinerary

Also check on any future flights, hotels or car rentals.
Toggle Exchange currency status

Exchange currency

Have enough small currency for tipping and small purchases. Banks normally give the best exchange rate.
Toggle Consulate contact status

Consulate contact

Register with the Embassy for visits beyond a few days.
Toggle Check for hotel exits and emergency instructions status

Check for hotel exits and emergency instructions

Know where to go in case of a fire.
Toggle Verify telephone service status

Verify telephone service

Call the desk to be sure your phone works.
Toggle Check locks status

Check locks

Be sure that they work. Never leave your room key at the front desk.
Toggle Public transportation status

Public transportation

Inquire with hotel staff which sources of public transportation are the most economical and the most reliable.

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Presented by:

Nicole Nichols-West

Nicole Nichols-West
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Details

The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when more people discover the excitement of international travel.  Whether you are an experienced traveler, or this is your first time out of the country, there are many things you must plan for and consider before catching your flight or taking that extended cruise to South America. The success of your trip will depend on careful planning to be sure that you have exactly what you need for the countries you will be visiting. Part of the fun of traveling to other countries is the planning stage.   You may already be tingling with excitement knowing that you are about to make a dream trip come true.  If you already know something about the people, customs and weather of the country, you have a great head start! By using the checklist below you will be organized and on top of all the important issues.  Then you can then relax and look forward to your trip with confidence.  

Tips

Unlike travel within the United States, you will need a passport (or visa) to enter any new country. Due to heightened security, even crossing the borders into Mexico or Canada has become more complicated. Each country has their own regulations and restrictions with some even requiring immunizations before tourists can enter. You must be prepared for language and monetary differences which can be confusing if you have not done your homework. Americans are not accustomed to making many adjustments when they travel domestically. We sometimes forget that we are no longer protected by our government when we travel outside our borders. A wise traveler will be aware of possible pitfalls and will plan accordingly. Try not to feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the details of international travel. You can avoid the stress of last minute preparations by researching and early planning.

Who it's for

This International Travel Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your International Travel essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven International Travel structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this International Travel Checklist

  • Save International Travel Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for International Travel (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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