Yes, planning and preparing can actually be fun! And checklists are a great idea for international travel. They take the worry out of planning and ensure a smooth trip.

This is a basic checklist. We will post specific checklists for upcoming trips to Iceland, Europe/Med, and the Camino soon to be featured in 2027 upcoming travels.

Here’s a streamlined basic international travel checklist to help you prepare before heading abroad, based on official U.S. government guidance and expert tips

1. Research Your Destination

  • Check U.S. Travel Advisories for your destination (security, health, weather, local laws).
  • Review entry, exit, and visa requirements for your country of travel.
  • Confirm passport validity (at least 6 months beyond your return date for most countries).
  • Check vaccine and health requirements (e.g., yellow fever, malaria prophylaxis) and get them at least 4–6 weeks before travel.

2. Join Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

  • Sign up to receive security, health, and travel advisory alerts from your U.S. embassy/consulate.

3. Organize Required Documents

  • Valid U.S. passport (apply early if needed) good for six months from end of travel. Some say from beginning but why chance it?
  • Visa, ETA, or ETIAS if required. Note there is ongoing confusion about whether an ETIAS for Schengen countries plus Cyprus is required at the time of this post (September 2026). Keep abreast of latest news on this. The UK requires an ETIAS easily obtainable online, is linked to your passport number, and is valid for two years. If you replace your passport and are issued a different number, you will need to reapply for the UK ETA. Many countries in South America and elsewhere require visas for US citizens.
  • Copies of all documents (passport, visa, medical records) and keep them separate from originals.
  • Prescription medications (bring copies, labeled bottles)
  • Travel insurance with coverage for medical emergencies abroad
  • Proof of return flight if required

4. Prepare for Travel

  • Set up Google Wallet or Apple Pay. Most of Europe uses tap to pay. This avoids having to carry a credit card while touring and it also means your car information cannot be cloned or stolen. Make sure your phone is set with a strong password or biometrics so, if lost, no one can access critical information.
  • Buy an eSim for communication overseas. Some folks use their carrier's provided coverage. Look at costs and compare. Generally, an eSim will cost less and outperform your US carrier's program.
  • Book flights and accommodations in advance.
  • Hold or cancel mail to avoid delays.
  • Notify your bank and credit cards of your travel dates. This is not always needed but is a good idea.
  • Get an International Driving Permit if renting a car
  • Travel adapter for electronics. And you might need a converter. What'[s the difference? The adapter changes the plug in, not the voltage. Most computers and phones just need an international plug. Often hair dryer and other items are single 1010 volt. You need either 220 or a dual voltage or you will need a converter. It is often better to just buy a new travel blow dryer that is dual voltage.
  • Emergency contact numbers (U.S. embassy, local hospital, hotels, family, close friends). Write this information down and put it in your carry on. Do not rely on your phone. If you lose your phone, you will need this hard copy list.
  • Make electronic and hard copies of important documents. For electronic copies, keep them handy in one place on your phone’s photo library, maybe Travel. Hard copies of your passport are absolutely necessary. Hard copies are also critical for emergency or other contact numbers. (See above.)

5. Pack Essentials

  • Passport and visas in a secure place.
  • Cash and credit cards (some countries require cash for small purchases)
  • Basic first aid kit (including salt tablets for arid climates)
  • Light clothing for your destination’s climate.
  • Travel-sized toiletries and any required local items.
  • Do not overpack. Overpacking is the single most serious mistake that traveler's make. Keep it to a mid-size checked bag at maximum, and preferably a wheeled carry-on. And don't add in a large bag and then another smaller one (such as a purse). Carrying three items around to and from airports and hotels, over cobblestones, and going upstairs in boutique hotels with no elevators, can turn your trip into a nightmare - if not for you, for your travel companions who packed light and are now hauling your luggage around.

6. On Arrival

  • Check in at the embassy/consulate for entry requirements. This is often unnecessary if you signed up for STEP.
  • Follow local laws and customs.