Preparing for Your Trip: The Ultimate Pre-Departure Checklist

Organizing and preparing for a trip always takes time. Even if you want to embark on an adventure with minimal planning, there are essential preparations to ensure you fully enjoy your journey and the adventure ahead. In this article, I’m sharing my personal checklist, which I use before every trip, whether it’s for two weeks or three months. At the end of the article, you’ll find a downloadable checklist to help you prepare for your future travels without forgetting anything!

Pre-Departure Checklist: Travel Essentials

✔ Passport

For any trip outside the Schengen Area (European Union), as an EU citizen, you need a passport valid for 3 to 6 months after your planned return date. To check entry requirements for a specific country, visit the website of the country’s embassy. This is the most important item to verify even before booking your flights!
Your passport (often with at least six months of validity beyond your return date) is the first entry requirement for many countries. Without it, you won’t even be able to board your flight. (Check all information on the French public servicewebsite or Belgium’s diplomacy website).

☑ Ensure your passport is valid with blank pages
☑ Check the passport validity (6 months or more)

✔ Visa(s)

If you’re an EU citizen, no visa is needed for other EU countries, even for stays over three months. However, for destinations outside the EU, you’ll likely need a visa. Similar to your passport, this is crucial to check before departure to avoid boarding issues. Visa requirements vary by country and depend on your nationality, not your country of residence.
For many destinations, a visa isn’t mandatory or is issued upon arrival for short stays of 15-30 days. However, some visas can take weeks to process, so plan ahead. You can verify entry requirements on embassy websites or use the EU’s helpfulvisa tool.

☑ Check visa requirements
☑ Apply for a visa, if needed
☑ For U.S. travel (even for a layover), apply for an ESTA authorization

✔ International Driving Permit

Within the EU, your national driving license is valid. But for travel outside Europe, if you plan to rent a vehicle (car, motorcycle, scooter), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This permit accompanies your national license, translating it into multiple languages for worldwide recognition.
In Belgium, obtaining an IDP is straightforward at your local town hall. In France, the process involves an online pre-application and can take longer. Be aware: it’s legally required to hold a motorcycle permit for renting scooters abroad.

☑ Ensure your national driving license is valid
☑ Apply for an International Driving Permit in advance
☑ Note: In many Asian countries, a motorcycle permit is required to rent scooters

✔ Travel Vaccinations

Depending on your destination, check which vaccines are recommended or required. Before major trips, I always consult a travel health specialist who advises on necessary treatments and vaccines. Some countries mandate vaccines like Yellow Fever or Hepatitis A. Before traveling to Asia, I got a rabies vaccine due to its prevalence and my likelihood of encountering animals. Always consult a doctor or travel clinic for personalized advice.

☑ Check essential vaccines (e.g., tetanus)
☑ Schedule optional or recommended vaccines at least 30 days before departure

✔ First Aid Kit

Along with vaccinations, don’t forget a basic first aid kit. While you can usually find what you need locally, having essentials on hand can be a lifesaver. If traveling to regions with unsafe drinking water, I recommend taking probiotics before and during your trip to strengthen your gut. Personally, I rarely get sick eating local food, and I credit probiotics for that. Sunscreen, however, can be hard to find (and often expensive) abroad.

☑ Purchase basic first aid supplies
☑ Check expiration dates
☑ Pack sunscreen (often pricier overseas)

✔ Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is another must for trip preparation. Depending on your destination, trip length, and existing insurance, choose coverage that suits your needs. Medical care abroad can be costly, and in case of accidents or emergencies, insurance can cover hospitalization and repatriation. Travel insurance also protects against cancellations, delays, health issues, or early returns.
Since my 2019 trip to Mexico, I’ve used Chapka insurance, well-known among travelers. They offer various plans, including teleconsultations with French-speaking doctors while abroad. Highly recommended for trips outside Europe.

☑ CAP Assistance 24/7: for trips under 3 months (see here and get a 5% discount)
☑ CAP Adventure: for trips over 3 months (see here)
☑ Get an online quote in under 3 minutes

✔ Credit Cards and Payment Methods

Not all cards work worldwide. Ensure you have an international card (Visa or Mastercard). Be aware that foreign transactions often incur fees, and some ATMs charge extra withdrawal fees. It’s good to know which banks are most reliable at your destination.

☑ Carry an international card (Visa or Mastercard)
☑ Inform your bank of your travel dates to prevent blocks
☑ Research trusted banks and low-fee ATMs in your destination
☑ Check your card’s expiration date for long trips
☑ Increase withdrawal/payment limits if necessary

✔ Get an E-Sim for Hassle-Free Connectivity

An eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into most modern smartphones, offering the same functionality as a physical SIM card—without the need to insert or swap anything. One of the biggest advantages of using an eSIM is the ability to avoid hefty roaming fees when traveling. It also allows you to switch between providers quickly and easily, so you can always find the best deal for your destination. For seamless connectivity, I recommend SAILY, a reliable eSIM provider offering flexible plans tailored for travelers in every country in the world. I used it when traveling in Morocco – even in the desert – and it worked perfectly. They have different offers, you can have a look on their website and benefit from a 5% discount with my code “Special5” !

☑ Check if your phone is eSIM compatible
☑ Choose your eSIM plan on SAILY’s website (5% discount with the code ” Special5“)
☑ Buy your eSIM before departure to avoid connectivity issues and you can activate it whenever you want

✔ Choosing Your Bag or Suitcase

I’ve been traveling with a backpack for years, and it’s a game-changer. Backpacks are handy in places with no proper roads or sidewalks, giving you more mobility. The ideal size ranges from 40L to 60L (up to 70L if carrying special gear, though heavier). The key is to pack light; most travelers end up overpacking and using only a fraction of their items. Laundry services are widely available, so pack for 7-10 days and wash as needed.

☑ Choose your backpack or suitcase (50L backpack is ideal)
☑ Pack your bag
☑ Check airline baggage size limits (carry-on vs. checked)

✔ Booking Accommodation

While not mandatory before departure, booking your first night gives peace of mind and provides an address for customs forms. Explore options based on your budget, whether hostels, guesthouses, boutique hotels, or luxury resorts.

☑ Browse accommodations on Booking.com
☑ For homestays or local guesthouses, try Google Maps or ask locals upon arrival

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