October 8, 2025
Passport, budget, health, bag, insurance... Discover the complete checklist to properly prepare for your big trip, without forgetting anything, wherever you go.
1. The papers and formalities
(Because a great departure requires as much preparation as it does dreaming.)
The starting point of any great journey: the administrative tasks. Not the most fun, but essential.
Valid passport at least 6 months after the scheduled return date.
ID cards (if traveling in the EU).
Visas (depending on the countries, some can be obtained online).
International driving permit (if you plan to drive).
International vaccination record (WHO) if required.
Paper photocopies and digital scans of all your documents (stored in the cloud).
Tip:
Create a “travel documents” folder with everything in duplicate. The original with you, the copy separately in the bag.
To go further:
2. Insurance and Health
It is better never to use it, but being covered changes everything.
Travel insurance (illness, hospitalization, repatriation, cancellation, luggage).
Premium bank card (often with included insurance, check the limits).
Vaccines according to the areas (hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, typhoid...).
Minimum first aid kit: antiseptic, painkillers, insect repellent, emergency antibiotics.
Prescriptions in English (if on regular medication).
Plan B:
Photograph your prescriptions and store them in a folder “Health” on your drive in case of loss.
To go further:
3. The budget and payment methods
Preparing your budget helps avoid unpleasant surprises on the other side of the world.
Estimate the monthly cost of living by country.
Plan for a contingency margin (~10 to 20%).
Compare banks for travelers (N26, Revolut, Wise, etc.).
Have 2 distinct bank cards (and keep them separate).
Note the withdrawal and conversion fees.
Install an expense tracking app (e.g.: TrabeePocket, Wallet, TravelSpend).
4. The bag and essential equipment
The heart of the traveler: his bag. Too heavy, it’s hell. Too light, it’s freedom.
To take:
1 large bag of 50 to 70L (depending on your body type).
1 small day backpack.
Breathable, quick-drying clothes suitable for the climate.
Compact toiletry kit (solid if possible).
Microfiber towel.
Filter bottle / reusable water bottle.
Universal adapter + power strip.
Waterproof bag / dry bag.
TSA lock.
The necessary medications for your survival in countries you are not used to visiting.
Plan B:
Keep a mini “essentials” kit in your carry-on luggage (toothbrush, underwear, t-shirt, meds).
In case of lost luggage, you will survive 48 hours without worry.
To go further:
Guide: how to pack your travel backpack
5. Digital preparations
Your phone becomes your best ally (and your compass).
Scan all your important papers.
Download Google Maps offline.
Download Google Translate, Maps.me, Currency, Booking, TripIt.
Make a complete backup of your photos before departure.
Prepare a backup email address.
Check your subscriptions (phone, bank, streaming…).
Tip:
Create a shared folder “Travel” in the cloud with all documents, tickets, reservations, and itineraries.
6. The Departure Organization
The last few weeks go by quickly, very quickly.
Cancel or suspend subscriptions (phone, electricity, water, internet…).
Set up a power of attorney for mail or administrative papers.
Notify the bank (to avoid card blocking).
Check your vaccines and insurances.
Scan all your documents and digitize the proofs.
Prepare a paper emergency folder for your loved ones.
Plan B :
Create a USB key (or a Drive link) containing your essential documents.
7. Mental and Practical Preparations
Traveling for a long time also means departing in your mind before physically departing.
Accept that not everything will be perfect.
Prepare your partner / family for cohabitation 24/7.
Learn a few words of the local language.
Make room for the unexpected: the most beautiful memories often come from there.
Tip:
Keep a travel notebook from the start. It will be your best souvenir… and maybe the beginning of a blog 😉
Final Checklist
Before leaving, make sure you have:
Valid passport and visas
Travel insurance
Up-to-date vaccinations
Budget + credit cards
Copies of all documents
Downloaded apps
Bag ready and tested
Emergency email address
Completed power of attorney and administrative procedures
Free spirit (the most important)
Express FAQ
Is travel insurance really necessary?
Yes, especially for a long stay. A simple fracture or a stolen bag can cost several thousand euros.
When should you start the process?
Ideally 3 months before departure, more if you need complex visas or vaccinations. For international permits, plan for 5 months.
Should you plan the entire trip in advance?
No. Book the first week, then leave the rest open. Improvisation is also part of travel. However, some countries will ask you for proof of leaving the territory, such as a flight ticket or a hotel reservation elsewhere; you can show them and then cancel if necessary.
