The big to-do to prepare well for your trip
Oct 8, 2025
The ultimate checklist for preparing for your trip
(Because a great departure is as much about preparation as it is about dreaming.)
1. Papers and formalities
The starting point of any big trip: the administrative stuff. Not the most fun, but essential.
Valid passport at least 6 months after the expected 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 certificate (WHO) if required.
Paper photocopies and digital scans of all your documents (stored in the cloud).
Tip:
Make a "travel documents" folder with everything in duplicate. The original with you, the copy separated in the bag.
To go further:
2. Insurance and health
It's better never to use it, but being covered changes everything.
Travel insurance (illness, hospitalization, repatriation, cancellation, baggage).
Premium bank card (often with included insurance, check the limits).
Vaccines based on the areas (hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, typhoid…).
Minimum first aid kit: antiseptic, pain relief, mosquito repellent, emergency antibiotics.
Prescriptions in English (if on regular medication).
Plan B:
Take pictures of your prescriptions and store them in a "Health" folder on your drive in case of loss.
To go further:
3. 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 margin for unexpected expenses (~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 app for tracking expenses (e.g., TrabeePocket, Wallet, TravelSpend).
4. The bag and essential equipment
The traveler's heart: their bag. Too heavy, it's hell. Too light, it's freedom.
What to take:
1 large backpack of 50 to 70L (depending on your body shape).
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're not used to visiting.
Plan B:
Keep a mini essentials kit in your carry-on (toothbrush, underwear, t-shirt, meds).
In case of lost luggage, you will survive 48h 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. Departure organization
The last weeks pass 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 receipts.
Prepare an emergency paper folder for your loved ones.
Plan B:
Make 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 leaving.
Accept that not everything will be perfect.
Prepare your partner / family for 24/7 cohabitation.
Learn a few words of the local language.
Make room for the unexpected: the best memories often come from there.
Tip:
Keep a travel diary from the start. It will be your best memory… and maybe the beginning of a blog 😉
Final checklist
Before you leave, check that you have:
Valid passport and visas
Travel insurance
Up-to-date vaccinations
Budget + bank cards
Copies of all documents
Downloaded apps
Ready and tested bag
Backup email address
Power of attorney and completed administrative procedures
Free spirit (the most important)
Quick FAQs
Do I really need travel insurance?
Yes, especially for a long stay. A simple fracture or a stolen bag can cost several thousand euros.
When should I start the procedures?
Ideally 3 months before departure, more if you need complex visas or vaccinations. For international driving permits, plan for 5 months.
Should I plan the whole trip in advance?
No. Book the first week, then leave the rest open. Improvisation is also part of traveling. However, some countries will require proof of exit from their territory, such as a flight ticket or hotel reservation elsewhere, you can show them and then cancel if necessary.
Useful resources
The ultimate checklist for preparing for your trip
(Because a great departure is as much about preparation as it is about dreaming.)
1. Papers and formalities
The starting point of any big trip: the administrative stuff. Not the most fun, but essential.
Valid passport at least 6 months after the expected 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 certificate (WHO) if required.
Paper photocopies and digital scans of all your documents (stored in the cloud).
Tip:
Make a "travel documents" folder with everything in duplicate. The original with you, the copy separated in the bag.
To go further:
2. Insurance and health
It's better never to use it, but being covered changes everything.
Travel insurance (illness, hospitalization, repatriation, cancellation, baggage).
Premium bank card (often with included insurance, check the limits).
Vaccines based on the areas (hepatitis A/B, yellow fever, typhoid…).
Minimum first aid kit: antiseptic, pain relief, mosquito repellent, emergency antibiotics.
Prescriptions in English (if on regular medication).
Plan B:
Take pictures of your prescriptions and store them in a "Health" folder on your drive in case of loss.
To go further:
3. 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 margin for unexpected expenses (~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 app for tracking expenses (e.g., TrabeePocket, Wallet, TravelSpend).
4. The bag and essential equipment
The traveler's heart: their bag. Too heavy, it's hell. Too light, it's freedom.
What to take:
1 large backpack of 50 to 70L (depending on your body shape).
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're not used to visiting.
Plan B:
Keep a mini essentials kit in your carry-on (toothbrush, underwear, t-shirt, meds).
In case of lost luggage, you will survive 48h 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. Departure organization
The last weeks pass 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 receipts.
Prepare an emergency paper folder for your loved ones.
Plan B:
Make 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 leaving.
Accept that not everything will be perfect.
Prepare your partner / family for 24/7 cohabitation.
Learn a few words of the local language.
Make room for the unexpected: the best memories often come from there.
Tip:
Keep a travel diary from the start. It will be your best memory… and maybe the beginning of a blog 😉
Final checklist
Before you leave, check that you have:
Valid passport and visas
Travel insurance
Up-to-date vaccinations
Budget + bank cards
Copies of all documents
Downloaded apps
Ready and tested bag
Backup email address
Power of attorney and completed administrative procedures
Free spirit (the most important)
Quick FAQs
Do I really need travel insurance?
Yes, especially for a long stay. A simple fracture or a stolen bag can cost several thousand euros.
When should I start the procedures?
Ideally 3 months before departure, more if you need complex visas or vaccinations. For international driving permits, plan for 5 months.
Should I plan the whole trip in advance?
No. Book the first week, then leave the rest open. Improvisation is also part of traveling. However, some countries will require proof of exit from their territory, such as a flight ticket or hotel reservation elsewhere, you can show them and then cancel if necessary.
