Packing
Travel checklist before you leave home
Run this checklist from one week out through departure morning: confirm documents and bookings, prep your home, set up your phone for abroad, pack essentials in carry-on, and do a final 24-hour pass so nothing critical stays on the kitchen counter.
Not for: Domestic day trips where you already live with your passport and return the same day.
Last updated 2026-08-05
One week before departure
- Check passport expiry — many countries want six months’ validity beyond your return date.
- Confirm visa or entry rules on the official government site for your passport nationality.
- Screenshot or print hotel confirmations, flight details, and travel insurance policy number.
- Notify your bank of travel dates if your issuer still recommends it — many do not, but check.
- Install offline maps and any travel apps you will rely on (airline, hotel, translation).
- Buy or activate an travel eSIM if you will need data abroad — install before you fly when possible.
Two to three days before
- Pack carry-on with passport, wallet, medications, one change of clothes, and chargers.
- Charge power banks and download entertainment for the flight.
- Set an out-of-office message and hand off anything urgent at work or home.
- Hold or redirect mail if you will be away more than a week.
- Pay bills due during your trip or schedule automatic payments.
24 hours before
- Online check-in for flights when it opens — screenshot boarding passes.
- Re-read baggage rules for your airline (weight, liquids, carry-on size).
- Confirm airport transfer or parking plan and allow buffer for peak traffic.
- Check weather at destination and adjust one layer in your bag.
- Put passport and boarding pass in the same place every time — a dedicated pouch helps.
Departure morning
- Fridge: eat or discard perishables; take out trash.
- Thermostat and lights — set energy-saving mode; use timers if you want the house to look occupied.
- Unplug non-essential electronics if you prefer (optional).
- Lock windows and doors; leave a key with someone trusted if needed.
- Leave early enough that a single delay (traffic, long security) does not cost you the flight.
What stays in carry-on no matter what
Checked bags go missing. Always keep passport, medications, glasses, phone, wallet, and one full outfit in carry-on. If you wear contact lenses, pack a spare pair or enough solution for two extra days.
Common questions
How early should I arrive at the airport?+
For international flights, three hours before departure is a safe default; two hours for domestic without checked bags. Add time during holidays or if the airport is known for long security queues.
Should I exchange cash before I leave?+
A small amount of destination currency can help for taxis or tips on arrival, but ATMs abroad often beat airport exchange counters. See our money abroad guide for the full picture.
More packing guides
Beach trip packing
Beach trips need sun protection, two swim options, cover-up for shops and sun, and sandals that handle sand and short walks — buy bulky sunscreen and aloe at destination when allowed to save weight. Pack a dry bag for phone and book; leave expensive jewelry home. One light outfit for evening dining beats five resort outfits you never wear.
Checked bag vs carry-on only
Carry-on only saves time at baggage claim and eliminates most lost-luggage anxiety — but it forces laundry and limits liquids. Checked bags make sense for two-week winter trips, family gear, or destinations where you need more than the cabin allows. Compare airline checked-bag fees against buying toiletries and an extra shirt at destination.
Laundry while traveling
Trips longer than a week need a laundry plan: hotel service is convenient but pricey, local laundromats are cheapest in many countries, and sink washing works for underwear and quick-dry shirts if you pack detergent sheets. Wear merino or synthetics that dry overnight and you carry half the clothing.
Power adapters and voltage abroad
Most phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100–240V) and need only a plug adapter for the country shape. Hair dryers and cheap appliances often are not — either buy a travel dual-voltage model or use hotel hair dryers. One universal adapter plus a small power strip covers most trips; verify plug type for your destinations before you pack.
Power banks and lithium batteries on flights
Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in carry-on — not checked luggage — on virtually all airlines. Capacity limits usually cap at 100Wh (about 27,000mAh at 3.7V) per battery without airline approval; loose spare batteries need terminal protection. Rules tighten over time — read your carrier's dangerous-goods page before packing multiple bricks for a long trip.
Winter travel packing
Cold trips need a layering system — base, insulating mid, waterproof shell — not five heavy sweaters. Wear the bulkiest coat and boots on the plane; pack thin merino layers that wash fast. Hats and gloves cost little to buy if forgotten but ruin days if your ears freeze on day one.
Apply this on your trip
Planning guidance only — not legal, medical, or booking advice. Verify entry rules, insurance terms, and prices on official or partner sites before you travel.