Before you leave: check these off
You've zipped up the bag, you're confident everything is in there — and then you discover at the airport that one thing is missing. It happens to everyone. International travel is especially unforgiving because the things you forget are often impossible to source locally, at least not quickly or cheaply.
Essential documents
Start here — these are non-negotiable.
- Passport: verify the expiry date has at least 6 months remaining
- Visa: check the entry requirements for your destination well in advance
- Travel insurance: confirm the medical coverage limits before you fly
- Flight and hotel confirmations: printed copies or saved to your phone
- International driver's license: required if you plan to rent a car
Electronics
The modern traveler's lifeline.
- Chargers and power bank: power banks are carry-on only — cannot go in checked luggage
- Universal travel adapter: check the plug type used at your destination
- Earphones: essential for long-haul flights
- Camera and memory cards: pack more storage than you think you'll need
Clothing and personal items
Check the weather for your destination before packing.
- Swimwear: needed even for hotels with pools, not just beach trips
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV protection is easy to underestimate abroad
- Medication: antacids, pain relievers, bandages, any prescription drugs
- Toiletries: check what your hotel provides before packing duplicates
Miscellaneous
Easy to overlook, genuinely useful to have.
- Local currency: enough for immediate needs right after landing
- Offline maps: download your destination in Google Maps or Apple Maps before you go
- Zip-lock bags: required for liquids in carry-on luggage
- Spare passport photos: some countries issue visas on arrival and require photos
A simpler way to manage it
Instead of rebuilding this list from scratch for every trip, try the checklist feature in Tripop. It surfaces recommended items based on your trip type, tracks your overall completion progress, and saves your customized list so you can reuse it on your next trip.