3-6 Months Before Departure
- Apply for passport (if you don't have one)
- Research visa requirements for your destination
- Book international flights
- Reserve accommodation
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
- Get required vaccinations
- Start saving money for trip
1-2 Months Before
- Create detailed itinerary
- Book tours and activities
- Make restaurant reservations
- Research local customs and etiquette
- Learn basic phrases in local language
- Check passport expiration (6 months validity rule)
- Make copies of important documents
2-4 Weeks Before
- Notify bank and credit card companies of travel
- Set up international phone plan or buy local SIM
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Register with your embassy (Smart Traveler Enrollment)
- Arrange airport transportation
- Check weather forecast
- Purchase travel essentials
1 Week Before
- Start packing (use our checklist)
- Confirm all bookings
- Check-in online for flight
- Exchange some currency
- Share itinerary with family/friends
- Clean out fridge (if away long)
- Arrange mail/package handling
