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And because “welcome” is more than just a word with us, we feel it should come with something helpful for you, not just a sales pitch. So here’s the checklist we actually use before every trip.

Steal it, adapt it, print it out - whatever works for you.

☐  Flights, ferries, or trains confirmed and online check-in windows noted

☐  Accommodations confirmed with confirmation numbers saved somewhere you'll actually find them

☐  Airport parking reserved (or arranged a ride)

☐  Hotel/destination parking confirmed if driving

☐  Activity, tour, and excursion reservations confirmed and cancellation policies noted

☐  Rental car (and any required international driving permit) booked

☐  Passport valid for at least 6 months past your return date

☐  Visa or eVisa requirements checked (and applied for early if processing takes weeks)

☐  Travel insurance purchased (medical coverage especially; don't skip this one)

☐  Routine vaccinations and any destination-specific ones checked and scheduled

☐  Prescriptions refilled with enough for the full trip, plus a few extra days' buffer

☐  Copies of passport, ID, insurance, and itinerary saved both in the cloud and printed

☐  Bank and credit cards notified of travel dates and destinations

☐  Airalo eSIM (or your carrier's international plan) set up before departure, not at the airport

☐  Satellite communicator charged and registered if you're heading somewhere remote

☐  Small amount of local currency ordered for arrival

☐  Camera gear and drone batteries checked, cleaned, and charged and drone registration confirmed valid at your destination

☐  Local public holidays or major events at your destination checked (some close everything, some are the whole reason to go)

☐  House sitter, pet sitter, or check-in arrangement lined up

Tagged (CO) for carry-on and (CH) for checked, so you remember to split things up. The goal is that if your checked bag takes a detour without you, your whole trip doesn't detour as well.

☐  Toothbrush & toothpaste  (CO)

☐  Travel-size shampoo/conditioner, TSA-compliant  (CO)

☐  Full-size toiletry backups  (CH)

☐  Deodorant  (CO)

☐  Razor or shaving kit  (CH)

☐  Sunscreen & basic skincare  (CO)

☐  Prescription meds + basics: pain reliever, antihistamine, motion sickness, anti-diarrheal  (CO)

☐  Glasses, contacts, and solution  (CO)

☐  Moisture-wicking shirts  (CH)

☐  Quick-dry shorts  (CH)

☐  Swimsuit  (CH)

☐  Packable wide-brim hat  (CO)

☐  Sunglasses  (CO)

☐  Merino base layers  (CH)

☐  Insulated jacket (wear it on travel day to save luggage space)  (CH/worn)

☐  Gloves & toque; useful for cold layovers, and a hedge against delayed luggage  (CO)

☐  Wool socks  (CH)

☐  Waterproof shell jacket and pants  (CH)

☐  Convertible hiking pants  (CH)

☐  Hiking boots (worn on travel day, not packed)  (worn)

☐  Packable daypack  (CO)

☐  Underwear - pack a few days' worth in carry-on, rest in checked  (CO + CH)

☐  Pyjamas/sleepwear  (CH)

☐  Reading glasses  (CO)

☐  Phone & charger  (CO)

☐  All camera gear, lenses, spare batteries, and memory cards (most airlines require loose batteries in carry-on anyway)  (CO)

☐  Universal power adapter  (CO)

☐  Power bank (required in carry-on on most airlines)  (CO)

☐  Satellite communicator  (CO)

☐  Headphones  (CO)

☐  Compact first-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, blister care  (CH)

☐  Printed and digital copies of travel insurance  (CO)

☐  Headlamp or flashlight  (CH)

☐  Copy of prescriptions, separate from the meds themselves  (CO)

☐  Passport (on your person, not buried in a bag)  (CO)

☐  Visa/eVisa printouts  (CO)

☐  Local currency  (CO)

☐  Backup card, stored separately from your primary wallet  (CO)

☐  Printed itinerary and confirmation numbers  (CO)

☐  Driver's license / International Driving Permit  (CO)

☐  Travel pillow (unless this is also that puffy jacket!)  (CO)

☐  Compression socks; your knees will thank you on the long-haul legs  (CO)

☐  Eye mask & earplugs (for those long-haul flights)  (CO)

☐  Empty reusable water bottle, filled after security  (CO)

☐  Laundry sheets for longer trips  (CH)

☐  Check in for flights and save boarding passes somewhere accessible offline

☐  Thermostat set to away/eco mode

☐  Lights on timers or smart plugs so the place doesn't look empty

☐  Trusted neighbour or friend notified of travel dates and given a key if needed

☐  Pet care or house sitting confirmed, not just assumed

☐  Mail and deliveries paused, or someone lined up to collect them

☐  Perishables cleared from the fridge, trash taken out

☐  Non-essential electronics unplugged

☐  Doors, windows, and security system locked and set

☐  All electronics charged, chargers packed, not left on the counter

☐  Offline maps and entertainment downloaded before you lose signal

☐  Luggage weighed so that there’s no surprise fees at the counter

☐  Travel snacks packed (airport food is a tax, not a meal)

☐  Out-of-office auto-reply set

☐  One last weather check at the destination to adjust the outer layer if needed

Save this, screenshot it, download from the link below, and print it - however you'll actually use it again. And if we missed something that's bitten you on a past trip, hit reply and tell us. We'll probably add it.

Jay & Laura