Routine guide
Travel Preparation Checklist
A clear step by step routine to prepare for travel without worrying what you have forgotten.
The days before a trip can feel busy and scattered. This travel preparation checklist brings passports, bookings, packing and home admin into one routine so you can leave the house feeling organised instead of wondering what you have missed.
Step by step checklist
- 1
Check passports and visas
Confirm that passports are valid for the whole trip and any required buffer period. Check whether you need a visa or entry form and complete applications early so there is time for processing. Keep physical documents and digital copies together so they are easy to grab.
- 2
Confirm bookings and transfers
Review your flights, trains or other travel and confirm dates, times and booking references. Check hotel or accommodation details and arrange transfers between key points. Save confirmations in one folder or app you can access offline on the day.
- 3
Arrange travel insurance
If you need travel insurance, arrange it now rather than at the last minute. Check that medical cover, baggage and cancellations are included and that details such as dates and destinations are correct. Keep the policy number and emergency contact handy.
- 4
Pack chargers, cables and adapters
Gather chargers for phones, laptops and tablets along with any travel adapters you need. Pack them in a single pouch that always lives in your hand luggage. Add any extras such as headphones or a power bank so you are not searching for cables the morning you travel.
- 5
Prepare your house for being away
Do a light reset at home. Empty bins, clear the fridge of anything that will spoil, run or empty the dishwasher and tidy key rooms. Set lights on timers if you use them and ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on things if you will be away for longer.
- 6
Set out travel day outfit and essentials
Choose what you will wear on travel day and lay it out the night before along with essentials such as your passport, wallet, keys and tickets. Put these in a dedicated spot so you are not hunting for them when it is time to leave.
Tips to make this routine easier
- Keep a reusable packing list in RoutineHQ so you are not starting from scratch every trip.
- Check baggage allowance before you pack to avoid last minute repacking at the airport.
- Scan or photograph key documents and store them securely in the cloud.
- Put a small travel pouch together with toiletries and medications that is always ready to go.
Run your travel prep in RoutineHQ
When you save this travel preparation checklist in RoutineHQ you can reuse it for every trip. Tick steps off on your phone as you go, add your own details for each destination and stay calm on travel day knowing you have already run through the routine.
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Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I start this checklist?
For larger trips, start the checklist one to two weeks before you travel so there is time for visas, insurance and any purchases. For shorter breaks you can usually complete it a few days before you leave.
Does this routine work for both work trips and holidays?
Yes. The same core steps apply whether you are travelling for work or leisure. You can always add extra steps in RoutineHQ for things like presentations, gifts or specific activities.
What if I am travelling with children?
If you are travelling with children, add a small section of child specific steps such as packing comfort items, snacks and entertainment. Keep these steps grouped together so you can work through them calmly.