We all know the holiday prep routine: book flights, lock in the holiday accommodation, and write up a packing list that includes everything from swimsuits to sunscreen. But while you’re ticking off the travel checklist basics, there’s a whole other list that often gets forgotten – the real pre-trip checklist. You know, the one that makes or breaks those first few days of your trip.
We’re talking about the not-so-glamorous but totally essential stuff – the forgotten items that lead to frantic phone calls, last-minute pet sitter scrambles, and even being locked out of your own banking app while trying to pay for gelato in Rome. Yep, that list!
Consider this your go-to international travel checklist that saves your sanity before take-off.
You land, you try to pay for a transfer or check into your hotel, and your card gets blocked. Classic. One of the most forgotten items when travelling is actually digital: your banking setup.
Notify your bank that you’ll be travelling. And if your banking app sends OTPs (One Time Pins) to your local number and you’re switching to an eSIM or you don’t plan on using roaming, make sure your OTPs go to your email or an authenticator app. You don’t want to be stuck without access to funds, especially in a foreign country.
We lumped this one together because it’s the holy trinity of household responsibilities that somehow always get left for last-minute panic mode.
What to plan before going on holiday? These three – every time.
Garden service arriving while you’re away? Either pause the service or make arrangements for access. It’s easy to forget this small but important detail – especially if the gardener needs gate codes or if your neighbourhood has strict security.
On a related note: if someone is coming by, let your security company know. That way you avoid triggering alarms and having to take an international call explaining the situation mid-vacation.
This one’s a lifesaver if you’re travelling internationally. Gone are the days of fiddling with SIM ejector pins and trying to find a mobile shop in a language you don’t speak.
But – don’t leave the eSIM download for the airport lounge. Set it up a day or two before your flight, when you’re still calm and connected. Test it and make sure your device is unlocked and compatible.
This little task should be near the top of your international travel checklist.
Yes, your passport is on your packing list. But what if you lose it?
Scan or snap your:
Email them to yourself and store them in cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. That way, you’re not relying solely on one device or a paper printout that gets left behind at the hotel.
You don’t want to come back to a smelly fridge or a freezer that defrosted mid-trip. A week before your holiday:
Roaming is expensive, Wi-Fi isn’t always guaranteed, and you will regret not having maps downloaded when you’re wandering through alleyways in Venice or trying to find your holiday resort in Tokyo.
Download:
Trust us, this is one of the most underrated travel necessities.
One of the most forgotten items when travelling is a country-appropriate plug adapter. Not all countries use the same plug types, and just because your device is dual voltage doesn’t mean it’ll fit the socket.
Triple check the adapter and throw in an extension cord or multi-plug – especially if you’re travelling with multiple devices.
Have travel insurance? Great. Now read it. Check:
It’s boring, we know, but nothing says “worst-case scenario” like being stuck with unexpected medical bills or trip delays. The peace of mind is worth the read-through. Ask us at Pentravel about our preferred travel insurance and we’ll take you through all the nitty gritty.
What to do 1 week before a holiday? Tech tidy-up time:
These are the kinds of things people only realise they forgot once they’re standing at the airport gate.
Aside from the classic toothbrush or swimsuit, it’s the behind-the-scenes stuff that catches you off guard. But what’s the worst thing you could forget? Easy: access to your money, passport, or phone. Everything else you can buy or borrow. But if your banking app locks you out, or you don’t have your ID, you’re officially stuck.
So, next time you’re ticking off your travel checklist and feeling smug, remember: the real list is the stuff that doesn’t fit in your suitcase. The wi-fi passwords, the pet sitters, the OTP setups, and the eSIM installs.
Give yourself the gift of being truly ready. No panic, no frenzy – just a smooth, well-prepped holiday that starts the minute you close your front door.
Pro Tip: Save this list and revisit it every time you travel. It’s the adult version of remembering your teddy bear – only with more wi-fi and less crying at the airport.
Whether you’re heading off on a festive Christmas getaway, setting sail on a cruise holiday, or chasing the sun on a beach break, Pentravel is here to help you plan smarter. From the obvious must-haves to the sneaky little details you might forget, we’ve got your back.
Let’s get you travel-ready – from passport to pet sitter. Chat to one of our travel experts and we’ll help you plan your next adventure with total peace of mind.
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