Your first trip abroad: the complete checklist

Travelling abroad for the first time is exciting, and a bit of preparation makes it stress-free. Go through this list a week before you fly.

Documents

• Passport valid for at least six months after your return date
• Visa or entry approval, if your destination requires one — check official government websites
• Photos of your passport and visa saved on your phone and in cloud storage
• Booking confirmations for flights and hotel (Waylora sends them by email and WhatsApp)
• Travel insurance details

Money

• Tell your bank you are travelling and make sure your card works for international payments
• Carry some cash in US dollars or euros for the first day
• Avoid exchanging all your money at the airport — rates are usually better in the city

Phone and internet

• Install a travel eSIM before you leave so you have data on arrival
• Download offline maps of your destination
• Bring the right plug adapter — for example, Turkey and most of Europe use type C/F plugs, while the UAE and UK use type G

Luggage

• Check your ticket's baggage allowance (hand luggage and checked bags)
• Liquids in hand luggage: containers of 100 ml maximum, in a clear bag
• Keep medicines, documents, chargers and one change of clothes in your hand luggage

At the airport

• Arrive about three hours before international flights
• Check in online when the airline allows it
• Know how you will get from the arrival airport to your hotel — a pre-booked transfer avoids late-night stress