Packing checklist

This departure checklist features most of the things people freak out about before the big day. If you print off this page and check off each list item as you go, you really can’t go that far wrong. Try to get each item done within the identified timeframe and don’t take on too much at once. A little bit at a time makes for some easy organisation and won’t seem too much of a drag. Definitely do not leave everything to the last minute, not only will this cause you undue stress but many services like travel vaccination clinics and currency exchange need to be booked over a month in advance of your departure.

1 year to 6 month checklist

Start reading about your destinations, study climate charts and work out a route.
Check prices on major transport such as trans-Siberian tickets or long haul flights
Make sure your holiday or career break is finalised
Make arrangements for your return to work/school/college
Make sure you have enough money in savings for AT LEAST 1 month’s bills after you return

3 month checklist

Order visas
Finalise itineraries using transport timetables
Book flights/trains/buses especially any that are in high demand
Check your passport expiry date
Make an appointment for vaccinations and anti malarial medication
Arrange bills / storage / rental payments
Arrange care for pets, plants, house keys
Buy trekking shoes now and break them in
Check travel insurance in particular emergency evacuation clauses
Check if you need special permission to import your medication

2 month checklist

Check all your tickets and compare them against the name in your passport
Acquire suitable clothing for your travel itinerary. Consider climate and landscape
Get together a backpack and equipment
Get together a wash bag and a first aid kit
Check visas are correct when you receive them

1 month checklist

Get a check up with a dentist and an optician
Check the expiry date of your debit/credit cards
Organise any hostels you want booked
Buy a diary so you can keep track of time
Print details of local hostels / transport timetables if not booking
Organise any tours / excursions you want booked

2 week checklist

Order travellers cheques
Order travel currencies
Notify your bank of your travel itinerary so cards don’t get blocked

1 week checklist

Make multiple photocopies of tickets/insurance/passports/debit cards/credit cards
Leave a set of photocopies with a trusted friend at home
Give a copy of your itinerary to family and friends
Notify the UK foreign and commonwealth LOCATE service about your itinerary
Get passport photographs for visas en route
Get together your clothing and travel equipment

Three days to go

Pack your backpack
Book a taxi to your departure point

The day arrives

Check that you've packed:

All paper tickets, e-tickets and confirmation documents
Your passport with visas and insurance documents
A vaccination card if required
Check through the entire list one more time

Before you walk out that door

Unplug electrical equipment
Lock the windows and doors
Turn off the water
Turn down the heating
Take out the garbage