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Travel Checklist

A well-planned trip begins with the right preparation. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a multi-week trip abroad – there are some important points you should definitely consider before your departure. With our travel checklist, you can ensure that you don’t forget anything and can start your vacation relaxed.

1. Check travel documents

Before you pack your bags, you should definitely check the validity of your travel documents. This includes:

  • Passport or ID card: Is your ID or passport still valid? Many countries require that the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • Visas: Make sure to check in advance whether you need a visa for your destination. Some visas must be applied for in advance and can take several weeks to process.
  • Copy of travel documents: Make copies or scans of your travel documents (passport, ID card, visa, travel insurance) and store them securely on your smartphone or in the cloud.

2. Vaccinations and health

Especially when traveling abroad, you should check your vaccination status and refresh it if necessary:

  • Check vaccinations: Certain vaccinations are required or recommended for many travel destinations, especially outside of Europe. Make sure to consult your doctor or a tropical medicine institute early on.
  • Pack a travel pharmacy: Pack a well-stocked travel pharmacy that meets your destination and individual needs. Basic supplies should include pain relievers, band-aids, disinfectants, wound cream, and medications for stomach issues.
  • Check insurance coverage: Verify whether your health insurance is also valid abroad. If not, you should consider getting overseas health insurance that also covers repatriation.

3. Organize finances

Proper financial preparation is crucial for any trip:

  • Check payment methods: Ensure that you have enough cash and functional credit or debit cards. Also check the fees for cash withdrawals or payments abroad.
  • Estimate travel costs: Think in advance about how much you want to spend on your trip. Also consider unforeseen costs such as souvenirs, additional activities, or local transportation costs.
  • Inform your bank: Inform your bank about your trip, especially if you are traveling to countries outside of Europe. This helps prevent your card from being blocked due to suspicious foreign activities.

4. Get travel insurance

Travel insurance protects you against unforeseen events such as illness, accidents, theft, or trip cancellations. Consider the following types of insurance:

  • Trip cancellation insurance: This insurance applies if you cannot take the trip for unforeseen reasons (e.g., illness).
  • Travel health insurance: It covers the costs of medical treatments abroad and often covers repatriation as well.
  • Luggage insurance: Protect your luggage against theft or loss.

5. Check accommodation and transport

Secure all the important information regarding your accommodation and transportation options:

  • Check bookings: Review all booking confirmations for hotels, flights, rental cars, and transfers. Save the documents offline so you can access them in case of emergencies even without the internet.
  • Use online check-in: For flights, utilize online check-in if possible to save waiting time at the airport. Hotels and car rental companies often also allow pre-registration.
  • Research public transportation: Look up information about public transportation at your destination beforehand. It can often be beneficial to purchase tickets or passes in advance.

6. Pack your suitcase: Clever and organized

When packing, planning is everything. A well-thought-out packing list can help you not forget anything important:

  • Essentials: Ensure that you have the most important items such as travel documents, money, medications, and chargers readily available in your carry-on luggage.
  • Clothing: Pack only the essentials and ensure that you are prepared for all weather conditions. Layering is particularly practical in changeable weather.
  • Electronic devices: Charge your electronic devices before you leave. Also, remember adapter plugs if you are traveling to a country with different sockets.
  • Liquids in carry-on: Ensure that liquids in your carry-on comply with airport regulations (max. 100 ml per container in a transparent bag).

7. Take care of things at home

Don't forget to take care of your home before you go on vacation:

  • Stop mail or inform neighbors: Have a neighbor or family member collect your mail for longer trips, or apply for a mail hold.
  • Take care of pets: Arrange for someone to look after your pets, or use a pet boarding service.
  • Turn off electronics: Unplug devices that don’t need to remain in standby mode to save energy and prevent fires.

8. Safety and emergency contacts

Being well-prepared for unforeseen situations gives you peace of mind:

  • Save emergency contacts: Store the contact details of relatives, friends, and important institutions (embassy, credit card blocking hotline) on your smartphone.
  • Safety information from the Foreign Office: Check the website of the Foreign Office for safety warnings and travel advice for your destination.
  • Backup plan: Have a Plan B in case your flight is canceled or your luggage gets lost. It helps to save copies of important documents on a USB stick or in the cloud.

Conclusion: Start your vacation well-prepared

With this travel checklist, you have all the important points in view to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. From checking your travel documents to health precautions and safety while traveling – careful planning in advance guarantees you that you can enjoy your vacation relaxed.