Your Master Know Before You Go Checklist
This is not just a passport reminder.
This is the list travelers wish they had checked before standing in an airport line frantically Googling requirements.
Over the years, we’ve seen beautifully planned trips come dangerously close to falling apart over one missing document or misunderstood rule. And almost every time, it wasn’t because the traveler was careless. It was because the requirement felt small, unclear, or easy to assume away.
This checklist is our expert-backed, real-world guide to the documents and details travelers most often overlook and how to handle them before they become a problem.
Passports and Proper Identification
A passport that is “technically valid” is not always valid enough.
Many countries require six months of validity beyond your return date and at least one or two blank pages. Airlines and border officials do not make exceptions, even if your passport expires a few weeks after your trip.
Domestically, identification matters too. REAL ID enforcement continues to tighten, and travelers without compliant IDs may face additional screening or denial at security.
What we recommend checking:
Passport expiration date and blank pages
REAL ID compliance for domestic travel
Children’s passports, which often expire sooner than expected
Real-life example:
We’ve seen travelers turned away at check-in because their passport expired four months after return, even though their trip was only a week long.
Visas, Entry Requirements, and Digital Forms
Many destinations now require pre-arrival authorizations, electronic visas, or digital entry forms. These rules can change quietly and without much notice.
Some approvals take minutes. Others take weeks.
What we recommend checking:
Visa requirements based on your passport
ETA or digital entry forms
Submission timelines and approval windows
Trusted resource:
U.S. Department of State for country-by-country entry guidance
Sherpa for real-time entry and transit rules
Vaccines and Health Requirements
Some destinations require proof of vaccination, health forms, or evidence of onward travel. Others strongly recommend certain vaccines based on region and season.
Without the correct documentation, travelers may be denied boarding or entry.
What we recommend checking:
Destination-specific health guidance
Vaccine recommendations and timing
Required health documentation
Planning early matters here. Some vaccines must be administered weeks before travel.
Medications and Prescription Rules
Not all medications that are legal in the United States are legal elsewhere. Certain prescription narcotics, ADHD medications, and sleep aids are restricted or prohibited in other countries.
What we recommend checking:
Medication legality at your destination
Carrying prescriptions in original, labeled bottles
Bringing prescription copies or doctor’s notes
This is one of the most overlooked and stressful surprises travelers encounter.
Traveling With Children
Traveling with minors comes with additional documentation considerations, especially if one or both parents are not present.
Some countries require proof of custody or a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent.
What we recommend checking:
Entry and exit requirements for minors
Whether notarized consent letters are advised or required
Even when not mandatory, documentation can prevent delays and questioning at border control.
Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Local Currency
Assuming every destination is fully contactless can lead to awkward or inconvenient moments.
What we recommend checking:
Foreign transaction fees
Card acceptance at your destination
Access to local currency or ATMs
Apple Pay and tap-to-pay are not universal, even in well-traveled destinations.
Driving Abroad
A U.S. driver’s license is not always sufficient abroad. Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) and additional insurance coverage.
What we recommend checking:
Whether an IDP is required
Local driving laws and insurance rules
Rental car requirements
This is especially important for travelers planning countryside stays or road trips.
Why This Checklist Matters
Most travel hiccups don’t come from the destination itself. They come from small details that were easy to overlook until they weren’t.
This checklist is designed to help travelers:
Avoid airport surprises
Reduce stress before departure
Start trips feeling prepared and confident
And if reading this made you think, “I should probably check that,” then it did its job.
When in Doubt, Use Trusted Resources
When questions arise, we always recommend starting with:
U.S. Department of State
Sherpa
And of course, working with a travel advisor who tracks these details as part of the planning process makes all the difference.
A little preparation now is far better than a surprise at the airport later.
