15 Crucial to-dos before travelling overseas

Last updated on 5th January, 2024 at 10:38 am

Excitement mounting for your upcoming international trip? Before you jet off, here are 15 tasks to include in your pre-departure countdown.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this article you’ll learn:

• The travel checklist items you need to complete at least a month before travelling.
• Essential planning tips for the week before and day of departure.

1 Month before

1. Create a packing checklist, allowing time to shop or order things you need online.
2. Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if necessary. Visit aa.co.za to apply online, or apply in store.
3. Ensure you have enough of any prescription medication you need for the trip, and see if the airline expects documentation such as prescriptions or medical certificates.
4. Learn about any existing travel insurance policies you have, and check that the cover is adequate for your needs. Buy any top-up or specialised travel insurance if necessary.

Lynette Machiri, customer experience team leader at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa, says, “Depending on your destination and/or travel history, you may be required to have certain vaccination certificates. If you’re uncertain, consult a travel [health specialist]. Travellers can also check for health requirements on Flight Centre’s Travel News hub.”

Boarding a cruise? Some operators open online check-in 30 days prior to setting sail. “Use [it] to streamline the embarkation process and get documentation. Also consider buying any desired add-on packages, such as drinks, WiFi, specialty dining or shore excursions, in advance,” says Machiri.

Read this to ensure you truly relax on your vacation.

1 Week before

1. Download your airline’s app and enable push notifications for real-time updates.
2. Check the weather for your destination and adjust your packing list accordingly.
3. Notify your bank of your travel plans to activate international card usage and avoid unexpected blocks. You may be able to do this in your banking app; however, it’s worth phoning the bank to check that it has been activated.
4. Confirm your baggage allowance and read through airline policies on liquids and restricted items.
5. Make photocopies of essential travel documents such as your passport, visa and travel insurance policy. Keep these copies separate from the originals and consider saving electronic copies.
6. Confirm your coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost belongings.

Machiri notes you need to ensure any special requests, such as dietary requirements, mobility assistance or bassinets for infants are submitted to the airline. Usually, the latest you can submit these requests is 72 hours before departure.

1 Day before:

1. 1. Check in online, which often allows you to select your seat prior to departure.
   2. Fully charge all your battery-powered devices.
   3. Complete your packing by adding toiletries and travel essentials.
   4. Check that you have all necessary documents, including passports, unabridged birth certificates for minors, tickets and any required visas.
   5. Reconfirm your flight details, including departure times and terminal information. Familiarise yourself with airport layouts, especially if you have layovers.

Machiri adds, “If you need to take extra baggage, paying for it on the airline’s website is often more cost-effective than paying at the airport on departure.”

She also reminds travellers to share travel itineraries with family or close friends. “Where possible, nominate an emergency contact with your travel agent or the travel service provider,” she concludes.