How to Use This Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare before every trip.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Your Practical Travel Checklist for a Smoother, Safer Journey
Whether travelling for business, leisure or a special event, good preparation helps reduce stress, avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the journey starts on the right foot.
Download & Print Your Checklist
Prefer a printable version? Download the Silhouette Travels Before You Travel Checklist (PDF) and tick off each item as you prepare for your journey.
Travel Documents
☐ Check that your passport is valid.
☐ Confirm your passport has sufficient validity for your destination. Many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your intended arrival or departure date.
☐ Ensure your passport has sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps where required.
☐ Obtain any required visas, entry permits or electronic travel authorisations before travelling.
☐ Confirm whether proof of onward or return travel is required.
☐ Check whether vaccination certificates or other health documentation are required.
☐ Make photocopies of your passport, visas, travel insurance and other important documents.
☐ Save secure digital copies of important documents in case originals are lost or stolen.
☐ Leave copies of your itinerary and emergency contact details with a trusted family member or friend.
Flights & Airport Preparation
☐ Confirm your flight details, departure airport and terminal before travelling.
☐ Check in online where available.
☐ Download or print your boarding pass.
☐ Check your airline's baggage allowance before packing.
☐ As a general guide, arrive at least three hours before international flights and at least two hours before domestic flights, unless your airline advises otherwise.
☐ Allow additional time during busy travel periods or where enhanced security checks may apply.
☐ Check for flight delays or schedule changes before leaving for the airport.
☐ Keep your passport, boarding pass and travel documents readily accessible.
Luggage & Baggage
☐ Weigh your luggage before leaving for the airport to avoid excess baggage charges.
☐ Check both weight and size restrictions for checked and cabin baggage.
☐ Clearly label your luggage with your name and contact details.
☐ Consider placing a Bluetooth luggage tracker inside your checked baggage.
☐ Remove old baggage tags from previous journeys.
☐ Photograph your luggage and its contents before travelling, particularly if carrying valuable items.
☐ Keep passports, medication, valuables, money, electronic devices and important documents in your hand luggage.
☐ Check airline restrictions for liquids, aerosols, batteries, power banks and electronic devices.
☐ Pack liquids and food securely to prevent leaks during transit.
☐ Avoid packing food with strong odours.
☐ Leave sufficient space and weight allowance for purchases made during the trip.
Food, Customs & Biosecurity
☐ Before packing any food items, check the customs and biosecurity regulations of your destination country.
☐ Many countries restrict or prohibit the import of meat, fish, dairy, fruit, vegetables, seeds, plants and other agricultural products.
☐ Some countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have particularly strict biosecurity laws. Failure to declare prohibited or restricted items may result in confiscation, substantial fines or prosecution.
☐ Declare food, plant and animal products where required by customs regulations.
☐ Do not assume that commercially packaged, dried or cooked food is automatically permitted.
☐ Check the official customs or border protection website for your destination before travelling.
☐ Never carry luggage, packages or food items on behalf of another person unless you know exactly what they contain and are permitted to transport them.
☐ Before returning home, check what food, plants, gifts or other items you are legally permitted to bring back.
Health & Medication
☐ Check vaccination and health requirements for your destination.
☐ Arrange any recommended or mandatory vaccinations before departure.
☐ Obtain a Yellow Fever Certificate where required.
☐ Seek professional advice regarding malaria prevention where appropriate.
[NEW PAGE POINTER] For full guidance on vaccinations, malaria prevention and travel health, see our new Travel Health & Vaccinations page.
☐ Arrange suitable travel insurance.
☐ Carry sufficient medication for the duration of the trip, allowing for possible delays.
☐ Keep medication in its original labelled packaging.
☐ Carry copies of prescriptions or medical letters where appropriate.
☐ Check whether any medication you carry is restricted in your destination country.
Money & Payments
☐ Check the local currency used at your destination.
☐ Review exchange rates before travelling.
☐ Carry more than one method of payment.
☐ Inform your bank of overseas travel where required.
☐ Check whether your payment cards can be used internationally.
☐ Keep emergency funds separate from your main wallet or purse.
☐ Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash.
Technology & Communication
☐ Fully charge your mobile phone, laptop and other electronic devices.
☐ Pack charging cables and plugs.
☐ Carry a power bank where permitted by airline regulations.
☐ Check whether you require an international travel adapter.
☐ Confirm international roaming or arrange an eSIM or local SIM card.
☐ Download airline, hotel, transport and map applications before departure.
☐ Save important telephone numbers for your airline, hotel, insurer and Silhouette Travels.
Ground Transportation & Driving
☐ Arrange airport transfers where required.
☐ Confirm hotel transfer arrangements.
☐ Book vehicle hire or chauffeur services before departure where appropriate.
☐ If you intend to drive overseas, check whether your Nigerian driver's licence is recognised.
☐ Confirm whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
☐ Familiarise yourself with local driving laws and insurance requirements.
☐ Confirm which side of the road traffic drives on at your destination.
Destination Information
☐ Check the weather forecast before departure.
☐ Pack suitable clothing for the local climate.
☐ Review local customs and cultural expectations.
☐ Familiarise yourself with local emergency telephone numbers.
☐ Review official travel advisories.
☐ Check public holidays or major events that may affect your travel.
Before You Leave Home
☐ Secure your home before departure.
☐ Arrange for pets, deliveries and mail where required.
☐ Ensure someone you trust knows your itinerary.
☐ Confirm emergency contact arrangements.
☐ Before leaving home, make one final check that you have your passport, travel tickets, visa (where required), wallet, mobile phone, medication, keys and luggage.
Need Help Preparing?
If you need assistance before your journey, Silhouette Travels can help with:
- Flight reservations
- Hotel bookings
- Visa services
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
- Ground transportation
- International Driving Permit guidance
- Group travel
- Corporate travel
- Destination guidance
NEXT STEP
Request a Travel QuoteReady when you are.
Need help applying this guidance to your trip? Speak to the Silhouette team.