The ICI Traveler Pre-Departure Checklist: 25 Things to Do Before Every Trip
Whether you're taking a weekend getaway, an international vacation, a cruise, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a little preparation before you leave can help you avoid unnecessary stress while traveling. The most important takeaway: the best time to prepare for a travel emergency is before your trip begins. Many common travel problems—like a lost passport, delayed luggage, or needing medical assistance—become much easier to manage when you have the right information readily available. Use this checklist before every trip.
Why Preparation Matters
No one expects to lose a passport, experience a medical emergency, or have a flight canceled. But if something unexpected does happen, being prepared can make resolving the situation much faster and less stressful.
At ICI Traveler, we believe travel insurance is only one part of traveling confidently. Good preparation is just as important. That's why we encourage every traveler to spend a few extra minutes getting organized before departure.
Travel Documents
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Task |
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|---|---|
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Confirm your passport is valid (many countries require at least six months of validity) |
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Verify visa requirements for your destination |
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Pack your driver's license or government-issued ID |
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Print a copy of your itinerary |
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Print hotel confirmations |
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Print airline confirmations |
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Print tour and excursion confirmations |
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Create Digital Backups
Store these documents somewhere you can easily access them if your wallet, passport, or luggage is lost.
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Task |
✓ |
|---|---|
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Photograph your passport |
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Email yourself a copy of your passport |
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Save your passport to your phone's Files/Documents app |
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Save copies to secure cloud storage |
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Save airline confirmation emails |
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Save hotel confirmations |
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Save your travel insurance policy and ID card |
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Medical Preparation
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Task |
✓ |
|---|---|
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Pack medications in original prescription containers |
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Bring extra medication in case of delays |
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Carry a list of your medications |
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Pack glasses or contact lens supplies |
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Verify recommended vaccinations (if applicable) |
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Travel Insurance
Before you leave, take a few minutes to review your coverage.
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Task |
✓ |
|---|---|
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Download your travel insurance ID card |
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Save your policy number |
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Save the 24/7 travel assistance phone number |
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Review your policy benefits |
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Understand how to contact assistance services while traveling |
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Money & Important Contacts
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Task |
✓ |
|---|---|
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Notify your credit card company of international travel (if needed) |
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Carry at least one backup payment method |
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Save emergency family contacts |
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Save your travel advisor's contact information (if applicable) |
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Know how to reach your airline if flights change |
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Packing Essentials
Before leaving home, double-check:
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Passport
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Wallet
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Phone charger
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Prescription medications
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Power adapters
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Travel insurance ID card
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Copies of important documents
Before You Walk Out the Door
Take one final look at your travel plans.
Ask yourself:
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Do I know where my passport is?
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Can I access my travel insurance information quickly?
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Have I saved digital copies of important documents?
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Does a family member know my itinerary?
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Do I know who to call if something unexpected happens?
If you answered yes to each question, you're ready to travel with confidence.
⚖️ Important Information
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee coverage or benefit eligibility. Travel insurance plans vary by provider, and all benefits are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy purchased.
ICI Traveler is not the insurance carrier or claims department and cannot determine claim outcomes. All coverage decisions, claim approvals, and reimbursements are made solely by the licensed insurance company or claims administrator identified in your policy documents.
We encourage every traveler to review their complete policy documents to fully understand their coverage.
💙 Need Help? The ICI Traveler Team Is Here for You
We're here when you need us. Before reaching out, we encourage you to explore our 🔎 Help Center, where you'll find answers
to hundreds of common travel insurance questions, coverage explanations, travel tips, and policy guidance.
📧 For general questions and non-urgent support: support@icitraveler.com
📞 For urgent questions or assistance before or during your travels: (800) 576-2674 / (719) 573-9080
Trusted travel insurance guidance for every destination, every traveler, every journey.