Your 2026 Pre-Trip Checklist: Passports, Insurance & Entry Requirements
A few planning basics that are easy to overlook until they become a problem at the airport.
Check your passport expiry now. Many countries require at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your travel dates — and passport office wait times fluctuate, so don't leave this until the month before you fly.
Confirm entry requirements for your specific destination. Visa rules, health documentation, and entry forms vary by country and do change — always verify close to your travel date, not just when you book.
Consider travel insurance early. Coverage for trip cancellation often works best the sooner it's added after booking — waiting until closer to departure can limit what's covered.
Save digital and physical copies of key documents. A photo of your passport and confirmation numbers, accessible offline, saves real stress if anything is lost in transit.
Want help working through this checklist for an upcoming trip? Send a message and I'll walk through it with you.
