Pre-travel checklist

[VincentQ]

Travelling soon? You probably have a million things on your mind! Here’s a handy list of essentials you need to prepare before you leave. To make things easier, download the printable version. 

Gather up all the required documents 

Keep your passports, visas, travel insurance documents, plane tickets, and accommodation and rental booking confirmations in one place. You may also need to bring a consent letter if travelling with children, as well as your national and international driver’s licence, and your party’s immunization records, if applicable. 

Pro tip: Scan all these documents into an online folder, which you can share with the other people travelling with you and download to your mobile device. 

Review your transportation arrangements 

Check your flight itinerary 24 to 48 hours prior to departure. Check in online to avoid waiting in line at the airport check-in counter. If you’re taking the train or bus, check to see if the departure time has changed. 

Take the necessary health precautions 

Several weeks before leaving, check the recommended vaccinations for your destination and make an appointment at a travel clinic to get them. Bring enough medication for the entire trip. Ideally, ask your pharmacist to print the complete list of medications you’re taking and keep it with your important documents. If needed, bring motion sickness medication. 

Plan your cell phone usage 

Ask your service provider about roaming rates in the country you’re visiting. Check what’s included in your Mobile plan. If necessary, opt for a more cost-effective plan. For example, Videotron offers plans and add-ons that allow you to use your minutes and data both abroad and at home. See Mobile solutions for travellers. 

There are many apps you can use while travelling, namely for translation, booking, transportation, or budgeting. Download the ones you want to use in advance, as well as essential content such as maps and itineraries. Discover our suggested must-have travel apps.  

Also, remember to enable the localization feature on your cell phone. This will allow you to find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. As a precaution, you can set up your device so that the screen locks automatically after a short period of inactivity. 

Prepare your payment methods 

Confirm whether your bank cards are accepted in the country you’re visiting and notify your credit card company of your departure. You can also add your debit or credit cards to your cell phone’s wallet app so you can pay with your phone. 

Pro tip: Buy foreign currency at a foreign exchange office near you, because the exchange rate there is often better than at your destination. 

Pack your bags 

You’ll probably need a separate list for everything you need to pack in your suitcase! Generally speaking, consider bringing the following: weather-appropriate clothing, a first aid kit, a toiletry bag, and a document carry bag.  

In your carry-on, include ear plugs, a warm sweater or a small blanket, warm socks, a travel pillow, and entertainment. Add a toothbrush, toothpaste, and bathing suit in case your suitcase gets lost along the way. Remember to put liquids in containers 100 ml or smaller. View all authorized carry-on items. 

Pro tip: Pack an empty water bottle in your carry-on bag. You can fill it up after going through airport security. 

Plan your entertainment 

Download e-reader books, music, podcasts, shows, and movies to your entertainment apps in advance, so you can enjoy them offline. Learn how to download content with Spotify, YouTube Music, Netflix, and the Helix TV app.  

If you want, bring a handheld video gaming console. Don’t forget to recharge all your electronics before you leave and to bring earphones (wired ones if you want to use the plane’s entertainment system). Pack charging cables and a multi-socket power adapter if you’re travelling outside North America. 

Prefer to stay off screens? Bring books or your favourite magazines! 

Prepare your home 

Close the main water and gas inlets to prevent accidents. Use up the food in your fridge so you can leave it as empty as possible. Adjust thermostats up or down depending on the season. Finally, set a timer to turn the lights on and off at certain times—that makes it seem like someone is home. 

Notify a neighbour or family member of your departure. That person can take care of tasks while you’re away, like watering plants, picking up mail, caring for pets staying home, maintaining the pool, mowing the lawn, clearing the driveway and sidewalks, etc. 

Allow for the unexpected 

You can’t predict everything when you’re travelling. That’s what makes the adventure so exciting! If you’ve prepared the essentials before leaving, you’ll have everything you need to get by if something unexpected happens, so you can have a wonderful vacation. Have a nice trip!