How To Create The Perfect Travel Checklist In 12 Easy Steps

It’s safe to say we’ve all experienced stressed at some point when it comes to vacation planning. Whether it’s the endless daily to-dos you still haven’t caught up on before you’re trip or travel anxiety that slowly creeps up before your flight. After visiting more than 42 countries, I’ve cracked the code to seamless, enjoyable travel planning: a simple, effective checklist.

From Sri Lanka to the small town of Boise, Idaho and the metropolis green city, Denver, I’ve used this simple system numerous times. It’s effective and straight to the point so you can focus on what matters most, having the best vacation!

Keep reading to find my easy 12-step travel checklist.

Disclaimer: The content in this post is not intended for nutritional or medical advice. Please consult with your doctor if you have any questions regarding nutrition and health conditions. This post contains some affiliate links. That means I will receive a small commission on the purchase at no additional cost to you! Thanks for your support friend!

Why you should prioritize wellness on your travel checklist?

One thing I’ve learned on my health and wellness journey is the art of bringing wellness to packing. At first, it sounded a little strange trying to tie wellness with packing and trip planning. However, the more I practiced it, the less stressful trips were on my mind and body.

I’ve spent years healing from a traumatic brain injury that I sustained from playing collegiate sports. Prioritizing wellness isn’t just an option for me, it’s a way of live. From protecting my health with travel insurance to sipping green juices to make sure I eat all my daily veggies, I’m going to share my top tips to create a wellness-focused travel checklist.

Related Post: What is Wellness Traveling? The Quickest Way to Understand

Simple 12 Step Travel Checklist

Whether you’ve planned an adventure road trip or decided to explore the epic train travel in Europe this list is for you. Below are some packing travel hacks for the health conscious traveler.

#1 Book your flight & decide how much luggage you are taking

Once you book you’re flight, you’ll want to know how much luggage you’re bringing. Why? Because this will help up map out wellness essentials you may need or want for the trip.

I can’t tell you the number of times I waited last minute to pack and the health essentials I needed didn’t come in time or they couldn’t fit in my bag. As a gluten-free traveler, I have to pack food staples like gluten-free crackers, bread, energy bars, and protein powder because I’ve been in situations where food was limited. Learn from me. Don’t be like me.

I recommend reading about your airlines luggage policy and weight limit. The luggage policies do change occasionally, so always double check before you fly. It will let you know if you get a free 50 lb check-in bag, free hand luggage, or just a personal item with your ticket.

On the other hand, trains have a different luggage limit and allow passengers to carry more luggage. The best part is there’s no extra charge if you need to bring another bag, or two! (I won’t tell anyone if you don’t.)

For road trips, just make sure you can see through your rear view mirror and you’re comfortable in your car.

#2 Buy travel insurance once you’ve booked your flight or rental car

While we can’t pack for everything, we can do our best to pack for what lies ahead. For example, if you know you want to experience an overseas adventure travel at your destination, make sure to include a travel checklist that has options for adventurous items such as: underwater protective phone case, outdoor sandals, sunblock, selfie stick, and more.

Once you’ve booked your flight, rental car, and/or hotel, you’ll want to buy travel insurance. It’s the best way to protect your trip and maintain your health. You never know when you’ll need it.

I still remember the spring my husband and I ended up in the ER in Malta and Cyprus. It was a disaster, I had a rare scalp infection and he broke several teeth. Thanks to travel insurance we were reimbursed for all the health cost we accrued during this time period.

In my opinion, it’s better to buy travel insurance as soon as possible just in case you need to change your flight or an emergency happens. Based on the type of travel experience you’re wanting to have (i.e. bungee jumping, etc.) and what your packing (i.e. expensive camera, etc.) you can add in extra coverage for support these.

If you’re on the fence with buying travel insurance, I get it. Here’s everything you need to know about travel insurance.

What travel insurance should I buy?

If you’re a digital nomad, love work-cations, or are traveling long-term, Safetywing travel insurance is a great option! It’s membership based and provides global coverage in more than 180 countries.

I love that it’s extremely flexible with a “cancel anytime” and “buy while abroad” feature. If you’re under 39 years old, it’s currently $62.72 for the essential travel medical insurance which is super affordable compared to other travel insurance agencies. Trust me, after exploring living as a digital nomad I’ve changed a couple times and this ease of getting immediate coverage is priceless.

Another great choice is Travel Insurance Master. This company shares a list of travel health insurance providers through a comparison chart so you can find the best insurance that matches your needs. It’s excellent for comprehensive coverage and has a simple claims process!

#3 Add a copy of your driver’s license and passport to your travel checklist

While traveling is a adventure filled with excitement and new experiences, you probably never want to feel those types of sensations about your personal documents. The best way to safeguard your personal documents, is to make copies. Make a copy of:

• Passport
• Driver license
• Credit Card
• Medical Insurance
• Travel Insurance

Leave one copy of your documents at home with a loved one, and take the other copy with you during your travels.

#4 Research your destination

Researching your destination will not only help when packing a suitcase, but it will give you more travel tips specific to your travel destination. It will help you select what outfits are appropriate to pack, give you insight into the culture you’re about to experience, and give you more ideas about what things to do in that particular city.

For example, if you’re planning a trip to Barcelona next year —here’s a list of 50 Things To Do & See in Barcelona, Spain to plan out your dream itinerary.

#5 Start packing earlier to avoid pre-trip stress

Yes, it’s a thing! Have you ever been stressed out two days before a trip, running around last minute to buy more items for your suitcase? Or do clothes bombs explode your in room, with clothes covering every inch of your floor? Packing one outfit, then dumping out your suitcase to pack another, only to find yourself finishing up packing at 1 am the day of the of your departure. (I have to admit, but this used to be my normal packing strategy.)

Packing earlier could be your solution. Not only does it allow you to relax days before your trip to avoid stress (so does essential oils or a massage!), it also allows you to keep your normal routine intact. I’ve found using both of these healthy travel tips combats stress and allows for happier and healthy travels.

Related Post: The 6 Best Essential Oils Every Traveler Should Have

#6 Always pack extra clothes in your carry-on

If you have a checked bag, this packing list tip is for you. Sometimes bags get lost, it happens. However, you can be one step ahead of this luggage mishap by packing a spare pair of clothes, and underwear in your carry on or backpack. I’d also recommend packing a couple TSA approved cosmetics in your carry on too. Some zero waste bathroom products that are easy to pack are: mouthwash tablets, body conditioner bars or soap, shampoo bars, and lotion bars.

#7 Get packing cubes or bags to stay organized

The TRIPPED Travel Gear compression packing cubes make it easy to stay organized while traveling. I’m obsessed with these cubes because I can fit more things into my suitcase and it’s easy to locate any item. This travel checklist item is a game changer, especially if you’re a chronic over-packing.

#8 Put flip flops on your travel checklist

This is probably the first thing I check off on my packing list for vacation. Flip flops, or sandals, are extremely versatile. My durable and waterproof chacos have walked through the scorching hot deserts of Jordan and have also transported me to into warm saunas in snowy Finland.

For cold weather, they can double as slippers to keep your feet warm from the cold tile, or bath shoes for a getaway spa day. I’m also a slight germ a-phobe, so flip-flops for a day trip to a spa is a necessity.

On the other hand, in the hot weather they can be a excellent wardrobe choice for your summer attire, used for a pool day, and if you’re staying at a hostel, say hello to your new shower shoes.

#9 Bring A LOT of healthy travel snacks options

Aim to pack healthy travel food that’s high in fiber, protein, and fats. While I’m not a nutrition expert, I can say whenever I’ve used these healthy travel snack tips with my husband, everyone’s tummy and mood seems to be happy.

Here’s some snack ideas to add to your travel checklist to help boost your well-being on the road:

• Trail mix
• Granola Bars
• Fresh fruit
• Hummus and carrots
• A sandwich made with whole-grain bread, avocado, loads of veggies and a protein

Amazon is also a great place to buy shelf staple healthy snacks that are travel-friendly. To find a list of the best plant-based snacks on Amazon, click here.

#10 Pack your breakfast for the next two mornings in your carry-on

Packing your breakfast can be a great way to wellness travel because it allows you to have some normalcy once you arrive to your travel destination. Choosing the right healthy travel food for your trip can boost your wellness and health by giving you the nutrients to refuel your body after a long flight or drive.

#11 Add prebiotic foods on your travel checklist

Prebiotics are a type of high fiber that brings healthy nutrients to the gut bacteria. Some research suggest these nutrients in turn help improve your digestive system, boost your immune system and possibly enhance your metabolism.

Prebiotics in food are readily found, and they can be a great addition to your healthy travel food list. Plus they can be found almost anywhere! Here is a good prebiotic food list to get you started:

• Apples
• Flaxseed
• Chickpeas
• Lentils
• Bananas
• Oats

#12 Don’t overpack

Remember, less is more.

Final thoughts: Creating a wellness travel checklist

Taking steps to have a healthy trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you focus on adding more whole foods during your breakfast, taking a probiotic or investing in your health with travel insurance, rest assured that you’re doing a great job!

Give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy your trip.