Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a source of stress if you’re not adequately prepared. To help ensure your trip goes smoothly, here’s the ultimate travel checklist covering everything from pre-trip preparations to navigating the airport and settling in at your destination. Please be aware that this list is based on my experiences and may be particularly appropriate for flights from Taiwan to Vietnam. However, others could take it as a reference.

Pre-Trip Checks

1 Week Before Departure

  1. Confirm Travel Details: Ensure your flight and accommodation reservations are in order.
  2. Travel Documents: Check that your passport, visa (if required), and other travel documents are up-to-date.
  3. Transportation: Arrange your ride to the airport.
  4. Bank Notification: Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.
  5. Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance if you haven’t already.
  6. Packing List: Start making a list of items to pack.
  7. Health Requirements: Check if your destination requires vaccinations or medications.

1 Day Before Departure

  1. Weather Check: Look at the weather forecast for your destination and adjust your packing list accordingly.
  2. Online Check-In: Reconfirm flight times and check-in online if available.
  3. Document Preparation: Print or download your boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and other necessary documents.
  4. Packing: Finish packing your luggage, and weighing it to ensure it’s not overweight. Pack items in layers: shoes one layer, clothes another, and electronics another.
  5. Chargers and Adapters: Ensure you’ve packed all necessary chargers and travel adapters.
  6. Out-of-Office Reply: Set up any out-of-office email replies if needed.

1 Hour Before Leaving Home

  1. Document Check: Double-check that you have your passport, boarding pass, ID, and travel insurance.
  2. Luggage Check: Verify that all bags are packed and meet weight requirements.
  3. Electronics: Ensure all electronic devices are charged and power banks are packed (under 10,000 mAh in carry-on).
  4. Transportation: Confirm your transportation to the airport.
  5. House Check: Unplug appliances, lock doors and windows, and adjust the thermostat.
  6. Medications: Take any necessary medications.

At the Airport

Arrival at the Airport

  1. Timing: Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight.
  2. Documents: Ensure you have your passport and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) on hand.

Checking In

  1. Check-In: Go to the airline’s check-in counter or use a self-service kiosk.
  2. Luggage: Check in your carry-on and checked bags.
  3. Boarding Pass: Receive your boarding pass if you haven’t printed it beforehand.
  4. Baggage Scanner: Watch the baggage scanner to ensure your checked bag is okay.

Departure Declarations (Optional)

  1. Customs Declaration: Declare to Customs any cash or gold if their value is larger than NT$100,000.

Security Checkpoint

  1. Preparation: Place all carry-on items in the bins provided. Remove electronics, liquids (in a clear, quart-sized bag), and metal objects from the bags.
  2. Power Bank: Ensure your power bank is in your carry-on bag and is less than 10,000 mAh.
  3. Clothing: Remove your shoes, belt, and jacket. Place them in a bin.
  4. Screening: Walk through the metal detector or body scanner.
  5. Belongings: Remember to collect all your belongings after going through screening.

Passport Control

  1. Passport Control: Go through passport control (use the Automated e-Gate service if applicable).
  2. Documents: Have your passport, ARC, visa (residence permit), and boarding pass ready.

Gate and Boarding Process

Finding Your Gate

  1. Gate Number: Check the airport monitors or your boarding pass for your gate number.
  2. Direction: Follow signs to your gate. Note the gate number and location.
  3. Refreshments: If there’s time, grab some food, drinks, or any last-minute items.

Waiting at the Gate

  1. Seating: Find a seat near your gate and wait for boarding announcements.
  2. Charging: Charge your electronic devices if needed.
  3. Restroom: Use the restroom before boarding to avoid needing to go immediately after takeoff.

Boarding the Plane

  1. Announcements: Listen for boarding announcements. Airlines typically board by groups or zones.
  2. Documents: Have your boarding pass and ID ready to show the gate agent.
  3. Boarding: Proceed to the boarding lane when your group or zone is called.
  4. Boarding Pass: Scan your boarding pass and walk down the jet bridge to the plane.

Onboard and In-Flight Experience

On the Plane

  1. Seating: Find your assigned seat.
  2. Storage: Store your carry-on items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
  3. Seatbelt: Sit down, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for takeoff.

Takeoff and In-Flight

  1. Safety: Follow the safety instructions given by the flight attendants.
  2. Enjoy: Enjoy the flight. Stay hydrated and stretch periodically.

At the Destination

Exit the Plane

  1. Belongings: Collect all your belongings from your seat and the overhead bin.
  2. Direction: Follow the signs to the immigration area.

Immigration Control

  1. Documents: Have your passport, visa (if required), and any arrival forms ready.
  2. Officer: Present these documents to the immigration officer.
  3. Questions: Answer any questions they may have about your arrival.

Baggage Claim

  1. Signs: Follow the signs to the baggage claim area.
  2. Monitors: Check the monitors for your flight number and assigned baggage carousel.
  3. Baggage: Collect your checked baggage.

Customs

  1. Declaration: If you have items to declare, go to the red channel (Goods to Declare) and present the items and any necessary documents.
  2. No Declaration: If you have nothing to declare, proceed to the green channel (Nothing to Declare).

Exiting the Airport

  1. Signs: Follow the signs to the exit or ground transportation area.
  2. Transportation: Arrange your transportation (e.g., taxi, shuttle, public transport) to your accommodation.

Local Currency

  1. ATM/Exchange: Visit an ATM or currency exchange if you need local currency.
  2. Cash/Credit: Ensure you have enough cash or a functioning credit card for immediate expenses.

Accommodation Check-In

  1. Arrival: Arrive at your accommodation and check-in.
  2. Documents: Present your booking confirmation and ID if required.
  3. Access: Collect your room key or access information.

Settle In

  1. Unpack: Unpack any immediate necessities.
  2. Familiarize: Familiarize yourself with your new accommodation and its amenities.

Connectivity

  1. Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi if available.
  2. Notification: Inform your loved ones of your safe arrival.

Local Orientation

  1. Map: Obtain a local map or use a map app on your phone.
  2. Amenities: Identify nearby amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

Essentials

  1. Charging: Charge your electronic devices.
  2. SIM Card: If needed, purchase a local SIM card or activate an international plan for your phone.

Safety and Health

  1. Valuables: Keep your valuables secure.
  2. Exits: Locate the nearest emergency exits and safety information in your accommodation.

Plan Ahead

  1. Itinerary: Review your itinerary and confirm any upcoming reservations or activities.
  2. Bookings: Make any necessary bookings or reservations for local attractions or restaurants.

By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that your travel experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Happy travels!