Evergreen Travel Basics 2025: Documents, Money, Health, and Packing

This is the playbook I use before any international trip. It’s evergreen because it relies on timeless steps (documents, money, health, bags) and data checks (passport validity rules, insurance limits, airline carry-on caps). Bookmark it and reuse for every destination.

Passports, visas, and backups

• Passport validity: Over 70% of countries require 6+ months validity; EU Schengen enforces “three months beyond departure” (EU Handbook 2024). Renew at 9 months to be safe.
• Blank pages: Many countries ask for 2–3 blank pages (US Dept. of State). Check before multi-country trips.
• Visas: Use our Visa Checker. Keep printed approvals; some airlines require hard copies at check-in.
• Copies: Store PDFs of passport/visas in encrypted cloud + offline on phone; email them to yourself.

Money: cards, cash, and fees

• FX fees: US banks typically charge 3% per swipe; choose no-FX cards (Capital One, Chase Sapphire) to save $30 per $1,000 spend.
• ATM fees: Many countries add a fixed fee (e.g., Thailand 220 THB, Mexico 36–60 MXN). Withdraw larger amounts fewer times.
• Backup: Keep one debit and one credit in a separate spot. Lost-card replacement abroad can take 3–7 days.

Insurance and medical prep

Medical evacuation averages $20k–$200k (US Travel Insurance Association). A $40 policy often covers it.

• Coverage: Look for $100k+ medical, $250k+ evacuation, trip delay $150/day minimum.
• Primary vs secondary: Primary pays first—better for speed.
• Medical docs: Pack prescriptions in original bottles and a photo of your script.

Packing and weight limits

• Carry-on rules: US airlines allow ~22 x 14 x 9 in; EU low-cost carriers often 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 8–10 kg. Verify with our Packing Rules.
• Liquids: TSA 3-1-1 (3.4 oz / 100 ml); some EU airports now pilot 2L limits with CT scanners—still pack small.
• Clothing math: 5 tops + 3 bottoms = 15 outfits. Add 1 insulating layer and 1 rain shell.

Health on the road

• Hydration: Airplane cabin humidity ~10–20% (FAA data). Drink 0.5L per 3 hours; add electrolytes on long hauls.
• Sleep: Blue light blocks melatonin; install night shift 2 hours before bed.
• Food safety: WHO notes 600M foodborne illness cases yearly; eat food cooked to order and avoid lukewarm buffets.

Connectivity and power

• eSIM: Average tourist eSIM price is $8–$15 for 7–10 GB in most of Asia (TripPlug SIM data Jan 2025). Buy before landing via our SIM tool.
• Power: Check Plug Checker; bring a universal adapter and surge protection if using laptops.
• Backups: Offline maps and translation downloaded before departure save roaming data.

Pre-flight checklist

• Check passport validity + visas printed.
• Download boarding passes + offline maps.
• Notify bank or enable travel mode in app.
• Pack meds + one-day outfit in carry-on.
• Confirm airport transfer (rail/taxi) and hotel address in local language.

Gear I trust

These are Amazon items I’ve used; links are live and tagged.

Reuse this checklist for every trip. Pair it with our Packing Rules and Visa Checker to save time.