Follow these 8 steps in order and you'll leave with peace of mind. You can tick each item directly in the list, your progress shows in the sidebar!
The backpack and essentials
Your backpack is your best ally. Choose it based on your trip's length and your comfort, a 40 to 60L bag is enough for most trips. Go for a lightweight, ergonomic and sturdy model. I dedicated a whole article to my backpack selection and its contents, everything's in there!
- Backpack 40–60L : lightweight, ergonomic, sturdy
- Microfibre towel : dries quickly, takes little space
- Filtering water bottle : essential in Asia or Latin America
- TSA padlock : to secure your bag
- Compact toiletry bag : solid soap, folding toothbrush…
- Universal adapter : essential for charging your devices
Vaccines & health kit
Before travelling abroad, especially to Asia, Africa or South America, certain vaccines are strongly recommended. Consult a travel doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
- Vaccines : hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies depending on destination (check with a travel clinic)
- Paracetamol and basic medication
- Plasters and disinfectant
- Mosquito repellent cream + preventive treatment if malaria zone
- Personal medication in sufficient quantity + translated prescription
Tip: book an appointment at a travel vaccination centre at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure, some vaccines require several spaced-out injections.
Admin: visa, insurance & Ariane
A successful trip starts with paperwork in order. Leave nothing to chance here.
- Visa : check the requirements on France Diplomatie or via iVisa
- Travel insurance : medical costs, cancellation, baggage theft (Chapka, Heymondo, Allianz)
- Ariane registration : register on the government website if travelling outside Europe
- Valid passport : check the expiry date (at least 6 months after your return)
- Document copies : passport, insurance, visa in digital and paper form
Finding cheap flights
Finding the best flight price is often the most stressful part. My favourite tools for finding the best deals:
Comparison site
Skyscanner
Easily compare every airline in one click
Price trends
Google Flights
Spot the cheapest dates on a calendar
Combined routes
Kiwi
Cheap flight combinations other sites won't find
- Flight ticket booked : use private browsing, avoid buying on weekends
- Layover scouted : make the most of it to discover a bonus city!
Tip: book in private browsing mode, comparison sites remember your searches and sometimes push prices up. And avoid buying on weekends, fares are often higher then.
Booking your first nights
Even if you want to stay flexible, I recommend booking at least 2 to 3 nights for your arrival. That lets you settle in stress-free right away. After that, book as you go, especially in Asia where everything is more flexible.
Hotels & guesthouses
Booking.com
Simple, reliable, free cancellation often available
Backpackers
Hostelworld
Perfect for hostels and meeting other travellers
Comparison site
CosyCosy
Combines several platforms to find the best price
- First 2–3 nights booked at destination
Managing money while travelling
Forget your regular bank card: foreign fees add up fast. Here are the alternatives I use and recommend:
My favourite
Revolut
Free payments abroad, real-time exchange rates, super easy to use
Transfers
Wise
Perfect for sending money at a low cost
Cash withdrawals
N26
A good option for fee-free cash withdrawals abroad
- Revolut or Wise card activated and topped up
- Local currency cash ready for arrival
- Backup card : always carry a second card
Revolut tip: turn on instant notifications to track every expense in real time, super handy for managing your daily budget!
Safety & practical info
Before every trip, I always check the recommendations on diplomatie.gouv.fr and recent traveller feedback on TikTok or YouTube. A few accessories that have saved me:
- AirTag in your bag : track it in real time if lost or stolen
- Padlock for hostels : always useful for lockers
- Emergency contact noted : embassy, insurance, contact back home
- diplomatie.gouv recommendations checked for your destination
Apps & connectivity
A few free apps to install before you leave, they've all saved me at some point:
Navigation
Maps.me
Offline maps, essential without a connection
Transport
Rome2Rio
Compares bus, train and plane to get from A to B
Currency
XE Currency
Real-time currency converter, or just the iPhone calculator!
Connectivity
Holafly / Airalo
eSIM to activate before departure, no need to look for a SIM on arrival
- Maps.me : offline maps downloaded for your destination
- Rome2Rio installed
- eSIM or local SIM : Holafly, Airalo or a local SIM on arrival
- Grab : if you're heading to Southeast Asia (the local Uber)
My connectivity tip: I use a Holafly eSIM, you activate it from your phone before you even leave, no need to hunt for a shop at the airport at 3am. A real time-saver!
Frequently asked questions
FAQ, Trip Preparation
It depends on the country, but Hepatitis A, typhoid and sometimes rabies are recommended. Always check with a travel doctor at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Chapka and Heymondo are often recommended by backpackers for their good value. Compare medical reimbursement limits and cancellation conditions carefully for your destination.
On average, 6-8 weeks before departure for long-haul flights. For Asia especially, prices can rise quickly around French school holidays.
Revolut and Wise are ideal for paying abroad without fees. Always have a backup card and some local cash on arrival, ATMs aren't always accessible everywhere.
No! I recommend booking only the first 2-3 nights to arrive stress-free. The rest can be sorted on the spot, especially in Asia where everything is flexible and often cheaper in person.
Heading off soon and have questions?
Itinerary, accommodation, budget, organisation… I answer everything!
