Trip Planning Checklist
3-6 Months Before
– Choose your itinerary
– Calculate budget
– Request time off work
– Book international flights
– Book first hotel
– Get travel insurance
– Apply for visa (if needed—check current requirements)
– Get vaccinations (if recommended) Notify banks of travel dates
1-2 Months Before
– Book domestic flights
– Book remaining hotels
– Book popular tours/activities
– Research restaurants (add to list)
– Download AI tools
– Start learning basic Thai phrases
– Buy any needed gear (backpack, clothes)
– Check passport expiry (needs 6+ months validity)
2-4 Weeks Before
– Confirm all bookings
– Check weather forecast
– Create packing list
– Download offline maps
– Download translation app
– Set up travel apps (Grab, Bolt, Wise)
– Print/save important documents
– Tell family/friends your itinerary
– Set up international phone plan or buy eSIM
1 Week Before
– Pack (use checklist above)
– Weigh luggage (check airline limits)
– Exchange small amount of cash ($100-200)
– Charge all electronics
– Download entertainment for flight
– Set apartment/house preparations (if applicable)
– Double-check passport, tickets, insurance
– Screenshot important info (hotel addresses, confirmation numbers)
– Put hold on mail
– Clean out fridge
Day Before Travel
– Final packing check
– Charge power bank
– Print boarding passes (or have digital)
– Check flight status
– Set alarm for airport
– Put passport/wallet/phone in easy-access spot
– Prepare airport outfit (comfortable!)
– Get good sleep
Day of Travel
– Passport
– Phone
– Wallet
– Boarding pass
– Power bank in carry-on
– Important meds in carry-on
– Arrive 3 hours early (international flight)
Upon Arrival in Bangkok
Pass immigration (have return ticket ready to show)
Connect to public Wi-Fi & activate eSIM)
Exchange money at the lowest floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport or use ATM (don’t accept conversion rate)
Get transport to hotel, buy stuff at 7-Eleven & check-in
Rest (you’re jet lagged!)
Have first Thai meal & drink