Know Before You Go
Europe & UK Travel Checklists

Easy Checklists for Your Guided Tour

With your hotels, transportation, and itinerary all booked, you can focus on the final details. Before you begin packing items into your luggage, it’s important to know what you’re going to need. These checklists will help ensure your trip is smooth and stress-free.

☐ Entry/Exit Requirements - Know entry/exit requirements for the country (countries) you’ll be touring, including customs, visas, and where the U.S. embassy is located. U.S. travelers can check the latest visa and entry regulations with our easy-to-use Visa and Passport Requirements Tool.

☐ Travel Authorizations - If you're entering or transiting through the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and /or Northern Ireland - make sure your UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is taken care of well ahead of time. If you still need to apply, visit www.gov.uk.

☐ Government Alerts – Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time travel and safety updates.

☐ Share Your Plans – Send your full itinerary to a family member or friend.

☐ Jewelry – Leave valuables at home. If you bring something special, insure it beforehand.

☐ TSA Rules – If flying, review the TSA Travel Checklist and currently Prohibited Items List.

☐ Passport – Know where it is and double-check that it’s valid for at least 6 months past your return date.

☐ Travel Documents – Print and store any important confirmations (like your flight and tour documents) in one place.

☐ Emergency Copy – Leave a color copy of your passport with a trusted emergency contact back home.

☐ Debit & Credit Card – inform your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling internationally to avoid any unwanted holds on your account. Read our guide on Using Credit and Debit Cards Abroad.

☐ Cash – Bring a small reserve of both U.S. dollars and local currency for emergencies. You can use your debit card to withdraw more cash when you’ve reached your destination.

☐ Travel Wallet – Keep your passport, ID, tour documents, and emergency contact info organized and accessible.

☐ Prescriptions – Bring enough to cover the full duration of your tour, with extras just in case.

☐ Medical ID – If you have a condition such as diabetes or a heart issue, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet.

☐ Insurance Card – It may not provide coverage internationally, but it can still be helpful for documentation and billing.

☐ Europe Packing List – Use our Easy Packing Guide and check out our Traveler Resources pages to make sure you're bringing weather-appropriate and culturally smart clothing.

☐ Must-Have Accessories – Consider packing cubes, a compact laundry bag, a hanging toiletry kit, and a reusable water bottle to make life on tour more organized and comfortable.

☐ Weather-Ready Clothing – Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, a rain shell or umbrella, and evening-wear basics for any included dinners or shows.

☐ Pack Light – Bring versatile, mix-and-match clothing to minimize luggage and maximize flexibility. Learn some key tips with our guide on Packing Light for less stress and more style.

☐ Adapter & Converter – Bring a plug adapter suitable for your destination (Europe uses different plugs than the U.S.).

☐ Chargers & Batteries – Don’t forget charging cables for your phone, tablet, camera, and any other devices.

☐ Portable Power Bank – A must-have for long days exploring.

☐ International Cell Use – Contact your mobile carrier to enable international service or plan to use Wi-Fi with apps like WhatsApp or Skype.

☐ Tablet or Kindle – Great for reading, browsing, and connecting with home—without the bulk of a laptop.

☐ Camera (Optional) – If bringing one, also pack the memory card, charger, and case.

☐ Tech Inventory (Optional) – For tech gadgets like laptops, smartphones, or watches, you might think to make a list that includes each item's market value, brand, model number, and serial number.