The ultimate pre-travel checklist (6 weeks to take-off)

The trips that go smoothly are the ones where you front-loaded admin six weeks out. Here's the checklist we send every planholidays customer.

6 weeks before - Check passport validity (most destinations need 6 months from your return date) - Apply for visas/ESTA/ETA — turnaround can be 2–3 weeks for some routes - Book airport parking or transfers (prices rise sharply in the final fortnight) - Review NHS Fit for Travel for any recommended vaccinations

4 weeks before - Sort your travel money mix — get a fee-free travel card (Chase, Starling) and keep a small cash float - Order an eSIM for your destination — £8–£15 saves you 30× that in roaming - Check what your travel insurance covers; if it's a credit-card freebie, read the exclusions

2 weeks before - Print or download a backup copy of your booking confirmation and accommodation voucher - Confirm your transfer time with your provider - Set up post-redirection or hold deliveries if you're away over a week

Final 48 hours - Online check-in opens (usually 24–48h before) - Download offline maps for your destination - Tell your bank you're travelling (some apps still flag overseas spend) - Pack a carry-on essentials kit: charger, meds, change of clothes, swimwear