Getting some beachside decompression during summer is a must. The problem is there’s still one enormous stress between you and the deserved rest — packing up. Should you print out the hotel bookings or withdraw and exchange cash? What if they don’t speak any language you know in the foreign city? Is there free wi-fi at the airport, and how long will your SIM work in the overdraft mode?
Luckily, we’ve prepared everything (well, most of it, anyway) you might need for your vacation in this checklist. Just five minutes to run through it, and you’re all set to relax!
Documents
Passport. Just check that your passport’s valid for at least three more months after your trip—unless you’re a diplomat or ship crew, that’s probably all you’ll need!
Visa for your country of destination, if you need one. And don’t forget to check whether you must obtain a transfer visa if your flight is non-direct.
Confirmation of your accommodation in your destination country: confirmation of a hotel booking or a letter from someone who will host you. It’s not obligatory, but just in case of a prolonged conversation with a border officer, print it or save it offline to your phone.
Adequate travel insurance. Absolutely invaluable for medical occasions, but it’d be better also to cover flight cancellation, loss of passport, luggage, or theft of your belongings. Sad as it is, these things happen way more often than you could imagine.
A driving license if you’d like to drive yourself. If your license is issued in one of the countries that signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (Qatar is one of these countries) and you travel to the countries that also joined the convention, you don’t need to convert or translate it.
A letter of consent is required if you travel with a minor as a non-parent companion or just one of the parents. A letter from the other parent or signed by both custodial parents should be notarized and preferably written in the official language of the country of your destination (although an English version might be just enough).
First aid kit
We recommend* including:
-
Disinfectant
-
Pain-relief medicines (e.g., Brufen, Advil, Panadol, Voltaren)
-
Gastrointestinal medicines (e.g., Dulcolax, Imodium, Duspatalin)
-
Allergy medicines (e.g., Zyrtec, Claritin, Fenistil, Aerius)
-
Bandages and plasters
-
Medical mask (necessary if you have a respiratory infection)
-
Sun protection (at least SPF 20; SPF 30 is safer for lighter skin tones — don’t forget to use it!)
-
Burn cream or ointment (e.g., Bepanthen, Bavilon, Boneto)
-
Medicines you take regularly (check if they are permitted in your destination country)
(* — medical product names are listed here just for example of brands you can easily find in Qatari pharmacies; be sure to contact your doctors if you have any contraindications)
Money
Local currency cash. You may be shocked, but small businesses or taxis still accept only cash in some places. To spare yourself from the stress of running between ATMs, bring some local currency.
Credit cards. Check if they work abroad and if your bank charges a transaction fee for currency exchange.
Communication and navigation
SIM card. Check mobile roaming and internet options provided by your mobile operator. Keep in mind that it might be cheaper and more effective to buy a local SIM card in the country of your destination. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, check eSIM providers for international travel, such as Saily, Airalo, AloSIM, or Jetpac.
Power banks and chargers for your devices. Keep in mind that sockets in some countries might be incompatible with your charger plugs, and you might need a power adapter.
Maps apps, preferably with offline access: Maps.me, All-in-One Offline Maps, to name the most popular ones.
Translation app (preferably with text-to-speech converting option): You can use Apple Translate, DeepL Translate, Google Translate, Reverso, or apps for specific languages (like SpanishDict).
Image scan app for reading menus or traffic signs. Google Lens is a good example, although you might browse for alternatives: Adobe Scan, Amazon Rekognition, or CamFind.
Emergency
List of emergency contacts. Local emergency services (including police and ambulance) and trusted people you can call for help.
Address of your local consulate in the country of your destination. Please note that some consulates are not in the same buildings as the embassy.
Other things to pack
Essentials covered, now for your personal preferences:
-
Clothes: Pack according to your trip duration—3 days requires fewer clothes than a month-long stay.
-
Toiletry bag: Your preferred brands may not always be available, and hotel cosmetic kits can vary in quality. Consider bringing your favorite shampoo, moisturizer, and deodorant.
-
Accessories: Sunglasses, sleep mask, earplugs, and a water bottle can make a big difference.
-
Leisure items: Something small to make your trip more comfortable, like a pillow or blanket for the journey.
And that’s finally it. Nothing can stop you now from getting the most from your summer trip. Have a nice one!
