The ultimate travel checklist for holidaymakers (FREE download)

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of booking a holiday. But once the flights are sorted and the countdown’s on, there’s still the small matter of... everything else. That’s where we come in.

We’ve pulled together a practical, no-fuss travel checklist to take the stress out of getting sorted before you head away. It’s simple, handy – and yours to download.

Off on your holidays? Start here.

Whether you’re catching a weekend in Paris or heading to the Algarve with the whole clan, planning properly makes all the difference.

7 travel checks worth ticking off

Before you zip up your suitcase and double-check the passport (again), here are seven quick wins that’ll help your trip go smoother.

1. Passport panic avoided

Check the expiry date – and don’t leave it until the last minute. Many countries require at least six months’ validity from the day you arrive. Some might even send you packing if your passport’s looking battered or has too few blank pages.

Need the latest entry rules? Pop over to dfa.ie/travel.

2. EHIC – handy, but not enough

If you’ve got a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), bring it with you. It might help with access to public healthcare in some countries.

But – and it’s a big but – it won’t cover private treatment, repatriation, lost luggage or a cancelled trip. That’s where proper travel insurance steps in.

3. Real-world travel insurance

The unexpected doesn’t care how well you packed. Lost bags, delays, a sudden illness – it happens. Travel insurance helps you deal with the fallout, without draining your holiday savings.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Declare any medical conditions upfront.
• Buy your policy early, so it covers you before you even leave.
• Choose cover that suits your trip – single trip or multi-trip, solo or family.

We also offer a 24/7 emergency medical helpline – always just a phone call away if things take a turn.

4. Stay in the know

Check the Government’s advice for wherever you’re headed – from visa info to local laws and health alerts. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) updates travel guidance regularly, and you can even sign up for alerts while you’re away.

It’s also worth saving the number of the nearest Irish embassy or consulate, just in case.

5. Roaming and data plans

Nobody wants a surprise phone bill after a break. Chat to your network provider about roaming fees – or consider picking up a local SIM or travel eSIM.

Top tips:

• Check if your phone is unlocked
• Download essential apps (Google Maps, language tools) while still on Wi-Fi
• Use WhatsApp or Messenger to call home over Wi-Fi

6. Cards, cash and common sense

Tell your bank you’re heading abroad – it could save your card from being frozen for “suspicious activity.”

Also:

• Bring a second card, just in case
• Look up any foreign transaction fees
• Top up your travel card or pick up the currency before you go
• Save your bank’s overseas contact info on your phone

7. Getting there (and back)

Sort your airport plans ahead of time – especially if you’ve an early flight. Whether it’s booking parking, sorting a lift or double-checking train times, a little prep goes a long way.

Hiring a car abroad? Don’t forget:

• Full driver’s licence
• Possibly an International Driving Permit (depending on the country)
• The credit card used for the booking
• Printed confirmation

Your free holiday checklist – download now

We’ve made this checklist for real travellers like you. It's got reminders for:

• Essential documents so you’re not scrambling for your passport or insurance details at the airport.
• Health and medication prep, including what to pack and how to stay covered abroad.
• Packing must-haves from chargers to sun cream, we’ve listed the things people most often forget.
• Last-minute to-dos like checking in online, sorting your phone plan, and weighing your bags.