Things to do the week before an overseas trip

The week before an overseas trip is when half the stress could have been avoided. The bookings are made, the leave is approved, the suitcase is somewhere in the spare room. Now it's the small, easy-to-skip jobs that decide whether the first day of the trip starts well.

This is the week-before list that comes up most in aroā customer conversations, condensed into one place.

Seven days out

The "make sure" day.

Check both passports for the six-month validity from your return date. Confirm your visa or e-visa is sorted and printed. Confirm travel insurance is purchased and the policy details are saved. Check your flight times in case anything has shifted. Look at the weather forecast for the destination for the dates you're there. Plan the airport transfer for the day of (book the cab, confirm parking, work out the train).

Six days out

Money and access.

Tell your bank you're travelling. Most online banking apps now let you do this in a tap. Order a small amount of cash in the destination currency for the first day. Most places use card, but the first taxi or coffee is easier with cash. Set up a travel card (Wise, Revolut, Up) if you don't have one. Cheaper than using your normal AU card overseas. Save your accommodation address, the embassy address, and your insurance helpline somewhere offline (the notes app).

Five days out

Phone and data.

Buy an eSIM for the destination (Airalo, Holafly) or arrange international roaming with your existing provider. Download offline maps for the destinations you're visiting on Google Maps. Download any flights, museum tickets, or travel passes you've already paid for. Save your itinerary as a PDF on your phone, accessible offline.

Four days out

Health and pharmacy.

Refill any prescription medication. Buy a small travel pharmacy kit: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamine, rehydration sachets, bandaids, an anti-diarrhoea tablet, an antiseptic cream. Pack any vitamins or supplements you take daily into a small pouch. If you have allergies, pack an extra antihistamine in case of food surprises.

Three days out

Wardrobe and packing list.

Pull out every outfit you want to bring. Try it on. Decide. Wash anything that needs washing. Lay outfits out in groups by day or by occasion. Write a final packing list, by category. Pack the suitcase with the most-used items on top.

If you're planning to bring a passport cover or family travel wallet, this is the day to confirm it's on its way or get it ordered. The aroā lead time is four to seven business days for production, plus shipping, so three days is the cut-off for AU express.

Two days out

Skincare, beauty, the small bag.

Decant skincare into 100ml bottles. Label them. Pack a small make-up bag with the basics (mascara, lip, concealer, lip balm). Pack a small bag for the carry-on: skincare, lip balm, hand cream, deodorant, a small toothbrush kit. Choose your flight outfit. Don't over think it. Soft, layered, slip-on shoes.

One day out

The home admin day.

Empty the bin (don't leave food in the kitchen bin for two weeks). Take out any flowers or plants that need watering more than once a week. Set up automatic plant watering or arrange a friend. Turn the heating or cooling to the lowest setting. Cancel anything that doesn't need to run: gym, classes, deliveries you forgot. Set up out-of-office on email. Forward any urgent emails to a trusted colleague. Put your house keys with a trusted person if anyone needs access.

The day of

A shorter list, on purpose.

Eat real breakfast. Charge every device. Check every cable. Pack the carry-on with both passports in the passport cover or family travel wallet, boarding passes saved offline, water bottle empty, snacks, a book, headphones, a portable charger. Lock the doors. Turn off the gas and any appliances. Final scan: tickets, documents, cash, cards, phone, charger. Leave early.

The thing people forget

A small "in case" bag in the carry-on. A change of underwear, a clean top, a hair tie, a lip balm, a small face cleanser. The plane will be longer than you think. The arrivals walk will be more public than you remember.

A note from me

The piece that comes up most in pre-trip conversations is the passport cover and luggage tag set, hand embossed in Sydney with your name or initials. It's the small detail that makes the airport feel intentional.

For families, the family travel wallet holds four passports plus cards, AirTag, and a pen, all in one piece. Designed for the kind of week-before scramble where you don't want to be hunting through bags.

If you want a hand picking the right one — message me on Instagram @aroa.australia. I'll tell you what I'd pick. 🤍