There's something about the night before an overseas trip that's always the same. Your suitcase is sitting open on the floor, clothes are somehow spread across every available surface, and despite having packed three times already, you're convinced you've forgotten something important. You check your passport again, glance at your flight confirmation for the tenth time, and wonder whether you really need that extra pair of formal shoes for a beach holiday in Greece that only needs a pair of Havaianas to fit right in.
It doesn't matter whether you're heading to Japan for a food adventure, backpacking through Europe, escaping to Bali for some much needed sun, or visiting family overseas. The excitement is always mixed with a little bit of chaos.
At FlexySim, the team have been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places over the years. Some trips have been carefully planned months in advance, while others have been wonderfully spontaneous like a last minute ski trip due to a recent dump of snow at Mt Buller here in Australia. One of our favourites was recently travelling to Malta for a family wedding, where the celebrations were unforgettable, this part of the Mediterranean was every bit as cool as we'd imagined, and somehow a lion's roar interrupted the best man's speech. It's a long story.
Every trip teaches you something new, but there are a few lessons that come up time and time again. Some are obvious, like making sure your passport is still valid. Others are the little things you only learn after travelling a few times—downloading offline maps before you leave, packing a power bank in your hand luggage only, or setting up your travel eSIM before you even leave home.
So, before you head off on your next adventure, here are some things we think are worth doing before flying overseas.
Start With the Important Stuff
Let's begin with the things that can genuinely make or break a trip.
First, check your passport. Not just that you've packed it, but that it has enough validity left. Many countries require at least six months remaining before they'll allow entry, and it's an easy detail to overlook.
While you're there, double-check whether your destination requires a visa. Some countries have visa-free entry, others require applications before you travel, and requirements can change more often than people realise.
Travel insurance should also be near the top of your list. Nobody books a holiday expecting flights to be cancelled or luggage to disappear, but it's one of those purchases you'll never regret if something unexpected happens - Top tip is to check your credit card provider, some cards such as American Express come with travel insurance included, as long as you comply with their terms and conditions.
It's also worth confirming your flights, hotel bookings and airport transfers a few days before departure. It only takes a few minutes, but it can save a lot of unnecessary stress later down the track.
Get Your Phone Ready Before You Leave
Your phone has probably become the most useful thing you travel with.
It's your map, translator, camera, boarding pass, banking app, restaurant guide and emergency contact all rolled into one. Which is exactly why it's worth spending a little time preparing it before your trip.
One of the biggest recommendations we make—and something we always do ourselves—is installing your FlexySim travel eSIM before leaving Australia.
There's a reason for that.
The first hour after landing is usually when you need mobile data the most. You're booking Uber to your accomodation, checking direction, and messaging friends and family to say you have arrived. The last thing most people want is to queue for an airport SIM card from a telecom provider you have never heard of, or rely on patchy public Wi-Fi.
Installing your eSIM while you're still at home takes just a few minutes over your own Wi-Fi. Once you arrive, your mobile data is ready when you need it.
While you're setting up your eSIM, it's also worth checking that your phone supports eSIM technology, saving your QR code somewhere safe and making sure your device is running the latest software update.
Download Everything You'll Need
One of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming you'll always have an internet connection.
Even with an eSIM, there are moments when having things available offline is incredibly useful.
Google Maps lets you download entire cities before you travel, meaning you can still navigate if you're temporarily without coverage.
Google Translate also allows offline language packs, which can be surprisingly handy when you're ordering dinner in Japan or asking for directions somewhere in rural Italy.
We also like downloading Netflix episodes, Spotify playlists, podcasts and audiobooks before a long flight. Airport Wi-Fi isn't always reliable, and there's something satisfying about knowing your entertainment is already sorted before boarding.
If you're travelling with children, downloading movies and games in advance can be worth its weight in gold, just don't forget the headphones.
Sort Out Your Money
Money is another area that's easy to forget until you're already overseas.
Check that your debit and credit cards won't expire while you're travelling, and make sure overseas transactions are enabled if your bank requires it.
Some banks also appreciate knowing you'll be travelling internationally, although many now use smarter fraud detection systems rather than requiring travel notifications.
It's also sensible to carry more than one payment method.
Cards are accepted almost everywhere these days, but having a small amount of local currency tucked away can still be useful for taxis, markets or the occasional café that prefers cash.
And don't forget to check your banking apps before you leave. Make sure you can actually log in, especially if they use two-factor authentication.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Packing gets easier with experience.
We've learned that you almost never wear everything you pack, but you always wish you'd packed one or two practical items.
A universal travel adapter is one of those things that quietly becomes invaluable. So is a decent power bank, especially if you're spending full days exploring new cities using your phone for maps and photos. It is also worth noting that most airlines nowadays do not allow power banks to be checked in, they must remain in your hand luggage at all times.
Charging cables have an uncanny ability to stay plugged into bedroom walls back home, so it's worth doing one final sweep before leaving.
A reusable water bottle is another favourite of ours. Fill it once you've cleared airport security and you'll save money while staying hydrated throughout the flight.
Comfortable walking shoes deserve a mention too.
It doesn't matter whether you're wandering through London's parks, exploring the streets of Tokyo or climbing hills in Santorini—you'll almost certainly walk far more than you expected.
The Things People Nearly Always Forget
These are the little jobs that don't seem important until they suddenly are.
Take photos of your passport, insurance documents and important bookings, then save them securely online.
Share your itinerary with someone at home.
Empty your camera's memory card.
Back up the photos already on your phone.
Charge every device the night before—not just your phone, but your headphones, smartwatch, camera, Kindle and power bank too.
If you're checking luggage, pack at least one change of clothes and any essential medication in your carry-on bag.
Delayed luggage doesn't happen often, but you'll be very glad you planned ahead if it does.
Another tip we've learned is to pack a pen.
It sounds old-fashioned, but many arrival cards and customs forms still need completing, and airports never seem to have enough pens available.
Think About Home Before You Leave
There's something satisfying about coming home to a tidy house.
Before leaving, empty the rubbish, clean out anything perishable from the fridge and unplug appliances that don't need to stay connected.
If you're going away for a while, arrange for someone to collect your mail or pause deliveries.
These aren't exciting jobs, but future you will definitely appreciate them.
Make Arrival Day As Easy As Possible
Landing in a new country is one of the best parts of travelling.
It's also one of the busiest, and most daunting
You're often tired, trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport and figuring out transport at the same time.
That's why we always like having a rough plan before the plane even lands.
Know how you'll get to your accommodation, whether that's a train, airport bus, taxi or rideshare app like Uber, Lyft or Didi
Check the weather before you leave so you're dressed appropriately when you arrive.
Learn a few local phrases—even just "hello", "thank you" and "excuse me." People genuinely appreciate the effort.
If there are popular attractions you definitely want to visit, book them in advance where possible. Many destinations now require timed entry, and some famous attractions sell out weeks ahead.
Finally... Relax
Here's something we've realised after years of travelling.
No matter how organised you are, something will almost certainly not go exactly to plan.
Travel isn't about having a perfect itinerary. It's about discovering new places, meeting interesting people and collecting experiences you'll remember long after you get back to reality.
If you've checked your passport, organised your travel documents, packed thoughtfully, downloaded the essentials, sorted your money and set up your FlexySim travel eSIM before you leave, you're already ahead of most travellers.
The rest is simply enjoying the journey.
At FlexySim, we believe staying connected should be one of the easiest parts of travelling. Having reliable mobile data from the moment you land means you can navigate unfamiliar streets, book transport, find that hidden café you've been looking forward to, and instantly share those photos with family and friends back home to make them jealous.
So wherever your next adventure takes you—whether it's Tokyo, the beaches of the Med in Greece or Spain or the streets of London, —we hope it's filled with unforgettable memories, great food, unexpected moments and plenty of stories to tell when you get home.
Safe travels from everyone here at FlexySim.
