(Also helpful for shorter trips — skip what doesn’t apply.)

We’ve nearly worked through all of this. I still feel like we’re missing something. But we’re not. It’s just the overthinking talking.

Let’s make this simple.

1. Passports & Important Documents (Do This Early)

Before you do anything else:

• Check passports are in date (some countries require 6 months’ validity)
  
• Order new passports early if needed
  
• Check visa requirements for your destination
  
• Save digital backups of (can also print off for extra safety measures):
  
  • Passports
    
  • Travel insurance
    
  • Flight details
    
  • Accommodation bookings
    
• Check the place you want to travel to is safe and whether you need immunisations.
  

If you’re travelling in Europe from the UK, you’ll need a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) — this replaced the old EHIC card. Apply in advance. It’s free.

2. Decide: Sell, Store or Rent Your Home

This is where things got intense for us.

If you’re renting out your property before travelling, here’s what you’ll likely need:

• Electrical safety certificate
  
• Gas safety certificate
  
• Chimney/fire swept
  
• New fire alarms
  
• Carbon monoxide alarms
  
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  
• Decide whether to use an estate/letting agent
  

Work with someone you genuinely like and trust. It’s quite an intense period. Ours went from “let’s do this” to tenants in within four weeks — jobs completed, house emptied, keys handed over.

It’s fast. Emotional. And very real.

3. Sort Your Belongings (The Emotional Bit)

Start with three categories:

1. Definitely taking
   
2. Definitely donating/selling
   
3. Not sure
   

The “not sure” pile is the hardest. Especially with children.

They are attached. You know they probably won’t want it when you return. But letting go feels big.

We:

• Stored some things in the loft and locked it
  
• Used a storage room for favourite furniture and kitchen bits
  
• Gifted other furniture to tenants (which meant we could use it until we left and cause minimal disruption)
  

Top tip: you will suddenly start doing house jobs you’ve ignored for years. New door handles. Paint touch-ups. Moving trees. If you can anticipate this urge and plan ahead, it’ll save you stress.

4. Change & Close Bills

This one is easy to miss.

• Final meter readings
  
• Cancel utilities
  
• Redirect post
  
• Cancel or transfer council tax
  
• Send internet boxes back (don’t forget this!)
  
• Update bank addresses if needed
  

It’s admin-heavy, but satisfying when done.

5. Sell Vehicles (If Relevant)

We literally just sold our car while writing this.

If you’re keeping yours for shorter trips:

• Book airport parking
  OR
  
• Arrange transfers to/from the airport
  

If you’re selling:

• Allow time
  
• Don’t leave it to the final week (we did, and it becomes something you hold onto)
  

6. Book a “Buffer” Stay Before You Leave

This was one of the best decisions we made.

After moving out, we booked somewhere local. It gave us space to:

• Catch up with family and friends
  
• Breathe
  
• Process
  
• Say proper goodbyes
  

If you go straight from house chaos to airport departures, it can feel abrupt and stressful.

Give yourself transition time.

7. Do a Practice Trip

We did a UK practice adventure while we still had the car.

It helped us:

• Test packing
  
• Test how we function while travelling
  
• Start stepping into “adventure mode”
  
• See more family
  

And when the bad weather hit in the UK, we just knew we were ready.

8. Book Flights & Accommodation

After months of research, we finally locked in our first destination.

We booked flights and accommodation through Booking.com.

Things to double-check:

• Luggage allowance (you will overpack)
  
• Airport transfers
  
• Return/onward flight (many countries require proof you’re leaving)
  
• Flexible cancellation policies
  

We need a return flight even though we may not use it — immigration rules matter more than flexibility feelings.

9. Travel Insurance

Don’t leave it this late.

We booked 30 days initially to cover everything already arranged. We’ll extend/update once plans firm up.

Insurance deserves its own blog (and it will get one), but for now:

• Make sure it covers long-term travel
  
• Check medical cover limits
  
• Check activity cover if you’re adventurous
  
• Check gadget cover
  

10. Exchange Currency

• Change some money before you go
  
• Let your bank know you’re travelling
  
• Consider backup cards
  

Small detail. Big stress saver.

11. Packing (And Repacking)

Here’s the truth.

You have overpacked.

Recheck everything and remove at least five items each.

You will not need as much as you think.

Less stuff = lighter brain.

12. Ask Questions About Accommodation

Before you arrive:

• Check bedding arrangements
  
• Check kitchen equipment
  
• Check washing facilities
  
• Ask about WiFi speeds if you work online
  

Don’t assume.

13. Mentally Prepare for “Have We Forgotten Something?”

You probably haven’t.

The overthinking is louder than reality.

We’ve just finished this whole process, and I genuinely feel like I need a holiday before we start travelling.

But I also know — deeply — that this is the messy part before the magic.

Soon we’ll be:

• Experiencing new places
  
• Making memories
  
• Living differently
  
• Learning together
  

And none of the admin will matter.

Final Thoughts: Long-Term Travel Preparation Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming

Whether you’re planning long-term family travel or heading off on a shorter trip, preparation can feel intense.

But here’s what I’d say if we were having coffee:

Break it into sections.
Do one thing at a time.
Expect emotions.
Leave buffer space.

And remember — this isn’t just logistics.

It’s a shift.

And shifts are always a bit wobbly before they settle.

If you’re in this stage right now, I see you. It’s a lot. But you’re closer than you think.

If you feel like I’ve forgotten something, please tell me… because I still slightly feel like I have.

And if you’re about to start your own adventure, I’m genuinely excited for you.

It will be worth it.