6 Important Things I Always Do Before Travelling Abroad

Travelling abroad is one of the best feelings in the world. The excitement, the new places, the freedom… it’s something I’ll always love and never get tired of. But as dreamy and beautiful as travel looks from the outside, the reality is that it comes with risks, challenges, and moments you never expect. Things can go wrong very quickly if you’re not prepared.

As a woman who often travels solo, I’ve developed a routine that gives me peace of mind every single time I leave the country. It’s a mix of safety habits, practical prep, and thoughtful steps that help both me and my loved ones feel more secure.

In this post, I’m sharing the 6 important things I always do before travelling abroad—steps that have truly made my trips safer, easier, and a lot more stress-free. I hope that this post not only guides you, but also inspires you to feel more prepared, more confident, and more ready for your next trip… wherever it takes you.

1) Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is honestly one of the most important things you should secure before travelling. A lot of people think they don’t need it, or they assume “nothing will happen to me”—until something actually does. The truth is, travel is full of surprises. A small issue can turn into a big problem very quickly, especially when you’re far from home and everything costs more.

Travel insurance protects you in cases like:

Sudden medical emergencies overseas
Flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections
Stolen baggage or passports
Lost or damaged luggage
Accidents during activities
Emergency evacuation
Hospital admission & medication

Without insurance, all of these can be extremely expensive and stressful. That’s why I always say:

If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

My personal favourites are AIG and AXA, but for my recent 2-week backpacking trip, I used Etiqa Tripcare 360 Travel Insurance. They’re easy to buy online, the prices are reasonable, and the coverage is good.

Take a few minutes to compare plans and choose one that fits your trip—especially if you’re doing outdoor activities, long stays, or visiting countries with high medical costs.

2) Check Immigration Status

This is one of the most important steps Malaysians should take before travelling abroad, yet many people forget about it. The worst moment to discover a problem is at the airport, right before boarding—when immigration suddenly tells you that you’re not allowed to leave the country. At that point, there’s nothing you can do, and your entire trip is ruined.

You can be stopped at immigration for several reasons, such as:

Unpaid taxes with LHDN
PTPTN loan issues or unpaid installments
Bankruptcy cases
Court orders or legal matters
Outstanding government-related issues

Sometimes you may not even know there’s a block on your name until you’re already at the airport. That’s why checking your status in advance is so important.

The good news is that the process is very fast. It only takes a few minutes to check online through here:

👉 Semakan status perjalanan Imigresen Malaysia

If you see any issues or restrictions, contact the relevant department immediately and settle it as soon as you can. Some matters take time to clear, so don’t wait until the last minute. Making sure you’re cleared before your trip saves you from unnecessary stress and ensures you can pass through the airport smoothly.

3) Register My Travel With the Embassy

This is a step many travellers don’t think about, but it can be extremely important—especially during emergencies. When you register your trip with the Malaysian embassy, you’re basically letting them know where you are, how long you’ll be there, and how to contact you. This small step can make a big difference if an emergency occurs abroad.

Here’s why registering is so important:

Faster help during emergencies
If there’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or any major issue, the embassy can reach out to Malaysians in that country immediately.
You receive important safety updates
The embassy can send alerts, warnings, or useful travel information that you may not see in the news.
Easier support if your passport is lost or stolen
If something goes wrong, the embassy already has your details, so they can assist you quicker.
They know you’re there
This makes it easier for them to locate or support you if you need help. It’s especially helpful for solo travellers.

You can register your travel here 👉 e-konsular

It only takes a few minutes, and it can make a huge difference if anything happens during your trip.

4) Print Travel Documents

Even though everything is digital now, having printed documents is still one of the smartest things you can do before travelling. Phones can die, get stolen, lose signal, or simply fail at the worst moment. A small folder of printed papers can save you from a lot of unnecessary stress.

Here’s what I always print before every trip:

Flight itinerary
Hotel bookings
Train or bus tickets
Tour confirmations
Emergency contacts
A copy of my passport
Travel insurance documents
Any visa or entry requirement papers

I keep all of these in a thin travel folder that fits easily in my bag. It’s lightweight, organised, and quick to access.

I also print an extra copy of my travel insurance and leave it at home. This helps my family know who to contact and what to do if something happens to me during my trip.

5) Prepare My Will and Essential Information at Home

This might sound serious, but it’s honestly one of the most responsible things you can do before travelling. Having a simple will or a set of clear instructions makes things much easier for your family if something happens while you’re away.

I keep all important documents in one safe place at home, including:

A simple will
A list of my passwords (email, phone, banking, social media, etc.)
Instructions on how to manage my accounts if needed
Emergency contact details
Copies of my travel documents

This isn’t about thinking negatively—it’s about being organised and thoughtful. If anything happens, your loved ones won’t be confused or stressed because everything they need is already prepared and easy to find.

6) Save Every Travel Document on Google Drive

Besides printing my documents, I also upload everything important to Google Drive. This gives me a digital backup that I can access from any device, anywhere in the world. If my phone gets lost, stolen, or stops working, I can still log in and retrieve all the documents I need. It’s one of those small habits that becomes a lifesaver during emergencies.

Here’s what I usually upload to my Google Drive folder:

A clear passport scan
Visa or entry requirement documents
Travel insurance details
Flight tickets and boarding passes
Hotel and accommodation bookings
Important contacts (family, embassy, tour guides, etc.)
Local emergency numbers
Any other documents related to my trip

I create a folder for each trip so everything is organised. It’s simple, fast, and so helpful in emergencies. I also share the folder with my partner so he knows my travel details and can reach me if needed.

Extra Helpful Tips for Safer, Smoother Travel

Here are some extra things I also do, just to make things easier and safer:

✅ Take Photos of the Bag and Its Contents

Before zipping up my luggage, I take a quick photo of what’s inside. If my bag ever goes missing, this picture helps a lot. It speeds up insurance claims, helps airport staff identify your luggage, and proves what items you packed.

✅ Download Offline Maps

Google Maps lets you download entire areas so you can navigate without WiFi or data.
Offline maps are lifesavers when:

You get lost
Your SIM card stops working
You’re in a rural area
Your phone can’t connect to the internet

You’ll still be able to see your location and directions—super helpful.

✅ Share Live Location Using Life360

I also use Life360 to share my real-time location with my partner and family. This way, they can see where I am during my trip, which adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind. It’s especially useful if I’m travelling solo or exploring unfamiliar areas—they know I’m safe, and I don’t have to check in constantly.

✅ Set Debit Card for Overseas Use

Before travelling, I always set my debit card for overseas use, even if I don’t plan to use it. I usually rely on my Wise card for most transactions abroad, but having my debit card ready is helpful in case I need it. Many banks automatically freeze cards when they detect “suspicious” foreign transactions, which can be frustrating if you need access to cash or want to make payments.

✅ Bring Extra Passport Photos

I always carry a few extra passport-sized photos when travelling. They’re surprisingly useful for emergency passport replacements, unexpected visa requirements, or other official documents you might need while abroad. Having them on hand can save time and stress in urgent situations.

✅ Bring a Small Amount of Cash in USD

I also keep a small amount of cash in USD with me. It’s the most widely accepted currency worldwide and can be a lifesaver if your cards fail, ATMs aren’t working, or you need cash quickly in an emergency. Even just a little can go a long way when you need it most.

Final Thoughts: Travel With Joy—but Travel Prepared

Travelling is one of the most beautiful and life-changing experiences you can have. The excitement, the new places, and the freedom are incredible—but it’s also unpredictable. Planning ahead and taking a few extra safety steps doesn’t make you paranoid… it makes you smart.

I hope these tips help you step onto your next adventure with confidence, clarity, and joy. Your loved ones—and your future self—will thank you for taking these steps.

Xx, Auri Duham ❤