Final preparations before you travel: a last-minute travel checklist for the two days before

The final preparations before you travel come down to six areas worth going over a day or two before you leave: documents, money and phone, health, luggage, your home and the transfer to the airport. Doing it with a list, rather than from memory, is what prevents the classic “I've forgotten…” on the way to the terminal. Travelling stresses a lot of people out, but much of that anxiety disappears when you know everything has been checked.

This list is personal: what you need to take and have sorted yourself. For the airport logistics (terminal, times, transfer there and back) see our guide to planning your trip to Madrid airport.

• A valid ID card or passport, and check the minimum validity your destination requires if you are leaving the European Union.
• Visas or electronic travel authorisations sorted, if the country requires them.
• Tickets and boarding passes downloaded to your phone and, ideally, with a separate copy.
• Accommodation and car hire bookings to hand, with contact numbers.
• Travel insurance, especially outside Europe. For trips within the European Union, also take your European Health Insurance Card.
• A photo or digital copy of your documents stored somewhere safe, in case you lose them.

• Check that your cards work abroad and take more than one, kept separately.
• Carry some cash for your first expenses, in the local currency if you are leaving the eurozone.
• Check your mobile tariff's conditions outside Spain; within the European Union use is usually the same as at home, but outside it can be very expensive.
• Download offline maps and any apps you will need at your destination.

• Your usual medication in your hand luggage, in its original packaging and with the prescription or medical report if they are special medicines.
• Compulsory or recommended vaccinations for exotic destinations, which are arranged weeks in advance at international vaccination centres.
• A small first-aid kit: painkillers, plasters, sun cream and whatever you normally use.

Rules on weight, dimensions and prohibited items depend on the airline and the fare. We cover the essentials in tips for flying with luggage, and how to stay comfortable during the flight in tips for a good flight.

• Clear perishables out of the fridge and take out the rubbish.
• Unplug appliances that do not need to stay connected and check taps and windows.
• Water the plants or ask someone you trust to look after them and the post.
• Leave a spare set of keys with a relative or neighbour and share your itinerary with them.
• If you have a pet, have its stay or its sitter arranged.

It is the last item on the list and one of the things that gives the most peace of mind. Heading off public transport delays and forgetting about parking is as simple as booking your taxi with a set pickup time: we pick you up at home and drop you at the departures door, with a fixed fare by zone (€33 from inside the M-30). Have the return sorted too with airport pickup, so you do not have to think about it when you land.

On the day of the flight, follow the countdown in tips for getting to your flight on time. And if anything changes at the last minute, let us know by phone or on WhatsApp.