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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

La Palma, Canary Islands

Essential Preparations

A timeline for effective planning.

Chronological Planning

Steps to take at various intervals before your trip.

3M

Three Months Before

Flights & Accommodation

Research and book major travel components, especially for high season.

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity and any visa requirements.

Route Planning

Begin outlining your travel itinerary.

1M

One Month Before

Car Rental & Tours

Book your car rental and specific tours (e.g., Roque de los Muchachos, Caldera descent permits).

Travel Insurance

Obtain travel insurance for peace of mind. World Nomads offers options.

Phone & Connectivity

Check international roaming or plan for a local SIM card.

1W

One Week Before

Confirmations

Confirm all bookings for flights, accommodation, and tours.

Packing & Banking

Pack your bags and inform your bank of your travel plans.

Digital Downloads

Download offline maps and translation applications.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these elements in advance.

Reservations

  • Flights or ferries.
  • Accommodation.
  • Car rental.
  • Specific guided tours and national park permits (if applicable).

Home Preparations

Steps for your home before departure.

Before You Go

  • Arrange pet care.
  • Hold mail delivery.
  • Secure your home.
  • Turn off unnecessary electronics and lights.

Pre-Trip Research

insights for a richer experience.

Hiking Specifics

  • Deep dive into hiking trails if planning extensive treks.
  • Research trail difficulty and required gear.
  • Familiarize yourself with trail markers.
  • Locate water refill points on longer routes.

Cultural Immersion

  • Read about local culture and history.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases.
  • Listen to traditional Canarian music.
  • Explore local culinary specialties.

Island Specifics

  • Research La Palma's unique microclimates.
  • Understand the island's mountainous terrain.
  • Learn about stargazing opportunities.
  • Check the typical weather patterns for your travel month.

Smart Tip

Checking your passport and visa requirements well in advance removes a potential hurdle.

Arrival Checklist

Initial steps upon reaching La Palma.

Immediate Actions

  • 1
    Immigration:

    Clear immigration procedures at the entry point.

  • 2
    Baggage Claim:

    Collect your luggage from the designated area.

  • 3
    Currency & Connectivity:

    Locate an ATM for Euros or confirm card functionality. Consider a local SIM card.

Getting Settled

  • Orientation:

    Obtain a local map. Find the nearest tourist information office.

  • Transport to Accommodation:

    Use a pre-booked transfer, taxi, or public bus to your lodging.

  • Local Contacts:

    Save emergency numbers and important local contacts.

Initial Purchases

Cash

Use an ATM for Euros; widespread card usage is common.

Some smaller establishments may prefer cash.

Local SIM Card

Purchase a local SIM card if not using international roaming.

This ensures consistent data access.

Essentials

Water, snacks, and any immediate personal items.

Sunscreen and a hat for immediate sun protection.

First Steps

Securing local transport from the airport to your lodging is a priority upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Steps for a seamless exit from La Palma.

Last-Minute Logistics

  • Purchase souvenirs in advance of your departure day.
  • If shipping items, arrange this well before leaving.
  • For VAT (IVA) refunds, gather "Tax Free" forms.
  • Process VAT forms at airport customs before luggage check-in.

Return Journey Readiness

  • Reconfirm your flights or ferry bookings.
  • Pack according to airline baggage rules.
  • Allow ample time for airport or ferry check-in and security.
  • Keep your passport and boarding pass readily accessible.

Important Reminders

Final checks before leaving.

Check-Out Details

  • Confirm your accommodation check-out time.
  • Return any rental items like cars or bicycles.
  • Gather all personal belongings.
  • Leave no trace.

Feedback & Review

  • Consider leaving reviews for places you visited.
  • Share your experiences on travel platforms.
  • Upload your best photos.
  • Your feedback helps future travelers.

Smooth Departure

This helps avoid last-minute surprises at the airport or ferry terminal.