- danessaperry
PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST: Things to Take Care of BEFORE You Leave for Vacation
Updated: Feb 12
Congrats, you’re going on vacation! We are just as excited about your upcoming trip as you are, and we want to help you keep riding that high by addressing a major stressor that is often overlooked: preparing to leave for vacation. As much as we all want to just pack our bags and magically be transported to your destination, we all know there’s more to it than that. As a travel advisor, I want to provide as much value as possible for every aspect of your trip, even the un-fun things. When you take the time to plan for such things, you will help alleviate most of the stress and frustration during travel. Here is our list of actionable items and tasks to take care of, broken down by how far in advance you need to tackle them.
After Booking Your Trip
Check expiration dates on documents (Do you need to renew your passport? It is recommended that the expiration date is at least 6 months POST your return date).
Do you need any vaccinations or immunizations? Check dates on things like tetanus and get any boosters prior to traveling.
Check your luggage - is it in good working order? Is it time to replace it? Do you have proper luggage tags with easy-to-recognize markers on it?
Start creating your packing list - do you need any new wardrobe items or travel accessories?
Review itinerary from your advisor, along with any reservations that need to be secured.
Work on your trip budget and ensure your emergency fund is built up.
2 Weeks Before Your Trip
Secure all your travel documents, keeping them in one place, ready to travel.
Hire a lawn care service/snow removal service.
Set up ‘hold mail’ with postal service.
Arrange for a pet and/or child sitter.
Arrange for transportation to/from airport.
Order travel versions or a new set of chargers and/or boosters for your devices.
Download any travel apps.
Refill any prescriptions.
Make copies of your travel documents and store in safe place.
Reach out to someone to be your emergency contact- give them a spare key, a basic itinerary, possibly a letter of “next of kin” in case of extreme circumstances.
Notify your bank and/or credit cards of your travel - the dates and locations of where you’re traveling to.
Contact your alarm company - let them know when you’re traveling.
Get any cash, currency exchange if necessary.
Add international calling/data plan to your phone plan, if necessary.
Ask a neighbor to tend to your garbage bins and/or collect your mail, and collect any deliveries (if you didn't put a hold on it).
1-2 Days Before Your Trip
Put outdoor lights, and a few indoor ones, on a timer.
Reprogram your thermostat so it runs less while you’re away.
Unplug small appliances, make sure things like coffee pots, curling irons, etc. are unplugged.
Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked.
Check your phone! Keep any contact information in one place- your travel advisor, your emergency contact, hotel, car service, babysitter, etc. Do you have any/all phone numbers and emails?
Day Of travel
Clean out fridge/pantry, getting rid of anything that may go bad while you’re away from home.
Take out garbage.
Close blinds/curtains.
Turn down thermostat.
Make sure everything is unplugged and/or turned off (oven, faucets, lights, small appliances).
Take a picture of the inside and outside of your luggage and carry-ons.
Take a picture of where you are keeping your keys while you travel - then you will know where to find them when you return.
Essentials to Keep on Hand While Traveling
Travel documents in a safe, but easy to reach place
Copies of travel documents (consider putting them in secret pocket of checked luggage within a sealed envelope or pouch)
Valuables secured in carry-on
All prescriptions in carry-on
Chargers and boosters
Change of clothes and basic health items (toothbrush, deodorant, pain medicine)
Picture of your checked items, inside and out, as well as your carry-ons
Take a picture of your parking space
Traveling with kids? Snap a picture before you leave home, so you know what they are wearing
Want a printable version of this post? You're welcome!
We wish you happy and stress-free travels! When you prepare properly in advance, you’ll have a much better chance at handling unforeseen circumstances more efficiently. If you have any questions about this or any other vacation planning, please feel free to contact us!
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