There are many logistics and things to consider when planning a trip. Your travel advisor will make sure that flights, accommodations, transportation, and excursions are booked and timed beautifully. However, your home and personal life need some preparation for your change in schedule just like your work schedule might. Below you will find my list of all the things I do when preparing to travel plus a few things for those traveling with kids might want to consider!
6+ Months
1. Check Passport
Before booking your travel, make sure your passport is ready to go. If your passport is within a year of its expiration date you should consider getting it updated before your travels if time allows. You should never travel with a passport that expires within six months. Some countries will not even let you enter if your passport expires within that time frame.
2. Get trip insurance
Travel insurance might seem like a large upfront cost but in the event something unplanned happens, it can be a huge saver! Trip insurance can cover you for things like flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, missed tour or cruise connection, electronic insurance, emergency evacuation, and more. Read the coverages of the plan you select carefully to ensure you are protected.
3. Check travel requirements for the destination
Research any requirements your destination may have like a visa or travel authorization. Travel authorizations are becoming more widely used. Your travel advisor will be able to inform you of the requirements of your destination.
2-6 Months
4. Make a packing list
Make a packing list for your destination. Be sure to consider the time of year you are traveling, it may be a different season at your destination than it is at home. Check the monthly temperature averages for an idea of how to best dress. Don’t forget to consider if it will be the rainy season and plan accordingly. While making your list write down anything you need to purchase.
5. Order or purchase items needed
Once you have your list you can slowly start purchasing your items to help balance your budget. This will give you time to order anything on your list and return anything that wasn’t the right fit for you.
6. Check the international transaction fees on your credit cards
Call your bank to inquire about the potential transaction fees for your credit or debit cards. Make a plan so you know which one will be best for you to use while traveling. There are many credit cards out there that waive international transaction fees. It is also pertinent to ask your bank if they have any international banking partners who will waive ATM fees. If they do not have any international partners, ask what kind of fees to expect to factor that into your budget. Some credit cards will provide additional coverages while traveling so ask for all the information. My credit card covered insurance for my rental vehicle when I paid for it on that card, saving me a lot of money!
7. Consult with you doctor on any necessary vaccinations or precautions
Give your doctor a call and ask them if there are any vaccinations you should receive prior to travel. They may also be able to share tips with you about staying healthy in your destination.
8. Break in new shoes
My travels often require a lot of time on my feet and there is nothing more important to me than being comfortable. If you are ordering new shoes for your travels, make sure you break them in and do lots of walking to ensure they are best for your trip.
1 Month
9. Make arrangements for pets
Be sure your other family members are taken care of while you are away. Hire a pet sitter or book their stay at a boarding facility. Write out anything your pet sitter or facility may need to know about your pet, including feeding schedule and amounts, vet contact, medication information, or any special notes about their schedule. Make sure you will have enough pet food and treats to last for the duration of your trip plus a few extra days. If your pet has a microchip, consider adding an additional contact phone number if you will not have phone coverage while away.
10. Exchange some currency before leaving
I prefer to arrive at my destination with some of the local currency already in hand. This way I avoid high ATM fees at airports or inflated conversion fees at airport kiosks. Major US banks will offer currency exchange services. I do not use much cash while traveling but it is great to have for tips or small purchases.
11. Download useful travel apps
Make sure you have all the tools that will make your travels easier already at your fingertips. A few of the apps I always have downloaded when traveling are Google/Apple maps, my airline’s app to check in and track flight information, music app with downloaded playlists, audiobook or ebook app, google translate, Whatsapp, banking apps, and home security app. Google maps is my favorite travel tool! Download a map of the area you will be traveling to so it is available offline and you will never be lost in your destination! Check out this quick video of how to download google maps offline! If you prefer apple maps, they have a similar feature! Check out the Apple Support how to video.
12. Confirm kids clothing and shoes you plan to bring still fit
If you will be traveling with growing kiddos, make sure their clothes for the season of your destination still fit!
2 weeks
13. Ensure all travel documents are ready
Scan all your travel documents and save them to your phone just in case you need access. I also like to print important documents and keep one set with me and one set with my travel companion. The US Department of State’s Traveler Checklist recommends taking a photo of your travel documents so you have an electronic copy. It is also a good idea to share a copy of your documents and itinerary with a trusted family member or friend back home.
14. Consider how to get to or from the airport
Make plans for how you will get to the airport on departure day. You should also make plans if you would like to ask someone to pick you up from the airport. If parking at the airport be sure to take all personal items out of your vehicle before going to the airport. You will also want to research which lots to park in and plan for it in your budget.
15. Refill prescriptions
If you take any prescriptions make sure you will have what you need for the duration of your trip. It might be worth asking your doctor if you can refill early to have a backup option if your luggage were to get lost or stolen.
16. Get an eSIM
Do your research before you leave if you require access to a cellular network. You can call your own network to check their rates or purchase an eSIM. I have found an eSIM to be much more cost effective and have much better coverage at my destination. Plus no need to switch out a physical SIM card. For my latest trip to New Zealand, I used Nomad to purchase my eSIM to have access to the network while road tripping around the country. This was my first time using an eSIM and it was so easy and convenient!
17. Sign up for STEP
Sign up yourself and fellow travelers for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the US Department of State. By enrolling in STEP the US Embassy nearest you will have a record of your travel and can provide you with safety updates and information about your destination, aid you in the event of an emergency, and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
18. Check all the pockets of your luggage before packing
Before putting anything in your luggage take everything out and check all pockets and compartments. The last thing you want while traveling is getting hung up in customs for forgetting to take out restricted items. This small step could also save you from facing fines or legal action.
19. Ensure luggage tags are up to date
Check your luggage tags to make sure the address and contact information are up to date. You will also want to make sure to rip off any old airline luggage tags, send your bag to the wrong destination or delay it.
20. Pay any bills due while you will be gone
Check in on your monthly bills and pay any due dates that will happen while you are traveling. You would not want to come home to a late fee!
21. Program ICE contact in your phone
Make sure your In Case of Emergency contact is clearly labeled and up to date. If you haven't lately, communicate with that person that you have designated them as your ICE contact.
22. Conduct vehicle maintenance for road trips
If taking a road trip with your personal vehicle, conduct any needed maintenance. Be sure to check your tires, get an oil change or car wash, lights and blinkers are in good working order. Consider purchasing a portable jump starter and tire inflator to bring with you on the road.
23. Cancel or reschedule calendar items
Check your calendar to see if you need to cancel or reschedule lessons, activities, appointments on the calendar during your planned trip.
24. Take an immunity booster before traveling
Take precautions before your travel to stay healthy. Consult your physician for the best methods for you. A few simple things to do include staying away from your ill family and friends, washing hands often, and getting good rest. I like to start taking Vitamin C at least two weeks before traveling and continue to do so while on my trip.
25. Alert the school
Let the school know if kids are missing classes and connect with teachers with lots of notice to see if your child can complete any work before leaving or take any with you if possible.
26. Organize a gift or payment for your house or pet sitter
If you need a house or pet sitter be sure to have their payment ready before you leave so it is one less thing to worry about when you return.
27. Get airplane activities for kids
If you are traveling with kids, you may want to gather some activities for them to do during your flight. Coloring books, word searches, books, or other activity books might help the plane ride go by a bit smoother. My best suggestion is to get your kids involved in the packing. Help give them options and ask them what they want to bring most in their bag based on what will fit. If your plane offers in-flight entertainment it will likely have kid friendly options so bring them a pair of comfortable headphones as well.
28. Make sure you have enough pet food
Double check your pet food supply and order additional food if needed.
1 week
29. Clean the house
Before leaving for a trip I like to make sure my whole house is cleaned. Everything from mopped, vacuumed, dusted, bathrooms washed, kitchen clean, and all areas of the house tidy. Cluttered spaces can kill the rejuvenated energy I hope to return from my trip with.
30. Pack bags
Time to begin packing your bags! I take up the whole guest room laying out everything I am planning to bring. While I have it all laid out I also make a list of what I put in my checked bag just in case it gets lost.
31. Check the weather of your destination
While packing, make sure to look at the forecast of your destination to ensure you have the right gear. This may also give you a chance to adjust your itinerary if the weather will severely affect your most anticipated activity.
32. Make yourself a last minute packing list
There will of course be some items that you won’t be ready to pack until the last minute. Be sure to write a list of these things so they do not get left behind. A few things on my list always include chargers, a water bottle, and prescriptions to name a few.
33. Take care of outdoor plants and yard
Before leaving be sure your plants are getting enough water. You will also want to be sure to lock outdoor sheds. If needed you may consider mowing the lawn one more time before traveling as well.
34. Alert your credit card company of your travel
Make sure to call your credit card company to notify them of your travel plans. This is important to avoid your transactions from getting flagged and your card frozen to protect your funds from suspicious activity.
35. Put a hold on mail
Go online or visit your local USPS post office to request a mail hold. Mail holds must be for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 30 days. Once a mail hold is in place, you won't have to worry about your mailbox overflowing or asking a neighbor to check it for you.
36. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for packages
If you have any packages you are expecting and can’t place a delivery hold with the service, ask a neighbor to be on the lookout for any deliveries so they are not left outside.
37. Get a book to bring or return any library books
Avoid any late fees by bringing back library books that may be due soon. While you are there, see if there is anything you want to borrow to read during your trip. Your library may also be able to offer ebooks and audiobooks you can download as well!
38. Type and print emergency contacts to carry with you
I like to travel with a list of emergency contacts' names, phone numbers, and addresses that I keep with me in case I were to become incapacitated.
39. Get travel snacks
While at the grocery store this week, get some of your favorite snacks for the airport and plane rides. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations about bringing food into your destination. When in doubt, declare it or throw it out before going through customs. I believe every country I have visited has had restrictions against bringing in meats, fruits, dairy, nuts, and seeds. If you plan to carry any of those items onto the plane with you make sure to throw away whatever you do not consume!
2 days
40. Throw out any food that will go bad while gone
Open your refrigerator and pantry to look for any food that will go bad while you are away. Be sure to throw it in the trash now to avoid a mess later.
41. Wash and put away all dishes
Clean all the dishes in your sink and run your dishwasher.
42. Wash dry and fold laundry
Before I leave I like to have all my laundry done so that I have all my necessities ready for a transition back to work and life when I return.
43. Clean your sheets
Run your sheets through the laundry so you have a fresh set waiting for you when you get home.
44. Share travel plans and a house key with a trusted neighbor or friend
Choose a trusted neighbor or friend to hold a copy of your house key and travel itinerary.
45. Charge your electronics
Time to charge up all your electronics you plan to bring. Ensure your extra battery pack is charged, your bluetooth headphones, camera gear, or anything else you may want to use on your flight or shortly after.
46. Check in for your flight
If you haven't yet, download your airline’s travel app and check in for your flight. Some airlines may require you to check-in in-person at the desk at the airport. Make sure to factor this into your plans for airport arrival.
47. Photograph the contents of your bag
Take and save photos of what you packed inside your bags for claims if the airline loses your luggage.
48. Weigh and measure bags to ensure they meet airline requirements
Visit your airline’s website for luggage requirements to make sure your luggage is within all requirements so you don’t get hit with any surprise fees.
49. Close and lock all windows
Go into every room in your home and ensure all windows are closed and locked securely.
50. Fill gas tank
If your tank is low, fill it up so your first day back to work or trip home from the airport won’t have any delays.
51. Make a freezer dinner meal to enjoy when you return
Consider making a meal that will keep well in your freezer while you are away in case you don’t feel like cooking or getting groceries while you are gone. You could also consider scheduling a grocery delivery for some of your household essentials for when you get home.
52. Check your itinerary and set alarms to wake up and leave for the airport
Take one more close look at your itinerary and flight times, paying special attention to boarding time to plan what time to arrive at the airport. International travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before boarding. Check with your local airport for additional updates for travelers.
53. Set timers for interior lights
If you have timers or smart devices, consider setting them on a schedule while you are away for evening hours to give your home the appearance of being occupied.
Departure day
54. Program your thermostat
Before leaving the house, program your thermostat to save a little energy and money. If traveling in winter be careful not to turn heat too low or you risk freezing pipes.
55. Unplug appliances
Many travelers suggest unplugging major appliances in an effort to save money but also mitigate the chances for an electrical fire while away.
56. Double check your flight information
Check your airline for any updates to flight times, terminal, or gate information.
57. Take out the trash and ask a neighbor to bring your bin to the curb
Empty all trash from your home, especially the food you cleared out from the fridge and pantry. Put it in your bin and ask a neighbor or friend to pull it down to the curb on your trash day.
Happy Travels!
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