Sometimes when I travel I get so focused on planning the trip, the adventures, the logistics of the beast, that I forget about the minor accomplishments that need to be done before I go. So I made myself a check list to help me remember all the things that need to be done. I used a timeline to help organize it and arrange it in a fashion that would help me get things done when they need to be. Here it is; maybe it will help you out as well! (at the end of this article is a printable PDF of the checklist)

One Month Out

At this point in the process I start making sure I have my ducks in a row. Always have a current passport. If its going to expire within 6 months I get it renewed because many countries don’t like it to be that close to expiring. I also check and make sure that I have any visas that I might need. Some places take a few weeks to issue a visa.  The Department of State website is a good resource to figure out visa requirements as well as travel advisories. It’s also a good idea to call your health insurance provider and see if you need any shots or to bring special medication. On the Department of State website there is a list of suggested immunizations. One last thing I make sure of is that my itinerary is set, places are booked, transportation works together and things are smooth. Unless you’re planning on going for an unplanned trip where you make it up as you go (which can also be very fun) you’ll want to make sure you have all your confirmation information in one place that is easily accessible.

Still planning your trip?  Click here for help.

Two Weeks Out

You’re getting close to your trip now. Make sure you’ve gotten all your immunizations and medications taken care of. Double check that you have all of the appropriate travel gear, bags, suitcases, clothing, plug adapters, cameras, and whatever else you plan to bring (click here to see a list of things we carry and use). I put this two weeks out because that leaves you time to order things online before you leave.  Amazon can be a great resource for finding the correct plug adapters and other small items at a reasonable cost.

One Week Out

Time to start prepping for departure. Go to the post office and put a hold on your mail effective while you’re gone. Take a picture of your passport with your phone to carry with you, also send it to a trusted friend just in case you need it (cc yourself so its in email) also include a copy of your itinerary. Make a physical copy of your passport to carry with you. Get all your tech ready to go: charge all electronics, download any apps, movies, music, or games you might want on the airplane (here is a list of suggested apps, just select the ‘apps’ tab). Make sure you’ve arranged for someone to take care of your pets. Check the weather at your destination so that you can start thinking about what you’ll bring with you. Get your bags out and prepack your things. Just to make sure you have enough room, have all the things you need, and that everything is in good condition.

Departure Day!

The big day has finally arrived. You’ve checked in online, you’re excited, you have your bags packed and you’re ready to go, but wait! Did you forget something??

Things to take:

Goodness don’t forget your passport, credit/ATM cards (click credit/atm tab), or cell phone. But there are other things too… I always carry some cash. About $60 if I’m bringing my ATM card, $500 if I’m not. Now that airlines are charging for everything, I bring snacks for the plane and for the trip. You make friends quick when you have candy to share. I also like to make sure I have a physical copy of my itinerary with all of the confirmation numbers (paper print outs don’t have batteries that die). Don’t forget your medications either.

Things to Do:

I find that if I take care of a few things right before I leave it can make returning home a lot easier… Obviously you need to take the dog to the sitter, or whoever is going to take care of him. But you should also think about cleaning your house before you leave. Returning home to a clean house is very nice. Take out the trash too, it isn’t fun coming home to rotten trash smell. Did you remember to lock the windows and doors/garage? Did you turn down the water heater (or unplug it) and the thermostat? There is no reason to heat a home with no one it it, or heat water no one will use. Along those lines, did you unplug all those electronics that suck down electricity while you’re gone?  How about setting up automatic bill payments while your gone.  That makes one less thing to worry about.  One last thing to think of: during the winter months if it gets cold enough to freeze you might leave your cabinets open to help keep the pipes from freezing. I usually turn the water to my house off as well, just in case there is a burst pipe while I’m gone.

Things to Consider:

Everyone has heard that you should leave some lights on a timer to convince people you’re home. But did you also think about using your smart speaker to turn sound on and off too? It could be a good idea. Something else to think about is getting a workout in before you go. Studies have shown that working out before you leave will help you relax on the airplane. Also don’t forget to get a last look at the weather at your destination just to be sure.

Things to Avoid:

Studies have shown that excessive drinking before a flight, even the night before, will make you more uncomfortable on the plane. Remember arriving ready to hit the ground running is a good thing, and if you’re not rested from the flight its going to be hard to do that. Double check that you don’t have anything that will give you issues getting through TSA or border control at your destination. Knives, scissors, and big liquid bottles will always cause issues with TSA. Nuts, drugs, meats, cheeses, and plants/produce will give you issues entering another country. Just don’t bring them and you won’t have to think about it. Lastly double check that you aren’t bringing anything you can’t bare to part with. The nicer your things the more of a target you are for thieves. Also think about what you’re wearing and packing in. Don’t make it obvious you’re a tourist and you’ll have an easier time.

Well there you have it. Things I think about and do before leaving. Remember that TSA recommends arriving 3 hours ahead of time for international and 2 for domestic.  The check list should make it easy for you to remember these things. I hope it helps you as much as it does me and good luck with your next trip!

Happy travels!