what to do before travel

The Awkward Traveller

20 Things to Do Before Traveling: An Easy Pre-Travel Checklist

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Even though I’m a pretty frequent traveler, I’m pretty terrible at doing all of the travel prep stuff. Packing. Organizing. Planning. Scheduling. Yeah, I’m just bad at all of the things to do BEFORE traveling – both from motivation and…honestly, I just forget about most of it. If you’re reading this, chances are you might be struggling with it as well. So I’m making this post for the both of us.

Traveling goes beyond the actual trip itself. There’s a bunch of pre-travel and post-travel items you’ll eventually have to take care of…or you’ll randomly remember it during your trip and you’ll spend the entire day trying to find wifi in the middle of a Costa Rican jungle so you can pay your storage unit rent before you get slapped with yet another late fee.

Totally not speaking from experience here.

But yanno what, I’m in my late 20s now and I should honestly just get myself into a routine of tackling all of the things to do before traveling so that my trip can be stress free. The way I see it, there are four crucial sections of any pre-travel checklist: things to do before traveling that deal with yourself, your home, your workplace, AND your wallet. Take care of all of those, and you’ll be SET to travel.

I even made a nifty lil pre-travel checklist that you can print out at the end, but for now, let’s go through them one by one!

Table of Contents

I’m going to start with the work-prep section because it contains the things to do before traveling that involve advanced planning. Plus, you gotta get your job set up right if you want to keep making money to travel in the first place. That said, I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who will be traveling with a full time job (non-remote), so I know a few of these bullet points may not align with everyone, but since the large majority of people in the workforce are not digital nomads, these tips will be applicable to most people.

Schedule time off : variable time frame

Actually scheduling time off is the NUMBER ONE first step in things to do before traveling. I mean, if you can’t leave work, you won’t be taking a vacation anyway. Depending on how much notice you need to give in advance, this step might be done a few months to a few days before your trip. Personally, I just NEED to give a 3 day notice, but since we can only have a certain amount of people gone at the same time, this usually falls about a month or so in advance for me.

For large planned trips (or trip wishlists), I try to schedule time off AS SOON as I know I want to take the trip, just so my coworkers don’t end up scheduling that same time off. Once you get that cleared, you can move onto the other things to do before traveling.

Alert coworkers: 2 weeks before

I usually give my coworkers a formal heads up about 2 weeks or so before, adding it to our shared work calendar. Though, honestly, I’m usually gabbing about my upcoming trip sooner than that hahah. Alerting your coworkers is especially important if you are in a job where you all share workload or if you will need someone to cover your position while you’re out. This might not be required, but it’s basic common workplace etiquette in my opinion.

Set up OOP : day/week before leaving

Before you sign off for vacation, be sure to set up an OOP/OOO (out of position/out of office) or automatic email to let others know you are not actually working. I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t like people emailing me and then getting mad when I’m not responding.

If you won’t be completely offline during your vacation (*cry emoji*), then be sure to mention your hours of availability and how they can effectively contact you if needed (email vs phone vs text). You’ll also want to mention the possibility of a delay – always give yourself leeway when you’re traveling.

Clean desk/workplace: day before leaving

Last but not least, when it comes to things to do before traveling, CLEAN YOUR DESK. Ya nasties. It is my biggest pet peeve when someone in the cube next to me goes on vacation but forgets a whole banana peel in their trash and I get harassed by fruit flies for a week. And believe me – I’m not a naturally neat person, so this is just as much a reminder for me as it is for you. Take out your trash. Get rid of the 39796 water cups surrounding your computer. Organize the notes and papers on your desk. It’ll make you AND your coworkers happier when you get back.

Wallet Prep

Despite the association with your finances, wallet prep is actually one of the least annoying things to do before traveling. Well, assuming you have the money to do it.

If not…yolo, lol.

But assuming you’re being financially responsible, you’ll want to check all off all of these so you can actually enjoy your trip without needing to log into your bank app every other hour. Or, accidentally lock your cards and find yourself stranded in a random village where no one speaks your language and you have no local currency.

Pay yo bills: a week before/closest pay day

This is hands down the most important financial things to do before traveling. PAY. YOUR. BILLS. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your credit card statement is. Make sure you pay all of your bills due before and during your trip, because TRUST ME, it’s easy to forget when you’re enjoying a fresh virgin pina colada during a weekend in Viñales, Cuba.

Real easy. *cough*

And be aware of any automatic payments as well! I’m the type of person that goes HAM when I get my paycheck and get literal endorphins from paying things off…and then that pesky Netflix automatic payment comes out of nowhere. So account for those as well! If you have any subscriptions that you won’t be able to enjoy while you’re away – or if you’d rather spend that money on your trip – be sure to skip the month(s)’ subscription so they don’t charge you!

If you don’t really have the funds to do that before your trip, you can either push out your payment date or set up a reminder on your phone to pay while you’re away. Just make sure you have a secure connection.

Travel notices : day before/when you suddenly remember in the airport while boarding the plane

I swear, setting up travel notices for my credit cards is one of the things to do before traveling that I always forget. Seriously, I am actually making this entire post JUST so I will write this particular step down to remember. SET UP YOUR TRAVEL NOTICES. PLEASE.

It’s super quick and super easy, especially if you have an app on your phone. The last thing you need on vacation is your bank thinking some jerk stole your identity and is now buying 37 boba teas in Hong Kong.

Nope, sorry Chase Bank, it’s just me again. Your humble, yet embarrassing, customer.

Currency Exchange: a week before

While I’ve recently become to lazy to really care, you will definitely get a better currency exchange rate if you do it in advance at a bank or something than at your destination’s airport. Depending on how much money you exchange, you could end up saving hundreds. Heck, even saving $5 makes it worth it. I personally HATE paying in cash, let alone carrying it, but in some destinations, it’s necessary.

For one thing, if you’re an American traveling to Cuba , your credit and debit cards will not work. In China, at least as of 2019, many stores RARELY take visas or foreign cards. Many small towns and villages may not have service to accept digital transactions. Small markets? Artisan trades? Bribing the employees from the closed Pizza Hut to give you their last inventory because you have the munchies after stumbling out of a club at 3am?

You’re gonna need local currency for that.

My personal FAVORITE section of things to do before traveling. What’s better (and more satisfying) than getting yourself ready for vacation? NOTHING, that’s what. It’s also the part of things to do before traveling that get me more excited for the trip. It not only prepares you physically, but mentally as well! Now, depending on your level of personal maintenance, this list might very a little, but hopefully it covers the most basics of bases.

Refill Prescription: a week before

If any of you are also traveling with a chronic condition , you know how crucial this step is. I take medication for my hypothyroidism, and simply remembering to refill my pills is probably the most annoying part of traveling with hypothyroidism. At least a week before, so you have time to make arrangements just in case, make sure to count your medication (or however it’s measured). You’ll want to ensure you have enough for the entire duration of your trip + extra for just in case-ies. If you don’t, get a refill. It may include scheduling an appointment with your doctor/blood tests, so keep that in mind.

If you notice you don’t have enough, but don’t have enough time to do anything about it, check to see if your medication is available OTC in your destination (sometimes levothyroxine is! woo!), and/or the costs of seeing a physician in your destination.

Even if you CAN technicallyyyyy go a few days without completely dying off your medication – it’s not fun. Trust me.

Reschedule Appointments: a week before

Speaking of doctors and whatnot, at the same time, check your calendar for any upcoming appointments or engagements you will need to reschedule due to your vacation. Doctors, dentists, therapists, hair stylists, etc. Especially since many of them will have a no-show fee!

Also, don’t leave your friends hanging either! If you had plans, let them know too so they don’t get annoyed seeing your cute lil Instagram story in Greece when y’all were supposed to be watching WandaVision together. Appointments are easy to slip your mind, but so rescheduling or canceling them is one of the most polite things to do before traveling.

Outfit Planning/Wash Shoes: a few days before

This is one of the things to do before planning that I’ve only recently started doing, but WHEW, it is a game changer. Usually when I travel, I just throw a bunch of random clothing items that I like in the suitcase (and plenty of extra options) and call it good. I would just pick out whatever I wanted to wear the day of.

If you also do this – you know how much of a mess it can turn into. Often, the pieces that I packed don’t work well together. Or I usually just end up wearing the same bottoms and switching tops. I hardly ever end up wearing the extra shoes I packed, even if they “match better” with the outfit I’m wearing.

So, just plan your outfits in advance and bring what you need. If you’re having trouble deciding, trying looking at pictures of your destination (and of course the weather app!) to get a feel for what you might want to wear. And on that note, if you are constantly running around in the dust like I seem to do, wipe down your shoes too! Trust me, you’ll be feelin yourself a lot more wearing fresh looking kicks!

Charging headphones/electronics: day or night before leaving

It’s one of those “obvious” things to do before traveling that you might forget if you’re too busy. That’s why I’ve written it down! It’s always best to leave for vacation with your electronics fully charged, especially your headphones (if they are bluetooth/wireless). For us feeble iPhone users, charging our phones AND trying to listen to music can be a challenge. Plus, you don’t want to waste any precious time when you arrive at your destination sitting around and waiting for your camera battery to charge.

Just make sure you remember to pack them before heading to the airport!

Emptying SD cards/clean lens : a week before

This something I alwaysss forget to do. But it is one of the most important things to do before traveling. MAKE SURE YOUR CAMERAS ARE READY!!! Beyond just having the battery charged, you’ll also want to ensure you have enough memory cards and that there is space on them!

My favorite brand are the Lexar Professional 300 MB/s. I have three of them (along with a few slower SD cards), and I always double check them before leaving on a trip.

On that same note, you’ll want to clean your lens, pack your chargers, tripod, and/or remote. GET ALL YOUR CRAP PACKED! I currently have a Peak Design camera bag . It’s a little pricey, but honestly any backpack works as long as your camera and accessories are protected!

Hair cut/Nails/Eyebrows : 1-2 weeks before

And, of course, one of the last things to do before traveling is any image prep you might want to do! This may or may not include getting your hair done, getting a fresh mani/pedi, waxing every single inch of your body, booking a massage or skin treatment, getting a facial, or teeth whitening, or eyelash extensions, etc etc etc

You get the point.

The part you want to avoid is waiting until the last minute to try to squeeze everything you want to do into the last day or so. Trust me, back to back appointments are stressful as heck, especially with stylists and technicians cancelling or moving your appointment. You want to have some wiggle room just in case.

That said, if for any reason you don’t get around to doing any of these self-beauty things to do before traveling…there’s ALWAYS the option to do it while you’re traveling. Most destinations will have a salon that can work with you (exceptions if you’re Black or have kinkier or even curlier hair). There’s probably a nail spot. And if there’s a good spa, you’ll be set on any massages, waxings, or facials you could want. Plus, you’re stimulating the local economy!

Boooo – this is my LEAST favorite of the things to do before traveling. Mostly, because they’re all chores. But also, house prep is just boring to me. But maybe you’ll like it. If you HAD to skimp out on steps from any of these sections, you’ll probably be fine missing out on a few house prep bullets. However, these things to do before traveling that focus on your house will make your life a heck of a lot simpler and less stressful when you return from your trip!

Take Out Trash : day before/ on your way out

For obvious reasons, don’t leave your trash in your house. First, it’s gonna stink up the place. Second, it’ll attract trash-lovers, depending on where you leave, they could vary in size (my friend had a BEAR break into her house while she was away *cry emoji*).

If you live somewhere with a communal dumpster, awesome! Throw it in there! If you live somewhere where you have to take your trash to the curb on certain days, it could get a little trickier. My HOA doesn’t allow me to have my garbage cans out on the curb beyond trash day (boo), so I…usually…end up…dumping my trash in a communal dumpster…

If you don’t have one around you, you can ask one of your neighbors to put your trash cans back! Give them a bag of popcorn or whatever neighbors like for their effort 🙂

Laundry and clean room: a few days before

There’s nothing worse than coming come to no clean clothes and a pile of dirty laundry.

Actually, I lied. Coming home to no clean cleans and a pile of dirty laundry that also smells is much worse. If you’re really in a time pinch, you can skip this one, but it WILL make your life easier, especially if you’ll be on a long trip. I personally just throw my dirty clothes in the wash a few days before so I only have a pile of CLEAN laundry waiting for me when I get back, but feel free to be neat and fold it or whatever.

I’ve also had friends who, if they knew their trip accommodations had laundry services, would take their dirty clothes WITH them on a trip and do laundry there.

Take your pick.

On that same note, go ahead and clean your room too.

Sitter : a month in advance

This is for all the parents and pet-parents out there. If you’re not traveling with your kids or taking your pets with you, you’re going to need some supervision. I recommend to start asking around about a month in advance. Any earlier and people will probably forget or not know their availability. Any later and you’ll have a harder time finding someone.

For young children, you’ll need a babysitter. I’ll leave that up to you since you’re the parent and know who can watch after them the best. For pets though, there are probably a few overnight pet-sitting companies (or even apps!) near you that can house your animal. If you decide to go with a service that you’ve never used before, or even a new pet-sitter, I’d highly highly recommend checking that person and their home/site out before leaving your dog with them. Double check that your pet is comfortable with the location and with them. And any other animals they may have.

If you don’t do any of the other home prep things to do before traveling, err, please make sure you have this one squared away.

Stock up on Toiletries : a week before

This is one of the things to do before traveling that is also helpful after! I recommend doing it a week before so you have time to inventory your toiletries and buy extra if you notice you’re low. I’ve come back to a trip before with no toothpaste, mouthwash, OR body wash.

It was tragic.

Empty Fridge : day of/day before

I don’t mean COMPLETELY empty the fridge of course. But it’s nice not to come back to a fully stocked refrigerator of rotten food. It’s one of the things to do before traveling that’s easily forgettable, but is the cherry on top to house prep. Not the end of the world if you don’t get to it, but it does make you feel like you have your life together. And isn’t that the American dream?

A false sense of reassurance?

Take a quick sweep to check expiration dates. Depending on how long your trip is, you might want to look into throwing out things that will expire while you’re out as well. Or you can gift them to a friend! Or an unhoused community member! Or donate it to a food bank. The options are endless.

Packages in Mail: varies

This is a big one for me, since I am a notorious online shopper. Be mindful of your packages and their arrival dates. Seriously, I’ve had packages stolen from my doorstep when I was in undergrad and I was out for 50 minutes. To give yourself the most peace of mind, one of the best things to do before traveling is to not online shop right before your trip – or, at least, make sure they arrive before you leave.

If that isn’t possible, leave a key with your friend to get your packages for you, or if you live in an apartment complex, ask the front desk to hold it until you return.

Security : day before/on your way out

And of course, we can’t forget to lock our doors on the way out. Front, back, and side doors. However, some people also forget about windows.

Yup. Lock them too.

If you have a security system, make sure it is armed. My security system also has a camera which automatically records whenever there is movement detected (and also stores the footage), so if you also have that I would just advise that it is also set up to your phone or AT LEAST email.

If you’ll be out for a while, another one of the things to do before traveling is to let your neighbor friends know. BUT, and I highly stress this point, ONLY IF YOU COMPLETELY TRUST THEM. When people notice you haven’t been home in a while, it might make your house a target for robbery, neighbors included.

Gotta stay vigilant.

Things to Do Before Traveling: Conclusion

PHEW! Wow, that was way longer than I anticipated hahaha. Who know there would be so many things to do before traveling? Most of these scenarios were under the condition of living alone, especially with house-prep, but hopefully you’ve found this list of things to do before traveling somewhat of a helpful reminder.

Are there any things to do before traveling you are notoriously bad at doing consistently? For me, it’s definitely laundry and prescription refills, haha. Below, print out my Things to Do Before Traveling Checklist so you can always have it with you! You can even laminate it and have it on your wall to reuse!

Did I leave off any of your most important things to do before traveling?? Let me know in the comments below!

Pre-Travel Checklist Printout

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The hair and nails are stresssssful af because if you cancel I’m gonna be very angry 😂 now I just get stuff done like 3 days prior so I don’t have to scramble to find someone else.

HONESTLY!!!! My hair appt cancelled TWO DAYS BEFORE I was SICK!!!

THANK YOU! I had my head phones in my pocket and would have completely forgot about them to charge 🤣

Yessss!! Make sure it’s charged!

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist | 37 Things to Do Before Your Next Trip

Say goodbye to stressful planning. With this travel checklist in hand, you’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

It's easy to get swept up by the hype when you're planning out a trip. Whether it's international or local travel, daydreams of relaxing on a beach or skiing down snowy slopes can easily occupy your mind. Of course, you won't forget the basics like booking your flight and getting your travel visas in order. Meanwhile, packing lists, house chores, reservations, and transport arrangements take a back seat, right behind the more exciting stuff. As with everything important, though, it's not until you need something that you realize it's not there. Luckily, we've got just what the travel doctor prescribed: 37 things to do before your next trip.

Each item on this list will ensure that everything is in order, from your packing checklist to your house plants. If you’re looking for a quick step-by-step guide, feel free to follow the bulleted travel checklist below. For a more detailed walkthrough, follow along with the video at the end of the list and read on.

A Month Before

• Create a travel packing list
• Book your accommodation
• Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (if you plan on driving in another country)
• Check for vaccination requirements
• Get an advanced supply of prescription medication
• Get travel insurance

A Week Before

• Check the weather and change your packing list accordingly
• Pack your bags
• Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling
• Get your finances in order
• Make arrangements for someone to take care of your household
• Confirm your reservations

2-3 Days Before

• Organize your travel documents
• Arranging transportation to and from the airport
• Share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info
• Charge your batteries
• Double-check your bag
• Start adjusting to timezone differences
• Clean your house

A Day Before

• Take out the trash and any perishables
• Pack your travel snacks
• Double-check your personal item bag
• Unplug the electronics you’ve been charging
• Put your bags near the door
• Check in to your flight
• Download your digital boarding pass
• Set an away message for your email
• Lay out your outfit for the next day
• Eat before you go
• Take out any remaining trash and leftovers
• Pack up your toiletries
• Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food
• Unplug appliances around the house
• Grab your phone
• Triple-check you have all your essential travel documents
• Adjust the thermostat
• Grab your bags and go!

A month before the big trip, it's important to decide what gear you'll need, i.e., (1) create a packing list . It essentially acts as a travel checklist, but only for what goes in your bag. Packing checklists depend on a lot of things, such as your destination's climate, duration of stay, personal and work-related needs, and local customs and culture. That last one is a bit nuanced, but a good example would be how temples and other religious sites enforce dress codes that require the head and shoulders to be covered.

At the core of any packing checklist for a vacation (or otherwise) are your absolute necessities, like clothing, toiletries, travel documents, and medication. It’s these items that must go first before you can move on to less essential gear like electronics, cosmetics, and other accessories. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out ours—such as our Digital Nomad and Budget packing lists—which are good templates that you can modify as needed.

Once you’ve got a working manifest of everything you need, it’s time to (2) book your accommodation . If your trip coincides with a holiday season or travel-heavy seasons in general, hotel and Airbnb prices usually go up during those times. Additionally, finding a place to stay tends to get more difficult as more and more people book. In other words, it’s better to lock one in as soon as possible.

If you’re traveling internationally and plan on driving a motor vehicle, like a car or motorcycle, you’ll have to (3) apply for an International Driver’s Permit . Procedures and requirements may vary from country to country. The processing time can be a few weeks, so it’s best to get the application process rolling early.

While you’re on the web looking up those permits, (4) check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required and which are recommended, the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website has an extensive travel checklist and is an excellent resource to get you sorted.

On the subject of health, make sure to top up and (5) get an advanced supply of your prescription medication from your doctor. You never know if you’ll have to extend your stay, and your specific medication may not be available at your destination. Furthermore, it’s important to check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine and drugs into the country beforehand to avoid legal troubles or confiscation.

After you have your vaccination and prescription medicine prepped, one additional layer of readiness you’ll want is (6) travel insurance . Travel insurance coverage varies depending on your provider, but typical coverage includes emergency medical treatment, personal liabilities, and loss of personal items like travel documents and baggage. Again, you never know what could happen while you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

A week before your trip is a good time to (7) check the weather and change your packing list accordingly . Weather is one of the most finicky aspects of a travel checklist, as a particular day can go from sunny to rainy in a snap. That said, forecasts are still a safe bet for adapting your packing checklist. After all, what good are flip-flops and shorts when it's going to rain the entire trip? You can still wear them, but you'll be sad, wet, and look totally unprepared.

Now we really get into the thick of things: (8) packing your bags . We've already gone over how you should create your packing checklist, but there's also the question of how it all comes together. Start the process by laying out everything you think you need, then try cutting the quantity down in half. It's never too late to unburden yourself of excess weight, and who knows—maybe the extra space can afford you to bring something you initially had to cut.

Some items need to be packed last because you’ll be using them right up until you leave the house—we’re talking about toiletries, chargers, and house keys—so make sure to save some space in your bag for them. (Psst—that's where this travel checklist comes in handy.)

Once everything’s packed, keep track of your bag’s (or bags’) total weight. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, airlines have different weight and size limits, so be sure you’re well within them. You can check your bag’s weight by weighing yourself on a bathroom scale with and without the bag then subtracting the difference. If you need a guide for packing a carry-on , we’ve got you covered.

Other than friends and family, you’ll also want to (9) notify your bank that you’ll be traveling . No, you won’t need to shed a few tears of sadness for them like you would for your pet. You’ll be doing this so that they won’t flag your purchases outside your typical area as fraudulent. Tell them the exact dates you’re traveling and where you’ll be. There are few things more embarrassing than having your credit card declined when you’re trying to pay for a fancy dinner; worse if you’re treating someone else.

On that note, check up on any upcoming bills that may come your way while you're gone. In other words, (10) get your finances in order . Don't worry—this won't be as complicated as doing a complete audit; you're simply making sure you're not coming home to find the electricity and internet disconnected.

This one's for the pet lovers and plant havers: (11) make arrangements for someone to take care of your household . Oh, how we wish we could just take our dog and/or three-foot fern with us to the Bahamas. But alas, it's not the most practical idea. The next best thing? Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to feed and water them from time to time while you're away. Just make sure to bring them back something nice (for the caretaker and the pet/plant).

Someone else who might miss you while you're away is the mail carrier. To keep mail from piling up unnecessarily, you may want to contact your local post office to put your mail on hold if you're going on an extended trip.

While you're still a week away from your trip, (12) confirm your reservations . This not only goes for your accommodations but also for restaurant reservations and any specific events you plan on attending. Last-minute changes to events aren't unheard of, so it's worth re-checking.

Okay, by this point, your hype levels are probably fast approaching critical mass. Hold your horses and passports, though, because there are still a few things to do during these last few days.

Still holding your passports? Okay, good, because it’s time to (13) organize your travel documents . Without these, there is no trip, except to the terminal or station. The documents you’ll want to keep track of are your passport, itinerary, insurance, visas, and tickets. If your everyday wallet can fit all those, then great. If not, passport wallets do exist, and some bags come with dedicated security pockets that can take them in.

The trip from where you're staying and to the terminal probably isn't the one you're particularly excited for, but it's worth prepping for anyway. (14) Arranging transportation to and from the airport is just as important in our eyes, unless you fancy a long walk. To avoid expensive parking fees or taxi fares, you can ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. There's a chance they won't be available on that day, though, so having someone extra as a backup is a good idea. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, schedule a pickup in advance so you won't have to wait long on the day itself. The same goes for when you're riding from the airport to wherever you're staying; book it now, so you aren't left waiting needlessly for a ride.

At this point, you’ve already told friends and family about your big trip, but now it’s time to (15) share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info . You won’t be doing this to brag, but to make sure they know where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

If there’s something that needs constant attention throughout this travel checklist, it’s the (16) charge levels of your batteries . Even when they're just idling, laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch are slowly but surely sipping power. Topping them up just before you leave ensures they're ready when you actually need them.

Okay, now it’s time to (17) double-check your bag . It's not like anything's escaped between now and the time you've packed it a few days back—this is just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Plus, it gives you the chance to make a few tweaks to what you've packed and to squeeze in some last few items if you want to.

After you’ve double-checked—and maybe even triple-checked—your bag, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. Too early to go to bed? It may not be the worst idea to (18) adjust now and prevent jet lag . If you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can prepare yourself for the switch by changing your habits. This includes eating dinner an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference), and the same goes for your sleep schedule.

This may be the least popular tip on the list, but it's worth doing anyway: (19) clean your house . Think your house is dirty as it is? Imagine it days or weeks later when no one's been home to keep things tidy. Trust us, piled-up laundry (worse: piled-up dirty dishes) only becomes more of a chore after you've come back from your trip, exhausted from all the traveling you just did. Do them now.

You've already cleaned the house, expelling all the dirt off of plates, clothes, and any reachable surfaces. But this is the day before the main event, and there's one more thing (or set of things) to throw out. Have you guessed it? Yep, time to (20) take out the trash and any perishables you have lying in the kitchen and pantry. We support eating as much as you want of the perishables since wasting food is just, well, wasteful.

While you’re in the kitchen, you can go ahead and (21) pack your travel snacks . Airport snacks tend to get pricey, and you won’t believe how much you can save just by bringing your own. Just be mindful to pack foods that are easy to eat, not messy, and don't smell. It’s also worth checking out which foods are considered liquids and need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (we’re looking at you, goat cheese).

Now, (22) double-check your personal item bag , a.k.a your carry-on. This is to ensure your travel essentials are all there, especially your travel documents and money. After you’ve done that, (23) unplug the electronics you’ve been charging , like your laptop, game console, and power bank. By this point, almost everything is packed up, so (24) put the bags near the door where you can grab them and go.

There are just a few more things to sort out before you hit the hay! Before you go to sleep, (25) check in to your flight to save time at the airport. Most airlines have an app that allows you to check into your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in this early lets you pick a good seat, so do that if you haven't already. If you've been issued a (26) digital boarding pass , take this chance to download it to your phone now to save you the hassle later.

Before you put down your phone for the night, make sure to (27) set an away message for your email . That is, unless you’re traveling for work or working remotely . If this is your vacation, turn off all work-related notifications so you can make the most out of your well-earned rest.

Once you’ve put down the phone, (28) lay out your outfit for the next day . Having your clothes laid out and ready will help speed things up as you’re rushing out the door. We don’t know about you, but we move faster just before we sleep than after we’ve just woken up.

At last, we've finally arrived at the day you've been waiting for. It's the main event: the day you actually leave for your trip. Hopefully, you weren't kept up all night by the excitement for your adventure, though we really can't blame you if you were. At the very least, you can go ahead and (29) eat breakfast or lunch to help stave off any hunger that could lead to unnecessary snack purchases at the airport. After you're done eating, (30) take out any remaining trash and leftovers you still have lying around.

Remember when we said some items need to be packed last? Well, it's time to get those aboard as well. After you've freshened yourself up, (31) pack up your toiletries and place them where you can easily get to them when you get to security. Putting them underneath anything else will hold up the line as you search through your bag to get to them, as TSA officers need to check those fluids to make sure they meet regulations. Bring out your packing checklist and ensure all remaining items are in your bag.

And don't forget about your housemates! Namely, your house plants and pets. (32) Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food to last until your designated caretaker gets to them.

The next tip will help you save money on electricity. (33) Unplug appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away, as they can still sip a tiny amount of electricity if, say, they have LED indicators. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and desktop computers. Plus, unplugging will help prevent any potential fires if something accidentally shorts while you’re away. Speaking of unplugging, make sure you (34) grab your phone , earbuds, or Kindle in case you’re doing any last-minute charging.

Yay! You’re almost out the door. But wait! It’s time for another passport check. (35) Triple-check if you have all of your essential travel documents . You can never be too careful in trying to avoid being that person awkwardly digging through their bag at the last minute just before boarding.

While you’re walking towards the door, make a quick (36) walk-over to the thermostat and reduce the temperature . No one’s going to be home, so there’s no need to rack up a pricey heating bill. Needless to say, keep your pets and indoor plants in mind when you’re adjusting this. At this point, consider doing one last pass over this full travel checklist to make sure you're all set to go.

Got all that? Well then, time to (37) grab your bags and go! Careful not to trip in excitement!

If you’re reading this while you’re on a train or aboard your flight, congratulations! 37 travel checklist to-do’s sound like a lot, but once you’ve completed this travel checklist a few times, it becomes second nature. These are tips we follow ourselves and we haven’t missed a beat ever since. No missing passports, accommodations are on point, and the pets are just as happy to see us as when we left them—and it makes the trip all the more worth it.

This travel checklist is brought to you by the Pack Hacker team. We’ve collected these tips through many fun trips and a couple not so fun ones.

December 20, 2021

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

June 1, 2020

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Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do the Day Before You Travel

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: 25+ Things To Do Before You Travel

Last Updated on 23/01/2024

Preparing for travel can be stressful. There is often a lot to remember and sometimes the most obvious of tasks will slip your mind. Here is the ultimate pre-travel checklist to make sure you don’t forget any of those important tasks before you travel.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

25+ Things To Do Before You Travel

Make prepping for your next trip a breeze with this ultimate pre-travel checklist. Here are 25+ things you don’t want to forget to do before you travel.

1 Month Before You Travel

There are some parts of travel prep that you can start early. The earlier you start, the less stressful your travel preparations will be before you leave. Here are a couple of things you can do a month or more before you travel to get ready.

Check Insurance

Travel insurance is super important. If you haven’t already got travel insurance, now is the time to get it sorted. If you got insurance months ago when you booked your trip, now is the time to check it to make sure you know what is covered and amend the policy if necessary.

Check Home Security

As a homeowner, there are always jobs on your to-do list. Often, getting round to changing that lock or replacing the bulb in your security light is a low priority. Before you travel, it is important to check your home security and make any updates you’ve been putting off!

1 Week Before You Travel

A week or more before you travel, there a few more tasks you can complete to get ready. Here are some jobs you can get ticked off the list in anticipation of your vacation.

Put Mail On Hold

No one wants to come home from a trip and have to fight their way inside through a mountain of mail. Or here in the UK, a stack of ‘red cards of doom’ from missed parcel deliveries. Putting a hold on your mail means your deliveries and held securely until you get home, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Notify Your Bank

Another task that is well worth doing, is informing your bank of your travels. You don’t want to try and call them from abroad when they have blocked your card! Most banks can be informed online or via a quick phone call without much hassle so it is a worthwhile task!

Many bills are now automated, but if you have any pesky ones hanging around that need paying manually, now is the time to do it. Make sure you check which bills are due and ensure they are all paid before you travel.

Make Copies Of Important Documents

When you travel, you want to make sure you have copies of your important documents such as passport and driver’s license. Make these copies in advance so you’re not scrambling to do it the morning of your travels.

Create (Or Download!) Your Packing Checklist

While you’re thinking about your travel essentials, write a list of everything you need to pack in advance. This will save the last-minute scramble to find everything you need and avoid the risk of missing anything. Alternatively, you can sign up for the Get Lost newsletter and we’ve done all of the hard work for you with our downloadable packing checklist!

If you’re travelling for a couple of weeks or more, make sure you find time to mow the lawn the week before you travel. It’s likely it will need doing again by the time you return, but at least you won’t be coming home to a jungle in your yard!

1 Day Before You Travel

If you have the luxury of time, there are a number of tasks you want to get done the day before you travel. If you’re working right down to the wire, you can spread these over the last few days before your trip to make them easier to manage.

Update Calendar And Set Out Of Office

On your last working day before the trip, update your calendar and set your out of office. To make things easier, these can be prepped a few days in advance in anticipation. Make sure people know you’re taking a break and you won’t be picking up emails!

When you get back from your trip, you’ll have a suitcase full of laundry. Get anything that is hanging around out of the way before you leave, including washing your bedding. Make sure you empty the washer and dryer and put everything away!

Set Lights On A Timer

If you have internal or external lights that can be set on a timer, now is the time to do it. It will give you added peace of mind that your home doesn’t appear empty while you are away.

Empty The Fridge

There is nothing worse than returning home after two weeks to discover a half-used bottle of milk in the fridge! Clear out your perishables before you go and give the fridge a quick clean while you’re at it. You’ll be glad you did when you return from your trip!

Empty The Trash

Now you’ve discarded those perishables, be sure to empty the trash. Moving the items from the fridge to the bin doesn’t really solve the problem so make sure you take the bag out! It’s a good opportunity to empty all of the bins in the house to make sure there’s nothing in them that will smell by the time you get back!

Unplug Electronics

Save on your electricity bill while you’re out of the house by unplugging those electrical items you won’t be using. It’s not like you’re going to be using the TV anyway, so unplug it until you get home.

No one wants to spend the last day before their holiday cleaning, but honestly, future you will thank you! When you get home from your vacation there is no better feeling than coming home to a spotless house. Even if it only lasts a couple of hours until you empty the suitcase!

Do The Dishes

On the note of cleaning, do the dishes. You won’t have to wash up when you get home before you can eat. Plus, they won’t have turned into a science experiment in your absence!

Give Contact Details To A Neighbour

Before you head out, find a neighbour you can trust to keep an eye on things and notify you in the event of an emergency. If you’re lucky, you might be able to convince them to do the bins for you too while you’re away! Be sure to bring them back a small gift to say thanks!

Prepare House/Pet Sitter Instructions

If you’ve got someone coming to look after your house or pets, leave them any instructions they will need. Our cats are divas and will only eat in a certain place, so to save arguments, we need to let the cat sitter know. It just makes life easier for everyone…

Charge Electronics

Use this opportunity before you travel to charge all of the electronic items you’re traveling with. Camera, tablet, phone…you name it! Your house might look like Blackpool Illuminations with all of the flashing lights, but at least your entertainment won’t die on you mid-flight.

Water House Plants

Make sure to water those house plants before you leave. If you’re leaving for a few weeks (or you’re just really bad at remembering to water the plants like me) you might want to invest in a plant waterer . These genius inventions do the hard work for you while you’re away. They also come in some pretty cute varieties too!

Weigh Luggage

This is your last opportunity to weigh in your case before the airport. To avoid that awkward unpacking at the airport, double-check your case weight and allowance while you’re at home. If you need to lighten the load, now is the time to do it!

In need of suitcase scales? These ones are my favourite!

Set An Alarm…

…or two. I have a paranoia about missing flights. The more alarms set the better in my opinion!

Get A Frozen Meal In

When you get home from the airport after hours on a cramped flight, jetlagged and starving, this is a lifesaver. Trust me.

Day Of Travel

If you’ve prepared everything in advance, the morning of your travel should be a breeze. There are, however, a couple of last-minute tasks you’ll want to do as you head out.

Turn Off Water

Typically, I don’t turn off the water before a trip because our petsitter needs access to it. If you’re away for a while though and are concerned about a plumbing emergency, there’s no harm in turning off the water at the main valve.

Pet/House Sitter Access

If you have a pet or house sitter calling while you are away, make sure they have the access they require. If you do this using a key safe , make sure to put a key in as you head out the door. We use this one from Masterlock .

Check Locks

As you’re leaving the house, be sure to check all of the locks to make sure they’re secure. If you checked they were all working a few weeks ago it’s just a case of making sure everything is locked up. Make sure to check all windows and doors before you leave.

Adjust Thermostat

On your way out, turn the thermostat down. There’s no point heating the house (and paying for it) if you’re not going to be in. Likewise, if you have airconditioning, turn this off while you’re on your travels.

So these are my top 25+ things to do before you travel. If you’ve got a trip coming up, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit these tips!

Which of these is your lifesaver? Let’s connect on  Instagram  and send me a DM with your number one pre-travel chore that you simply don’t want to forget!

Until our next adventure,

Love it? Pin it!

If you like these 25+ things to do before you travel, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  travel tips !

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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

13 thoughts on “Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: 25+ Things To Do Before You Travel”

Great tips. Emptying the fridge or garbage are always the ones I forget as I’m rushing out of the door. That can be very bad to come back to. We often have someone staying at our place now though to pet sit so I’m always happy that the house is looked after.

I hate it when I forget to empty the fridge! I always use travel as a good excuse to have a thorough sort out of what’s in there before I go. We have a cat sitter so she’s on hand to keep an eye on things fortunately which is always reassuring!

Great tips. With all the excitement and stress preparing our trip sometimes we tend to forget these things😁 Thanks for sharing

I’m glad you find the list useful. It’s so easy to forget some of these jobs when we’re rushing around getting ready! I got home from a trip yesterday and I was so pleased to come home to a clean and tidy house so I don’t have to spend my weekend doing chores!

Such a helpful list! I definitely feel safer when I have copies of all my documents saved. And I love the idea of cleaning and doing laundry before you leave, I need to start doing that!

I’m glad you like the list! My house is more clean when I’m about to leave it for 2 weeks than any other time! It always feels good to come home to everything clean and tidy though, even if it never lasts long!

This is such a great list! I always forget to charge things before a trip! I have half a dozen power banks because I always forget them or they’re dead so I buy new ones 🙃🙃

I’m so pleased you like the list! I’m really paranoid about charging things! I’ll have them on charge right until the last minute! The one I always forget is to have some food in the freezer for when we return. Thank goodness for fast food delivery!

These are great tips – I’m uber paranoid about forgetting to do something before I leave. Once my brother was away and I was looking after his home for 2 weeks. They forgot to empty the fridge and they had fish in there…ugh. Now I remind them every time haha. Smart list!

Oh no! Fish is not a good one to forget about! Eugh! It often feels like everything is super busy in the run up to travel so I find having a list is a great way to make sure I don’t forget any of those odd jobs that often get missed!

These are alll so important, epseically checking the lights and locks! I love now that I have smart lights because I can check them from my phone while I am gone.

There are so many smart gadgets available now that are great for when we’re travelling to put our minds at ease! We haven’t installed any yet as we have quite a bit of cosmetic work to do on our house first but when they’re in they’ll be life-changing!

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Before You Travel

Before you travel, take steps to prepare so you can stay safe and healthy during your trip.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Know Your Health Status

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Learn About Blood Clots

Airplane travel, especially flights longer than 4 hours, may increase your risk for blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Learn how to prevent blood clots during travel.

Share the following information about yourself or your trip with your provider:

• Special conditions such as pregnancy, allergies, or chronic health problems.
• Destinations on your itinerary.
• Type of accommodations (hotels, hostels, short term rentals).
• Type of travel (cruise, business, adventure travel).
• Timing and length of your trip.
• Planned activities.

Take recommended medicines as directed. If your doctor prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. Counterfeit drugs are common in some countries, so only take medicine that you bring from home and make sure to pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Learn more about traveling abroad with medicine .

Plan for the Unexpected

Sometimes unexpected issues occur during travel. Learn what you can do before you leave to protect yourself and your travel companions.

Get travel insurance.  Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Travelers are usually responsible for paying hospital and other medical expenses out of pocket at most destinations. Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying  additional insurance  that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

There are different types of travel insurance such as trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. Learn more about travel insurance .

Enroll with the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) . Check for and monitor any travel advisories for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the  US Department of State  knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency. Carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Some other tips to prepare for emergencies:

• Write down the contact information of people or services you may need while abroad.
• Check in with someone regularly during your trip.
• Dial 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the United States or Canada,
• Dial 00 1 202-501-4444 if calling from overseas, or
• Let family members know they can contact the embassy or consulate for help if they are worried about your safety while abroad.

Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Depending on your destination you may also want to pack a mask ,  insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.

More information for some travelers who may need to take extra precautions:

• Traveling with a disability
• Travelers with a weakened immune system
• Traveling with a chronic illness
• Pregnant travelers

Follow CDC’s guidance on how to stay safe during travel and after travel .

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Your Vacation

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Travelling can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming if you are unprepared. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, there are many things to do before, during, and after your vacation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. The ultimate travel checklist covers everything you need to know and do for your next vacation.

Before Your Vacation

• Plan your itinerary. Research your destination , book your flights, hotels, and activities, and create a realistic and flexible schedule for your trip. You can use apps to help you organize and access your travel plans offline.
• Check your passport, visa, and other travel documents. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date, and apply for a visa if you need one. You can use apps to help you renew your passport, take passport photos, or expedite your passport application. You should also make copies of your passport, visa, ID, and other essential documents and store them safely or online.
• Get travel insurance. Travel insurance l can protect you from unexpected costs and risks, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or theft. You can compare and buy travel insurance online from various sites.
• Get vaccinated and pack your medications. Check your destination’s health and safety information, and get vaccinated or take preventive measures if needed. You can use sites that provide your destination’s recommended vaccinations and health advice. You should also pack your prescription and over-the-counter medications accessible from any Publix weekly flyer , and bring a doctor’s note or a copy of your prescription if you are travelling with controlled substances or injectable medications.
• Pack bright and light. Pack only the essentials, and use a packing list to avoid forgetting anything. You can use apps to help you create and customize your packing list based on your destination, weather, and activities. It would help if you also packed your carry-on with the items you need during the flight and the items you can’t afford to lose, such as your passport, wallet, phone, laptop, camera, medications, and valuables.
• Prepare your home and pets. Before you leave, you should ensure your home and pets are cared for. You can ask a friend, family member, or neighbour to check on your home and pets or hire a professional service. You should also lock your doors and windows, unplug your appliances, turn off your water and gas, set your thermostat, and stop mail and newspaper delivery.
• Check-in online and confirm your reservations. To save time and hassle at the airport, check-in online and print or download your boarding pass. You can use apps to help you check in, track your flight, and get real-time updates. You should also confirm your hotel and activity reservations and print or download your confirmation emails or vouchers.

During Your Vacation

• Stay safe and healthy. While travelling, you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. You should follow the local laws and customs, avoid risky areas and activities, and keep your valuables safely or on your own. You should drink plenty of water, eat well, sleep well, and avoid sunburn and insect bites. You can use apps that provide safety alerts, emergency numbers, and tips for your destination.
• Stay connected and informed. While travelling, stay in touch with your family and friends and update them on your whereabouts and plans. You should also stay informed of the local news and events and be aware of any changes or disruptions that may affect your trip. You can use free apps to help you communicate with your contacts. You can also use apps to help you navigate and communicate in a foreign language.
• Enjoy and document your trip. While travelling, you should have fun and make the most of your time. It would help if you explored new places, tried new things, met new people, and learned new cultures. You should also document your trip with photos, videos, journals, or souvenirs. You can use apps that can help you capture and edit your memories and share them with your loved ones.

After Your Vacation

• Unpack and organize your belongings. When you return from vacation, you should immediately unpack and organize your belongings. You should sort out your dirty clothes, souvenirs, documents, and other items and put them away in their proper places. You should also check your luggage for damaged or missing items and report them to the airline or the insurance company if needed.
• Review and rate your experience. After your vacation, you should review and rate your experience with the flights, hotels, and activities you booked. You can use sites that can help you write and post your reviews and give feedback to the providers. You can also use sites that can help you earn rewards or discounts for your reviews.
• Share your stories and tips. After your vacation, you should share your stories and tips with your family, friends, and travellers. You can use social media, blogs, podcasts, or videos to share your stories and tips and inspire others to travel. You can also use sites to help you connect and network with other travellers and exchange ideas and recommendations.

Plan your next trip

After your vacation, you should plan your next trip. You can use sites that can help you find and book your next destination and get the best deals and offers. You can also use sites to help you discover new places and get inspired by other travellers’ stories and tips. You can also use your travel checklist to prepare for your next trip and make it even better than the last one.

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One response to “The Ultimate Travel Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Your Vacation”

Salutations, Kevin Erickson! Your recent thoughts resonate deeply as someone, like you, navigating the subtle seas of parenthood. Have you considered the ultimate balancing act, pitying volition against hard-budded respect’s necessity – “free-spirit against structure”? A healthy ponder haven’t you? It got reigniting memories of teaching my twins the valuable lesson of manners- kid yielded! It was truly vibrant sharing. Yet, could over-adherence commoditize childhood innocence? Metaphorically grounding butterflies? Would love to engulf more into this conundrum! Cheers till then!

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

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Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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Trip Planning

Pre-travel checklist: last minute things to remember before traveling.

Locking the door as you head out on your trip is an exciting moment. It’s also one of the most stressful.

Put worries aside with a pre-travel checklist! Keep reading to find out things to do before leaving on a trip.

How can a pre-vacation checklist help you?

Using a list of things to do before traveling:

• Reduces worry over forgetting to do something important . With a checklist, planning becomes less stressful. You know you won’t forget anything. 
• Helps you to feel less exhausted by all the details that go into planning a trip. With a checklist of what to do before traveling, you can have fun even in the planning and preparing stages of a trip!
• Frees up your energy to focus on other tasks. It can be hard to balance normal life with travel preparations. A checklist of things to do before going on a trip keeps trip planning from sapping all your energy and time.
• Reminds you of the things you need to do before traveling , but aren’t part of your normal day. A pre-travel list brings the peace of mind that you remembered to put a travel notice on your credit card and locked the back door that normally stays open. 
• Helps you to remember the things you do on autopilot during your normal routine but can be easily overlooked when your routine is disrupted on a travel day. With a pre-travel checklist, you can be secure in knowing that you put your medications in your bag and not back on the shelf!
• Reminds you that you already did something , which is vital on those really hectic days. This can be especially comforting when panicked thoughts pop up halfway to the airport . Just peek at your checklist and you’ll have proof that you actually did lock the house door.

Apps to keep a list of things to remember when traveling

Keep your travel checklist on your phone. That way, you’ll be able to add things quickly while planning. When traveling, you can easily reassure yourself that you didn’t forget anything. Just open your phone and away you go!

On iPhones, the Notes app is actually sufficient for your travel checklist. While basic, it gets the job done and can be stored on the cloud and accessed on all iOS devices.

If you use an Android phone that doesn’t come with a note-taking app, you can use the Google Sheets or Docs apps. 

There are also several apps specifically for making checklists. I haven’t used this one, but 2Do looks interesting and is compatible with multiple operating systems.

Things to do before a trip

The amount of things to put on a pre-travel checklist can be overwhelming. Some things should be done a few weeks before traveling. Some things should be done the day before leaving. Other things must be done right before walking out the door. 

This list of things to check before travelling will help you get everything done on your pre-travel countdown !

Things to do before travel: 1-3 weeks ahead

• Stop your mail or arrange for someone to empty your mailbox regularly.*
• Put bills on autopay or schedule their payment.
• Tell a trustworthy neighbor that you’ll be traveling and ask them to keep an eye on your place.*
• Give a trusted friend a key for emergencies.*
• Share your itinerary with a trusted friend.
• Arrange for pet care.*
• Confirm that you have the necessary insurance .
• Confirm flight and other travel arrangements.
• Confirm accommodations.
• Research medication restrictions, if traveling internationally or with controversial medications.
• Ensure sufficient prescription medications are available; refill if needed.
• Write your packing list ; clean, repair, or buy items as needed.
• Wear your travel clothes to be sure that they are comfortable and you feel good in them.
• Do a test day with your travel shoes . Do they stand up to a long day of sightseeing?
• Plan travel day food . Will you pack for a road trip , eat at the airport, fast until arriving at your destination?
• Plan return day food. Will a friend drop off a meal? Will you eat out? Will you stop by the grocery store on the way home?

*These won’t be necessary if you ask a friend to house sit or to stop by a few times a week to water the plants, check the mail, and make the house look lived in.

Things to do before travel: The day before leaving

• Finish packing.
• Check the contents of your bag against your packing list.
• Eat, give away, or throw out perishable food.
• Ensure non-perishable food is properly stored to keep out vermin.
• Clean the house so you’ll come back to a refreshing space.*
• Do laundry so you don’t come back to a pile of moldering stinkiness.*
• Water the plants.
• Put lights on a staggered timer.

*These depend on the length of your trip and personal preferences.

Things to do before travel: Travel Day

• Do you have all your medications?
• Do you have your ID?
• Do you have two forms of payment?
• Do you have your tickets?
• Do you have proof of insurance?
• Do you have accommodation contact information?
• Check that all toilets are flushed completely and have stopped running.
• Check that all faucets, including those outside, are turned off and not dripping.
• Check that the refrigerator is completely closed (or unplugged if empty).
• Check that all windows are locked.
• Check that all side and back doors are locked.
• Turn down the thermostat.
• Turn off all the lights.
• Lock the front door, including the deadbolt (Put the key in your bag!).
• Go enjoy your trip with the peace of mind that you’ve done everything you needed to do!

Things to do before flying

If your trip includes flying, there are a few more things to remember when traveling.

• Check your travel shoes. Are they easy to remove while standing?
• Is it easy to open for security inspection ?
• Is it easy to carry or pull while rushing? 
• Can you lift it into overhead storage ? 
• Will it fit under the plane seat?
• Does it meet airline weight restrictions?
• Confirm your flight times and connections.
• Have two ways of accessing your tickets in case one way doesn’t work.
• Plan and confirm transportation to and from the airport .
• Plan and confirm transportation at your destination, if needed.

Things to do before traveling internationally

Building on the previous two sections, there are a few more things to remember before travelling overseas. Ideally, you’d do all these steps well before the last minute, but if you didn’t or you have an unexpected last-minute trip , this checklist can help you cover the essentials.

• Double-check that your passport is valid for the necessary time. (Do this as soon as your trip is confirmed. It can take months to renew a passport.)
• Double-check that you’ve met visa and vaccination requirements.
• Double-check that you have needed doctor’s notes and a copy of prescriptions, if needed.
• Buy travel insurance. (Hopefully, you didn’t wait until the last minute, but if you did, buy it now!)
• Activate the international plan on your cell phone or decide on another option. (If you can do this ahead of time, that’s even better.)
• Research options in case your cell phone doesn’t work at your destination. (Again, it’s better not to wait until the last minute, but if you forgot, now’s the time to do the research.)
• Review TSA requirements and pack accordingly. (These can change unexpectedly, a quick look the night before you leave can help keep you up to date.)
• Research cultural considerations at your destination and edit your packing list as needed. (Ideally, you’ve done this earlier, but if you’re a last-minute packer, take two minutes to research this.)

A pre-travel checklist can help you to keep track of things to remember before traveling. With a checklist to help, you can stop worrying and start enjoying your trip!

What else would you add to these lists?

Written by Jill

Jill Hames is a freelance writer, musician, and ESL teacher who, at the age of four, said she wanted to learn every language in the world. She hasn’t managed that yet, but is proud to have taught herself enough Swahili to understand context from native speakers. She's too busy having fun with music and language to be found online.

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist | 29 Easy Things to Do Before Going on Vacation

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date August 23, 2023
• No Comments on Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist | 29 Easy Things to Do Before Going on Vacation

Looking for a list of things to do before going on vacation? This handy pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home and yourself for travel.

Several years ago, we embarked on one of our first 2-week long international trips. As newbies to the international travel world, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We had a wonderful two-week holiday in Europe , and returned home jet-lagged yet eager for our next overseas adventure.

We walked into our house late at night after 16 hours of air travel and multiple connections. The house felt like a sauna because we turned the air conditioning off before our trip, and to our surprise, it smelled wretched!

Although we had cleaned the refrigerator and taken out the trash prior to our trip, we had forgotten to start the dishwasher. So, for two weeks our dirty dishes sat in the dishwasher in the blazing heat, growing moldier and smellier each day.

After that trip, we quickly learned the need and importance of a pre-travel checklist . Now, each time we plan a trip, we double check this easy travel to-do list to make sure all the things to do before going on vacation are done.

So, whether you’re taking a week-long vacation, or an extended holiday in another country, this pre-travel checklist will help ensure everything at home will be fine in your absence , and you will return to a clean home instead of a science experiment.  

Things to do before going on vacation – an easy pre-travel checklist

Our pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home before a trip. This handy list of all the things to prepare before traveling is easy to follow. Just scroll through and make sure you have completed all of these travel preparations before you leave for the airport or pull out of your driveway for a road trip.

To make it even easier, we have included a free, printable pre-vacation checklist at the bottom of this article that you can download, print at home, and use over and over again. 

Things to do before a trip to keep your house from smelling

Here are a few pre-travel household tasks that will keep your home smelling fresh while you’re away.

Clean house

No one likes returning home to a dirty house. There is something incredibly relaxing about coming home from a trip and not having any household chores to do.

In anticipation of your trip, spend the days leading up to your vacation cleaning your house, so you return home to a stress-free environment instead of an unmade bed, dirty floors, and a layer of dust building up on everything.

Run dishwasher / Wash dishes

Dirty dishes will start to smell after just a few short days. And after a week or longer away, your whole house will be consumed with the smell of the old food molding on the plates or the reminisce of milk left souring in a glass.

Whether you have a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand, be sure not to leave any dirty dishes in the sink or stacked in the dishwasher while you are gone. 

Clean refrigerator 

Not only will food left on dirty dishes begin to sour, but food left in the refrigerator can also go bad while you are away.

In the week leading up to your travels, use up any perishable items, like produce, milk, and eggs, that might expire while you are away. And before your trip, clean out any leftovers or food that will go bad.   

Take out the trash / rubbish

This should be one of the very last things you do before leaving the house for a vacation or holiday. Empty all trash or rubbish bins around the house, whether in bathrooms, the kitchen, or elsewhere.

Take your trash bins to the curb for collection or to the dumpster. If moving your trash bins to the curb, ask a neighbor to put them away for you after collection.

Nothing says no one is home like trash bins left out at the curb 6 days after collection!

When returning home, you will have a whole suitcase worth of clothes to wash, dry, fold, and put away. So, make sure all other laundry is done prior to your trip. I also like to wash our bed sheets as part of our travel preparations.

This minor travel tip will make recovering from jet lag , much easier, because your bedding will smell clean and refreshing.

Leave your washing machine open

If you do laundry in the days leading up to your trip, be sure to leave the door to your washing machine open.

Washing machines can mildew quickly if left closed, especially front-loading machines. But, if you leave the door open, it allows air to circulate and any moisture left in the machine to dry out. 

Seal boxes of dried goods

Living in Oklahoma, we are no strangers to critters. 🙂 More than once, we have found creepy, crawly things in our house that are not welcome inside.

Animals, like mice, are always looking for an easily accessible food source. And your pantry offers that, should a mouse be able to access it.

Whether you live in a more country setting, like us, or in an urban area, no home is immune to bugs, insects, or even rodents.

One mouse or bug can quickly turn into an infestation while you are away, so be sure to seal up any boxes of dried goods. This will not only help them stay fresh longer, it will hopefully keep unwanted pests away. 

Run Garbage disposal

This is one of those things to do before vacation that is often forgotten. But it is a good idea to run your garbage disposal prior to a trip to rid it of any food scraps still lingering in the sink drain.

Prior to a trip, I also like to pour a little vinegar or lemon juice in the garbage disposal while running it to ensure the sink smells fresh when we return.

Clean out your coffee maker

We have a habit of leaving our coffee filter and used coffee grounds sitting in our coffee maker until the next morning when we make a new pot. But if you make coffee the day of a trip, you do not want to leave the used, moist coffee grounds sitting in your coffee maker while you are away.

Spoken from experience, it will begin to mold!  

Water plants

All living things require water. So, if you are leaving for even a few days make sure to water all your plants prior to your trip.

Personally, we have spent a lot of time and energy into turning our backyard into an oasis. It is a place where we can always feel like we’re traveling even when we can’ t . And our plants are a big part of that oasis.

With so much effort and money put into creating a beautiful space, we don’t want to leave for vacation and come back to a house or yard full of dead plants.

So, not only should you water your plants as one of the things to do before going on vacation, but if you plan to be gone for more than a week, you should probably recruit someone to water your plants while you are gone. 

Things to do before going on holiday to keep your house safe

While the travel checklist above will keep your house smelling and looking nice while you are on vacation, the following travel tips will keep your house safe while you are gone. 

Arrange for mail collection

An overflowing mailbox screams “we are not home!” To give the appearance of someone being home at all times, have a neighbor, family member, or friend collect your mail at least every other day.

If you are going to be away on an extended vacation, you can also request for the post office to hold your mail rather than deliver it. 

Leave contact info, itinerary, and lodging information on the counter

No one ever wants to think about something bad happening while you are on vacation, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If there is an emergency at home, it is good to leave some key information in an easily accessible place inside your house.

This information includes your contact information and the contact information for an emergency contact who is not on the trip with you.

It is also good to leave your itinerary and hotel information. That way if someone needs to get a hold of you or a family member nearby who can make decisions on your behalf in your absence, they will be able to reach someone quickly.

Arrange care for pets

Our pets are our family members, but unfortunately, those family members rarely get to travel with us. If you are leaving on a quick weekend getaway, you will want to make sure your pets are well cared for.

Admittedly, our dogs are pretty spoiled, so we board them at a facility where they get plenty of interaction with other dogs and humans.

But even pets, like fish, that don’t require as much attention, will still need to be fed while you are away. So, make sure you have a pet sitter or boarding facility lined up well in advance. 

Mow the lawn

If you don’t want to be “that neighbor” on your block that lets the grass begin to look like a jungle, some last minute yard maintenance is a must. Mowing the lawn a day or two before your trip is one of those necessary things to do before vacation that will keep you on good terms with the neighbors when you return.

If you plan to be gone for more than two or three weeks, it may be worth paying a neighborhood teenager to mow your yard once while you are gone.

Set lights on a timer

Over the years, we have invested in a few products to have transformed our house into a smart home. Our interior and exterior lights, televisions, thermostat, security cameras, and even our robotic vacuum can be controlled from our phones. But you don’t have to have a fully decked out smart home to set your lights on a timer.

You can purchase an inexpensive timer for your lights , plug a lamp or two into it, and set it to go on and off at certain times. Doing so will make it look like someone is home. 

Notify a neighbor of your absence

Letting a friendly, trusted neighbor know that you are going to be gone is one of the most important things to do before going on vacation. Your neighbor can watch your house and look out for any suspicious activity while you are away.

Lock windows and doors

Prior to traveling, it is a good idea to walk through your home and double check all windows and doors to make sure they are closed and locked.

It is particularly important to check windows that you open frequently, as they will be the most likely to be unintentionally left unlocked.

Be sure to set your alarm right before you leave for vacation, if you have one. If you don’t have an alarm you can invest in Google Nest Cams and a Doorbell Camera . That way you’ll be able to get notifications on your phone if one of the cameras spots a person on your property. 

Remember, if you hire anyone to feed pets or water indoor plants while you are gone, leave the alarm code with them and give them instructions on how to arm and disarm the alarm.

Leave key with neighbor

Finally, just in case of an emergency, leave a spare key with a neighbor or family member. You might forget something and need someone to go into your home and overnight it to you, or forget to do one of these pre-travel checklist items and need someone to run in and do it for you.

Travel preparations that will save you money

The majority of items on our travel planning checklist are intended to keep your home safe, however there are a few things to do before you leave for vacation that will also save you money.

Adjust thermostat

Perhaps the most obvious travel preparation that will save you money is to adjust your thermostat. We don’t recommend turning off your air conditioner or heater entirely, but adjust it to let your house get about 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer or colder than is comfortable for you.

If you have a Nest Thermostat , you can adjust the thermostat from your phone the day of your return so your home will feel pleasant when you walk in. 

Unplug small appliances

Coffee pots, toasters, televisions, and other small appliances can be unplugged to save money and energy.

Even appliances that are plugged in but turned off are still using small amounts of energy, so unplug them to save a little bit. 

Close blinds or curtains

Another easy way to save on energy is to close your blinds or curtains while you are away. The less sunlight coming into your home the cooler it will stay and the less time your air conditioner will have to run. 

Pay any bills coming due soon 

Planning for a trip is exciting. So exciting, in fact, that little things you would not ordinarily forget can get skipped. Paying bills is one of them!

As you pack your bags, you may not be thinking about the water bill that isn’t due for another two weeks. But if you go on a 2-week vacation, by the time you are back, that bill will be past due!

Not only will you accrue late charges, but you risk returning home to utilities shut off if your bill goes unpaid for too long.

Things to prepare before traveling out of the country 

Finally, now that we have covered all the things to do at home before going on vacation, there are a few things you will want to do to make sure you are also ready for your trip. These pre-travel checklist items are particularly useful if traveling to another country.

Inform your bank where you will be

Several years ago, we arrived in the Dominican Republic excited for a relaxing beach vacation. However, stress occurred the moment we got off the plane and had to pay tourist taxes. The taxes had to be paid in cash, so we had to visit an ATM at the airport. However, our bank had no idea we were in the Dominican Republic, assumed the transaction was a scam, and froze our account out of an abundance of caution.

From that trip on, we now inform our bank when we are leaving the country. Many banks have an online form you can fill out to let them know about any international trips.

Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

If traveling overseas, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and plan to pay for most things on your credit card. This saves you the stress of trying to figure out currency conversions. If you travel a lot there are some great travel credit cards that offer great perks, like airport lounge access and a credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

Our personal favorite, and the card we use the most, is the Chase Sapphire Reserve . If you need cash during your travels, we recommend visiting an ATM rather than doing a currency exchange at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Check your health and car insurance policies and consider investing in travel insurance

A trip to the hospital or a car accident in a foreign country can quickly ruin a trip and drain your bank account. So, double check your insurance policies to see if you are covered should anything happen.

Consider buying travel insurance to protect you financially from unexpected events. 

Download any necessary travel apps

Your airline app, a navigation app, Uber, or Google Translate.

There are a variety of apps that make traveling easier and less stressful. Many of these apps may only be used when you’re traveling, so if they are not already installed on your phone or have been deleted, be sure to install them before you leave.

Set your out-of-office responder on your email 

Every family should occasionally travel off the grid . If for no other reason, it forces you not to check your phone or your email. But remember to set an out-of-office auto responder, particularly on your work email account. And then seriously, enjoy your trip and let all work matters wait until you return from your trip. 

Now to the fun part: packing for your trip! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your travel bag, or you will forget something!

If traveling with a baby, we have created a handy baby travel essentials packing list to help you pack efficiently for your little one, as well.   

Download our pre-travel checklist

Now, you should officially be ready for your trip! If you are the type of person who needs a printable list rather than a digital one, we’ve included all of these things to do before a vacation on a PDF you can download and print at home for reference.

Just subscribe to our newsletter to get it!

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11 Things You Should Do the Day Before You Leave for a Vacation

It's the eve of your departure — the day before you leave for that long-overdue vacation you've been dreaming of for months. But before you embark on your trip, there are some important steps for you to take.

Here are 11 items to cross off your to-do list before you head out.

Alert your credit card company.

To ensure your credit card works while you're traveling, your credit card company needs to know your travel plans. If you've waited this long though, you may have to call instead of submitting an online form.

And there's one other very important thing. "Make sure you have enough available credit on your credit cards," said Tammy Levent, CEO at Elite Travel Management Group .

Contact your cell phone company.

Traveling abroad? Call your service provider to help you set up the cheapest plan for making calls, sending text messages, and accessing Internet from your smartphone. Many cell phone companies — including AT&T , Verizon , and T-Mobile — offer affordable day passes to U.S. customers for International talk, text, and data plans.

Notify your home security system operator.

"If you're leaving two weeks or longer, it's a good idea to tell your local police department you'll be gone," Levent said. "If you ask, they may do extra runs by your house."

Confirm all reservations.

Double-check all your reservations: your flight, hotel, car rental, restaurants, attractions, and any other services or experiences you've planned. You don't want any surprises at a check-in counter.

If you have access to a printer, it's not a bad idea to print out confirmations. If you don't, write down confirmation numbers (and customer service phone numbers) and keep the paper easily accessible in your wallet or carry-on.

Make advance payments on bills that have due dates during your trip.

Don't want to get hit with late fees? Make sure all credit cards, housing expenses (e.g., rent, utilities), and other monthly bills will be paid on time.

Check the weather.

This may seem like an obvious one, but "many travelers forget to do it," said Levent. Check the forecast for your destination and your hometown when you'll be returning, and pack appropriately.

Eat, throw out, or give away any perishable food.

The last thing you want is to return home to a stinky fridge. Also, run the dishwasher, take out the trash, and clean the sink to be sure there's no food in the drain that could rot or attract bugs while you're away.

Leave an itinerary with a friend or family member.

Your emergency contact should have a copy of your travel plans, Levent advises.

Clean out your wallet.

Sift through your wallet and remove any items you don't need on your trip. Leave loyalty cards, gift cards, extra credit cards, and any other unnecessary contents at home.

Place a hold on your mail delivery.

This is a smart move if you're going away for more than a couple days, Levent says. Alternatively, you could arrange for a neighbor to collect your mail until you get home.

Bring in outdoor furniture.

Don't leave any outdoor wares (e.g., patio chairs, cushions, pool equipment) unguarded, especially lightweight items that are easy for thieves to steal.

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10 Things to Do Before You Travel

Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.

An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games.

He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already.

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Airfare, hotel accommodations, and rental cars may be the holy trinity of travel preparation, but nailing down these aspects of your vacation is only the beginning of the trip planning process. If you want to achieve a smooth, headache-free trip (and who doesn’t?), taking care of essential tasks like researching activities at your destination, managing your finances, and getting your home in order is key. Don’t leave home without accomplishing the following 10 tasks!

1. Contact the Kennel and/or House Sitter

Once you have a travel date, your first move should be to contact your pet kennel or house sitter (or any other trustworthy service) to guarantee availability. You may even want to take care of this before booking; as reader E.B. Hughes writes, “I have had to pay change fees twice since we got our dog just because the local kennel was full for one night of my trip.”

2. Take Care of “Stop” Orders and Advance Payments

Once your travel is booked, you should look into placing “stop” orders on any regularly occurring deliveries or services. These may include postal mail, newspapers, housecleaners and the like. If you want particular services to continue (such as landscaping), consider paying in advance if this is not your usual arrangement.

Many service providers allow you to place stop orders online; this is particularly the case for mail delivery and most newspapers. As many stop orders require one or two business days’ advance notice, make sure you take care of this at least three days before you travel.

3. Manage Your Cash Flow

If you’re traveling domestically, be sure to hit your own bank before leaving for your trip; that way you won’t arrive short on cash and have to immediately search for an ATM. Further, you will save on ATM fees at machines run by someone other than your own bank. Go to your bank’s website and map out any available ATM locations near your destination so you are not forced to use other banks’ machines.

If you’re traveling overseas, the most economical option is to visit an ATM as soon as you arrive in your destination and make a withdrawal in the local currency. Check the website of the airport where you’ll be arriving to make sure it has an ATM you can use. Most international airports have several, but if you’re flying to a smaller airport in a developing country, there’s no guarantee that there will be one (or that it will be working properly). In these cases, you may want to purchase some local currency ahead of time. For more details, see ATMs Abroad .

Call your bank or credit card company and let them know about your travel plans. Most banks and credit card companies keep track of spending patterns and may interpret an unexpected overseas purchase as credit card fraud. Your account could be locked if you use your card in another country without notifying your bank.

4. Plan Your First Day

The first day of your trip is often lost to logistics and unfamiliar surroundings. First you have to haul yourself and your stuff to a resting place. Then you have to figure out exactly where you are, which attractions are nearby and how best to use your limited time. Planning ahead will help you make the most of that first confusing day.

You may want to sketch out a walk near your digs, which can help you get oriented as well as shake off travel fatigue and jet lag . Also, check out any nearby amenities — like a rooftop lounge nearby, a balcony with a choice view or a heated pool for maximum chill-out at the end of a harried travel day.

For more ideas, check out 10 Things to Do in the First 24 Hours of Your Trip .

5. Plan Your Last Day

Reader Alan G. wrote in with the following recommendation: “Plan your LAST day (as well as your first)! Keep safely in a packet marked ‘GOING HOME’ your house keys, car keys, cash for taxi or tolls, phone chip and documents you’ll need when you arrive happy but exhausted at your home town airport. Unpacking your luggage at the arrivals area is no fun.”

For more on this, see 12 Things to Do on the Last Day of a Trip .

6. Pack Your Hands-Free Device

There is one modern item that has become an essential packing item: the cell phone earpiece or any other Bluetooth device that allows you to keep both hands on the wheel (and without a phone wedged between your neck and your shoulder). Local laws governing cell phone use while driving vary considerably, sometimes from one municipality to the next. Pack your hands-free device in your carry-on bag and you will not find yourself on the side of the road with a red siren whirling in your rearview mirror.

7. Check the Weather

The weather is the single factor most likely to affect your trip positively or negatively, and one of the things many people most take for granted. Of course it is going to be warm in Spain during the spring — right? But there are always exceptions to prevailing weather patterns, especially during transitional seasons. A weather forecast can guide your packing strategy, and failure to check the weather can result in unprepared, unhappy and very soggy travelers.

8. Search Out Your Hobbies at Your Destination

You never know where you will find the “best of” in any given endeavor; for example, one of the best guitar stores in the world can be found in Carlsbad, CA. Who knew? Melbourne, Australia, is renowned for its rich coffee culture, and Udaipur offers cycling enthusiasts spectacular paths for exploring rural India. Do a little research on your favorite hobbies, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find at your destination. (Learn more about how to turn your favorite hobby into a trip .)

9. Check Public Transit Maps

On a trip to Seattle a few years ago, a quick web search on public transit produced two very worthwhile pieces of information: 1) the public monorail system was not working, and 2) the downtown bus system was free for the entire length of downtown. Not surprisingly for Seattle, it rained all weekend, and those buses proved very useful in making short trips of a few blocks, for which you would not want to drive, but neither did you want to slog through in the rain. ( Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, Seattle’s downtown buses are no longer free.)

A bit of research online before you leave will also allow you to check fares, print transit maps and plan your itinerary.

10. Check the Local Entertainment Listings

Most cities and even medium-sized towns have some kind of weekly entertainment rag such as Time Out, which covers dozens of destinations around the globe.

These are excellent sources for entertainment listings, reviews, city “best-of” lists and more. It is best to check these from home, as you can then purchase advance tickets where necessary, make restaurant reservations, etc. Another good source is the local tourist board; its website will often have an events calendar where you can check out what’s going on during your trip.

Bonus tip: This one applies to airlines and hotels, so I won’t count it against the 10 tips: The most important thing you can program into your cell phone is the phone number of your airline; the second-most important is the direct phone number of your hotel. Do it now!

More from SmarterTravel:

• 4 Common Travel Disasters and How to Prevent Them
• What Not to Do in a New City
• 18 Surefire Ways to Get Sick While Traveling
• 10 Things to Do When You Get Home from a Trip

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Download the checklist [PDF 128 KB]

Learn about your destination

• Read our  travel advice  for your destination. We’ll tell you the key risks and advise you how to  stay safe . Learn what each  advice level  means in our travel advisories.
• Subscribe  to our travel advice and we’ll update you when things change. Also follow us on  X ,  Facebook  and Instagram .
• Research the  local laws  of the countries you plan to visit. If you're a  dual national , check if this will have any implications for your trip.

Organise your documents and insurance

• Confirm your  passport  is valid for at least 6 months from when you think your trip will end.
• Get the right  visa  for countries you’re visiting or transiting through. Smartraveller can’t help you with visas. Visa conditions change regularly so check the  Embassy  of the destinations you’ll visit before every trip.
• Get comprehensive  travel insurance  to cover you and your belongings. Check the fine print - get insurance that’s right for  you  and covers your  activities  in the  places  you’ll go. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
• Check if extra documents are needed if you’re  travelling with children.
• If you’ll  drive overseas  check out the local traffic laws and practices. You’re likely to need an International Driving Permit  (IDP)  as well as your Australian driver’s licence.

Plan for your health

• Consider if you’re physically  and mentally  healthy enough for travel.  Get advice from your doctor if you’re unsure.
• See your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you go for a basic health check. Get the  vaccinations needed for the places you’ll go.
• Check if your  medication  is legal and available in the places you’re going. Take enough of your prescribed medicines to last the whole trip. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor.

Tell people where you're going

• Tell your bank you’re travelling and check if your cards will work. Have several payment options. Check how much local and foreign currency you can bring into your destination.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family members. Give them copies of your passport and visa.
• Give a trusted contact copies of your passport and visa, key documents such as prescriptions, your insurance policy and documents for travelling with children.

Plan for if things go wrong

• Know what to do if there’s a  crisis  where you are overseas.
• Keep a list of  contacts  in case you need assistance.
• Read the  Consular Service Charter  to understand how we can help Australians overseas.
• Learn about Australia's border and biosecurity measures  (Department of Home Affairs)
• Find your destination's  embassy or consulate in Australia  for visa information.
• Learn about  International Driving Permits  (IDPs) .
• Visit  Scamwatch (ACCC)  to learn how to recognise, avoid and report scams.

Related content

Information to help you understand what consular staff in Australia and overseas can do to assist prisoners and their families when someone is arrested overseas.

Explore this page to learn about resources we offer industry, media, education and the community.

Advice for victim/survivors who have been sexually assaulted while overseas.

25 Things To Do Before Traveling Abroad: International travel checklist

Are you planning for your international trip? Here are the 25 things to do before traveling abroad plus the international travel checklist you need.

Before you head for your international trip, there are some things that should be done to make sure you have an amazing trip or actually get accepted to enter that country in the first place.

So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first time traveling internationally, here are the top 25 things to do before traveling abroad.

However, before you travel there are some useful platforms to help you plan your trip, and below are some of them.

– Before traveling abroad, make sure that you buy travel insurance. I recommend  World Nomads  as it’s the best for all kinds of travelers. – For accommodation, I recommend booking with  Booking.com  which is the biggest property website for all types of hotels. -If you’re looking for ground transportation,  Rentalcars  have professional drivers almost all around the world.

Things to do before traveling abroad

1. Check the validity of your passport

Before traveling to any country, first, check whether your Passport is valid.

Most countries will state that your passport should at least have 6 months before its expiry date.

Some others will require you to at least have 2 free visa pages in your passport for you to be granted entrance into their country.

To make sure your passport is valid according to the country you’re traveling to, check the consular website to see all the requirements about the passport.

2. Check the visa requirements

Among the things to do before traveling abroad is to check the visa requirements.

For some countries, you might need to apply for a visa, and for others, you might not if the country you’re traveling to exempts visas for the passport you hold.

It might be an e-visa or a visa on arrival. The only way to find the exact visa you need is to check with the nearest embassy of the country you’re going to or check on their website for more details.

Read more: Things not to do when you travel

3. Inform your bank or credit card provider about your travels

Other than just informing your bank to pay out your bills, inform them that you’ll be traveling to a certain country.

This will prevent your bank from freezing your credit cards on the assumption that someone is committing credit card fraud in another country.

For some banks, it’s as easy as filling out a form online but if your bank doesn’t have that provision, call or email them to find out how best you can go about it.

4. Research the political and security situation of the country

It would be such a shame to go into a country with political turmoil all over the place.

So instead of running into a chaotic and most definitely insecure situation, research the political situation of the country to judge whether you’ll be safe if you decide to go or you’ll have to reconsider your decision.

This can be found out by watching international news on the TV or reading newspapers. Read this post to find out how to stay while traveling .

5. Check the vaccinations requirements

Even though this might not be a requirement for all countries, vaccinations are certainly required in some countries before you can be allowed to enter.

The most common vaccination is usually the yellow fever vaccine.

And you prove that you took the vaccine by presenting a yellow fever card.

So, find out the types of vaccines needed in that country and get them before you go.

Related post: Helpful Travel tips every traveler should know

6. Research the cell and data plans of the country you’re traveling to

We all know roaming can be extremely expensive, so the option of roaming should be thrown out of the roof right now.

The cheapest and most advisable thing to do is to buy a local sim card with a prepaid data plan.

With the changing world, many countries have started introducing prepaid sim cards for tourists which come with a certain number of GBs (data), a number of text messages, and prepaid minutes to call internationally.

So before you travel abroad, find out the cell and data plans for each service provider in that country.

Compare them and decide on one that gives the best value for your buck not forgetting the coverage of that network.

7. Check if you need an international driving permit

If you plan to drive in a foreign country, it’s better to out find if you need an international driving permit commonly known as the IDP.

Different countries have different rules concerning this, so find out and see what’s required of you before you go.

Almost all countries recognize the IDP, all you have to do is apply for it and pay a small fee.

Find out more on how to get an International driving permit from the official  International Driving permit website to avoid buying a fake license.

8.  Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is one of the essential things to bring when traveling abroad.

In some cases, credit cards come with insurance, but if not, then buy one which covers health, theft, canceled flights, and any other aspect that you deem necessary.

World Nomads is the highly recommended insurance provider by almost all travelers. Get a quote from World Nomads by filling out the form below.

9. Register with your government

This may not be a requirement for some countries but if your government has a provision for registering nationals that are traveling out of the country, then do it.

This helps have a larger body look out for you if God forbid something were to go wrong hence putting in place a safety measure.

Related post: How to stay safe while traveling

10. Check the local currency and how it trades with your home currency

This is perhaps one of the most important aspects that should be on your checklist for traveling internationally!

It is essential to know how the currency of the country you’re traveling to trades with your home currency.

This helps you plan for the activities and how much you’ll need to be able to have a fulfilling trip.

Related post: How to survive a long layover at the airport

11. Check the weight requirements of your airline

If you don’t want surprises when you reach the airport and you have to pay more money because of the extra weight, then it’s better to check the weight requirement with your airline before you even start packing.

You can buy this tra v el scale to help you weigh your luggage so that it doesn’t exceed the weight requirement.

But before you pack anything, make sure you don’t leave these travel essentials behind.

Travel Essentials you should never leave home.   –  A universal travel adapter : Since different countries use different adapters, I’d advise you to buy one universal travel adapter to cater to all regions. You can  buy one from here  if you don’t have one yet. –  A power Bank : One of the things you should never leave behind while traveling is the Powerbank! Phones have now become a great deal of our lives that we need to use them for so many important things. So take a power bank with you so that you don’t run out of battery.  This power bank   is small, light, and has the capability to charge your phone and other devices multiple times. –  Microfibre travel towel  – I always opt for  this microfibre travel towel   because it is super lightweight, easy to wash and dries easily. –  First Aid kit : Regardless of where you’re traveling to, you’ll need to pack a First Aid kit for emergencies that might arise while traveling. Remember it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure that the one you pack has all the essentials and that it is small and light enough to fit in any kind of suitcase/ backpack.  This first aid kit   actually fits all the qualities mentioned above plus it is really cheap for what it offers. –  Collapsible water bottle : I always prefer carrying a water bottle while traveling so that I can just refill it when I run out of water. It also helps to be a responsible traveler since you won’t have to use tones of disposable plastic bottles which are not great for our environment. Any water bottle can work but I prefer  this collapsible one  as it doesn’t take up a lot of space in my bag.

12. Download apps required for that specific country

Aside from the general travel apps that can work in literally all countries, there are apps that were strictly developed for a particular country and are bound to make your trip easier.

So before you travel internationally, download the apps you’ll need for that country.

There are so many blog posts on the internet with different apps needed in each country – just make sure you read them to know which apps to download.

Related post: Free Travel apps that work offline

13. Pre-pay your bills or have them scheduled out

There is nothing as bad as going back home from your trip and finding out that you’re in trouble because of some bills that you didn’t pay while you were away.

To avoid all this and the inconveniences it comes with, pay your bills prior to your trip.

If you pay rent, pay it in advance or make a standing order with your bank to pay it out directly while you’re out of the country.

14. Get the medication you need as prescribed by your doctor

Other than just getting a vaccine that is mandatory in the country you’re visiting, if you have any illness, make sure you consult your doctor for prescriptions so that you can have the medicine you need before you travel abroad.

The good news is that TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows medication in a carry-on as long as you follow the rules.

For example, Solid medication is allowed in the carry-on without any limit in quantity, however, liquid medication has a limit of ounces you can carry.

So before you travel abroad with the medication, find out all the information about flying with medication from here .

Related post: Tips for first-time flyers

15. Book your hotel at least for the first few nights

It is so exhausting to reach a new country and start struggling to find where to stay.

No one wants to go through all that after hours of flying.

So make sure you book your hotel in advance to kick off your trip in high spirits.

If you’re planning to stay in a hostel for the first time , read this post to know what to expect.

16. Get a solution for your emails

If you’re going for a vacation where you want to disconnect from all hustles of life including receiving emails, then find a solution for it before you go.

You can set up an autoresponder to let the person sending know that you’re away and how far long they will need to wait to get in touch with you.

Or you can set a redirect to make sure all your important emails get redirected to someone else so that urgent issues are worked upon.

17. Get a solution for your mailbox

This normally happens when you plan to be away from your home for quite a long time.

So instead of having mails sit in your mailbox for long, why not redirect all of them to a trusted friend or family?

This way if there is something urgent or perishable, they can deal with it.

18. Make an itinerary

Before you travel out of the country, find out the activities you’ll be doing and come up with an itinerary.

Even though sometimes plans change a bit as you travel, an itinerary helps you stay organized and keep you on track as you travel.

This doesn’t mean you should forget about being spontaneous if something fun comes up – just go for it, why not?

Related post: 12 simple steps for planning a trip from scratch

19. Research public transportation

The means of Public transportation differ from country to country, so find out how good/ bad public transportation is in the country you’re traveling to.

This will help you decide how best you can navigate through the country.

In addition to this, find out the means of getting from the airport to your hotel.

You can arrange for an airport pick-up with the hotel or plan to just grab a cab from the airport.

But if you want a private cab, use Rentalcars to get the best one in whichever location you’re heading to.

20. Check the weather conditions

It is always a good practice to know what the weather is before you go.

This will help you decide which activities to do and the clothes to pack for that specific weather.

It would be such a shame if you carried summer clothes only to find out that it is pretty cold.

21. Do extensive research about the destination

This is probably one of the most powerful things to do before traveling abroad.

There is so much information on the internet that will give you an idea of the country you’re visiting.

Start by finding out the major tourist destinations, highly recommended restaurants to eat at, customs and culture, appropriate dress code and so many other things.

Related post: Hiking tips for beginners

22. Learn a few words and phrases of the local language

I am terrible at learning new languages, but every time I travel to a new country, I try to learn a few common words and phrases beforehand.

This won’t just make you more confident traveling in that country but even locals will be more friendly to you given the fact that you made an effort to learn a few words in their language.

23. Research common tourist scams in the country

Most scams that happen in any country always target tourists.

So as not to fall victim, do research about the common tourist traps and how to avoid them.

24. Print out your travel documents

This is a safety measure that should be put in place in case you were to lose your original documents.

I mean try to protect your travel documents with your life but in instances where you lose them, at least you have where to start with the photocopies.

Related post: Tips for packing light

25. Find out what you can bring to that country

Before you travel, research what is acceptable/unacceptable to bring to that country.

This ranges from country to country as each country has different laws that govern it.

So instead of assuming that since a certain item is allowed in your country, it is automatically allowed in another country.

This could be alcohol, a certain type of medication, or anything else.

Just make sure you know what you can’t bring before you go.

With that international travel checklist, I am now confident that you know all the things to do before traveling abroad.

Is there anything else that you do before traveling overseas? Let me know in the comment section and I will add it to my personal travel checklist.

More Travel tips to help you travel better.

• Tips on how to travel on a budget
• Tips for packing light
• Weekend packing list
• Tips for first-time flyers
• How to survive a long flight
• How to make friends when traveling solo
• Tips for staying in a hostel for the first time

Was this post on things to do before traveling abroad helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.

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The Passport Kids

Adventure Family Travel

Things to Do Before Travelling for a Year: A Pre Travel Checklist

In: Blog , Full Time Travel , Travel Tips by Nicole Last Updated: May 31, 2021

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So you have decided to travel long term and now the process starts with figuring out what are the things to do before travelling for a year ?

There are many things to do before you travel , whether it is long term or for a 2 week vacation most of these items are good things to have in place to help those who travel prepare your home life for being away travelling.

We have done many of these items for years, but when it came to planning our 1 year gap year to travel the world with our kids I didn’t know where to start and felt a bit overwhelmed. So hopefully by gathering this information and sharing it with you, this can help you pull together all the things to do before travelling abroad .

You might also find out some tips for travelling abroad first time !

Before you start anything my recommendation is you SET A DATE! It may seem self-explanatory, but this will help you create your Travel Preparation Checklist below and outline a plan.

You need to have your goal departure date set to work backwards from and this helps you keep the eye on the prize! So if you only have 3 months or 6 months before you go then you can condense the items and space them out. I used a spreadsheet to help track these items.

Travel Preparation Checklist

31 things to do before travel, 1 year before travel (or now), 1. develop a travel itinerary (loose plan).

This is the fun part of planning but it will also help you with details that you will need to have a general idea about where you are going (visas, immunizations, etc).

Decide if there are main places you want to go to the world, a starting point, an ending point, how long, type of travel and what you want to get out of the travel experience. You can see our loose 1 year travel itinerary plan here , this changed but it gave us a good start!

These are 25 of the best countries to travel to with kids to start some ideas.

2. Create Online Accounts

Start creating online accounts for EVERYTHING you have and get them sent to email.

Cancel any paper bills as they come in the mail over the next year. Banking, utilities, revenue agency, retirement accounts, school details, healthcare, insurance, credit cards, etc. Regardless of how long you are going to be travelling this will help ongoing for having a mobile life and one of the best things to do before leaving for vacation!

Think about how you will access or get anything that you typically get now, but in another country. A major one is to figure out how you will fill out your income taxes abroad.

Set up any bills to be paid automatically for credit cards, bills, etc.

11 Months Before Travel

3. decide on your home details.

Decide what you are going to do with your house/home/condo/apartment. Are you going to sell, rent it out, cancel your rental, find someone to live in the house? This decision will help create a plan for the things you need to do for your house before you travel.

4. Tell Close Family & Friends

This is easy and hard at the same time! Fun to tell them about all your travel plans, but depending on your family they may be unsure, scared or worried about you too!

Be ready for any kind of response and know in your heart that this is right for you (and your family). I know I was pleasantly surprised by all the support of our friends and family. Those people will shine through and give you the extra support that you need for this big decision. Also, it’s ok that you don’t have all the answers they may ask… you’ll figure it out!

5. Start Selling Stuff

Start selling stuff, reducing and getting rid of anything that is not needed anymore! This will help clear the clutter and can also help with the savings for your travel too. Here are some of the things we did to save money for our travels , which included selling A LOT of stuff we no longer needed. It all added up to almost $30,000!

It’s about choices and priorities!

10 Months Before Travel

6. vaccinated & immunization.

One of the things to do before international travel is to check into your vaccine and immunizations. So based on your travel itinerary check with your doctor or travel clinic on which vaccines or immunizations you will need to travel there. Some immunizations need multiple doses and could take a few months to complete the cycle of vaccinations. Start this plan early and have them scheduled closer to your departure date (approx. 6 months prior to departure).

Some immunizations are recommended, while others may be mandatory for entry into the country. You can find out more about our travel immunization details here .

You can check out more details for health information for travellers to each country here , but ensure you have checked with your travel clinic as well since these get updated.

7. Banking & Credit Cards

Figure out the best online banking and global banking credit cards for your travels.

Look for Banking accounts and Credit Cards that don’t have Foreign Transaction Fees (or reduced fees since these will add up taking money out of ABM). This is a good post to help outline some of the credit card details .

Have more than one Credit Card and have different companies for each – Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are what we took; just in case one is not accepted, stolen or lost. We also ended up having 2 of our credit cards be discontinued so at the end of our trip only had 1 credit card left until we returned back to Canada.

Tell your banks where you will be travelling and when otherwise they may think your transactions are suspicious and freeze your cards.

8. Schooling Preparation

If you have kids, you will need to start preparing for their schooling and looking into options on what can be done. First, contact the school board that they are currently attending and notifying them of what your plans to travel for a year and find out what options might be available. Some school boards have options for distance learning, homeschooling, etc.

At this point start thinking about what your schooling plans will be for your children and start a loose plan of what needs to be in place for you to have your children out of “regular” school. You can find out more about our long term Worldschooling/Unschooling plan here .

My best advice after being very concerned about the schooling for my kids is really not to worry about it too much , things will work out and they will learn more than you expect on their travels!

View this post on Instagram Great job Luca on presenting your “Let’s see what’s on the other side of the world” 🌎 presentation to other kids at school. He worked really hard on putting this together and rocked it speaking in front of the other kids. A great way to wrap up 3rd grade of worldschool. So proud of you ❤️ #schoolpresentation #storyteller . . . . #Passportkids #familytravel #kidstravel #ftb100 #tinytravels #familytrip #familytraveltribe #tbscommunity #havekidswilltravel #tmom #lpkids #travelwithkids #familymemories #kidswhotravel #worldschool A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Jun 14, 2018 at 11:38am PDT

9 Months Before Travel

9. check expiry on documents & cards.

Check all the documents that you take with you travelling and double check that none expire while you are away. Most countries won’t let you in if your passport expires within 6 months. (ie. passports, credit cards, bank cards, drivers licence, etc)

If you need new ones, start that process now!

10. Children’s Documentation

Ensure you have your children’s birth certificate. Some countries, like South Africa , require you to have the long version (showing both parent’s names) of the child’s birth certificate with you. If you don’t have the original copy you can get certified copies created from their birthplace to take with you on your travels.

If you are travelling without both parents, ensure you have a letter of consent from the parent who is not with you or a death certificate.

11. Plan for Storage & Stuff

If you are selling your home start working on your plan for where you will keep some of your stuff that you won’t be selling. Sort through what is the most cost-effective way for you to store it and look into when you need to book this by (some book months in advance). ie. storage container, storage lots, trailer, etc.

We ended up buying a utility trailer as we then used it when we drove and moved to another city after our return.

8 Months Before Travel

12. set up mobile phones.

You will need to ensure everything is set up for your mobile phones while you are travelling for an extended period of time.

Get all your cell phones unlocked so that you can put new data cards in from other countries. Some mobile providers have great plans for international travel, but the ones in Canada are not awesome. So we kept our SIM cards with us for emergencies if we needed to access data or make a phone call (would have been a very expensive emergency). You can also check to see if this works by testing it with a friend’s SIM card from another provider before you leave.

We purchased new SIM data cards in every country and used that for data when wifi wasn’t available. Note: When you do this your cell phone number will change. So hence why if anyone needs to get in contact with you then email is best.

13. Set up Video Conference

Our recommendation is to use Skype and Facetime for video conferencing while you are travelling. When you travel it is always nice to see those who you miss over video.

Facetime worked great for all our iPhone family and friends to see while we were away. If you already have an iPhone you most likely already have this setup, but do some testing with those contacts you haven’t Facetimed before.

Setup Skype as well for making easy phone calls ! Set this up and you can call as usual without having to figure out the calling codes to get out of a country (painful sometimes). Purchase a Skype credit (which is very cheap and lasts a long time). We used Skype for calling our family who don’t have mobile phones, banks, government agencies, etc.

7 Months Before Travel

14. get travel insurance.

Getting Travel Insurance needs to be on your travelling abroad checklist! If you are working, you may have coverage for this travel while you are travelling. But, if you are taking a year off to travel the world you most likely won’t and will need to look into options.

In our case, we did so much research into travel insurance and can highly recommend World Nomads as a great choice for travel insurance. It was so easy to set up, simply add in the countries that you plan to go to and then get a quote for the cost. It is a cost you will have to factor into your budget and part of the cost of travelling, it was non-negotiable for us.

We also had to add in some countries along the way while travelling and that was really easy to do online. The interface was really easy, great customer service and speedy responses.

You can read our ENTIRE review of the World Nomads family travel insurance we got here!

15. Start Booking Travel

If you know where your first stop is going to start looking into flights and accommodations. It honestly didn’t feel real or light a fire under us until we had this first flight booked. So do this early and the reality of it will kick in!

If you have any big items planned on your 1 year of travel you may want to consider booking these out further in advance to ensure you get what you are looking for. For example, we probably should have booked out our African Safari a little further out to save money and have more options.

If you have anything like a cruise, safari, unique festival, sporting or specific event get your tickets in advance and then plan your travels around your ability to acquire those tickets. We did this for our Vietnam Halong Bay cruise and our Sydney cruise .

For all other accommodation bookings, we planned them out 4-6 weeks in advance while on our travels. We used Booking and VRBO for our accommodations for our world trip. We typically stayed in VRBOs if staying longer than 5 days in one place at a time. Find out our money-saving tips, tricks and hacks with our Airbnb VRBO Guest Checklist .

6 Months Before Travel

16. cancel any subscriptions.

If you have a newspaper, magazines or products that are shipped to your home monthly then cancel this subscription services. We cancelled ours months before we left, but this can wait until closer to if you prefer. It’s also a good way to save money!

17. Home up for Sale Or Provide Rental Notice

If you are selling your home then check with your market for the best time or how long it takes to sell your home. We put our house up 6 months before we were scheduled to leave.

If you are subletting or giving notice to your rental check into the conditions and line up the timing.

If you are renting out your house, get anything fixed that needs repaired, set up maintenance house services such as cutting grass, shovelling snow, regular maintenance, etc.

5 Months Before Travel

18. technology & photos backups.

Capture photos of travelling is a big part of the journey. So be sure to have a plan on how you are going to back up these memories.

If you are travelling with a laptop look to back up your computer online to a service so that if your laptop is stolen or lost you can easily set up a new laptop.

Get your photo storage and a backup plan created. We use a combination of external hard drives and online. The wifi can be challenging in some places and uploading to cloud services has proven to be challenging sometimes. You can find out more about my photos and camera for travelling fulltime here .

19. Mail Forwarded

There will always be a few things that slip through, so if you have the option to set up mail forwarding to a family member this can be set up. There are some countries where you can pay for a service that they open your mail and then email it to you, but this isn’t available in Canada. We set this up early and then future-dated it to 3 weeks before we left.

4 Months Before Travel

20. packing details.

Start to think about packing details like what luggage you are going to take and how much stuff you will bring. Create a list of things you will need to bring and start planning out what you need to bring.

Think about keeping your packing light, multiple outfits matching, good quality products to last, good walking shoes, durable products, etc. Outline all the things to bring when travelling abroad and then pair it down to what would be minimal and what you could buy abroad instead of packing it.

Here is our exactly long term travel packing list that we used for our 1 year of travel.

Here is some info about of medication packing list , we always carry our prescriptions with us on the flight.

View this post on Instagram All packed up and ready to go! #familytravel #bagsarepacked #worldtrip #letsgo #familypacking ##passportkids #familytravel #kidstravel #ftb100 #tinytravels #familytrip #familytraveltribe #tbscommunity #havekidswilltravel #tmom #lpkids #travelwithkids #familymemories #kidswhotravel A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Jul 1, 2017 at 11:23am PDT

3 Months Before Travel

21. visas & travel advisories.

Check to see if countries you plan on visiting require tourist visas and what their entry criteria are. In Canada, this travel advisory site will give you all the information and help you plan out the travel requirement for entry. You can also find out about things to know about a country before visiting too.

22. Finalize any Paperwork or Personal Business

Wrap up any loose ends you may have personally with accountant, lawyer, banks, realtors or anyone that you may have to sign anything in person with. Ensure you have a will and POA set up with a lawyer.

2 Months Before Travel

23. medical appointments.

Book out dentist, doctor, optometrist and any other medical appointment for 6-8 weeks prior to your departure. This will give you enough time to get the latest checkup, cleaning and medications refill. It will also give you enough time if you have any follow up appointment required.

24. Scan Electronic Copies of Documents

Scan any documents you have and keep copies electronically somewhere that can be accessed anywhere. We used Dropbox to store all our documents so we could access from our phones, laptops or from a web browser if needed.

Some examples of what documents to take when travelling abroad :

• Birth certificates
• Medical prescriptions
• Eye prescriptions
• Travel insurance
• Credit and bank cards (front and back)
• Driver’s license
• Immunization records

1 Month Before Travel

The final month before will be extremely busy with last minute things that have to wait until closer to your departure date.

25. International Drivers License

Ensure your driver’s license is valid until your return and obtain an international driver’s license for the year. They are usually only valid for 1 year so if you plan on driving on any road trip its always a good idea to have these along.

26. Download Travel Apps

I’ve put together all our favourite travel apps here . Go through these and setup any in advance to help your travels run smoother!

27. Inform Government of Travel Plans

This one surprised many people that you can and should let your government know that you will be out of the country and in which country when. In Canada, you can access this site, Registration of Canadian Abroad , and update it with all your travel plans. They use this in case of emergency and need to know where Canadians are and advise them.

We actually got 2 emails while abroad with help if we needed it, first was when we were in Italy and there was an earthquake, and the other for when we were in Bali and there was the volcano erupting. They provided us with consulate details, emergency assistance and good information if we needed it.

28. Donate & Sell Items

If you have any items left that you couldn’t sell and don’t want to store, consider donating the items. We had a 1 week blow out of all our items at really cheap prices and then donated everything else.

29. Items into Storage & Insurance

Put any last-minute items into storage and get insurance on your belongings. If you have any valuables or important items that are not replaceable then ask a family member to store them. Like photos, tax paperwork, etc.

30. Finish up Work & School

If you are quitting your job, I would advise you to give much further notice to your employer (I gave 6 months to my employer) so they can best prepare for your departure as well. Give you notice, plan your exit and clean things up with work items including paperwork, closing off documents and lunch with co-workers.

I was scheduled to be off 2 weeks before we left but ended up working up until 5 days due to unforeseen circumstances… but try to give yourself time before you leave.

We coordinated our departure with the end of the school calendar year for the kids. They finished up 3 days before we left!

31. Last Minute Things

Last minute things to do before international travel:

• Hair appointments
• Put any valuables in safety deposit box like wedding rings, wills, insurance, etc.
• Visits with family and friends

View this post on Instagram Can’t visit #Rome without a stop by the #coliseum #somuchhistory #familytravel #italy . . . . #Passportkids #familytravel #kidstravel #ftb100 #tinytravels #familytrip #familytraveltribe #tbscommunity #havekidswilltravel #tmom #lpkids #travelwithkids #familymemories #kidswhotravel A post shared by Passport Kids Adventure Family (@passport_kids) on Aug 12, 2017 at 11:24pm PDT

We hope you have found the above travelling internationally checklist useful to start outlining and planning your long term abroad travel.

There are so many things to do before travelling abroad , but when you leave for this adventure it will be all worth it.

Is there anything that we missed that we should add to this checklist? If so, please add a comment below so we can share it with everyone!

More Information to Help with Full Time Travel:

• World Trip Itinerary
• Immunizations for Family Travel
• Worldschooling / Unschooling for 1 year
• Reflections of 1 Year of Travel

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More Info:  Disclosure

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16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

What are the things to prepare for traveling long-term? What do you need to keep in mind and how can you be prepared for anything when you’re going on a long-term trip? Here’s an international travel checklist with an overview of what you need to prepare and know before going on a long-term adventure.

I still remember that feeling of excitement when I was preparing for my first solo long-term trip.

I was going to travel for a year to Australia and New Zealand. I had little travel experience and not really a clue what I was doing. I felt nervous and anxious about leaving my family, friends, and home but also thrilled for the adventure ahead.

When you’re about to go on a long-term trip, there are a lot of things to take care off. And while you’re preparing for that adventure into the unknown, you might also go through a variety of emotions for the upcoming trip.

You might feel overwhelmed at times by all the things you need to do at home (storing your belongings, arranging a postal address, saying goodbye to your loved ones), nervous about the trip ahead (am I really ready for this??) and hopefully also very excited for this new adventure.

I can fully relate to these feelings as I’ve been through it myself many times.

I’ve been living a nomad life for 10 years now. Every time I’m about to leave my home base and set out on a new adventure, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for the next chapter of my journey.

Reading Tip: Why I decided to leave the grind and become a nomad

Throughout the years I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Realizing you can’t enter a country because your passport is going to expire within 6 months or having your credit card blocked because you forgot to tell your bank you’re traveling to a new destination isn’t fun…

To avoid making the same mistakes, I’ve started making an international travel checklist for myself with all the things to prepare before traveling to my next destination(s).

I’m also sharing some useful tips and resources so you’re prepared for anything while traveling long-term!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Travel Checklist – Essential documents to prepare before traveling

1. get a passport with enough visa pages.

Depending on how many countries you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough visa pages available in your passport.

Some countries request having a blank page for either an entry stamp or a visa. If you don’t have any blank pages left, you might be refused entry.

Upon applying for a new passport, check how many pages the standard passport of your country of residency has. If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should consider requesting a 52-page passport.

Most countries also require your passport to have six months of remaining validity . As you never know how your trip will go, just always make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip.

If you’re already traveling and you notice that you’re running out of visa pages or passport validity, you should be able to renew your passport in your embassy or consulate abroad.

Just keep in mind that it will take longer to receive a new passport when you apply for one abroad than it would in your home country.

2. Check the visa requirements of your destination(s)

Never forget to check the visa requirements of your destination(s) before you leave on your trip. Some countries offer a visa upon arrival, other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance.

Nowadays most countries have an e-visa portal through which you can apply for a visa online. However, there are still countries that only issue visas at their embassies.

For a few countries, such as China, you have to apply in person in your country of residency. Keep this in mind if you’re f.eg. planning an overland trip from Europe to Asia !

A great resource for checking the visa requirements for each country and how to apply is iVisa . This service also offers assistance if the application process turns out to be a bit complicated.

Another tip is to always keep track of the time you have on your visa . This might seem obvious but is often overlooked.

I once miscalculated the days on my 30-day visa for Bali. Upon departure at the airport, an immigration officer kept questioning me for more than an hour why I had overstayed my visa.

I wasn’t even aware of it until I realized I had miscalculated with one day… I had to pay a fine and was able to catch my flight to Malaysia just on time.

So don’t make the same mistake as me and also, don’t leave on the last day of your visa in case your flight is delayed or gets canceled… You don’t want to be stuck at the airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. I’ll tell you later on in this article what to do in case of flight cancellation.

3. Get an international driver’s license

You might initially not have plans to rent a car and drive yourself but if you go on a long-term trip, it’s always good to be prepared for anything. You never know that you suddenly feel like going on a road trip or that you have to drive in an emergency situation.

When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had no intention of driving myself but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I could if something would happen.

Not all countries require an international driver’s license but it’s good to have one in case you run into any issues.

4. Get proof of vaccination if required

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to get certain vaccinations. You can check here to see if your destination requires any mandatory vaccinations.

When I traveled to Africa many years ago, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever or I wasn’t allowed to enter certain countries. I also got vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus. I’m telling you, I’m prepared for anything…

Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination.

5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash

I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card. It’s good to have a backup in case one of the cards gets lost or stolen. That’s why you should never put your cards together in your wallet or handbag but instead keep them in separate places.

Most countries have ATMs nowadays but you need to check beforehand if you’re better of with a card supported by Visa or MasterCard . In countries like Kyrgyzstan, most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Don’t forget to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad. You don’t want them to block your debit or credit card when you need to withdraw money from an ATM abroad.

I also have a travel card from Wise (formerly known as TransferWise). You can easily open an account online and apply for a debit card that you can use worldwide to withdraw money at a very low fee (1.75%).

Some countries don’t have well-functioning ATMs yet, like Uzbekistan , so it’s also very useful to bring some emergency cash. US Dollars are accepted worldwide and usually have one of the best exchange rates.

And last but not least, carry local currency with you in case you go to a shop or restaurant that doesn’t accept credit cards.

Tip: Most airports have ATMs nowadays but charge a larger fee than ATMs in cities. The rates to exchange money at the airports are also usually higher. Only withdraw or exchange enough money to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and get some local currency once you’re in the city.

6. Make copies of your travel documents

Once you have all of the above documents in order, make paper copies of them. It’s handy to have paper copies of your passport, driver’s license, etc. in case you lose your original ones or if they get stolen. That’s why you should store the copies in a separate bag than where you keep the original ones.

Tip: If you travel in countries that are known for bribing officials, never hand over your original documents. Give them a paper copy instead and say that you left the original ones in your hotel room.

Fortunately, I’ve never been in such a situation but I’ve heard horror stories of travelers in which the officials would only return their passports after they paid a huge bribe…

I also always have a scanned copy of my documents on my phone and on an online account that I can access on any device.

Things to prepare in case of unexpected circumstances

7. get long-term medical travel insurance.

Chances are that nothing will happen when you’re on the road but look at what 2020 has taught us…

From catching a weird virus to motorcycle accidents, lost luggage at the airport, pickpocketing, breaking your leg while  skiing , or falling during a horse trek , bad luck can strike you at the most unexpected moment.

Having medical travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital as you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget on medical costs.

For advice on what to do in case of flight cancellation and delay, read the section below.

Reading Tip: One of the Best Medical Travel Insurances for Nomads – SafetyWing Review

8. Know what to do in case of flight cancelation or flight problems

It can always happen that your flight gets delayed or canceled. Especially nowadays, due to the current situation, many airlines cancel flights last-minute.

Like many other travelers, I’ve had this happening to me in 2020. That’s when I found out about Flightright .

Flightright is a great platform to help you get to know your rights in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and they also offer assistance with flight problems caused by corona.

What to do if my flight is canceled? I firstly contact my airline to see if I can get a replacement flight or a refund. On top of that, I also check if I’m entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

To know how much compensation I can get for my canceled flight, I use Flightright’s free compensation calculator . They offer great advice to know your rights as a passenger and what you should do to claim your compensation.

If the airline refuses to pay, Flightright also has a team of travel law experts that offer legal services to enforce your claim.

So in case you’d encounter any problems with your flight (delays, cancellations, strikes, overbooking,…), definitely check out Flightright’s platform as they tell you in detail what you’re rights are and what to do!

9. Know who to contact in case of emergency

Keep the contact information of your local embassy on your phone or write it down and keep it close in case you encounter problems with local authorities.

I once had trouble with some police officers in Kyrgyzstan who were claiming I needed proof of registration to travel in the country. That wasn’t true as these regulations had changed in the last year.

These police officers were just trying to get a bribe out of me. I kept my calm but when they started using threats like having me arrested, I took out my phone and told them I was going to call my embassy. They immediately left me alone.

It’s also not a bad idea to register with your local embassy . You can email them or give them a quick call as soon as you’re at your destination.

If there would be an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know that you’re there and will help you get to safety.

I’d also recommend installing the TripWhistle app on your phone. This app maps your location, allows you to text or send your GPS coordinates to someone, and provides you with the emergency numbers for the police, the fire department, and medical services in nearly 200 countries.

10. Keep a list of emergency contact info and stay connected with your home

As I often travel alone, I always carry a list with the contact details of my mother and sister in the form of a small card. I keep one in my wallet and one in my backpack.

I do this in case something would happen to me so medical professionals know who to contact.

If you have allergies, I would also write them down on a card. In case you need treatment and you can’t answer questions, the doctors at least will know what you’re allergic to.

I know that the list above seems a bit gloomy. I’m a very positive person and the chances that something happens on the road are very slim. It’s just always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for anything!

Now let’s move on to fun things to prepare for your upcoming adventure!

More Useful things to prepare for travel

11. essential travel items.

I’ll soon make a post of what I carry in my backpack as a long-term traveler. But no matter your destination and how long you go traveling, these are the items you should always pack:

• small first-aid kit including bandaids, antibacterial ointment, paracetamol, medicine for stomach illness,…
• hand sanitizer and toilet paper
• small flashlight
• portable charger
• universal travel adapter
• reusable water bottle with a filter so you can safely drink tap water wherever you are
• pen and paper : very useful to take notes, fill in papers at customs,…
• protein bars or snacks : if you want to be prepared for anything, make sure to have some food with you!
• thread and needle travel kit : very handy when there’s a rip in your bag or clothing

Read: What’s in My Camera Bag – Essential Gea r for Travel Photographers

12. Useful travel apps

It’s crazy to think that when I started traveling in 2011, smartphones and travel apps didn’t exist yet.

I used to find my way around places by using a foldable paper map, find accommodation by reading suggestions from a guide book or knocking on doors,… So much has changed in the last decade!!

I might sometimes feel nostalgic about those good old-school travel days but some travel apps have made things a lot easier.

Here are the travel apps I find most useful and are worldwide accessible:

• Google Maps or any GPS app to find your way around places. I also download maps for offline use.
• Google Translate : this app translates into 103 languages, has access to nearly 60 languages for offline use, offers camera translation in 37 languages (handy to read signs or menus) and has two-way instant speech translation available in 32 languages
• XE Currency Converter : this app quickly provides up-to-day currency rates and you can also use it offline.
• GlobeTips : this app advises you how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator.
• Booking.com : there are many apps that help you find (last-minute) accommodation. I always use the booking.com app to find good deals that suit my budget.

13. Book first night accommodation

I’m an adventurous traveler and like spontaneous travel but I always book my first night’s accommodation in a new country in advance.

I’m usually tired after a flight or a long day of overland travel and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have a place to relax for at least one night upon arrival.

It gives me the time to arrive, to adjust to my new environment, to explore the area, and prepare for the next steps of my journey.

Reading Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap and Free Accommodation around the World

14. Research your destination

I always do some research about the countries I’m visiting. Not only to have an idea of which places I would like to see but also to have some knowledge about the local culture and customs.

I don’t want to be an ignorant traveler thinking that the rules and etiquette from my home country are the same everywhere else in the world.

Research the dress code. You really don’t want to be that girl wearing short dresses in a conservative country or that guy wearing shorts and sandals while visiting religious sites.

Know what is allowed and not to avoid misunderstandings. When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had to be very aware of my hand gestures. In some countries, a thumbs-up means the same as putting up your middle finger…

Remember that you’re a visitor. If you invite someone into your home, you would like them to respect your rules and customs. Do the same when you’re traveling, even if those customs don’t align with yours. It’s part of the travel experience.

15. Learn basic phrases

People love it when they hear you’re trying to speak their native tongue. They’ll react with amazement, give you a big smile, and won’t label you as “just another tourist”.

They’re happy when a foreigner puts effort into learning their language, even if it’s just basic phrases like “hello, how are you, thank you,…” and they’ll respect you for that.

By learning the basics of the local language, doors that otherwise would remain closed have opened.

I’ve been countless times invited for a drink, a meal or a sleeping place. People quickly open up if they hear you’re putting effort into learning their language.

Learning the local language has been a very enriching experience and taught me more about the country than if I would just visit its historical and tourist sites.

Reading Tip: 7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language

16. Be flexible and have a positive and open mindset

There’s this saying ” If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. This is oh so true!

Nothing ever goes as planned, especially when you’re traveling. Unexpected things will happen. It’s part of the adventure and the journey.

I’ve learned to be flexible, have an open mind, and approach unforeseen events with a positive mindset. Every challenge is an invitation to learn and whatever came my way, it always brought me where I’m supposed to be.

I hope this travel checklist is helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared for your upcoming adventure! If you’d have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message.

Do you have more things to add to this international travel checklist? Do you have more tips and resources that are useful to be prepared for anything on the road? Let me know in the comments below!

MORE USEFUL POST ABOUT LONG-TERM TRAVEL:

The Ultimate List of 23 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Travel and volunteer abroad for free with these 4 work exchange programs

The Complete Guide to Teach English Online with 37 Online Teaching schools and Platforms

4 Realistic and Best Ways to Find Free Accommodation for Travellers

How to Make Money While Traveling the World including the 12 Best Travel Jobs

2 thoughts on “16 things to prepare for a long trip – international travel checklist”.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner.

Thank you Jay

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15 travel tips (and what not to do) when you're in Japan

Dec 16, 2023 • 7 min read

Many say that Japan’s customs can be intimidating for outsiders. Don’t listen to them © istock

Japan has a reputation as an etiquette-bound place that can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Don’t buy it. The traditions here are no more formal or constricting than in many other destinations around the world. Moreover, most locals are more than willing to help out or give foreign travelers a pass for any perceived faux pas.

As with just about anything in life, expectation management is key. Put your mind at ease with our top tips for smooth traveling in Japan .

1. Book accommodation in advance (and arrive at the right time)

You can probably get a room at a basic business hotel without a reservation in a pinch, but why risk it? Top accommodations can book up weeks or even months in advance, so it's best to plan ahead. Particularly busy travel periods include the first week of January, cherry blossom season (late March through April, depending on the destination), “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5) and August.

You should also keep in mind that smaller inns or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) often have fixed check-in times outside of which staff won’t be present, and rooms won’t be made up. Coordinate your arrival time in advance.

2. Pack light for a visit to Japan

Since hotel rooms in Japan tend to be small, especially in cities, there is little room for large suitcases – which can also be a pain to wrangle on public transport. Never a bad idea, packing on the lighter side is especially advisable for Japan.

Note that religious sights such as Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines don’t have dress codes. High-end restaurants, bars and clubs sometimes do, but that usually just means no sleeveless shirts or sandals on men.

Keep in mind that you might find yourself sitting on the floor when dining out, which can be uncomfortable in short (or tight) clothing.

3. Buy a data-heavy SIM card at the airport

Count on relying on a substantial amount of data navigating in Japan, so get a data-heavy SIM card at the airport. Japan’s address system is notoriously difficult to navigate – even for locals – so smartphones with navigation apps have been a real boon for travelers.

4. Bring shoes you can easily slip off

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. You’ll also likely have to take your shoes off frequently at religious sights, traditional inns and some restaurants – you’ll thank yourself later if you pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off.

Since you’ll be slipping into a pair of communal slippers when you take your own shoes off, many visitors prefer to wear socks.

5. Learn how to use a bidet toilet

Called “washlets,” Japan’s high-tech, electronic bidet toilets will wash and dry your delicate parts with the touch of a button. (Don’t worry about any language barrier; the pictograms on the buttons are easy to understand.)

Other toilet customs in Japan might throw you for a loop. Motion-sensor-activated sound machines in the women’s toilets are intended to conceal, um, sensitive noises. Also expect dedicated toilet slippers in shoes-off establishments.

Note that there is frequently a lack of towels and hand dryers (locals carry small cloths with them for this reason).

6. Come prepared for the weather

Summers in Japan are hot and humid, which can mean a real risk of heatstroke. Carry water with you, and a folding umbrella with UV blocking is useful – and does double duty in case of a sudden shower. Late June is the start of the annual rainy season, when it can rain without end for days; this can last a few weeks or through most of July. 

Rains, as well as punishing winds, are likely again during typhoon season, which runs from September through October (earlier in Okinawa ).

Typhoons can cause serious travel disruption; monitor the situation with the  Japan Meteorological Agency ’s storm and other weather warnings, which are available in English. Winters can get chilly, and  Tōhoku and Hokkaidō  up north can get huge dumps of snow.

Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores are handy for weather-related necessities like umbrellas, hats, cooling wipes and pocket warmers.

7. Make sure to carry cash...

In rural Japan and at older family businesses in cities, credit cards may not be accepted. It’s wise to assume you’ll need to pay cash at country ryokan and smaller restaurants and shops; stock up when you’re in a town with an ATM (cashpoint). To pay as the Japanese do, place your cash or card in the small tray at the register rather than handing either to the cashier.

8. ...But don’t worry about tipping

Though tour guides who regularly take foreign tourists around might expect extra, Japan has no custom of tipping, and an attempt to add to your bill will more often than not fluster or embarrass staff. In lieu of tipping, some bars and restaurants will charge a flat-rate service fee, usually around ¥300–500 (US$2.50–4.25) per person; others, typically fancy ones, will automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill.

9. Learn the art of queueing in Japan

The Japanese are big on queues, forming neat lines everywhere from check-out counters to train platforms. (Regarding the latter: after the train doors open, it’s everyone for themselves when it comes to scoring a seat.)

10. Stand to the left (or to the right)

Always ride on one side of the escalator – but which side depends on where you are. In Kanto and eastwards, it’s to the left; in Kansai and westwards, it’s to the right. (The dividing point is somewhere just west of Nagoya .) Incidentally, train operators want passengers to stand on both sides of the escalator and refrain from walking altogether, even if commuters have so far shrugged at these guidelines. 

11. Note when the last train leaves

City subways run until 1am at the very latest. If you miss the last train for the night, the alternative is to catch a taxi, which can be expensive. 

12. Avoid the morning commute in Tokyo

For Tokyoites, the morning commute is a contact sport. On weekdays from 7:30am to 9am, millions squeeze into trains across the city, sometimes helped along by station staff who make sure everyone’s packed in. Shinjuku Station, the busiest in the world, sees an average of over 3.5 million commuters daily; there are more than 200 exits leading in and out of the complex.

13. Eating in public is generally a no-no in Japan

It’s considered bad form to eat in public, especially while walking. Exceptions include the shinkansen (bullet train) and other reserved-seat limited-express trains, where it is customary to eat a bentō (boxed meal) on board; plus at festivals or market streets with food vendors; on a picnic; and of course if you're eating ice cream.

It’s also okay to take sips from a resealable beverage container, like a water bottle. Elsewhere, other dining etiquette rules apply.

14. Know what to do in an earthquake or tsunami

Japan is one of the most seismically active places on the planet. While strong earthquakes are rare, minor temblors happen all the time. If this occurs during your time here, stay calm and take your cue from those around you. Head under a table or stand in a doorway if the shaking picks up; strict building codes generally keep harm to a minimum.

Rarer but more dangerous tsunami can follow a significant quake. Should this occur, listen for tsunami warnings and get to higher ground fast if you are near the coast. 

15. Learn some Japanese lingo 

English is widely spoken in cities and around major tourist attractions; in rural areas, though, it can be hit or miss. Some Japanese words that will come in handy when dining out: 

• omori (large portion, often free at ramen stalls) • okawari (refill)  • mochikaeri (takeaway)  • tennai de (eat-in)  • onegai shimasu (please). Follow up any of your orders or requests with this; for example, if you want tea, say, “O-cha onegai shimasu.”  • sumimasen (excuse me)  • arigato gozaimasu (thank you). Because it’s a bit of a mouthful, it’s tempting to shorten it to simply arigato . Think of it as the difference between “thank you” and “thanks” and go for the politer “arigato gozaimasu.” • toire (toilet; pronounced “to-ee-rey”)

This article was first published April 2022 and updated December 2023

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I've been to 35 all-inclusive resorts. Here are 10 mistakes I always see first-timers make.

• I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts around the world and seen first-timers make the same mistakes. 
• Don't go overboard on the frozen drinks, and never fill your plate during the first pass at a buffet.
• Pack an insulated travel mug and check out water-sport rentals and amenities at sister properties.

Vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is very appealing for many travelers — and with good reason.

Being able to budget before you arrive and not having to worry about toting around cash or credit cards can alleviate a lot of travel headaches.

As a travel writer, I've been to dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Maldives, and more. During my stays, I see guests overlook many details that could make their sojourns much more enjoyable.

Whether you're planning your first trip to an all-inclusive resort or this is already your preferred style of vacation, here are 10 mistakes to avoid:

Not researching before booking

Not every all-inclusive resort is designed equally. Some have gorgeous pools and underwhelming beaches, or vice-versa.

Some cater to families with dedicated kids' and teens' clubs and activities, but others prohibit guests under 18. I've stayed at resorts that run the gamut.

The point is that having everything included in and of itself isn't necessarily enough of an appeal. Think about what you're looking for in a vacation, do your research, and look beyond the slick marketing and touched-up, wide-angle pics on the resort's website.

Overlooking VIP and concierge-level room options

The term "all-inclusive" doesn't mean what it used to.

These days, some resorts offer upgraded rooms and suites in certain areas of the property, with perks that may include butler service and dedicated lounges, restaurants, pools, or beach areas for these VIP guests.

Although spending more for these amenities isn't for everyone, they can bring a sense of luxury and civility to your vacation, especially if you're staying at a crowded resort where guests are forced to set out towels before breakfast to claim lounge chairs.

Not making dinner reservations when you check in

You may have access to a slew of restaurants at your resort, but that doesn't mean you can roll up to the host stand and automatically get a table, especially at peak dinner times (remember, everyone wants 7:30 p.m.).

To avoid disappointment, book tables for the popular spots right after you check in or before you arrive, if that's an option.

Keep in mind that depending on how many nights you're staying, you may be entitled to only a limited number of reservations for the à-la-carte concepts, so choose wisely.

My advice is to prioritize places that serve local cuisine. After all, you can get steak or pasta just about anywhere.

Filling your plate at the buffet before checking out all the options

All-inclusive resorts are often known for over-the-top buffets any time of day, with omelet and freshly-pressed-juice stations at breakfast and salad bars, local specialties, carving stations, and all the desserts at lunch and dinner.

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Grabbing a plate and reaching for the serving spoons before giving the area a look-see is a rookie move and can also lead to overeating and wasting food.

Each time before tackling a buffet, take a walk around, as options can change not only from meal to meal but daily as well. And make it a point to take a spoonful of something you've never tried.

Forgetting to bring an insulated travel mug

I used to roll my eyes at resort guests who'd tote their travel mugs up to the bar to be filled with their beverage of choice.

I thought they were being overly indulgent and exploiting the concept of "all-inclusive." But now I think they're on to something.

For one thing, insulated tumblers keep drinks colder for much longer and reduce the number of trips to the bar.

Beyond that, they're more environmentally friendly than all those single-use plastic cups. If you're bringing your Stanley and asking the bartender to fill it, though, tip them for going above and beyond.

Not tipping

Speaking of tipping, I'm well aware that some all-inclusive resorts invite guests to "leave their wallets at home."

But unless the property you're staying at has a strict policy against it, small tips can go a long way. Tipping the bartender at a crowded swim-up or lobby bar when you first order, for example, can result in quicker service for your second and third rounds.

If you have a fabulous server at dinner, leaving them some cash on the table is a nice gesture. And don't forget about the housekeeping staff, who keep your room free of sand and endlessly replenish your towels.

Ordering drinks wrong

Not all drinks at all-inclusive resorts are created equally.

Belly up to the lobby bar, which tends to stock top-shelf liqueur. Upgrade your piña colada by requesting it with dark or aged rum instead of white, which gives it much more flavor.

If you see Aperol or Campari on the back bar, you can be sure to get a decent spritz. Craft your own low-ABV libation by asking for sauvignon blanc or rosé mixed with club soda and a dash of simple syrup, garnished with a lemon wedge.

And try the local beer or wine, if it's available.

… and going all in on fruity, frozen drinks

A piña colada is decidedly delicious — I like to have one mid-morning, which I half-jokingly refer to as a "breakfast smoothie."

But if you keep hitting the swim-up bar to order blended concoctions, you're going to end up drinking a zillion calories and probably getting a stomachache or killer hangover to boot.

If you're on a quest to keep the buzz going, maybe mix things up a bit with a spirit mixed with soda water or a wine spritzer. And don't forget to hydrate with actual water to counter the effects of all that heat and sunshine.

Not taking advantage of the amenities at sister properties

Some resorts are part of sprawling complexes with several adjacent properties owned and operated by the same parent company.

If your stay includes reciprocity (such as a "stay at one, play at three" policy), you'll have access to other facilities, including additional pools, fitness centers, beach areas, and restaurants.

Making use of them is a great way to avoid boredom and make it seem as if your vacation includes stays at multiple hotels.

Not using the non-motorized water sports

Although Jet Ski, hoverboard, and parasailing rentals can be pricey, using simpler things such as stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and even Hobie-Cats are often included in the price of an all-inclusive stay.

Yet I often see them lined up on the beach all day, barely being used.

Sign the waiver, don a life jacket, and give them a try. And if you happen to be staying at a place where these water sports are popular, add your name to the waiting list first thing in the morning.

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When did the baltimore bridge collapse, what is the death toll so far, why did the bridge collapse, who will pay for the damage and how much will the bridge cost.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO REBUILD THE BRIDGE?

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Writing by Lisa Shumaker; Editing by Daniel Wallis

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Lisa's journalism career spans two decades, and she currently serves as the Americas Day Editor for the Global News Desk. She played a pivotal role in tracking the COVID pandemic and leading initiatives in speed, headline writing and multimedia. She has worked closely with the finance and company news teams on major stories, such as the departures of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and significant developments at Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Tesla. Her dedication and hard work have been recognized with the 2010 Desk Editor of the Year award and a Journalist of the Year nomination in 2020. Lisa is passionate about visual and long-form storytelling. She holds a degree in both psychology and journalism from Penn State University.

Russia says it is hard to believe Islamic State could have launched Moscow attack

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that it was "extremely hard to believe" that Islamic State would have had the capacity to launch an attack on a Moscow concert hall last Friday that killed at least 143 people.

What is the 'God Bless the USA Bible'? The $60 Bible Trump and Lee Greenwood are selling

Donald Trump is now in the business of selling Bibles, according to an announcement made Tuesday.

Trump announced the partnership with country music singer Lee Greenwood, best known for his song "God Bless the USA". The pair is selling a custom version of the Bible for $59.99, called the " God Bless the USA Bible," which was previously announced in 2021 by Greenwood but then fell to the wayside after hitting snafus with publishing.

"All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It's my favorite book," Trump said in a video posted on social media "It's a lot of peoples' favorite book."

"We have to bring Christianity back into our lives and into what will be again a great nation," Trump said. "Our Founding Fathers did a tremendous thing when they built America on Judeo-Christian values. Now that foundation is under attack, perhaps as never before."

The announcement comes as Trump is embroiled in several legal battles, leaving him reportedly strapped for cash. He recently posted a $91 million bond as he appeals a jury award in a defamation case and, on Monday a New York state appeals court ruling imposed an additional $175 million bond while he appeals a civil fraud verdict against him. He will owe another $354 million plus interest if he loses the appeal.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Trump has denied that he is facing financial issues and a disclaimer on the controversial Bible's website claims it "has nothing to do with any political campaign" and is "not owned, managed or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC or any of their respective principals or affiliates."

What exactly is this self-proclaimed patriotic version of the bible and what does it have to do with a country song from the 1980s? Here's what we know.

Trump bibles: Donald Trump is selling $60 Bibles as he seeks funds for for campaign, legal bills

What is the 'God Bless the USA Bible'?

The "God Bless the USA Bible" is a version of the Christian bible "inspired by Lee Greenwood's patriotic anthem 'God Bless the USA,'" according to the official God Bless The USA Bible website.

Touting itself as the "only Bible endorsed by President Trump" and Greenwood himself, it incorporates copies of American political documents and Greenwood's song lyrics into the Christian Bible.

A "spotlight" section on the website shows other conservative personalities posing with a copy of the bible, including Tomi Lahren, Donal Trump Jr., Rita Cosby, Travis Tritt and Gov. Mike Huckabee.

According to the website, "high order volume" means customers will have to wait four to six weeks for delivery.

What is in the 'God Bless the USA Bible'?

The "God Bless the USA Bible" is the King James Version translation of the Bible interspersed with copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and handwritten lyrics to the chorus of “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood.

According to the bible's website, it comes in a large print, two-column format.

Christian nationalism on the rise: As Trump support merges with Christian nationalism, experts warn of extremist risks

Who is Lee Greenwood?

Melvin Lee Greenwood is an American  country music  singer-songwriter. He has released more than 20 major-label albums but is best known for his 1984 patriotic song "God Bless the USA."

Greenwood identifies as a conservative Republican and Christian and his song has often been used at Republican political rallies and conventions. It has been used in the campaigns of Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and more recently, Donald Trump.

Greenwood was nominated by President Bush to serve on the National Council of Arts, which he did from 2008 to 2022. In 2018, Greenwood was awarded the MMP Music Award and was inducted into the MMP Hall of Fame by Commander Joseph W. Clark.

'God Bless the USA Bible' controversies, response

Constitutional and legal scholars, as well as people in the Christian church, have rebuffed the existence of a Bible that mixes religion and legal doctrine. When the concept was first announced, it received notable backlash.

In 2021, HarperCollins Christian Publishing  refused to manufacture the book after a preliminary agreement, leading Greenwood and Hugh Kirkpatrick, who led the company Elite Service Pro behind the custom bible, to look elsewhere for publishing.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing, which includes Zondervan and Thomas Nelson publishing groups, is the North American licensor for the New International Version translation of the Bible, which ultimately was not used in the "God Bless the USA" version. Instead, it uses the King James Version translation.

It is now unclear who the publisher and licensor of the new version is. Greenwood's publicist previously told the Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network, that Elite Source Pro is no longer a partner on the project. He was unable to name the new licensee who is manufacturing the Bible.

What we know about Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being hit by a cargo ship, with large parts of the bridge falling into the Patapsco River.

At least eight people fell into the water, members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time, officials said. Two were rescued, one uninjured and one in serious condition. The remaining six are presumed dead.

Here’s what we know so far.

Baltimore bridge collapse

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship , sending at least eight people from a construction crew into the water. Two people were rescued and the remaining six are presumed dead, officials said. Follow live updates and see photos from the scene .

How it happened: The container ship lost power moments before colliding with the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said. Video shows the bridge collapse in under 40 seconds. Read everything we know about the bridge collapse .

Victims: All six missing victims are presumed dead, the U.S. Coast Guard said, and the agency has ended rescue efforts. The entire crew aboard the 985-foot container ship Dali survived . First responders shut down most traffic on the four-lane bridge after the crew issued an urgent “mayday.” It saved lives, Moore said.

Economic impact: The collapse of the bridge, which severed ocean links to the Port of Baltimore, adds a fresh headache to already struggling global supply chains . See how the collapse will disrupt the supply of cars, coal and tofu .

History: The Key Bridge was built in the 1970s and spans the Patapsco River. Here’s a list of other major bridge collapses in U.S. history , including Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge

• Baltimore bridge collapse live updates: NTSB secures ship’s ‘black box’; recovery efforts begin as 6 presumed dead 21 minutes ago Baltimore bridge collapse live updates: NTSB secures ship’s ‘black box’; recovery efforts begin as 6 presumed dead 21 minutes ago
• Who are the people presumed dead in the Baltimore bridge collapse? Earlier today Who are the people presumed dead in the Baltimore bridge collapse? Earlier today
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Trump is selling ‘God Bless the USA’ Bibles for $59.99 as he faces mounting legal bills

FILE - President Donald Trump holds a Bible as he visits outside St. John’s Church across Lafayette Park from the White House, June 1, 2020, in Washington. Trump is now selling Bibles as he runs to return to the White House. The presumptive Republican nominee released a video on his Truth Social platform Tuesday urging his supporters to purchase the “God Bless The USA Bible.” (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is now selling Bibles as he runs to return to the White House.

Trump, who became the presumptive Republican nominee earlier this month, released a video on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday urging his supporters to buy the “God Bless the USA Bible,” which is inspired by country singer Lee Greenwood’s patriotic ballad. Trump takes the stage to the song at each of his rallies and has appeared with Greenwood at events.

“Happy Holy Week! Let’s Make America Pray Again. As we lead into Good Friday and Easter, I encourage you to get a copy of the God Bless the USA Bible,” Trump wrote, directing his supporters to a website selling the book for $59.99.

The effort comes as Trump has faced a serious money crunch amid mounting legal bills while he fights four criminal indictments along with a series of civil charges. Trump was given a reprieve Monday when a New York appeals court agreed to hold off on collecting the more than $454 million he owes following a civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175 million within 10 days. Trump has already posted a $92 million bond in connection with defamation cases brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll , who accused Trump of sexual assault.

“All Americans need a Bible in their home, and I have many. It’s my favorite book,” Trump said in the video posted on Truth Social. “I’m proud to endorse and encourage you to get this Bible. We must make America pray again.”

Billing itself as “the only Bible endorsed by President Trump!” the new venture’s website calls it “Easy-to-read” with “large print” and a “slim design” that “invites you to explore God’s Word anywhere, any time.”

Besides a King James Version translation, it includes copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as a handwritten chorus of the famous Greenwood song.

The Bible is just the latest commercial venture that Trump has pursued while campaigning.

Last month, he debuted a new line of Trump-branded sneakers , including $399 gold “Never Surrender High-Tops,” at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. The venture behind the shoes, 45Footwear, also sells other Trump-branded footwear, cologne and perfume.

Trump has also dabbled in NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, and last year reported earning between $100,000 and $1 million from a series of digital trading cards that portrayed him in cartoon-like images, including as an astronaut, a cowboy and a superhero.

Donald Trump is facing four criminal indictments, and a civil lawsuit. You can track all of the cases here .

He has also released books featuring photos of his time in office and letters written to him through the years.

The Bible’s website states the product “is not political and has nothing to do with any political campaign.”

“GodBlessTheUSABible.com is not owned, managed or controlled by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization, CIC Ventures LLC or any of their respective principals or affiliates,” it says.

Instead, it says, “GodBlessTheUSABible.com uses Donald J. Trump’s name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”

CIC Ventures LLC, a company that Trump reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure, has a similar arrangement with 45Footwear, which also says it uses Trump’s “name, likeness and image under paid license from CIC Ventures LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms.”

A Trump spokesperson and God Bless the USA Bible did not immediately respond to questions about how much Trump was paid for the licensing deal or stands to make from each book sale.

Trump remains deeply popular with white evangelical Christians , who are among his most ardent supporters, even though the thrice-married former reality TV star has a long history of behavior that often seemed at odds with teachings espoused by Christ in the Gospels.

When he was running in 2016, Trump raised eyebrows when he cited “Two Corinthians” at Liberty University, instead of the standard “Second Corinthians.”

When asked to share his favorite Bible verse in an interview with Bloomberg Politics in 2015, he demurred.

“I wouldn’t want to get into it. Because to me, that’s very personal,” he said. “The Bible means a lot to me, but I don’t want to get into specifics.”

When he was president, law enforcement officers aggressively removed racial justice protesters from a park near the White House, allowing Trump to walk to nearby St. John’s Church, where he stood alone and raised a Bible. The scene was condemned at the time by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

Before he ran for office, Trump famously hawked everything from frozen steaks to vodka to a venture named Trump University, which was later sued for fraud .

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The Dali was just starting a 27-day voyage.

The ship had spent two days in Baltimore’s port before setting off.

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By Claire Moses and Jenny Gross

• Published March 26, 2024 Updated March 27, 2024, 9:07 a.m. ET

The Dali was less than 30 minutes into its planned 27-day journey when the ship ran into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday.

The ship, which was sailing under the Singaporean flag, was on its way to Sri Lanka and was supposed to arrive there on April 22, according to VesselFinder, a ship tracking website.

The Dali, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, left the Baltimore port around 1 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday. The ship had two pilots onboard, according to a statement by its owners, Grace Ocean Investment. There were 22 crew members on board, the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore said in a statement. There were no reports of any injuries, Grace Ocean said.

Before heading off on its voyage, the Dali had returned to the United States from Panama on March 19, harboring in New York. It then arrived on Saturday in Baltimore, where it spent two days in the port.

Maersk, the shipping giant, said in a statement on Tuesday that it had chartered the vessel, which was carrying Maersk cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard, the statement said, adding that the company was monitoring the investigations being carried out by the authorities and by Synergy Group, the company that was operating the vessel.

“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected,” the Maersk statement said.

The Dali was built in 2015 by the South Korea-based Hyundai Heavy Industries. The following year, the ship was involved in a minor incident when it hit a stone wall at the port of Antwerp . The Dali sustained damage at the time, but no one was injured.

Claire Moses is a reporter for the Express desk in London. More about Claire Moses

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross