Travel Tips

Travel To Do List

We are leaving for vacation next week and I can’t stop thinking of all the things I need to get done before we leave! I always have this mental checklist of things I must take care of, but, I procrastinate and sometimes forget items on my list!

Don’t be like me and get frazzled the night before you leave, staying up late and stressing out those around you. Take my advice and use this travel to do list divided over a few days before you leave.

Travel To Do List

One Week Before Departure:

Notify a trusty friend or family member that you will be away so that they may collect your mail, check on your house, etc. It is a good idea to notify them of the best way to get in contact with you.
Make arrangements for the care of your pets. (This is a good time for them to get groomed, too!)
Make any last minute hair, nails, waxing, or other beauty appointments.
Call the pharmacy to refill any medication that you will run out of on vacation.
Go last minute shopping for any supplies or clothes you may need on the trip. This includes any shampoo, cosmetics, etc.
Plan your meals on foods that will spoil before you go back. Go shopping for compliments to these foods so that you will not waste any food while you are away.
Download any books or music you will want to listen to while on vacation.
Pay any bills that will be due while on vacation.
Make a reservation for parking or make plans on how you will get to and from the airport.
Organize your purse or wallet to remove any unwanted items that may weigh you down.
Make copies of credit cards (front and back), driver’s license, passport, or any other important items in case you lose them on your trip. You can also scan them into an email to make it easier to get to (and save time the next trip!).
Call your bank and credit card companies to set up a travel notification so they will be aware of any charges out of the norm.
Catch up on all your laundry. You don’t want to stay up late the night before washing laundry to add in your luggage!
Notify your alarm company the dates you will be away and make sure contact information is up to date.
Confirm and print off hotel reservations, flight information, and any needed driving directions (you would be surprised how often your GPS doesn’t work!). I keep an organized binder that includes my travel insurance in the pocket (for easy access) and plans/tickets in date order.
Go to the bank and withdraw cash needed for the trip. Don’t forget singles for tips and I advise against large bills. Remember, if you are traveling internationally, it may take your bank a few days to get the requested currency for you.
Clean/Wash your car.
Complete any yard work, such as mowing.

The Night Before:

Check the weather for your destination so you can pack properly.
Make sure all electronics are fully charged and packed away. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Check in for flight and print any boarding passes (or download the airline’s app!)
Rid your kitchen/fridge of any perishable foods that will spoil while you are gone. Clean any dirty dishes.
Sweep/mop/clean house so you will have a tidy home to return too!
Pack your suitcase (except for the things you will need the day of).
Make a list of items you need to pack the day of that you may forget.
Water your house plants.

Vacation Day!!!!!!!!

Gather any last minute items needed to pack away.
Take out any trash.
Wash any used dishes and put away.
Unplug electronics (save on your power bill!).
Set thermostat higher for summer and lower temperature for winter time (save $$$).
Make sure all windows and doors are locked and shades are down.
Make sure you have all your licenses, passports, money, confirmations, etc!