The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Things To Do Before Vacation

Congratulations! You have booked your dream trip, the excitement is buzzing, and wanderlust is tingling. Before you get swept away in visions of turquoise waters or braving a roller coaster, let’s take a deep breath and tackle the not-so-glamorous, yet crucial, aspect of travel: preparation. This comprehensive Pre-Travel Checklist will be your trusty sidekick, ensuring a smooth journey and allowing you to focus on what truly matters – soaking in every incredible moment of your escape.

Download your free Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist PDF!

As much as we all want to just pack our bags and magically be transported to our destination, we all know there’s more to it than that. When you take the time to plan ahead of time, you will help alleviate most of the stress and frustration during travel. Here is our list of actionable items and tasks to take care of before you leave for vacation, broken down by how far in advance you need to tackle them. 

After Booking Your Trip 

• Check expiration dates on documents. Do you need to renew your passport? It is recommended that the expiration date is at least 6 months AFTER your return date.
• Check to see if you need any vaccinations or immunizations, depending on where you’re traveling. Check dates on things like tetanus and get any boosters before traveling.
• Make sure your luggage is in working condition. Is it time to replace it? Do you have proper luggage tags with easy-to-recognize markers on them?
• Start creating your packing list. Do you need any new wardrobe items or travel accessories? Is there anything you need specifically for the trip you’ve booked…like Magic Bands and Mickey Ears for Disney?
• Work on your trip budget to know how much you’ll be spending and plan accordingly.
• Review the booking itinerary from your travel agent and any reservations that still need to be secured.

Heading out on a road trip? Check out these tips!

1-2 Weeks Before Travel

• Secure all your travel documents and IDs, keeping them all in one place and ready to travel.
• Place a Mail Hold with the US Postal Services and set up a hold with other delivery services like USPS and FedEx so mail and packages are held until you return.
• Arrange for a pet and/or child care if needed.
• Arrange for transportation to/from the airport.
• Download any travel apps you might need like your airline and hotel, as well as any that are specific to where you’re traveling like My Disney Experience for a Disney trip.
• Refill any prescriptions ahead of time so you’re prepared ahead of time.
• Reach out to someone to be your emergency contact while you’re gone. Give them a spare key, an alarm code, a basic itinerary, etc.
• Notify your bank and credit cards of your travel plans to avoid any issues while you’re away.
• Get any cash or currency exchange if necessary.
• Add an international calling/data plan to your phone plan, if necessary.
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home in case anything happens, packages get delivered by mistake, etc.
• Check the weather for your destination.
• Use your trusty packing checklist to get a head start on packing some items you won’t need before leaving.

Here are some packing tips to help you get ready to travel!

1-2 Days Before Travel

• Put indoor and outdoor lights on a timer.
• Reprogram your thermostat so it runs less while you’re away.
• Turn off any schedules for appliances like a Roomba, coffee maker, or Pura fragrance device that you don’t want to run while you’re away. 
• Check the weather again in case there are any changes.
• Download any travel entertainment to watch or listen to offline, like movies, audiobooks, or podcasts.
• Set up an out-of-office message on your work email to inform colleagues and clients that you will not be available.
• Prepare your home for return by running the dishwasher, tackling any laundry, tidying up, etc.
• Back up your phone, laptop, and any other devices before you leave.
• Clear up storage space on your phone and camera cards so you can take as many photos and videos as you want.
• Charge all of the electronics you’ll be taking with you like tablets, headphones, portable chargers, etc.
• Complete your check in for your flight.

Day of Travel

• Clean out your fridge and pantry, getting rid of anything that may go bad while you’re away from home.
• Take out the garbage.
• Close any blinds or curtains.
• Set the thermostat so it will run less while you’re away.
• Make sure small appliances are unplugged or turned off.
• Place AirTags in your luggage to track them throughout your trip.
• Weigh your checked bag before leaving so you can make any adjustments before you get to the check in counter. 
• Take a picture of the inside and outside of your luggage and carry-ons.
• Traveling with kids? Snap a picture before you leave home, so you know what they are wearing.
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked.
• Set the alarm.
• Take a picture of your parking space if you park at the airport so you can find it when you return.

Essentials to Keep on Hand While Traveling

• IDs, travel documents, and printed confirmations in a safe but easy-to-reach place
• Valuables secured in carry-on
• All prescriptions in carry-on
• Chargers 
• Change of clothes and basic toiletry items
• Picture of your checked items, inside and out, as well as your carry-ons

Shop my favorite travel essentials from Amazon

I hope this Pre-Travel Checklist serves as your trusty compass, guiding you toward a truly unforgettable and stress-free vacation! Remember, a little planning goes a long way. By taking the time to tick off these crucial steps beforehand, you’ll transform from a frantic last-minute packer into a seasoned traveler, ready to embrace the unexpected with confidence. The more prepared you are, the better equipped you’ll be to weather any minor bumps in the road. So, grab your checklist, channel your inner explorer, and get ready to embark on your next adventure!