Travel Preparation Checklist for the Ultimate Vacation Experience

Take the stress out of traveling using this handy travel preparation checklist to help you plan your next trip.

Whether you're going on a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation, there are certain things you should do before you travel. Read on to discover what they are and how to get your printable travel checklist…it’s FREE when you join the Genie VIP Club!

Travel Preparation Checklist – Essential Tips

We all love taking a vacation. It allows us to disconnect from our daily routine, visit new places, try new activities, and have a first-hand "taste" of different cultures. Planning and organizing our dream vacation can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Mistakes and oversights in the planning process can also spoil the perfect holiday.

Using a travel preparation checklist to plan your vacation, saves you time, money, and effort. It also stops you from worrying about forgetting something important.

Follow the steps indicated below to plan for your next vacation. I can assure you that you won't regret it!

You can skip to specific sections of this article if you wish:

• 2-3 Months Before Departure
• 1 Month Before Departure
• 2 Weeks Before Departure
• 1 Week Before Departure
• 1 Day Before Departure
• On the Day of Departure
• Download Your Travel Preparation Checklist
  
  

2-3 Months Before Departure

Start organizing your vacation well in advance, especially if you plan to travel abroad.  Address the following tasks on your travel preparation checklist around 2 to 3 months before your departure:

Check destination country information

Before making any reservations, you should check the country's entry and exit requirements. It may be necessary to have a visa, and vaccines, there may also be COVID restrictions in place.

Be aware that some countries still require proof of COVID vaccines and a recent negative COVID test to allow entry. It may also be necessary to wear face masks in some enclosed areas and on public transport.

Research any local laws or customs you might encounter while traveling to avoid surprises. It's also a good idea to check whether a specific dress code is required to visit certain places.

Passports

Make sure that everyone's passports are within the expiry date. Also bear in mind that some countries require passport validity of at least 6 months.

Flight and hotel reservations

Make your flight and hotel reservations well in advance, these tend to get fully booked rather quickly. 

If you book early, you can often get good deals and use the money you save on your trip!

Travel insurance

Don't forget to buy travel insurance for your trip. You never know what can happen! But make sure that you read the insurance documents thoroughly before you travel.

Pets

Pets are lovely to have but can be an added worry when planning to go on vacation. If you plan to leave your pets at home, consider investing in an automated feeding device. You may also consider getting a friend to look after them in your absence.

Another option would be to leave your pets at a local pet care center. Book this well in advance and make sure that your pets' vaccines are up to date. Find out whether there are any specific requirements that should be met before boarding.

When traveling abroad, there may be specific requirements for pet travel, such as passports, microchips, rabies inoculations, worming, vaccines, veterinary checks, etc. Check the destination country's government website, and the airline, also speak with your veterinarian to make sure that you obtain all of the required documentation before traveling.

1 Month Before Departure

Make sure that the following tasks are carried out approximately 1 month before departure:

Packing list

Prepare the packing list for your trip well in advance to give you time to purchase any additional items that you may need.

Take your travel location and trip plans into account when you prepare your holiday packing list.

Suitcases and travel bags

Make sure that you have sufficient luggage capacity for your trip and check that your suitcases and travel bags are in good condition for travel. If they aren't in decent condition, you have sufficient time to get new ones before your trip.

As many airlines are strict about the dimensions of carry-on luggage, you should also measure your luggage beforehand to make sure that you comply with the size restrictions.

Be sure to include any wheels when you measure your hand luggage. I almost had a problem with this a few years ago when I checked in for a flight at the airport. My carry-on suitcase didn't fit into the sizer used to check the hand luggage dimensions (because of the wheels). Fortunately, luck was on my side that day, and I was allowed to take my carry-on suitcase into the cabin. Otherwise, I would have had to pay excess luggage charges to send the additional luggage into the aircraft hold.

Vehicle

Check requirements for car hire and driving in the destination country. If you plan to use your own vehicle to travel, arrange for pre-trip maintenance. You don't want to have a breakdown, especially while on vacation!

2 Weeks Before Departure

Attend to the following issues around 2 weeks before your departure:

Local currency

Depending on the country you're traveling to, it may be wise to get a small amount of local currency before you travel.

Some banks may need you to order certain currencies in advance, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Get a house-sitter

If you need someone to feed your pets, look after your plants, collect mail, or carry out any other task that needs to be done in your absence, arrange for a house-sitter. Be sure to leave clear instructions on what needs to be done!

Notify your work colleagues

Let your colleagues know that you will be shortly taking your vacation. Check with your boss to make sure that there aren't any urgent issues that need to be addressed before you leave.

If one of your colleagues will be covering for you in your absence, speak with the person in question to ensure they are clear about what is required of them.

Prescriptions

If you need to take prescription medicines, make sure you have sufficient to cover your trip. Consider taking supplies for a few extra days in case of flight delays or cancellations.

1 Week Before Departure

About one week before you travel, review your travel preparation checklist and make the following arrangements:

Inform a trusted friend

Let a trusted friend or neighbor know when you plan to go on vacation. It's also a good idea to leave them a key, and your contact details. Ask them to check on your home whilst you're away.

If someone will be looking after your pets in your absence, leave clear instructions on feeding, walks, treats, where they sleep, and any other relevant information. Remember to give the person a small thankyou gift when you return.   

Books

Get any books or magazines you wish to take with you. If you use an e-reader, upload your favorite books.

Deliveries

If you have regular deliveries to your home (newspapers, mail, groceries, etc.), suspend these deliveries temporarily while you're away.

Transport to and from the airport

Make reservations for transport to and from the airport, and from the airport to your lodgings.

Document copies

Make copies of important documents such as your passport and driver's license to facilitate replacement in case the originals are lost or stolen. 

Organize your travel documents

Print all your travel documents and reservations for flights, hotels, insurance, etc. Put them all into a handy folder, along with copies of important documents and useful telephone numbers, so you can access them easily when you travel.

In addition to paper copies, I like to keep electronic copies or photos of important documents on my phone as a backup.

Weather

Check the weather forecast at your travel destination and pack appropriately.

Start packing

Review your packing list and start gathering together the clothes and items you plan to take on your trip.

Perishables

Start using up perishable foods in the fridge and pantry before you travel to avoid waste.

Reservations

Confirm reservations for flights, hotels, local transportation, etc.

Home security

If you use an alarm company, inform them of your planned absence.

Inform your banks

Contact your banks to let them know you will be traveling to avoid them suspecting fraudulent use of your account.

Contact your cell phone service provider

Check with your service provider whether you can make calls or use cell phone data in your vacation location. You may need to ask them to activate roaming before traveling.

Be aware that charges for calls and cell phone data used while abroad may be quite high. Make sure you’re well informed before you leave to avoid surprises!

1 Day Before Departure

You're almost there! There are just a few more things to be ticked off your travel preparation checklist before you start enjoying your well-earned vacation…

Pets

If you have arranged to take your pets to a pet care center, set aside some time to take them there.

Emails

Set up automated out-of-office replies to let people know you'll be on vacation.

Electronic devices

Make sure all the electronic devices you plan to take on your trip are fully charged. Don't forget to pack chargers and plug adaptors if they are required.

Automated devices

Set up timers and automated systems (pet feeding system, plant watering system, light timers, etc.)

Check-in

If possible, check-in online. Print boarding passes and download copies onto your mobile phone.

Suitcase checks

Tag your suitcases and bags so they can easily be traced in case they get lost. Use a ribbon or unusual sticker so you can easily identify your suitcase on the baggage carousel.

Check the packed suitcase weight, you don't want to risk being charged excess weight fees at the airport.

To prevent your belongings from being stolen or misplaced, you should lock your luggage. Take two sets of keys, but don't keep them together. If one set of keys gets lost, you'll still be able to open your suitcase!

Get sufficient sleep

Make sure you get to bed at a reasonable time. As you know, traveling can be stressful and you'll cope far better after a good night's rest!

On the Day of Departure

A few last minute items to be ticked off your travel preparation checklist before you leave: 

Pets

If your pets will be staying at home, make sure that the cages are clean and there is sufficient food and water. Double-check any automated feeding devices.

Perishables 

Eat, freeze or dispose of perishable foods in the fridge and pantry.

Indoor bins

Empty and clean all indoor bins to avoid coming back to unpleasant smells after your vacation.

Check yard

Make sure all gates and sheds are locked.

Electrical appliances

Unplug electronic appliances that won't be in use during your absence.

Heating and hot water

Set the thermostat for the heating and hot water system to the minimum temperature to prevent pipes from freezing.

Windows and doors

Make sure that all windows and doors are locked.

Travel documents

Make one last check to ensure you have all travel documents.

Luggage

Make a note of the number of bags you are traveling with. Remember to do a bag count every time you move from one place to another to ensure no luggage or bags are left behind. 

This especially applies when you get into and leave taxis, buses, or planes.

Burglar alarm

Don't forget to set the burglar alarm when you leave.

Download Your Travel Preparation Checklist | FREE when you join the Genie VIP Club!

Join the Genie VIP Club to get my best tips to help you save time, boost productivity and bring balance to your life, straight to your inbox.    

You will also receive a copy of the Travel Preparation Checklist ...all for FREE!

Complete the form immediately below and download your Travel Preparation Checklist TODAY! 

You will receive it in your inbox immediately after joining. 

DOWNLOAD NOW!

BOTTOM LINE

Related Articles

Check out the following articles to stay organized and productive:

• Travel Packing Checklist | No more Stress and Worry Before You Travel
• Printables to Organize Your Life
  
• Master To Do List Template | FREE Printable and Tips to Boost Productivity
• Monthly To Do List Template| FREE Printables and Handy Tips