The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

Save yourself last minute worry and stress, and start your hard earned vacation off on the right foot with this list of pre-vacation planning tips!

Click here to download a free printable of our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist!

6+ Months Before Travel

BEGIN DREAMING ABOUT YOUR VACATION DESTINATION
Are you in the mood to cruise through the Caribbean? Backpack through Europe? Lounge poolside at a swanky adults-only all-inclusive resort?
FIGURE OUT THE DATES FOR YOUR VACATION
If you’re going by your kid’s school calendar, consult the school website for upcoming dates of school breaks. If you’re trying to save money, avoid traveling during these times :)
SET A TRAVEL BUDGET
Decide what you are able to spend on your vacation, and leave some padding for extras (excursions, souvenirs, tips, etc)
CONTACT ENCHANTING EXCURSIONS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR TRIP
With some destination ideas, dates and a budget in place, Enchanting Excursions can take over your ideas and present you several options for amazing trips that will fit you and your families needs. Remember, we are a no-fees agency!

3-6 Months Before Travel

CHECK YOUR PASSPORT
If you’re traveling outside of the United States, NOW is the time to get out the passports and check their expiration date. Some countries require a passport to be valid for at least six months from your dates of travel, so be sure to check ahead of time in case you need to apply for a new one or renew.
CHECK YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
Are you up to date on all of your necessary vaccinations? Some require several shots over a period of several months, so get with your doctor about any shots or boosters you may need.
REQUEST TIME OFF FROM WORK
This seems like an obvious step, but it’s a common forgotten one! If traveling during a peak time (ie, Spring Break, Summer, etc) it’s best to request the time off from work well in advance.
BUDGET
Create a realistic budget for your trip and begin saving! If you’re afraid you’ll be tempted to touch the money you’ve set aside, consider opening a savings account used exclusively for money saved for your trip.
LOOK INTO TRAVEL INSURANCE
One of the MOST overlooked pre-travel items is exploring travel insurance options. I highly recommend the use of Allianz Travel’s OneTrip Suite of plans, you may end up spending money on it and not use it—BUT—in the event you need it, it will be one of the best purchases you’ve ever made!

1-2 Months Before Travel

CHECK WITH YOUR BANK / CREDIT CARD COMPANY
If you’re traveling outside of the United States, it’s best to inform your bank and credit card company ahead of time to avoid interruption of service. Many institutions will allow you to do this online by storing your dates of travel and destination.
CHECK WITH YOUR CELL PHONE CARRIER
Call your cell phone provider and see if you need to add an international plan to avoid additional fees while traveling. Most carriers offer day to day plans so that you only pay if you utilize the service.
DRIVING? GET YOUR CAR LOOKED AT
Driving to your destination? Be sure to visit your local car dealership or mechanic and have your car properly checked and serviced.
TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR LUGGAGE
Do you have the appropriate bags you will need? Are they in good condition (ie, no holes, broken wheels or zippers)? Consider ways to organize your belongings. I LOVE using packing cubes. These can be used in several ways…you can buy one color per person and keep items sorted that way. You can buy smaller cubes and pack each outfit in its entirety in the cube. Or, you can categorize your items and pack similar items together (shirts in one, swimsuits in one).
CHECK OUT YOUR CLOTHES AND ANY DESTINATION RULES ON CLOTHING
This tip is especially big when packing for children! There’s a good chance if you’re going on Spring Break, that your kiddos swimsuit from last summer is too small now. Also, be sure to check if your destination has any rules regarding certain types of clothing or prints. For instance, in a number of Caribbean countries (Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent and St Lucia) wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for non-members of their military….so, unless you want to spend your vacay exploring jail or being fined, you may want to double check before you pack that cute camo top!
BOOK EXCURSIONS!
There are SO many options for guided tours, activities and fun at every destination. Begin your planning now so that you are able to explore your destination to its fullest extent. Viator is my recommended site for nearly every destination! They have activities to fit every budget and lifestyle!

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE TRAVEL

Put Your Mail on Hold
Submit a Vacation Watch Request with your Local Police Department
Take photos of your passport and license so you have a digital copy in case they are lost
Make a printed copy of your passport and license and leave it with a trusted friend or family member that is not traveling with you.
Fill any necessary prescriptions and make sure you have enough medication to last your entire trip.
Set up arrangements for your pets.
If you haven’t already done so, notify your bank / credit card company.
Pay any outstanding bills and set up autopay on anything due while you are gone.
Leave a house key with a trusted neighbor or friend in case of an emergency.
Verify your reservation and print all travel documents, as well as take a photo to keep on your phone or in your email.
Ask a neighbor to take out your trash containers and put them back in place on trash day.
Check the forecast of your destination.
Begin packing!
See if your airline or resort has an app. If so, download it, load any reservation confirmations you have to it. You may even be able to begin your check-in process at this time so that it will be expedited on your day of arrival.
If you don’t already own one, purchase a small, portable charger for your devices.

TWO DAYS BEFORE TRAVEL

1. Put timers on lights around your home.
2. Finish packing. Then go through and eliminate unnecessary extras.
3. Download movies, audio books, etc. that you and your family would like to enjoy during the drive or flight on your device.
4. Get some cash from the ATM.
5. Pack your carry-on bag, and make sure you have any essentials such as medication in case your luggage does not arrive. I LOVE this foldable Travel Duffel option. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and has a pocket that can slide over your suitcase handle.
6. Ensure that all liquids you are packing in your carry-on abide by the TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule.
7. Make sure your portable charger is fully charged and put it in your carry-on bag.

DAY BEFORE TRAVEL

Take out all trash.
Empty the dishwasher.
Clean out refrigerator and get rid of any perishable items.
Program thermostat to appropriate conditions.
Put water heater on “vacation setting.”
Check in for your flight.
Lay out your clothes for the next day (or, do what we do, and have young children sleep in their clothing if you have an early flight!)
Put a post-it note on the door for any items you may easily forget (phone charger, USB cord, glasses, flat iron, etc.)
Add snacks to your carry-on bag if taking any.
Put any suitcases that are fully packed in your car.
Take pets to kennel.
Weigh your luggage once it’s packed to ensure you are under your airline’s weigh requirements. If your bag is on the cusp of being over, be sure to keep an empty duffel bag with you so that you can remove items quickly into it at the airport when checking in for your flight.
Charge all devices you plan to take on the plane or in the car.
Order pizza (who needs a mess to clean up?). Get into vacation mode. Have a great night’s sleep!!!!