To-Do List for a Trip

If you know me then you know I LOVE LISTS!! I get so nervous about forgetting things that a list helps calm my anxiety. Getting ready for a trip can be really stressful because there are so many little things to remember. I thought I would share with you my to-do list for a trip …it’s a lifesaver!

MONTH BEFORE THE TRIP:

· Create a packing list and check things off as you set them aside.

· Shop for last minute necessities (clothes, toiletries, accessories).

· Make sure you have someone responsible to watch your pets. If you have plants, don’t forget them too.

· Arrange transportation to the airport. Will you drive there or get a car service? Also, how will you get from the airport to your hotel?

· Decide if you’ll rent a car while you’re there and research different companies. If you’re traveling internationally, will you need any special paperwork to drive?

· Book any excursions you plan on doing.

· Look into whether you will need any vaccines for your trip.

Choose your seats on the plane.

· If boarding a pet, make sure they are up to date on all shots.

· Also, if traveling abroad, you may want to get some local currency from the bank. It takes about a week to 10 days to get them. It’s easier than doing it when you get to the airport.

During Covid-19 time, you may want to:

– Check the travel restrictions for the country/state you are traveling to.

–Will you have to quarantine when you get there or return?

–Some countries/resorts require proof of a negative test.

–Check with the hotel to see what precautions they’re making. Are there any amenities that are not being offered right now? Is the pool or gym open? Are they serving breakfasts? Are they using housecleaning during your stay?

To-Do List for a Trip: WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP:

· Clean your house. I hate coming home to a dirty house and if I leave it for the last minute it doesn’t always get done. I try to clean it the week before and then just keep it up for the week. (Not always an easy task with kids.)

· Click here to cancel your mail for the duration of the trip. You could always ask a neighbor to grab it for you but I find it’s just easier to have the post office hold it and deliver it the day we return.

· Pick up any medication you may need during the trip. (Don’t wait too long or something inevitably will go wrong.)

· Plan at least the first day and night of your trip. Deciding where we’ll have dinner makes it easier to adjust to a new location.

· Make sure you have enough memory cards.

Buy anything you’ll need for the plane…masks, hand sanitizer, snacks, magazines, books.

Will you need any special chargers?

Download an audiobook to have on the plane ride so you can sit back, close your eyes, and relax with a good story.

· If traveling internationally, call your bank and credit card company to give them the heads up.

· Pack your suitcases and weigh them. Check the bag weight limit of your airline.

–Get your Covid test, if needed.

To-Do List for a Trip: DAY BEFORE THE TRIP:

· Charge all electronics. This includes all kid electronics as well as your own. Don’t forget to charge your camera or fill it with new batteries.

· Download movies onto your phone and tablet. This can take several hours so I often do it 2-3 days before my trip. iTunes movies are available for 24 hours after you press play. Don’t forget to download some for the return flight. You never know if the tv on the plane might not work. (I learned that the hard way!)

· Have your kids download new games onto their electronics. I don’t let my kids play them until the airport so it is something to look forward to.

· Clean out your fridge. Toss out all the stuff that will spoil or give it to a friend.

· Do one last load of dishes. Nothing is worse than the smell of dirty dishes when you get home. Empty the dish washer.

· Put out clothes for the next morning. Don’t forget to put out shoes and something warm to wear on the plane.

· Do early check-in if your airline offers it.

Get boarding passes ready.

· Email a picture of your passport and driver’s license to yourself and a family member or friend in case you lose yours while on the trip.

· Send hotel information as well as your plane itinerary to a friend or family member.

· Pack your carry-on bag and I have my kids pack their backpacks for the plane.

· Print out a copy of all travel plans including hotel confirmation emails, plane itineraries, and rental car agreement.