Courtney GIf you have a trip coming in a month, you might be trying to figure out if there’s anything else you need to do to make sure everything is good to go.
I’ve put together various checklist to help. This is an expanded post from one of my very first posts on the blog: 7 Things to Do Before Leaving for Vacation. As a side effect of overthinking, these are things I check to make sure I’m prepared. There is are 30-day, 14-day, 7-day, 2-day, and day of checklists.
30 Days Before
- Airport parking and/or transportation to airport confirmed.
- If driving for a road trip, make sure the car is checked (oil change, tires rotated, air in tires, etc.).
- Rental Car confirmed (if applicable).
- Special needs/services confirmed (wheelchair service, allergy notice, etc.).
- Pet boarding scheduled.
- Gather packing list (start buying items to pack).
- Have outfits in mind (hiking, beach/pool day, formal wear, themed outfits).
- Make sure clothes fit (or buy clothes).
- Hair/Barber, nail, eyebrow, lash appointments made (optional).
- Set up temporary international phone plan, eSIM, or mobile hotspot (if applicable).
- Make sure you have a back-up for work or someone to cover your shifts.
- Having any meetings rescheduled or prep your back-up person.
- Having any meetings rescheduled or prep your back-up person.
14 Days Before
- Flu/vaccine shot (if applicable for the season).
- Get prescribed medications filled.
- Make sure there is enough for trip.
- Pre-pack (set aside items to pack).
- Make sure luggage has enough room for all items and souviners.
- Pause Mail (depending on length of trip).
7 Days Before
- Check weather (10-day forecast).
- Clean house/apartment. Do laundry.
- Buy non-perishable/frozen groceries or schedule grocery/meal kit delivery for when you get back.
- This includes any pet food that may be low.
- Pay any bills due during, before, or right after your trip ahead of time.
- Place a travel notification on your card(s).
1-2 Day(s) Before
- Clean house again (if needed).
- Double-check packing list and pack.
- Buy any travel sized items/containers that may be missing.
- Have a neighbor you trust, family member, or friend keep an eye on your place (depending on trip length).
- Photo copy passport and ID (for international trips).
- Print or screenshot event/activity ticket confirmations.
- Take out cash/currency exchange (for tips).
- Check into your flight 24-hours before.
- If driving, get gas.
- Charge electronics.
- Download any movies, books, and/or shows (optional).
- Drop off pet (if applicable).
- Look at Travel Safety Tips.
Day of Trip
- Leave a light on (optional).
- If you have smart lights, set timers for vacation (saves energy, draws less suspicion)
- Turn on your alarm.
- Take out trash.
That’s the end of the checklist! I hope this is helpful for your next trip! If you have something on your checklist, please share it in the comments below for your fellow overthinkers!
