There are many things to do before you head out for your adventure. Preparing to leave for vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. Begin your trip organized and thoroughly prepared, so you aren’t obsessing over what you forgot to pack or do before you left. Here’s a comprehensive pre-travel checklist of things to do before you leave for vacation.

Plus, a downloadable pre-travel checklist.

Leave it all behind and have the trip of a lifetime.

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By this time, you have booked your trip and have all of your travel plans set. But, in case you need a little help, sign up below, and I will send you a 50-page epic travel planner full of helpful tips and checklists to get you motivated and inspired.

Are you ready to start planning your epic vacation?

Your Pre-Travel Checklist Starts With Researching Your Chosen Destination.

Check the weather. ~ Check the weather of your destination a few days before traveling—this will help you with planning activities and packing appropriately for the elements. 

And culture. ~ Cultures differ in dress, etiquette, and public displays of affection. Make sure you know the rules and respect them.

Check for travel advisories here. ~ The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs collects and shares worldwide travel safety information and provides ways for you to receive updates on the safety and security of your chosen destination.

Learn a few essential travel phrases in the local language. ~ For example, please and thank you. Where is the bathroom, and I would like a beer are helpful, too. Rosetta Stone is the most popular language-learning tool; try it here. The locals love it when you at least try.

Research local transport. ~ Many destinations worldwide have top-notch public transportation, and you won’t need a vehicle rental. Sometimes this is not the case, and you may need to consider car rental. Good to know this information before you arrive.

And know the exchange rate. 

Pre-Travel Checklist: Things to Do Before Leaving for Vacation.

Make sure all of your travel documents and devices are travel-ready.

Passport. ~ Check the expiration date on your Passport. Some countries require your Passport expiration date to have at least six months, sometimes nine months left on it after your return date. Check the rules ahead of time. Scan a copy of your Passport and email the document to yourself and your travel companion. Plus, take a picture to have on your camera roll on your smartphone.

Does the country you are traveling to require a VISA? ~ A VISA is a sticker placed in your Passport saying that you are allowed to visit this particular country for a determined period of time only.  Obtaining a VISA is your responsibility. Check directly with the embassy website of the country you are traveling to for this critical information.  

Confirm all reservations. ~ These days, all reservations are on our smartphones. However, a printed copy is never a bad idea.

• Flight time.
• Transport to lodging.
• Lodging reservations.
• Vehicle rental reservation.
• Activities.
• Dinner.

Consider Using a Travel Credit Card. ~ Travel credit cards are reward cards that you can use to build points toward travel, enhance your status at many hotels and airlines, plus a few additional perks. With COVID-19 hindering our adventure plans, now is the time to build up your points for the future when we are safe to travel again. US News and World Report lists the best travel perk credit cards here.

Don’t forget your driver’s license.

Create a packing list. ~ Create a packing list based on how long you will be traveling, the weather, your activities, and the destination’s cultural norms. Include toiletries, medications, snacks, and electronics on your packing list.

Charge all devices. ~ Charge all phones, Ipads, laptops, Kindles, headphones, and AirPods before leaving. Plus, pack extra batteries and chargers (and charge them, too).

Arrange for pet care. ~ Arrange accommodations for your furry friend if he isn’t going on vacation with you. Arrange a sitter or a doggie day spa for a week or two while you are away.  

If you are road tripping with the pup, here’s what to pack, so they can have a blast, too.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Getting Your Home Vacation-Ready.

Once you have made all of your reservations, secured pet care, created a packing list, and planned your itinerary, it’s time to work on pre-travel prep for your home.

Clean it up. ~ Don’t you love coming home from vacation to a clean home? There’s no time before your holiday for a deep clean, for sure. But you can do the following:

• Wipe down the counters.
• Sweep and mop.
• Vacuum.
• Run the dishwasher and unload.
• Empty the dryer and either pack or put away the clothes.
• Launder your sheets and make the beds, so you will have fresh linens to dive under once you are home.  
• Compost the produce that would be spoiled and stinky when you return.  
• Clean out the refrigerator of leftovers and perishables.
• Empty all of the trash cans.
• Set the thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in cold climates and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in warm temperatures. In humid Florida, we set out humidity at 35% to cut down on mold and mildew growth.
• Run the garbage disposal with half-n-half vinegar and water and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
• Don’t forget to clean the coffee maker.
• Water all of your plants.
• And put the water heater on vacation mode.

How to make your house looked lived in or occupied while you are traveling.

Leave a light on inside. Or better yet, set a timer for the indoor and outdoor lights so it will look like someone is home.

Put a hold on the newspaper and the mail. Nothing screams, “Nobody’s home!” than a stack of newspapers at the end of the driveway.

Let a trustworthy friend, family member, or neighbor know you will be gone for a while.

Set your sprinkler on a timer.

Make sure your lawn looks well kept.

***NINJA TIP: You can always stage that you have a scary dog on the property. Place a large dog bowl, a chain, and a beware of dog sign in the front yard. Add faux security stickers to add to the illusion of security measures.***

Safety and Security Measures to Take Before You Leave for Vacation.

• Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling.
• Unplug electronics and appliances to not only conserve energy but decrease fire risk, too.
• Test your smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning.
• Lock all windows and doors. Don’t forget the door next to the garage door and the door between the garage and your house.
• If you have a hidden key outside, bring it in.
• If you have a home security system, let them know you will be traveling.
• Install outdoor motion sensor flood lights; thieves don’t like being in the spotlight.

***DO NOT let social media know you will not be home. Save your pictures for when you return.***

Pre-Travel Checklist: Health and Medical.

Pack a first aid kit. ~ Create a DIY First Aid Kit or purchase from Amazon. Include all of the following essential medications for common medical issues during travel.

• Stomach medications. ~ Imodium, Pepcid (or any of the “purple pills for heartburn”), Pepto-Bismol, and TUMS.  We include ondansetron, which is an anti-nausea medication that is a prescription, great for motion sickness.
• Motion Sickness. ~ We spend lots of time sailing, so I always have multiple remedies for motion sickness, including ondansetron.  Ginger candy, scopolamine patches, and sea bands may help with motion sickness.  Don’t forget your motion sickness bags.  Ginger beer helps, too.  
• Aches, Pains, and Fevers. ~ Pack either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor aches and pains, including headaches.  These are also fever reducers.  Include both adult and kids doses.
• Allergies. ~ My daughter has multiple food allergies, so we travel always with liquid Benadryl and two EpiPens.
• Ointments. ~ For bug bites and rashes, always bring Benadryl and Cortisone Ointments.  Include Aquafor for dry, cracked, or irritated skin.  Aquafor is a skin protectant and is excellent on burns as well.
• Cold/cough. ~ Pack a decongestant, and some cough drops, just in case.
• Basic First Aid Items. ~ You can purchase a Basic First Aid Kit on Amazon.  Or you can just add some Bandaids, gauze, tape, disinfectant wipes, wound closure strips, and maybe even some liquid bandage to a large ziplock bag.

Get refills. ~ Refill your routine prescriptions before you leave.

Vaccinate if recommended. ~ Research your destination and vaccinate if recommended. Check the CDC website for details before visiting a country.

Purchase Travel Insurance. ~ Do you really need travel insurance? Here is a quick answer. If you are heading out for a weekender in Florida, probably not. But, if you are hopping on a plane and heading over to explore the Galapagos on a cruise ship for ten days, yes, you do. Not to scare you, but stuff happens, and purchasing travel insurance will provide peace of mind that you will be taken care of in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

World Nomads Travel Insurance is flexible & straightforward. ~ You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over 130 countries and covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of adventure sports and activities.

Money.com recently updated a comprehensive article about the 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021 that lists World Nomads as the Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Adventure Sports Coverage and lists five other insurance companies as their top picks including best travel insurance for traveling with children, best for frequent fliers, and best for emergency support services. Read more here.

After corresponding with Money.com, Michael sent me this quote regarding travel insurance and the unique situation we are facing in 2021.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the travel industry has had to face some big roadblocks trying to maintain and adapt to the changing climate of travel during covid-19. With that being said, people are paying more attention and taking the necessary steps to get the right coverage for their trip in the event that any delays or cancellations occur be it domestic or international. Some credit cards will even help to cover some expenses if you were to cancel last minute or upgrade your accommodations. The best travel insurance policy for you is going to be the one that offers the specific coverage you need at a price you can reasonably afford.

Whether you choose travel insurance for your vacation or work trip, make sure you understand exactly what’s covered. Since there are different categories for basic and special coverage, be sure to check out this helpful guide from Money.com and be sure you know what is covered.​​​​​​”

Michael from Money.com

Plan to stay healthy while traveling. ~ Here are a few quick tips, but for more, read this.

• Pack hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
• During a pandemic, wear a mask when in crowds and when required and maintain adequate social distance.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every morning and pack healthy snacks when you are on the go.
• Maintain proper hydration.
• Don’t over imbibe. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Get a workout in daily—this does not have to be super strenuous, but move your body for at least 30 minutes every morning.
• Walk or ride a bike everywhere when possible.
• Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
• Get your sleep.

Pre-Travel Checklist for Your Road Trip.

Have your car serviced before you leave on your road trip.

Prepare a road trip emergency kit, including jumper cables, flashlight, spare tire, and jack. And make sure your spare tire is in working order.

Clean your car inside and out.

Gas up the car, and you are ready.

Read This: The Ultimate DIY Car Survival Kit for Your Family Road Trip

Personal Grooming (or pampering, whatever you want to call it).

• Mani/Pedi.
• Brows.
• Waxing, especially if traveling to the islands.
• Hair cut and color (I’m not ready for grays).
• Plan your comfortable travel day outfit.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Time to Pack Your Carry-On Bag.

Travel Necessities, you can’t go anywhere without these items.

• Travel Documents/Passport
• Wallet
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Phone
• Pen (You will be happy you brought a pen when that immigration and customs form is passed around).

Entertainment for the long haul flight.

• Laptop or Ipad (Upload a Movie or TV Series to Binge-Watch).
• Playlist of Music Podcasts On Your Smartphone.
• Earbuds/AirPods/Headphones.
• Book, Audible, or Kindle (or all three).
• Magazine.
• Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger.
• Adult Coloring Book/Colored Pencils.
• Travel Journal.

Toiletries for the long haul flight.

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste.
• Hair Brush/Hair Ties.
• Chapstick.
• Eye Drops.
• Hand Sanitizer.
• Disinfectant wipes.
• Deodorant.
• Moisturizer.
• Pharmacy (DIY Travel First Aid Kit).

Snacks and Hydration.

• Water Bottle.
• Healthy Travel Snacks (protein bars, pretzels, popcorn, nuts if no allergies).
• Gum/Mints.

Comfort.

• Noise Cancelling Headphones.
• Blanket Scarf.
• Compression socks.
• Change of clothes.
• Other items that I have seen people use for comfort include a neck pillow, eye mask, and compression socks.
• And a Sheet Facial Mask with Cucumber Under Eye Mask for a Quick Spa Day.

Now you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. It’s all done, take a breather and have the time of your life.

Is there anything I missed? Leave me a comment below so I can add it to the list for my traveling friends.

Oh, and send me pictures.