Planning a trip is exciting yet stressful. With so many things to consider and do, it’s easy to overlook a few things. That’s why having a pre-trip checklist is a life-saver; it helps keep you organized, ensures you don’t forget anything, and allows you to relax and have fun. Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a two-week vacation, here is the ultimate pre-trip checklist to help you have the best trip possible!

Packing & Luggage

• Make a packing list: A packing list helps ensure you don’t forget anything. Include a separate section for items you have to pack on the day of departure.

• Inspect luggage for problems: After you pull out your luggage, look it over to ensure all the zippers, wheels, handles, and buckles work properly. Luggage problems add unnecessary stress to your trip.

• Weigh your bags beforehand: Carry-on bags can weigh up to 35 lbs. for most flights—double-check with your airline for the specific weight limits. Checked bags must weigh no more than 50 lbs., or you will be charged an extra fee.

• Check your luggage tags and identifiers: In addition to luggage tags, having identifiers is a great way to identify your luggage anywhere. (I tie a colorful ribbon on each of my bags.) Make sure the tags have all the correct and up-to-date information.

• Photograph the contents: If anything happens to your luggage, having pictures makes it easier to file a baggage loss/delay claim.

• Check the weather forecast: Check the weather forecast and condition of your destination to ensure you pack the right clothing and gear.

• Pack versatile clothing: Bring clothing that can be easily mixed and matched for different outfit combinations. Versatile clothing also allows you to dress up or down, depending on activities.

• Measure your luggage: All airlines are strict about the sizes and dimensions of your bags, especially carry-ons. Check the requirements beforehand to ensure you don’t have any delays.

Travel Essentials

• Check your passport and other important documents: These are the most essential items to take when traveling. They include your passport, ID or driver’s license (if you have one), visa (if needed), and debit or credit cards. Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. Pro tip: Make copies of each document and store them in different parts of your luggage. Should the originals get lost, damaged, or stolen, copies or photographs will help you get replacements more quickly.

• Secure travel insurance: Like many things in life, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best is wise when traveling. Research different companies and policies to find the one that best fits your needs. Purchase travel insurance as far in advance as possible to get the best benefits—trip cancellation, medical coverage, and trip interruption.

• Book accommodations and transportation: Booking your transportation and lodging well ahead of your trip gives you the best chance to get great deals. Double-check your confirmation and essential details, such as location and check-in times, no matter what type of accommodations you’re staying in – a hotel, hostel, or vacation rental. Once you’ve booked everything, print off copies just in case. Anything can happen – batteries dying, phones getting lost or stolen, etc. so having the information in your hands is great for your peace of mind.

• Get vaccinated: To enter certain countries, you must be vaccinated. Before leaving for your trip, make an appointment with a doctor or medical clinic to receive the vaccines required or recommended for the country/countries you visit. Some countries even require proof of vaccination before allowing you to enter. The CDC has a Traveler’s Health Database where you select the country you’re traveling to, and it gives you a list of any vaccines you need.

• Research your destination: Research your destination(s) ahead of time to get the most out of your vacation. Knowing your destination's weather forecast, currency rate, and transportation options helps you be prepared and avoid mistakes. Learning about the country's customs, culture, and laws will help you better understand and appreciate the place(s) and people who live there.

• Inform your bank and credit card companies: To avoid freezes or holds on your accounts, inform your bank and credit card companies of your plans. Contact these agencies and tell them the dates of your trip and the countries you'll be visiting. This will ensure that the companies won't see any unexpected activity on your account and assume it's fraud. Also, convert some currency ahead of time to have cash on hand. There may be limited ATM access where you are, or places might not accept certain cards.

• Sign up for STEP: Run by the U.S. Department of State, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to register for their trip abroad so the Department of State can quickly and efficiently contact them in an emergency. The process only takes about 20 minutes and allows travelers to plan using the local U.S. embassy's health, safety, weather, and security updates. If there is an emergency like civil unrest or a natural disaster, the embassy or consulate will contact you to help you get out safely.  

• Download travel apps: In our digital world, travel apps are invaluable. From when you start planning a trip to coming back home, travel apps help make your trip fun and easy. In addition to the obvious ones like Google Maps and The Weather Channel, there are apps for all sorts of things. There are apps to help you find the best deals on flights, hotels, and transportation and keep your itinerary organized. Other ones include apps that suggest restaurants and cafes, where to find a reliable ATM, and where the best photographic locations are.

• Get your entertainment ready: Before you leave on your trip, download some offline entertainment for the long journey (and relax in your hotel room.) Make a Spotify playlist and upgrade to premium to listen offline, download movies and shows on your streaming services, choose a book or two, or upload fun games to your phone or tablet. Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment, but there might not be anything you’re interested in, so preparing your entertainment beforehand is key.

Around the House

• Clean out the fridge: You want to avoid coming home to a smelly fridge after a fun trip. Eat or throw away any leftovers or perishables that will expire while you're gone.

• Program your thermostat: Set the air conditioning between 75 and 80 degrees in the summer to conserve energy. Set the heat to at least 50 degrees in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Unplug appliances and electronics: Besides reducing hazards like unexpected power surges, unplugging appliances and electronics like the toaster, coffeemaker, printer, game console, TV, etc. will save money on your electricity bill.

• Close blinds, curtains, and drapes: Minimizing sunlight helps keep your house cool and prevents overheating from the sun. It also keeps anyone on the outside from looking in and realizing you're not home.

• Have someone keep an eye on things: You never know what might happen while you're gone, so it's wise to provide backup access to someone you trust. Hand off a spare key to your house sitter or a trusted neighbor, family member, or friend. Otherwise, store the spare key in a lock box or hide it in a good place. If you have smart locks, share the code with those you trust.

• Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor: You never know what might happen while you're gone, so giving at least one person access to your house is wise.

• Empty the trash cans: Full, stinky trash cans are an unpleasant welcome-home gift. Take out all the trash and recycling before leaving to avoid any foul odors.

• Set a timer for your lights: This will give your home a lived-in look. If you can, find a timer that connects to your cell phone so you can set the lights to go on and off at different times.

• Do the dishes: Coming home from vacation to a sink full of dirty dishes is not fun. Dirty dishes attract pets and bacteria (not to mention they stink.) Run the dishwasher or hand wash your dishes to avoid any unwanted guests.

• Hold mail, papers, and packages: A pile of mail, papers, and packages is a bold sign that no one is home. If you have a house sitter, have them collect these items daily so there's no buildup. If you don't have a house sitter, call the post office and ask them to put a hold on your mail. If you're able, re-route or pause any deliveries.

• Check all locks and windows: Before you go on vacation, it's essential to go around and check everything. Don't forget to check all the windows, exterior doors, and your garage. If you have sliding doors, place a metal rod or a piece of wood on the track to keep them from sliding open if someone tries. Enable security systems to sound with window access or motion detection in vulnerable areas.

• Water your house/garden plants: Give all your plants plenty of water before you leave on vacation to ensure they stay healthy. If you can't get a house sitter, look into self-watering spikes. If you have a neighbor or house sitter coming over, leave them clear instructions on how often to water and if they need any plant food or fertilizer.

• Shut off the main water supply: When you're not home, the last thing you want to happen is your water system leaking. Cut off your main water supply to vastly reduce the risk of flooding or damaging your house. While damage to your pipes can happen anytime, they are especially susceptible during winter.

Taking Care of Your Pets

• Hire a pet sitter: Having someone come over and take care of your pet is essential to keeping your four-legged family members safe, healthy, and entertained while you’re gone. Pet sitters can provide personalized care in your home, ensuring your pet remains in a familiar environment.

• Update vaccinations: Be sure your pet(s) are up to date on necessary vaccinations at least two weeks before you leave for vacation to allow them time to build up the appropriate antibodies.

• Prepare emergency information: Unfortunately, bad things can happen while you’re away, so make sure the person taking care of your pet(s) has the contact info for your veterinarian and the nearest emergency clinic and important medical records (such as vaccine records and pre-existing conditions).

• Layout medications (if needed): If your pet(s) have medications, use a pill organizer so there is no confusion about what to give them each day. If their medications are complex, it may help to leave out an instruction sheet, too.

• Pre-portion your pet’s food: To ensure your pet’s routine stays the same, pre-portion each of your pet’s meals into bags or Tupperware containers.

• Clean the litter box: The day before you leave, empty the box and put in fresh litter. If it makes you feel better, add an extra litter box somewhere else in the house.

• Leave out their favorite toys: Pull out several toys your pet loves to keep them entertained and comfortable. If a friend or pet sitter is staying at your house, have them play with your pet to encourage physical activity, which is vital for mental stimulation and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Ensure plenty of access to water: Keeping your pet well-hydrated is a top priority while you’re gone. Water fountains are another great addition to your pet’s home environment. They provide a continuous flow of fresh, filtered water, which can be more enticing for your pet to drink. Plus, they prevent the water bowl from being knocked over, ensuring your pet always has access to water. 

• Have a place for them to retreat to: Make sure your pet has a safe space to retreat to, such as a crate or a designated area with a doggy door. You can also use door stops or tie the door open to prevent your pet from getting stuck in a room.

Happy travels!!