Pre-Cruise Travel Checklist

Pre Travel Checklist

This is my checklist that I use before going on a cruise. This may help you. If there's something that can be added, please let me know. 

Before Leaving
 
Make sure prescriptions up to date; bring enough for the trip; print a list of meds to bring along
 
Back up computers
 
Pay bills
 
Place jewelry in bank’s safety deposit box
 
Arrange for a pet sitter (or someone to stay at the house)
 
Call credit card companies and inform them of travel dates and which towns you'll be visiting
 
Stop mail, stop newspaper (or have neighbor or dog sitter take care of this)
 
Leave copy of itinerary with neighbor, dog sitter, or family member
 
If you park your car at the airport, remove garage remote control and driver’s registration card
 
Instruct family members how to contact you on the cruise ship in case of emergency
 
Appointments: Hair, manicure/pedicure, Dr's appointments
 
Water plants and/or arrange for care
 
Turn off water
 
Clean out refrigerator of perishables; take out all trash
 
Adjust heating or a/c in home
 
Withdraw some cash. Get some euros in advance (I always bring home about 200 euros from a trip to save for the next trip and to avoid having to find an ATM at the airport)
 
Set cell phone up for international calling
 
Set timers for lights
 
Last-minute laundry; change bed sheets (I like to come home to a fresh-made bed)
 
Take a photo of your luggage and email to self. Do the same for any camera gear or electronics
 
Make copies of passport, driver’s license, emergency contact information, overseas phone numbers, etc. Keep copies as PDFs on your Smartphone, tablet, or email account.

For those who have home security systems, I always call the security company and let them know the dates that we would be away, and whoever might have a key to be entering the house, i.e. to water plants or whatever.

 
Packing
 
Prepare packing list and organize what you want to bring
 
Luggage locks, luggage tags; copy of itinerary in luggage
 
Pack bubble wrap for ceramics or other breakables that you might purchase; large zip lock bags
 
Gather all camera and electronic equipment (spare batteries, chargers, memory cards, etc.)
 
Charge all electronics
 
Organize wallet/purse and bring only what’s needed
 
Hotels/Airlines/Car Rental
 
Check in for airline(s)
 
Print out airline boarding passes, car rental, and hotel reservations
 
Re-confirm airline flights and transportation to hotel
 
Re-confirm hotel reservations
 
Purchase international driver’s license, if applicable
 
For the cruise/On-board the ship
 
Cruise on-line check-in, print cruise tickets, print luggage tags
 
Register for the Meet & Greets
 
Print out roll call and name tags
 
Make specialty dining reservations
 
Print itinerary and in-cabin calendar
 
For the ports
 
Re-confirm private tours with tour operators
 
If you organize a tour, confirm with your participants
 
Print and bring tour confirmation emails
 
Pack guidebook and/or town maps
 
Print any port documents collected