Before Leaving on a Trip.
Here's my list of things that I do before I go on a trip. Hope this helps you.
Make sure prescriptions up to date; bring enough for the trip; print a list of meds to bring along
Back up computers; unplug in case of any storm.
Call your home security company and let them know your travel dates. Provide the name(s) of the person that will access your house when you area way.
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.
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
What's on your pre-travel checklist? Let me know and I'll add them here.
Monica