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
