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