Pre-Trip Preparation

• Check your passport — Make sure it’s valid for at least one month beyond your return date.

• Confirm visa requirements and apply for any necessary travel visas.

• Review health needs — Obtain required vaccinations or prescriptions.

• Refresh your toiletries — Ensure you have the right sizes for travel. Pack carry-on liquids in a quart-size zip-top bag.

• Order foreign currency from your bank.

• Prepare your wardrobe — Wash, mend, and organize clothing and shoes for the trip.

• If traveling over Election Day, complete and mail your absentee ballot.

• Designate a contact person (friend, family, or neighbor). Provide them with your itinerary, contact information, and copies of your passport and credit cards.

• Pay upcoming bills or set up automatic payments while you’re away.

• Stock up on camera supplies — Memory cards, batteries, or film.

• Make a shopping list for any last-minute items.

• Keep all tickets, vouchers, and itineraries together in a safe, accessible place.

One Week Before Departure

• Suspend mail and newspaper delivery.

• Notify emergency contacts of your travel dates and destinations.

• Contact your home security provider with your travel dates and contact info.

• Visit AAA (We don’t suggest this)  for an international driver’s license.

• Print your itinerary and contact details for anyone watching your home.

• Refill prescriptions and pack them properly.

• Print complete itineraries, including vouchers and tickets, for yourself and your travel companion.

• Print hotel confirmations, car rental vouchers, and flight details.

• Call your cell provider to check coverage and rates abroad; add time to phone cards if needed.

• Email your itinerary to close friends and family.

• Write instructions for your housekeeper, sitter, or pet care provider.

• Inform credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations; obtain PINs if required.

• Make photocopies of passports — exchange one with your travel partner and leave another with your at-home contact.

One Day Before Departure

• Water plants.

• Remove perishables from the refrigerator and pantry.

• Wash dishes and tidy up.

• Drop pets off or confirm in-home care arrangements.

• Arrange transportation to the airport or station.

• Set timers for lights, radio, or TV.

• Confirm flight times and print boarding passes (if applicable).

Day of Departure

• Adjust thermostats to vacation settings.

• Shut off gas valves (if needed).

• Empty trash bins.

• Lock all doors and windows securely.

• Close blinds and curtains.

• Turn on answering machine and porch light.

• Double-check essentials — passport, tickets, itinerary, and vouchers are packed and easily accessible.

• Withdraw cash from an ATM or exchange counter.

Sanity Savers

• Pack a good book for the journey.

• Keep eyewear handy — contacts, solution, and glasses should be in your carry-on.

• Include your MP3 player or phone (with charger/adapters) in your carry-on.

• Buy postcard stamps ahead of time if traveling domestically.

• Bring pre-printed address labels for easy postcard writing.

• If driving, pack maps or ensure your GPS is updated and charged.

• Bring a travel guidebook and/or language phrasebook.

• Make a souvenir list of people to shop for.

• Print maps and addresses of key destinations before leaving.