A Stress-Free Vacation Checklist

The best part of traveling is the new experiences in unknown places. But there are travel surprises that dampen the fun, like having a credit card frozen or a pet sitter bail on you. Here is a Stress-Free Vacation Checklist of things to do in the months and weeks before your big trip. This will help keep those pesky travel hiccups to a minimal.

If you are in my circle, you’ll know I love to research before my trip. I will look up the best places to eat, off-beaten places to see or do, day trips, art, the best areas to visit etc. That’s just how I like to roll, if I’m organized then I feel more excited to go. Curtis is more of the spontaneous type, but does enjoy that I do the research. It makes a better vacation for him, plus he doesn’t have to do the legwork. But I enjoy that process.

I will also research for my family or friends vacations. Anyways, I know, I know, I’m insane!

I hope that this Stress-Free Vacation Checklist helps with your next vacation. Even if you don’t follow every point, you can at least check off a couple of items. Anything helps!

Don’t forget to download my free Vacation Packing List and check out my Five Tips for Traveling Light. I will also be sharing my Lisbon, Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen travel guides soon! Boy do I wish I was going back to Lisbon this year! So many pretty pictures on Instagram lately.

The Stress-Free Vacation Checklist

Before you book:

• Make sure your passport is up-to-date, if you need it.
• Make arrangements for any visas or other travel documents you may need.
• Research any special vaccines you may need to obtain.
• Check any travel advisories or warnings.
• Begin researching your route and airline rates.
• Make informed estimates about your total travel costs and make sure your plans fall within your budget.

When you book the trip:

• Arrange transportation to and from the airport at home and at your destination.
• Book a rental car or purchase rail tickets as necessary.
• Check carry-on policies for all your flights.
• Begin researching your destination in more detail; decide, for example, what you definitely want to do, where you want to eat, etc.
• Book any additional reservations where applicable (local sights, restaurants, guides, excursions, etc.).
• Make arrangements to obtain prescription refills or attend to other medical needs as necessary (vaccines, contact lenses, extra glasses, etc.).
• Start learning common phrases in the language of the country you will be visiting. Look into social/cultural norms, expectations, and niceties of the country you will be visiting so you can be a considerate guest in a foreign land.

One month out from travel date:

• Make arrangements for pets.
• Make arrangements for your household (housecleaners, landscapers, someone to water your plants, etc.)
• Make lists of what still needs to be done and what items you need to purchase.
• Purchase any larger ticket or possibly difficult-to-find items, such as luggage, specialty outdoor gear, or electronics accessories (SD cards, adapters, portable chargers, etc.).
• Let your bank know that you plan to travel so they don’t freeze your account for suspicious transactions; make sure you have a 4-digit PIN so you can use foreign ATM machines. If you forgot your PIN or need a new one, have your bank mail it to you.
• Obtain an International Driving Permit if you’ll need one.
• Contact your cell phone carrier to find out about unlocking your phone, international charges, obtaining a chip, etc.

Two weeks out:

• Pay bills that will be due while you are away.
• Put a hold on your mail.
• Shop for any items you may need, such as additional clothes, travel-friendly toiletry accessories, etc.
• Download useful apps and make sure you have access to a guidebook.
• Download entertainment like movies, music, tv shows to your devices.
• Give your detailed itinerary to family or friends and let them know how to reach you if necessary.
• Make copies of all your travel documents. Take pictures and store them locally on your phone so you can access them even if you don’t have internet service.

Week before:

• Do all your laundry.
• Check the weather at your destination.
• Finish up any perishable food and/or make arrangements to give leftovers away.
• Make detailed lists of what still needs to be done and what you plan to pack.
• Begin setting aside items that you will need to pack.
• Download e-books and other entertainment for your flight.
• Double-check your reservations and your flight times.
• Check travel advisories and warnings again and take note of contact information for your country’s embassies or consulates at your destination.

Day before:

• Do your final packing, which should be easy because your laundry is done and you’ve been setting things aside.
• If you park on a street, maybe make alternate plans or rent a space. If it’s a longer trip, people may notice your car staying stationary and potentially could break in.
• Check in with pet and house caretakers.
• Pack your personal carry-on item with entertainment, snacks, an extra layer, travel pillow, etc.
• Confirm transportation to airport.
• Check-in for your flight, this usually opens up 24 hours ahead.
• Empty the refrigerator of any perishables. Empty the garbage.
• Program your thermostat for while you’re gone.
• Clean up as much as possible so you come home to a clean and inviting space. I also like to wash my sheets, so that when I return that is already done!