A Complete Pre Travel Checklist

Planning and preparing for an upcoming trip can be a stressful process.

But, it doesn’t have to be!

Take the stress and anxiety out of traveling by creating a comprehensive pre-travel checklist.

This will ensure nothing is forgotten, allowing you to enjoy your trip worry-free.

Let’s take a look at the most common pre-travel to-do items to create your perfect, customized pre-trip task list today.

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Pre-Travel Checklist

Before you skim the tasks below, be sure to pull out a sheet of paper, notebook, blank document (or whatever you prefer) to take notes. Only write down tasks that apply to you and your situation.

This way, by the time you’re done reading this list, you’ll have your very own, customized pre-travel checklist ready to go!

Tip: You can edit the free project planner pdf (download above) and save it to your computer. This way, the list is completely customized to fit your needs and can be quickly printed before every trip! 🙂

6+ Months Before Departure (complete as soon as possible)

Determine travel dates
Confirm travel dates with any other party traveling with you
Request time off from work (consider taking an extra day as a buffer and recovery day)
Check passport expiration date (and apply for a renewal if necessary)
Check for any required immunizations (and get them done if necessary)
Fill out and submit a travel visa (required for some international travel)

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1-6 Months Before Departure

Create your pre-travel checklist
Set a budget for the trip (and make sure it fits within your annual and monthly budget)
Save up for your trip (you can use this super cute travel savings box)
Outline an itinerary
Look up travel deals, milage points, and coupons before booking anything (Rakuten usually has some great ones!)
Purchase travel tickets and reservations including:
- Plane tickets
- Other transportation tickets (trains, ferries, etc.)
- Ground transportation (car rentals, light rail, or anything else to/from the airport)
- Parking at the airport
- Parking at other locations
- Hotel rooms, vacation rentals, or campsites
- Activity tickets
- Tour reservations
Consider purchasing travel insurance
Organize transportation and/or parking between your home and the airport
Find a home or pet sitter
Make plans for your pets
Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (through the US Dept. of State) to allow them to reach you in an emergency

Two Weeks Before Departure

Check your luggage to ensure it is in working order (order new luggage if necessary)
Create a packing list
Inventory travel items
Purchase any necessary travel items
Check TSA regulations at departure and arrival locations (modify packing list if needed)
Add a luggage tag identifier and contact information for any checked baggage
Begin wearing new travel shoes or hiking boots to prevent blisters on your trip
Place a stop order on your mail and newspaper service (for the US, you can do that here)
Inform your security company of your trip
Create a list of people to get souvenirs for
Check in with your supervisor and coworkers, remind them of your vacation and create a plan if needed

One Week Before Departure

Purchase travel snacks
Contact your bank and inform them about your trip (so they don’t cancel your card while you’re away!)
Take out cash to have on hand (including small bills and foreign currency)
Finalize trip itinerary (including meals)
Inform a trusted friend or family member of your trip and give them a key to your home in case of an emergency
Create a Post-Travel Checklist to ensure a smooth return home
Make at least one freezer dinner meal to have when you get back (this is a life-saver!) – Learn how I meal plan and prep in this post
Get ahead in your home-related chores (laundry, cleaning, etc.)
Check your yard, put away any tools and lock exterior sheds and storage
Check in with home or pet sitter
Organize a gift or payment for your house or pet sitter
Make sure all bills are set to auto-pay (or pay them in advance)
Download any useful travel apps (including the app for your airline)
Set up international calling with your phone provider
Get ahead in your work-load
Delegate any work tasks you can
Reschedule any meetings and appointments

Related: Get Back on Track After Travel FAST with this Ultimate Post-Travel To-Do List

2-3 Days Before Departure

Check the weather at your destination
Pack your bags
Create a list of anything you can’t pack yet and leave it in your bag (like your phone, keys, etc.)
Weigh your bags and check that they meet regulation
Make a copy of your passport and debit cards to have as a backup
Take a photo of the inside of your bag (in case it gets lost)
Confirm all reservations
Download entertainment for the plane, train, etc. (eBooks, movies, music, podcasts, etc.) – here are my top book lists if you are looking for a great new read!
Charge all electronics
Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank
Clean out your fridge
Clean the house
Run and fold all the laundry
Grocery shop for non-perishable items for when you return home
Set out any instructions, pet food, etc. for home or pet sitter
Complete or prepare for any tasks you can on your post-travel task list
Create a “Getting Back to the Office” list
Complete a weekly review and plan the week for after vacation (both work and personal life)

Related: My Favorite Book Lists To Keep You Entertained for Hours on End!

One Day Before Departure

Check into your flight
Print out a copy of your boarding pass (Tip: have 2 copies, always keep a backup!)
Save a copy of your boarding pass to your phone
Check your travel itinerary and set any alarms to help you remember when to wake up, leave your home, arrive at the gate, etc.
Check in with your house sitter or pet sitter one last time
Water your plants
Set up a self-watering system for your plants
Feed and water your pets
Complete any extra pet-related tasks (clean the litter, give extra food, bring to pet sitter, etc.)
Declutter the house
Set timers for your interior lights (these timers are cheap and work great)
Close your blinds
Set up an automated email response that says you’re out of the office, and what date you’ll return
Shut down your workspace (shut down the computer, put away items, take out the trash, etc.)

On Travel Day

Finish packing
Double-check that you have packed your essentials (phone, keys, wallet, passport, prescriptions, boarding pass, other tickets, etc.)
Weigh your bag one last time
Take out all the trash
Unplug all electronics and appliances
Check the thermostat
Lock all doors and windows
Set your security alarm
Double-check that you closed the garage (Home Alone vibes, anyone?)

Pin this post for later reference!

Work Pre-Travel Checklist

For convenience, here are the tasks in the above lists that are directly related to work:

Request time off from work (as early as possible)
Check in with your supervisor and coworkers, remind them of your vacation and create a plan if needed (1-2 weeks before)
Get ahead in your work-load (1-2 weeks before)
Delegate any work tasks you can (1 week before)
Reschedule any meetings and appointments (1 week before)
Create a “Getting Back to the Office” list (2-3 days before)
Complete a weekly review and plan the week for after vacation (2-3 days before)
Set up an automated email response that says you’re out of the office, and what date you’ll return (1 day before)
Shut down your workspace (1 day before)

Must-Have Pre-Travel Home Essentials

Here are some items that will make travel preparation much easier!

Indoor Outlet Timers: Using these timers is a cheap and easy way to make it look like someone is home. Just simply set the timer and plug in your lights, and your lights will turn on/off at the specified time each day.
Indoor Plant Self-Water Bulbs: Fill these beautiful glass globes with water just before you leave and they will slowly water your plants while you are away.
Luggage Scale: These are a great way to ensure you don’t make the time-consuming and expensive mistake of having your luggage be overweight.
Bright Luggage Tag: Having a bright luggage tag is an easy way to identify your bag and ensure that, if it gets lost, it can easily be returned to you. I also love these bright luggage straps for extra protection.
Pet Camera: It can be difficult to travel knowing that you won’t see your pet for a while. But, having a pet camera can help! There are two great options: the cheaper indoor camera or the more expensive pet camera that throws treats. I’ll admit, I definitely have the latter on my wishlist!

Must-Have Travel Essentials

In addition, here are some travel essentials I absolutely swear by.

Packing Cubes: I am a huge supporter of packing cubes. It makes packing easy and keeps your clothes organized during your trip. This set is a great choice, it is cheap and gets the job done.
TSA Approved Leak Proof Toiletries Set: Using a toiletries set makes packing and going through TSA a breeze. When you buy a set together, you can ensure it will all fit within the regulated dimensions.
Toiletry Hanging Bag: Having a hanging toiletry bag is a super functional way to store your cosmetics and other essential items when traveling. You can easily find what you need and stay organized throughout your trip.
Portable Charger: You do not want to get caught traveling with a dead phone. Trust me, I’ve been there (and missed my flight because of it). You will never find me traveling without a portable charger now, it is probably one of the most important travel essentials!
Waterproof Phone Case: If you’re heading to the beach, a water park, or anywhere else with water, you might want to consider snagging a waterproof phone case. It’s a cheap way to ensure your phone stays protected.
International Power Adaptor: If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to snag the correct power adaptor so you can use your electronics! You don’t want to skimp on this one, or you’ll be saying goodbye to your electronics quickly.
Carry-On Sized Roller Luggage: If you’re in the market for new luggage, this is a great option. Be sure to double-check the dimensions with your flight requirements before you purchase!

Travel Inspiration and Itineraries

Looking for some travel inspiration? Check out these awesome travel itineraries!

There you have it, my ultimate pre-travel checklist! Don’t forget to write out your own task list and begin as soon as possible. Happy Travels!

Get Organized Fast!

Pre-Travel Checklist