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Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do the Day Before You Travel

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The Essential Pre-Trip Checklist

Caroline Costello

Caroline Costello's travel accomplishments include surviving a 2 a.m. whitewater rafting excursion in the Canadian wilderness, successfully biking from Dusseldorf to Cologne without a map, and gaining access to a covert pizza speakeasy in New Orleans.

Caroline is an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). Her work has appeared on USA Today , the Boston Globe , AOL.com, MSNBC.com, ABC News, TODAY Travel, and CruiseCritic.com, among other publications.

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For a stress-free, tranquil trip, preparation is key. If you’re getting ready to go on vacation, download our pre-trip checklist to help you take care of the essential tasks before embarking on your getaway. This customizable and editable chart includes everything you’ll likely need to do before heading out the door, from arranging pet care to taking care of finances. Download the list and add in any extra preparations you might need to complete—and you’ll be well on your way to a worry-free adventure. NEW: Download a mobile-friendly version of the pre-trip checklist.

Pre-Trip Checklist for Home/Pets

• Turn off AC/fans
• Take out trash
• Clean out fridge/throw out food
• Return due library books
• Close/lock windows
• Unplug electronics
• Turn off lights/set timer for lights
• Notify home-security system co.
• Arrange house sitter
• Place stop order on newspaper
• Place stop order on mail
• Stock up on pet food and litter
• Arrange pet sitter or kennel stay
• Obtain documentation for required pet vaccinations

Pre-Trip Checklist for Finances/Health

• Visit a travel clinic if traveling to a foreign country
• Program ICE (“in case of emergency”) number into your phone
• Check overseas medical coverage
• Refill prescriptions
• Get necessary immunizations
• Make copies of passport/ID
• Notify CC co./bank of travel
• Pay necessary bills in advance
• Research entrance fee costs
• Create trip budget
• Take out cash at ATM
• Obtain foreign currency
• Get small bills for tipping

Pre-Trip Checklist for Itinerary/Flight

• Look up baggage fees for airline
• Add new luggage tags to your suitcase
• Download travel apps/e-books
• Set up away message
• Set up flight alerts via text
• Weigh packed luggage
• Set up a travel plan for cell phone
• Charge all electronics
• Remove previous airline luggage tags
• Check in online/print boarding passes
• Confirm rental car reservations
• Confirm flight, train, bus reservations
• Confirm hotel reservations
• Create/print itinerary
• Check weather
• Notify friends/family of travel
• Check your passport expiration date
• Program phone numbers into cellphone
• Arrange transportation to the airport

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Essential Beach Packing List
• 10 Things You Should Never Pack in Your Checked Bag
• 10 Things to Pack That Will Save You Money

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: Important Things To Do Before Travelling

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Planning a vacation? There is so much to think about before actually heading out on your adventures, but preparing for your trip doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist will help make sure all the important things are done before travelling. So you and your family can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing everything is well in hand.

The Pre-Vacation checklist covers everything from booking hotels, packing and bringing meds, to all those last minute details of making sure you’ve brought your toothbrush and phone charger, secured your home and the housesitter is confirmed and settled.

While it is organized into what to do 3 months, 1 month, 1 week and less before your trip, if you have less time, just adjust the time frames for the time you have left. It’s never too late to organize!

Our Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist Free Printable has all things you definitely don’t want to miss, when planning your trip.

Ready to plan? Let’s get prepping.

Table of Contents

Pre-Travel Checklist: What To Do Before Leaving For Vacation

Research destination & pre-trip planning.

Every trip starts with a little (or in my case a lot) of research. It is good to get an idea of what you will be looking forward to or any challenges your family may face. Here are a few things to consider before booking your destination. Then you’ll be all set to go through your travel preparations checklist.

We also like to make a yearly travel vision board to help us focus on our dream vacation that year.

What type of weather are you looking for? Are you looking for a wintery ski destination,  some fun in the sun, or mild fall foliage road trip tour?

It’s a good idea to research the average weather and temperature of your destination beforehand, because you definitely don’t want to fly somewhere expecting sunny, hot beach weather, only to find out once you’ve landed that it’s too cool or stormy to hang out on the beach, and you don’t even pack a sweater. 

Travel advisories and warnings

Take a look at your government’s travel advisories for your desired destination. They’ll have the latest info on what you need to be aware of from security to healthy risks, recommended vaccines and more.

This is especially important in the time of COVID, as rules, and entry requirements change rapidly. 

Rules, etiquettes and cultural norms 

Get a sense of the rules, etiquettes and cultural norms of your travel destination. This will help prepare you not only to be a more respectful  global citizen, it can also help guide what you need to pack. 

Activities & Tours

Many popular tours and activities require advance bookings. Doing a little research ahead of time will avoid the disappointment of missing out on bucket list items, and can even save you money.

Get your kids and partner involved in the dreaming. Ask what they are interested in doing, and have them to help with the research. Watch some YouTube Videos on hotels, activities, things to do in the area you are traveling to. 

Language 

Learn what language the majority of locals speak. While in tourist destinations you will find most people tend to know at least a little English, people appreciate it when you at least try to say a few words in their language.

Take a class, or brush up on a few common words you can use. We like to take a few courses before we travel and brush up on a few helpful phrase like Hello, Thank You, Where is the Bathroom and How much does that cost?

Rosetta Stone offers popular and affordable language classes you can do from home (or on the road); Try it out here.

Local Transportation Options

Check out the local transportation options. Many places, especially in larger cities, have great public transit or taxi systems, which are easier to use  than driving a car.

Or is it a place where you need or want to rent a car, because it’s safer, need to use a carseat, or you plan on doing road trips ? This is good to know ahead of time.

Compare rental car prices and options, auto insurance requirements, and see if there are any discounts available to you through your credit cards, CAA / AAA, professional organizations. 

Currency 

Different currencies are always a fun challenge. Research what currency you’ll need, the exchange rate, and how easily you’ll be able to access your money abroad. 

For most places this is not a problem. However, our trip to Cuba was the exception.

You can’t exchange Cuban currency beforehand, and all research pointed to bringing all the cash you needed. Accessing money while down there through ATMs or the bank can be difficult, so it would have been a stressful situation once we arrived, if we didn’t know all this beforehand.

Loyalty Programs

Sign up for loyalty programs for hotels you like to stay at, airlines you like to fly with and travel points credit cards. Often there are sign-up bonuses, that may even land you a free flight or an extra night or two at no extra cost.

Budget 

Working out a budget beforehand can give you an idea of where and how long you can travel for. Planning ahead with a budget can ultimately lead to less stress down the road.

Then you won’t have  to pay off a high interest credit card bill, for an expensive vacation you couldn’t afford. 

Make sure to include not only the big ticket items like flights, resorts, and  hotels, but also factor in meals, snacks, water, tips, souvenirs and activities.

We like to budget out  3 or 4 more expensive items per trip separately, such as special tours, a concert, or fancy meals. Then have a daily per diem to cover food, and miscellaneous daily expenses like bus tickets, tips, water and the like. 

Check out how to build a vacation fund for simple ways you can save money for your next family vacation.

Kids School

Check with your child’s school and teacher, to see what the rules are around taking a family vacation . A couple of things to consider. Is it an excused absence? Will your child need to catch up on any missed homework or assignments?

Read Is a family vacation an excused absence from school for all the considerations in pulling your kids out of school.

Book Your Vacation

Now that you have settled on a fun holiday destination, now it is the time to book your trip.

• Make reservations for your accommodations – hotel, airBnB, VRBO, castle, cruise, resort or wherever you are staying. 
• Book your transportation – flights, taxis, airport shuttles, buses, trains, transfers between cities and/or hotels
• Book activities & tours  – some activities and tours  book up quickly (like certain rides at Disney), so if there are certain ones you know you don’t want to miss out on, book ahead. 

For all reservations make sure you read and clearly understand their cancellation policies BEFORE booking. 

Grab your copy of our complete pre-travel checklist template , ready for you to use on your next vacation.

Booking Your Trip

Save up to 90% off flights – Flight deals from well regarded airlines straight to your inbox. Save up to 90% on your flights with Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Finding a cheap flight: Check out Skyscanner or Momondo or Google Flights Explore . Search engines that scour the web and airlines for best flight deals. Booking accommodations: Booking.com is a great option for finding cheap accommodations around the world. We also use VRBO to find more unique, home away from home type places to stay. For example: Book your perfect beach house! Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is important for everything from illness and injury, to trip cancellations or delays and theft. It’s peace of mind and protection should anything go wrong.  Safety Wing is a favourite amongst travellers for the under 60 crowd. As always, read the fine print on any insurance policy you buy.

Pre-Trip Checklist: What to do 3 months before Travel

While you may not always have your vacations planned out 3 or more months in advance, it’s a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare, especially if you are travelling internationally. 

Just move these items to the top of your to do list, no matter how much time you have left to travel. 

Check Travel Advisories & COVID Testing Requirements

As noted above, it is imperative you check for health advisories, travel warnings and entry requirements.  While this is true anytime, with COVID it is especially important to keep up to date on the changing situation around the world.

You will want to check back regularly leading up to your departure date, to make sure your trip is still possible, and if entry or exit requirements have changed.

Keep an eye on COVID testing requirements for not only leaving your country, but what is also required on your return.

Research government approved testing sites at your destination as well. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help ensure you aren’t stuck on holiday longer than anticipated. For more info:

• Canada Travel Advisories
• USA Travel advisories
• UK Travel Advisories
• Australia Travel Advisories

Pre-Travel Checklist – International Travel  

If you are travelling internationally, or use your passport as ID, check to make sure all travellers passports are not expired, and will be valid for at least 6 months past your return date, with at least one blank page.

Double check with your destination’s embassy website,  to make sure they don’t have any other passport or entry requirements.

The embassy’s website for your destination will have a lot of helpful information. Look to see their entry and visa requirements. 

Make sure you have an idea of how long the process for getting a Visa will take, and if there are any special requirements.

In some cases, you may need to send your passport to the foreign consulate for processing of the visa, so make sure you will not need it during that time. You’ll also  want to make sure you have enough time to get all your documentation in order before your trip. 

If you are planning on a longer visit, determine requirements at least 6 months in advance, as some types of visas require extra steps (like visiting the consulate in person), and may take longer than expected. 

Check back in frequently to make sure visa requirements haven’t changed.

Vaccinations

Are you up to date on your vaccinations?

Visit your government’s travel advisory website (linked above), as they will have all the latest recommendations for safety, travel advice, including vaccine requirements for your destination. The World Health Organization (WHO) website also outlines recommended vaccines based on destination.

Follow up with your local travel clinic, to discuss what vaccines,  and precautionary measures may be best for your family. Some vaccines require multiple doses over time, so book well in advance.

Health and Travel Insurance

Extended medical insurance is a necessity when travelling outside the country. Make sure to add this to your list of things to do before travel.

Many employers and credit cards have insurance plans that cover emergency travel and health expenses while abroad. Call for all the fine details. Research and choose an insurance plan that will fit your family size, holiday activities and destination.

Double check the fine print around trip cancellation policies, and coverage for COVID related expenses. Many insurance plans are decreasing and changing coverage due to the pandemic. You don’t want to be caught in an unfortunate situation. 

Keep your valuables safer when travelling, with anti-theft gear .

Pre-Travel Checklist – Things To Prepare Before Travelling (Anywhere )

Pet and house sitters.

Arrange a house sitter and either a pet sitter or  book a kennel or boarding situation for your beloved pets, that won’t be travelling with you.

Sometimes these services are in high demand, especially around popular vacation times like Christmas or Spring Break, so book  well in advance. 

It will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is safe and your furry family is well taken care of, in your preferred boarding situation.

Create your Packing Lists

Make your packing lists and check them twice. Don’t forget all the essentials!

While it may seem a bit overkill to create a packing list so far in advance, if you have to buy off season clothes or gear for your trip, it can make prepping, and saving money for and on purchases much easier.

Feel free to move this to one month before your trip  if you have most or all the gear you need.

Before creating your family’s packing list, there are a few things to consider:

• Check on luggage allowances – Does your airline, cruise, train have limits to the weight, and number of luggage pieces you can bring? Are there any extra costs, and are you ok paying them? 
• Decide how much you want to pack.   Are you a carry-on only family? Do you want one suitcase for the kids, one for the adults, or each their own?
•  Decide on your style of bag: Do you prefer a duffel bag, backpack, suitcase, or maybe a combo. This will also dictate how much you can pack.
• Consider your type of trip: Take into consideration the length of stay, weather and planned activities for your family trip. 
• Decide about laundry: Are you planning on washing your clothes while away, or bringing everything you need? Will you have access to a washer / dryer or laundry service?
• Figure out what you can / can’t bring on a plane like waterbottles , sports racquets , magnets and the like.

Most Common Items People Forget To Pack For Vacation

Here is a list of some common items people forget to pack , so make sure they are on your list. These also all happen to be items I have missed a time or two myself.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Phone, kindle, ipad,  chargers
• First Aid kit or supplies
• Prescriptions and medications
• Travel adapter
• Copies of travel documents
• Warm layer (sweater, light jacket) for sunny destinations
• Laundry Bag – I like to keep dirty clothes in a separate mesh bag.

If you forget a few things, don’t panic, most destinations have plenty of options to buy any items you may have forgotten. Cuba however was one destination where you needed to pack everything you needed, as there weren’t a lot of options once you get there.

Buy Essentials Before Your Trip

Planning ahead can save you time, money and headaches. 

Here in Canada, finding warm summer clothes, even online, is difficult in the winter months.

Our trip to the Carribean was case in point. Not a lot of options to buy once we arrived, and not many options before we left. If I hadn’t bought a couple of end of summer sale items, we would have been out of luck.

Purchasing a few essentials beforehand can help get your trip off on the right foot. It can help save you money, as you have time to keep an eye out for deals and don’t have to pay exorbitant resort prices to purchase these items.

It can also help save time, if you need to special order anything online.

Some items you may need / want to buy ahead:

For the Kids

• Travel Entertainment: Activities, games, crafts, small toys, books
• Kids tablet / iPad – load up with fav movies, TV shows, books, podcasts
• Weather appropriate clothing & gear (snorkels, rashguards, sun hats, skiis, snowsuits etc.)
• Extra diapers, wipes, bottles, 
• Travel car seat and travel stroller
• Travel Booster Seat – We love our compact MiFold Grab and Go Car Booster Seat for travel with older kids (must be at least 4yrs+, 40″ tall and 40lbs)
• Infant travel bed
• Travel potty & toilet seat (2-in-1 awesomeness)

Toiletry items

• Carry-On sized toiletries
• Solid shampoo & conditioner bars 
• Sunscreen 
• Hand sanitizer

First Aid Kit  or items

• Pain relievers ( examples: Paracetamol, Tylenol, Ibuprofen). If travelling with kids, pack some for them too. 
• Bandaids, blister pads, gauze, surgical tape, & antiseptic wipes
• Tweezers & small scissors (don’t bring in carry-on!)
• Antihistamine & anti-bacterial creams
• Loperamide tablets – emergency anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration Tablets or packets – Pedialyte, Nuum
• Motion sickness meds 

For the Adults

• Weather appropriate clothing & gear
• Magazines, books, e-reader subscriptions (and download beforehand)

You may also like 50+ fun gifts for travel lovers of all ages

Pre-Trip Checklist: What To Do 1 Month Before Travel

Get a copy of our free pre-vacation checklist , to make sure you have all the things you’ll need to do in one handy document.

Confirm All Reservations And Bookings

With so many things to prepare before travelling, you don’t want to forget to confirm your bookings.

Now is the time to confirm / reconfirm all reservations, and bookings you made.  Look to see if any times or schedules have changed.

We tend to do this 1 month up to 2 weeks before we leave, depending on the travel destination, and the requirements of the various companies.

• Flight Times
• How you will get to the airport & Pick up time ( friend, taxi, shuttle etc.)
• Transportation to lodging
• Accomodations
• Car Rentals
• Bus / Train Reservations
• Activities, Tours, & Dining 
• Pet and House sitters

If you haven’t made any activity, tour or dining reservations yet, do so now. Check discount sites like Groupon, Travelzoo, or local travel sites for deals.

Also confirm any special assistance or requirements, you and your family members may need. Often they require more than 24 hours notice. Double check the amount of notice that is required with your airline, resort or hotel. 

Pre-Book in advance:

• Special meals – for kids, vegetarians, vegans or any special dietary needs
• Assistance at airports – such as porters or transport between terminals 
• Special Bedding / Room requirements – extra cot, playpen, adjoining rooms, non smoking or smoking rooms, rooms away from the pool etc.

Make A Hard Copy Of Reservations and Bookings

While most reservations are online, and on our phones these days, it’s a good idea to make a hard copy of all bookings, reservations, itineraries. Add emergency numbers, contacts and nearest hospital / clinic.

You never know when you may lose access to the internet / your phone, and need your passport or other info.

Keep a copy handy and  in a safe place while you travel, and leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member at home. Taking photos of all important documents is a good backup strategy as well.

Also program “In case of emergency” numbers into your phone , both for your home, and destination.

I like to have the number for police and ambulance, as well as the nearest hospital or clinic mapped out, so in the unlikely event of an emergency I don’t have to scramble for the info.

Car Maintenance

If you are taking a road trip, now is the time to have a little maintenance done on your vehicle. Make an appointment for the car to get checked over; oil change, tire pressure, fluids, windshield wipers.  

It is also a good idea to find some ways to save money on your road trip . You don’t want to spend more than you have to.

Medications and Prescriptions

A key item for your pre travel checklist is your medications and prescriptions. Make sure you have enough of your usual medications and prescriptions to last the entire trip plus a week or two extra if possible.

Pharmacies at your destination may have different meds than you are used to, and language may be a barrier. 

Here are a few tips to be prepared:

• Talk to your doctor prior to your trip, and let them know you will be travelling, and for how long
• Ask your  doctor to write a prescription for all your medications, preferably renewable for up to a year (or however long you will be gone). Most prescriptions can only be maximum a year.
• Make sure they write the American and generic name, doses, amounts etc. 
• Bring a hard copy of your prescription with you.
• Pack your medications in the original containers and place in  a one-quart, plastic bag near the top of your carry-on baggage.
• Divide the rest into different pieces of luggage, so if one piece of luggage is lost, you won’t have lost all your meds.

Cell Phones & Data Plans

Planning on texting or skyping friends and family back home, browsing the interwebs or streaming a few movies or videos for your kids? Most cell providers these days have fairly competitive international roaming packages for out of country usage. 

You definitely want to call your provider and set it up before you leave, so you don’t get an outrageous, surprise international roaming bill on your return home. That’s not the type of souvenir we are looking for!

With so many electronic devices and cords these days, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. Hands up if you’ve ever left a charger at a hotel or a Kindle in the pocket in front of you on the airplane, never to be seen again? No, just me…..ok maybe not.

It’s wise to invest in a small storage pouch, or electronic organizer case like this awesome, affordable Bagsmart electronic organizer . It’s a life saver (or at least an electronics saver).

Pre Travel Checklist – What to Do One Week Before Travel

Exchange currency.

Exchange some currency. It is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth of local currency on hand when you arrive at your amazing destination. Be sure you have some small bills for tipping your taxi or porter at your hotel as well.

Often you’ll get a better exchange rate at your home bank, than at your destination airport anyway.  Plus you won’t have to wait in line, exhausted after your days travel, with a bunch of cranky kids, spouse, friends in tow. 

Check Pre-Travel COVID Test Requirements & Where To Get One Done

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding.

In the US, visit your . Updated Covid travel rules to look for the latest information on where to get tested. If you are in Canada, visit the government’s website for more info.

Before you leave, make sure all bills are paid up, or that automatic payments are set up, with enough money in the account to cover any expenses while you are away.

Electronics Prep – Download Music, Games, Movies, Books, Travel Apps & Offload Photos

To make those long flights and travel days smoother, especially with kids, download the music, games, movies, podcasts, books you want to keep everyone entertained.

Download and familiarize yourself with any new Travel Apps you want to try out. 

If you use your cell phone as your camera, make sure you have enough storage, or delete / save old photos off your phone to make room.

Prepare Your Home 

Of all the things to prepare before travelling, home prep is one of the most important, and often overlooked tasks.

Now that all the travel details are under control, you’ll want to start prepping your home. I love returning home to a clean home, with freshly washed sheets and nicely made beds, Don’t you?

Many of these items can be done one week before, right up to the day of travel:

• Clean your house; mop floors, clean bathrooms, wipe down counters, vacuum
• Run the dishwasher & empty the dishes
• Wash and dry clothes, then pack or put away.
• Clean your sheets, and make the beds with freshly laundered linens
• Empty the garbage and compost bins
• Empty out your fridge of perishable items
• Water plants
• Set your thermostat
• Check the heating fuel level (Don’t want to run out in winter!) Arrange for a delivery while you are away if needed

Prepare your House Sitter

I like to have my house sitter and pet sitter over at least the week before we leave on vacation, to go over any routines, expectations and to give them a house tour.

If you have a house sitter looking after your home: 

• Write out and leave your list of do’s & don’ts
• Let them know which room they will be staying in
• Leave emergency contacts & how to get a hold of you
• Identify any quirky house items they need to look out for
• Make sure they know where any emergency shut off valves are (for the furnace, water, propane tank etc.) 
• Leave the schedule for garbage, compost, recycling, and watering days
• Prepare your home for them; clean up, put fresh sheets on their bed, buy some grocery staples, leave the WIFI password

Prepare Your Pet Sitter

If you have a pet sitter:

• Leave a detailed note about your pets routine, including feeding amounts and times and walking schedule
• Note the contact details for the vet, and dog walking or doggy day care services if you use those
• Provide enough pet food and supplies for the whole time you will be away. 
• Put pet supplies out where they can be easily found; food, leashes, toys, treats

Security Measures: How To Keep Your Home Safe While On Holiday

Before leaving on vacation, you’ll want to take some extra security precautions to make sure your house is safe and looks lived in while on holiday. The best way to do this is to hire a housesitter (or friend) to stay in your home while you are on vacation.

If that is not possible, here are a few things you can do to make sure your house is more secure:

• Arrange for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, water the plants & check up on the house.  Ask them to vary the hours they visit, so it’s not predictable. 
• Put your mail,  and newspaper subscription on hold
• Set your lights to a timer
• Set sprinklers, and watering systems to automatic
• Mow your lawn before you leave, so it looks well kept
• Lock all your doors and windows
• If you have a security company, let them know you will be gone.

Things To Do Before Travel: 3 Days to 24 Hours Before

Pre-departure Check-in For Flights

Once you’ve  received the  email from your airline, complete your pre-departure check-in.  

• Complete your pre-departure check-in
• Choose seat selection
• Double check baggage allowances
• Make sure mileage account number has been added to each person’s ticket if appropriate.
• Print boarding passes

Read and confirm the details of  the flights, and that your connections  are correct. 

You don’t want to end up like the poor woman who thought she was going to Australia and somehow ended up in Newfoundland, Canada. Not that Newfoundland isn’t an awesome place to visit (It is!), just a slightly different experience than the expected Australia. 

Choose your seat selection if you haven’t already. We highly recommend if you have young kids, doing this when you book your flight. Most airlines will allow free seat selection for at least one parent to sit with their child.

Check your baggage allowance , and pay for any extras up front. It is often cheaper this way, and means less to worry about at the airport.

COVID Tests

Alot of destinations these days require proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours of boarding. Make sure to get one done from an approved testing place.

Take a trip to the grocery store and buy some filling snacks for your travel day. Ask your kids what they would like too. Less whining = happier parents. 

If you have a special diet, or special dietary needs,  it’s also a good idea to bring extra so you know you have some safe food to eat on your trip.

Some crafty ways to pack snacks:

• Pencil Case
• Fishing Tackle Box
• Reusable Snack Bags: We love the silicone ones and these cute fabric patterned ones

Now comes the fun part of actually packing. I always feel like this makes the trip more real. It’s a good idea to review your packing list and cull any unnecessary items (especially if it all doesn’t fit in your suitcase). 

• Pack your main luggage and carry on items
• Don’t forget to pack your face masks, hand sanitizer and proof of negative COVID test
• Check off the items as you put them in
• Use packing cubes . They are a space saver and a life saver. Tip – Have each traveller use a different colour packing cube, to keep clothes organized, and easier to tell apart. Get the ones we use here
• Make a list of those last minute items that need to be added right before you leave

Ready to Go! Last Minute Things to Do before Travelling 

Make sure all those last minute things are done before you head out.

• For a road trip; fill up car with gas, check tire pressure, clean out car, load it up and put out a garbage bag for the trip
• Check the weather 
• Lay out travel clothes for the next day
• Charge electronics & pack chargers in an accessible bag
• Make sure thermostat is set
• Double check doors and windows are locked
• Empty garbage cans and compost bins
• Check the house for any forgotten items, and pack last minute items
• Use the restroom

Conclusion: Pre Travel Checklist – Things To Do Before Travel

While there are a lot of things to prepare before travelling, having a Pre Travel Checklist will keep you organized and hopefully stress free before your vacation.

Have we missed anything on our Pre-Trip Checklist, or do you have any helpful tips to share? Let us know in the comments below, or connect with us on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Related Articles: Looking for some travel inspiration?

• Find out which Hawaiian Island is best for families
• Best Travel Backpacks for Kids and Toddlers
• A Day in Havana, Cuba (What not to miss)
• One Day in Bryce Canyon, UT – Detailed Guide
• 20 Fun (and family friendly) things to do in Stowe, VT

Packed for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca.

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

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As someone who just moved abroad, this is very well written and very useful for those of us who love to explore!! Hoping we can travel the world again soon!

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: 25+ Things To Do Before You Travel

Last Updated on 23/01/2024

Preparing for travel can be stressful. There is often a lot to remember and sometimes the most obvious of tasks will slip your mind. Here is the ultimate pre-travel checklist to make sure you don’t forget any of those important tasks before you travel.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

25+ Things To Do Before You Travel

Make prepping for your next trip a breeze with this ultimate pre-travel checklist. Here are 25+ things you don’t want to forget to do before you travel.

1 Month Before You Travel

There are some parts of travel prep that you can start early. The earlier you start, the less stressful your travel preparations will be before you leave. Here are a couple of things you can do a month or more before you travel to get ready.

Check Insurance

Travel insurance is super important. If you haven’t already got travel insurance, now is the time to get it sorted. If you got insurance months ago when you booked your trip, now is the time to check it to make sure you know what is covered and amend the policy if necessary.

Check Home Security

As a homeowner, there are always jobs on your to-do list. Often, getting round to changing that lock or replacing the bulb in your security light is a low priority. Before you travel, it is important to check your home security and make any updates you’ve been putting off!

1 Week Before You Travel

A week or more before you travel, there a few more tasks you can complete to get ready. Here are some jobs you can get ticked off the list in anticipation of your vacation.

Put Mail On Hold

No one wants to come home from a trip and have to fight their way inside through a mountain of mail. Or here in the UK, a stack of ‘red cards of doom’ from missed parcel deliveries. Putting a hold on your mail means your deliveries and held securely until you get home, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Notify Your Bank

Another task that is well worth doing, is informing your bank of your travels. You don’t want to try and call them from abroad when they have blocked your card! Most banks can be informed online or via a quick phone call without much hassle so it is a worthwhile task!

Many bills are now automated, but if you have any pesky ones hanging around that need paying manually, now is the time to do it. Make sure you check which bills are due and ensure they are all paid before you travel.

Make Copies Of Important Documents

When you travel, you want to make sure you have copies of your important documents such as passport and driver’s license. Make these copies in advance so you’re not scrambling to do it the morning of your travels.

Create (Or Download!) Your Packing Checklist

While you’re thinking about your travel essentials, write a list of everything you need to pack in advance. This will save the last-minute scramble to find everything you need and avoid the risk of missing anything. Alternatively, you can sign up for the Get Lost newsletter and we’ve done all of the hard work for you with our downloadable packing checklist!

If you’re travelling for a couple of weeks or more, make sure you find time to mow the lawn the week before you travel. It’s likely it will need doing again by the time you return, but at least you won’t be coming home to a jungle in your yard!

1 Day Before You Travel

If you have the luxury of time, there are a number of tasks you want to get done the day before you travel. If you’re working right down to the wire, you can spread these over the last few days before your trip to make them easier to manage.

Update Calendar And Set Out Of Office

On your last working day before the trip, update your calendar and set your out of office. To make things easier, these can be prepped a few days in advance in anticipation. Make sure people know you’re taking a break and you won’t be picking up emails!

When you get back from your trip, you’ll have a suitcase full of laundry. Get anything that is hanging around out of the way before you leave, including washing your bedding. Make sure you empty the washer and dryer and put everything away!

Set Lights On A Timer

If you have internal or external lights that can be set on a timer, now is the time to do it. It will give you added peace of mind that your home doesn’t appear empty while you are away.

Empty The Fridge

There is nothing worse than returning home after two weeks to discover a half-used bottle of milk in the fridge! Clear out your perishables before you go and give the fridge a quick clean while you’re at it. You’ll be glad you did when you return from your trip!

Empty The Trash

Now you’ve discarded those perishables, be sure to empty the trash. Moving the items from the fridge to the bin doesn’t really solve the problem so make sure you take the bag out! It’s a good opportunity to empty all of the bins in the house to make sure there’s nothing in them that will smell by the time you get back!

Unplug Electronics

Save on your electricity bill while you’re out of the house by unplugging those electrical items you won’t be using. It’s not like you’re going to be using the TV anyway, so unplug it until you get home.

No one wants to spend the last day before their holiday cleaning, but honestly, future you will thank you! When you get home from your vacation there is no better feeling than coming home to a spotless house. Even if it only lasts a couple of hours until you empty the suitcase!

Do The Dishes

On the note of cleaning, do the dishes. You won’t have to wash up when you get home before you can eat. Plus, they won’t have turned into a science experiment in your absence!

Give Contact Details To A Neighbour

Before you head out, find a neighbour you can trust to keep an eye on things and notify you in the event of an emergency. If you’re lucky, you might be able to convince them to do the bins for you too while you’re away! Be sure to bring them back a small gift to say thanks!

Prepare House/Pet Sitter Instructions

If you’ve got someone coming to look after your house or pets, leave them any instructions they will need. Our cats are divas and will only eat in a certain place, so to save arguments, we need to let the cat sitter know. It just makes life easier for everyone…

Charge Electronics

Use this opportunity before you travel to charge all of the electronic items you’re traveling with. Camera, tablet, phone…you name it! Your house might look like Blackpool Illuminations with all of the flashing lights, but at least your entertainment won’t die on you mid-flight.

Water House Plants

Make sure to water those house plants before you leave. If you’re leaving for a few weeks (or you’re just really bad at remembering to water the plants like me) you might want to invest in a plant waterer . These genius inventions do the hard work for you while you’re away. They also come in some pretty cute varieties too!

Weigh Luggage

This is your last opportunity to weigh in your case before the airport. To avoid that awkward unpacking at the airport, double-check your case weight and allowance while you’re at home. If you need to lighten the load, now is the time to do it!

In need of suitcase scales? These ones are my favourite!

Set An Alarm…

…or two. I have a paranoia about missing flights. The more alarms set the better in my opinion!

Get A Frozen Meal In

When you get home from the airport after hours on a cramped flight, jetlagged and starving, this is a lifesaver. Trust me.

Day Of Travel

If you’ve prepared everything in advance, the morning of your travel should be a breeze. There are, however, a couple of last-minute tasks you’ll want to do as you head out.

Turn Off Water

Typically, I don’t turn off the water before a trip because our petsitter needs access to it. If you’re away for a while though and are concerned about a plumbing emergency, there’s no harm in turning off the water at the main valve.

Pet/House Sitter Access

If you have a pet or house sitter calling while you are away, make sure they have the access they require. If you do this using a key safe , make sure to put a key in as you head out the door. We use this one from Masterlock .

Check Locks

As you’re leaving the house, be sure to check all of the locks to make sure they’re secure. If you checked they were all working a few weeks ago it’s just a case of making sure everything is locked up. Make sure to check all windows and doors before you leave.

Adjust Thermostat

On your way out, turn the thermostat down. There’s no point heating the house (and paying for it) if you’re not going to be in. Likewise, if you have airconditioning, turn this off while you’re on your travels.

So these are my top 25+ things to do before you travel. If you’ve got a trip coming up, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it so you can revisit these tips!

Which of these is your lifesaver? Let’s connect on  Instagram  and send me a DM with your number one pre-travel chore that you simply don’t want to forget!

Until our next adventure,

Love it? Pin it!

If you like these 25+ things to do before you travel, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great  travel tips !

You might also like…

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

13 thoughts on “Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist: 25+ Things To Do Before You Travel”

Great tips. Emptying the fridge or garbage are always the ones I forget as I’m rushing out of the door. That can be very bad to come back to. We often have someone staying at our place now though to pet sit so I’m always happy that the house is looked after.

I hate it when I forget to empty the fridge! I always use travel as a good excuse to have a thorough sort out of what’s in there before I go. We have a cat sitter so she’s on hand to keep an eye on things fortunately which is always reassuring!

Great tips. With all the excitement and stress preparing our trip sometimes we tend to forget these things😁 Thanks for sharing

I’m glad you find the list useful. It’s so easy to forget some of these jobs when we’re rushing around getting ready! I got home from a trip yesterday and I was so pleased to come home to a clean and tidy house so I don’t have to spend my weekend doing chores!

Such a helpful list! I definitely feel safer when I have copies of all my documents saved. And I love the idea of cleaning and doing laundry before you leave, I need to start doing that!

I’m glad you like the list! My house is more clean when I’m about to leave it for 2 weeks than any other time! It always feels good to come home to everything clean and tidy though, even if it never lasts long!

This is such a great list! I always forget to charge things before a trip! I have half a dozen power banks because I always forget them or they’re dead so I buy new ones 🙃🙃

I’m so pleased you like the list! I’m really paranoid about charging things! I’ll have them on charge right until the last minute! The one I always forget is to have some food in the freezer for when we return. Thank goodness for fast food delivery!

These are great tips – I’m uber paranoid about forgetting to do something before I leave. Once my brother was away and I was looking after his home for 2 weeks. They forgot to empty the fridge and they had fish in there…ugh. Now I remind them every time haha. Smart list!

Oh no! Fish is not a good one to forget about! Eugh! It often feels like everything is super busy in the run up to travel so I find having a list is a great way to make sure I don’t forget any of those odd jobs that often get missed!

These are alll so important, epseically checking the lights and locks! I love now that I have smart lights because I can check them from my phone while I am gone.

There are so many smart gadgets available now that are great for when we’re travelling to put our minds at ease! We haven’t installed any yet as we have quite a bit of cosmetic work to do on our house first but when they’re in they’ll be life-changing!

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Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Planning

Updated On: April 7, 2022

So, you are ready to go on your vacation or travels but what should you do to prepare? We’ve set up the ultimate pre-travel checklist to help you be prepared before you travel. Plus, these travel tips will help you plan for any emergencies or surprises on vacation.

Anything can go wrong. So, we make sure to follow this travel checklist before we go. It makes things go smoothly when we’re ready to travel. 

Table of Contents

Our Pre-Travel Checklist

Wondering what to do before a trip to prepare for international travel? We’ve got you covered.

The time for worry and stress is not meant to happen on vacation. To make your trip more enjoyable, we’ve taken the guess work of planning to make it easy and fun. That’s why we have a system we use on every trip This is the pre trip checklist that we go through for each trip. 

Choosing a Suitcase

Before we start packing we think about what we are going to carry everything in. And that choice starts with where are we going? The destination can make a difference in how we pack and what we pack our things in. 

For Asia, Central or South America

If we are going to Southeast or Central Asia, we usually opt for a backpack as we’ll be hopping on different trains, boats and busses through more rugged terrain and rougher roads. We want to be mobile and have an easy time weaving through crowds. 

For Europe or Australia 

If we are traveling Europe we usually pack a suitcase as we normally travel between cities by train or car and it is easy to use a rolling suitcase on sidewalks in Europe, Australia and US cities. 

For Polar Regions or Remote Lodges

When going somewhere remote, usually pack a rolling duffel bag. When having to get into small planes, we need a suitcase that is soft and easily packed. 

A duffel bag alone is too hard to carry through airports, so we choose a rolling duffel. They are lightweight for small planes and can easily be pushed and packed into cargo area. But we can also stuff our layers into it easily. 

For Caribbean Travel

We can usually get away with carry-on only luggage for the Caribbean. It’s hot and the clothing we pack is lightweight and smaller than when we go to other destinations. Plus, charter flights usually charge more for checked baggage, so we keep it light and save on the fees. 

Pro Tip – Make sure to put something to your luggage to make it easily identifiable. Luggage wraps, colourful handle identifiers that can be velcroed to your handle or some people even tie yarn or ribbons to your luggage. We have been with people who have taken someone else’s luggage all the way to their hotel and didn’t notice it wasn’t theirs. 

Which brings us to another important thing to check on the list.

Before you Leave

When leaving the country, you don’t want people to know you are gone. It’s a good idea to go through these steps to make sure your house is safe before you leave the country.

• stop your mail. If you are going away for awhile, you might want to call the post office and have them hold your mail. Mailboxes fill up fast, so put it on hold, especially if you are going away for a few weeks or months.
• Have a family member stop by every once in a while to check on your house.
• Timers for lights – We have our outdoor lights on timers and when we are traveling, we also put our indoor lights on timers as well to make people think we are home.

Airport Restrictions

Luggage Restrictions

We now always check with our airline to see what luggage is included. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the airport and finding out we have to pay $79 for extra luggage. (speaking from personal experience here). 

That is why we are now loyal to one airline carrier. Having gold status lets us have two free bags every time we fly. But we know what it’s like to have to cram everything into a carryon when we don’t have to. 

A lot of people are starting to carry drones with them and we never leave home without it. But we do check to make sure that drones are allowed in the country.

We know of people that have had their drones confiscated at the airport. So we always check to see if we can even bring a drone in before we fly. We don’t want to take the chance. 

And we always look up the rules of each destination. Some countries have stricter rules than others, and we follow them. We don’t want to ruin future droning laws by unwittingly breaking the law. 

It’s easy to look up, so we always check it out. Read our Airport Security Tips and Common Travel Mistakes for more details.

Pre Trip Checklist – Documents

• Call our Bank. We call our bank to make sure they know where we’re going so our credit cards and atm card works at the machine. Recently we didn’t do this when flying to Cuba and my card was frozen after using the ATM. It was an added stress to our travels that we didn’t need. 
• Bank Fees – Ask your bank about foreign transaction fees on your credit card, and see what insurance your card has included.
• Check for immunizations. New diseases are breaking out and we know people that have been very sick from things like Malaria. It’s worth popping into a travel clinic to talk to a professional to see what we need if it is a new destination. 
• Check for Visas. The more we travel, the worse we have been at this. We have come close to not getting into a country because we assume we are fine and don’t need a visa. When flying into Istanbul a couple of years ago, we didn’t check for Visas and saw that we needed to buy a Visa on arrival.  We didn’t have any cash on us, and the ATM was out of money, so we had to be escorted through the airport to the other side to get cash. (they didn’t take credit card) We were lucky they were nice, or we could have been refused at the border and sent home. 
• Passport – Make sure your passport is not expired or about to expire. Many countries require passports to be valid for six months. So even if it is valid, you may be denied entry even if you have a few weeks or a couple of months left until it expires.
• Backup Copies – Make copies of your travel documents, driver s license and passport. It’s good to have electronic copies, but it is also good leave copies with a friend or family member.
• Boarding Passes – load your boarding passes on your phone for faster check-in and check in in advance. In 2021 especially it is good to have everything saved electronically.

Travel Checklist – Safety Tips

Travel Warnings

Before we choose our destination, we take a look at things like weather and warnings. There is no sense going to the Maldives if it is monsoon season or the Caribbean if it is hurricane season. We then check warnings to see if there are any areas we should avoid. 

We have gone to countries where there have been travel warnings. For example, there have been warnings in Mexico when we were traveling in Cancun. But Mexico is a big country . If there is a warning for Chiapas and we are going to Cancun, we are far enough away, that we don’t need to worry. So check to see if there are warnings near where you are going or if they are thousands of miles away.

Travel Insurance

Be sure to buy travel insurance is all in order and up to date. Our travel insurance renews yearly, but we make sure we have the emergency numbers on hand. We always check to make sure it covers everything we need. 

We never leave home without travel insurance. Travel is expensive and it wouldn’t make sense for us to spend a lot of money on a trip, and lose it all if an emergency should happen like :

• If we have to delay our trip because of an emergency
• Or we had to cancel our trip and could never take it. 
• Something happened and we had to return from our trip early. 
• We were injured or became severely ill during the trip

Or what if we were playing volleyball on the beach and knocked out a tooth? We can be reimbursed for our travels if we make a claim for a covered reason. 

That takes me to.

Knowing what Your Travel Insurance policy covers

Simply purchasing travel insurance isn’t enough. You need to double check what is included and covered. We always call and speak to a licensed agent to learn which plan would best suit our needs during our travels and to make sure we fully understand what is and isn’t covered by our policy.

Dave and I are big fans of calling when in doubt. That way we know ahead of time what we can do on vacation and what we’ll end up doing at our own risk. 

Travel Apps and Technology

We all want to get away from technology when traveling, but it’s a fact, it’s the way of the world. While it is nice to be disconnected,  a lot of travel relies on technology. Travel apps can play a large part in saving money and in planning.

Apps like TripIt will help you stay organized and alert you of any last minute changes of flights, XE Currency Converter will help you with prices in your destination and Google Translate helps with communications. We have an entire list of apps for travel that you should have on your phone .

When we travel, we now only use RFID blocking bags and wallets to keep cybercriminals from stealing our identity. The latest scam is using wireless transmitters to gain information about your credit and debit card identification chips. Se eour The Best Anti Theft Travel Bags and Accessories . 

At the Airport

Flying can be the most stressful part of travel, so we always work to make it comfortable and fun. 

Lounge Access

If we don’t have status on a specific airline and don’t have lounge access, we have a Priority Pass to get into a lounge before flying. Being in a lounge before a flight is a wonderful thing. It let our vacation begin at the airport rather than at the destination. 

We can enjoy peace and quiet, food and a glass of wine. When flying out of Toronto, our Platinum American Express Card gives us access to the American Express lounge and we get a fast track to security. For people looking to gain lounge access, we suggest looking into your home airport to see what credit card lounges they have.

If you plan on flying more than once or twice in a year, we really love Priority Pass. A lot of times their lounges are nicer than the airline lounges. 

On the Plane

If we can’t manage to get an upgrade to business class. (we often try because we fly a lot and have gold status, so we use e-credits with each flight) we still try to make flying coach as comfortable as possible. 

We both pack care packages with essentials in our carryon.

Pre Travel Checklist – What’s in my Carry on

• Noise cancelling headphones – this makes all the difference if we have a crying baby or loud talker around us. 
• Eye Mask – It’s nearly impossible to get to sleep on a plane, but an eye mask really blocks out the sun (if we are sitting near someone that refuses to put their shade down) and the florescent lighting that is on the plane. 
• Scarf or sweater – it seams that planes are always either too hot or too cold, so I always pack a big pashmina scarf to wrap myself up in on the flight. Dave uses a lightweight merino wool sweater
• Socks – When flying to a warm destination I usually board a flight in sandals or shoes that require no socks. But when flying, nobody wants to look at bare feet, and my feet usually freeze on the plane anyway. So I pack a pair of socks that I can put on for the flight. 
• Foldable water bottle – The cost of bottled water in an airport is highway robbery, so we carry a foldable water bottle through security and then fill it up when we get across. 
• Lip balm, moisturizer and nasal spray – Airplanes are very dry and we have all the gadgets to keep us hydrated in our care package. 
• Sunglasses – We always have our sunglasses handy. Whenever I wake up, my eyes are dry and sore and sunglasses help ease the glare of the cabin. 
• Load Up Your phone or iPad – We have large phones, so we load up movies or TV series on our phones. We never rely on the airlines entertainment system. They often don’t work (we’ve had it happen on more than one occasion) and we’ve often seen everything they have in their choices. 
• Portable USB charger – Sure, many airlines say they have chargers, but many times they don’t work. We keep a portable charger handy at all times. 

Travel Packing List

We could go share a complete travel packing list, but we find every one is different. Some people will never travel with checked luggage, while others would never dream of going carry on only.

Some people like to have a different wardrobe with shoes to match each day, while others (like us) prefer to mix and match.

We do have a travel packing list that you can check out here . 

But we do have items in our suitcase that we never leave home without no matter what type of trip we are going on. Be it a winter trip, a beach holiday or an expedition, these items are always in our travel bag. 

• Dry bags – When taking a boat trip or even going to the beach, we put all our electronics and cameras into a dry bag. 
• Headlamps – Great in the backcountry and on adventure trips. But we also use headlamps a lot when taking photos at night.
• Packing Cubes – We put everything into separate nylon cubes and compression cubes for bulky items.
• Toiletry Bag – The Pacsafe foldable toiletry bag hangs for ease in hotel bathrooms and has different compartments for all our needs.
• Packing Envelope – Dave never leaves home without it. He folds all his collared shirts and pants into an envelope keeping them from wrinkling and taking up less space.  
• Steripen – We never worry about bottled water because we use a Steripen to purify our water no matter where we are.
• Belkin Mni Surge Protector – It has three outlets and 2 USB chargers. Plus a surge protector to keep our electronics safe. 
• World Plug Adapter – The world plug adapter is compact and covers everywhere in the world. There’s a USB charger as well.
• Mesh Laundry Bag – great for letting laundry air out so it doesn’t smell, but still keeps it separate from our clothes. 
• Tweezers, nail clippers, scissors –  this accessory kit has come in handy more times than you’d think.
• Waterproof/Windproof Jacket – for cold weather we layer warm wool and fleece underneath, for warm weather we use it in the rain, early mornings or when climbing up to higher altitudes. 
• Pegless Clothesline & Universal Sink Stopper – For quick washing and drying of items like bathing suits and underwear. 
• Hiking Shoes – We love the outdoors so you never know when we’ll be going on a good hike! 
• Water shoes – We have a light pair of watershoes that we use in tropical climates and a heavier pair that we use in mountains and northern travel. (we switch them out depending on the trip)
• Flipflops – great for going to the pool or beach.
• Packable Daypack – folds up small and can be Brough out when going on a day hike. 
• Goo Toobs – Puts all our lotions and liquids into small containers that are airline friendly. 
• Our Own Canvas Bag – Instead of using plastic bags and local markets, we bring our own.

First Aid Kit

We used to carry a really big first aid kit, but we have found that we can easily buy most of what we need. But we still do carry a basic first aid kit. 

Things we include in our First Aid Kit are:

• Prescription Medication – with a photocopy of our prescriptions
• Insect repellent 
• Gravol – for nausea  
• Benadryl and Claritin – For allergic reactions
• Allergy Eyedrops
• Imodium – for mild diarrhea
• Rehydration tablets and electrolyte tables – in case of dehydration or severe diarrhea.
• Topical Ointment like Polysporin or prescription Fucidin Cream – For cuts and scrapes
• Antisceptic spray – it’s important to clean cuts quickly, especially in tropical climates. 
• Moleskin – I recently bought shoes I loved for China. They were sketchers and comfortable at home, but they gave me serious blisters after walking for a day in Shanghai. I needed moleskin for the rest of my trip!
• Read our full Packing a Travel First Aid Kit For Long Term Travel

You may want to look at see what vaccines you need for places you are traveling to.

We suggest going to a travel clinic to discuss with a doctor what medications and vaccines we need. It varies from country to country. But you may want to look into Hepatitis A & B, Measles, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis and Influenza.

Also, don’t forget about Rabies – Rabies shots do not prevent rabies but slow the spread of the infection giving you time to get to the hospital

And that is our complete pre travel checklist to help you pack smarter. And now you are ready to go! So what are you waiting for, grab your passport and happy travels! Remember, planning for travel will give you peace of mind to create a stress-free vacation.

Share this pre travel checklist to Pinterest to save for future planning

• How We Choose Travel Insurance to Best Suit our Needs
• How to Have a Safe and Healthy Vacation
• How to Overcome Your Travel Anxiety and Fears

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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20 thoughts on “Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist”

Thank you so much for this amazing information 🙂 🙂

Thank you so much for this amazing information. 🙂

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It’s amazing to read… really very helpful post

Great list. You have mentioned all necessary items very clearly and it is very useful. Thanks for sharing.

This is really the best post I have came across and very helpful. In fact, I am going to travel in the next month and just before I found this post and see that I forgot many items.

Once again very informative and useful.

Thanks for writing.

That’s alot of meds you have in that bag.

This is such a great list! I usually pack some snacks and chewing gum as well. Lately, I have been using compression socks for long-haul flights and I will bring them in my carry-on as well.

It is a great website. The design looks very good. I will bookmark this page. I enjoyed the information. Regard Swan Tours

This is amazing….loved the way you mentioned every necessary stuff.

This is probably my dream checklist. You guys have mentioned everything one could ever need. Thank you, Dave and Deb.

That’s quite a comprehensive list. I travel frequently and always wished to have a to-do list of items. Most often than not we tend to forget some items or important procedure. Thank you for sharing the list. It is quite useful.

Global TravEpiNet is a nationwide consortium of travel clinics that is focused on improving disease prevention and performing research in U.S. international travelers

Our heading home healthy program helps travelers stay healthy when they are returning home to visit friends and relatives, pre-travel providers' rapid evaluation portal (pre-travel prep), a tool for healthcare providers providing pre-travel health advice to an international traveler, about global travepinet.

Global TravEpiNet is a nationwide consortium of travel clinics that is focused on improving disease prevention and performing research in U.S. international travelers.

The network is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and is coordinated by the Massachusetts General Hospital , under the leadership of Dr. Regina LaRocque and Dr. Ed Ryan .

Heading Home Healthy

A program to help travelers stay healthy when they are returning home to visit friends and relatives

Travelers’ Rapid Health Information Portal

Health advice for safe travel based on the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Pre-Travel Providers’ Rapid Evaluation Portal

An interactive tool that guides you through preparing a U.S. traveler for a safe and healthy international trip

Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist | 29 Easy Things to Do Before Going on Vacation

Looking for a list of things to do before going on vacation? This handy pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home and yourself for travel.

Several years ago, we embarked on one of our first 2-week long international trips. As newbies to the international travel world, we didn’t know what we didn’t know. We had a wonderful two-week holiday in Europe , and returned home jet-lagged yet eager for our next overseas adventure.

We walked into our house late at night after 16 hours of air travel and multiple connections. The house felt like a sauna because we turned the air conditioning off before our trip, and to our surprise, it smelled wretched!

Although we had cleaned the refrigerator and taken out the trash prior to our trip, we had forgotten to start the dishwasher. So, for two weeks our dirty dishes sat in the dishwasher in the blazing heat, growing moldier and smellier each day.

After that trip, we quickly learned the need and importance of a pre-travel checklist . Now, each time we plan a trip, we double check this easy travel to-do list to make sure all the things to do before going on vacation are done.

So, whether you’re taking a week-long vacation, or an extended holiday in another country, this pre-travel checklist will help ensure everything at home will be fine in your absence , and you will return to a clean home instead of a science experiment.  

Things to do before going on vacation – an easy pre-travel checklist

Our pre-travel checklist is designed to help you prepare your home before a trip. This handy list of all the things to prepare before traveling is easy to follow. Just scroll through and make sure you have completed all of these travel preparations before you leave for the airport or pull out of your driveway for a road trip.

To make it even easier, we have included a free, printable pre-vacation checklist at the bottom of this article that you can download, print at home, and use over and over again. 

Things to do before a trip to keep your house from smelling

Here are a few pre-travel household tasks that will keep your home smelling fresh while you’re away.

Clean house

No one likes returning home to a dirty house. There is something incredibly relaxing about coming home from a trip and not having any household chores to do.

In anticipation of your trip, spend the days leading up to your vacation cleaning your house, so you return home to a stress-free environment instead of an unmade bed, dirty floors, and a layer of dust building up on everything.

Run dishwasher / Wash dishes

Dirty dishes will start to smell after just a few short days. And after a week or longer away, your whole house will be consumed with the smell of the old food molding on the plates or the reminisce of milk left souring in a glass.

Whether you have a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand, be sure not to leave any dirty dishes in the sink or stacked in the dishwasher while you are gone. 

Clean refrigerator 

Not only will food left on dirty dishes begin to sour, but food left in the refrigerator can also go bad while you are away.

In the week leading up to your travels, use up any perishable items, like produce, milk, and eggs, that might expire while you are away. And before your trip, clean out any leftovers or food that will go bad.   

Take out the trash / rubbish

This should be one of the very last things you do before leaving the house for a vacation or holiday. Empty all trash or rubbish bins around the house, whether in bathrooms, the kitchen, or elsewhere.

Take your trash bins to the curb for collection or to the dumpster. If moving your trash bins to the curb, ask a neighbor to put them away for you after collection.

Nothing says no one is home like trash bins left out at the curb 6 days after collection!

When returning home, you will have a whole suitcase worth of clothes to wash, dry, fold, and put away. So, make sure all other laundry is done prior to your trip. I also like to wash our bed sheets as part of our travel preparations.

This minor travel tip will make recovering from jet lag , much easier, because your bedding will smell clean and refreshing.

Leave your washing machine open

If you do laundry in the days leading up to your trip, be sure to leave the door to your washing machine open.

Washing machines can mildew quickly if left closed, especially front-loading machines. But, if you leave the door open, it allows air to circulate and any moisture left in the machine to dry out. 

Seal boxes of dried goods

Living in Oklahoma, we are no strangers to critters. More than once, we have found creepy, crawly things in our house that are not welcome inside.

Animals, like mice, are always looking for an easily accessible food source. And your pantry offers that, should a mouse be able to access it.

Whether you live in a more country setting, like us, or in an urban area, no home is immune to bugs, insects, or even rodents.

One mouse or bug can quickly turn into an infestation while you are away, so be sure to seal up any boxes of dried goods. This will not only help them stay fresh longer, it will hopefully keep unwanted pests away. 

Run Garbage disposal

This is one of those things to do before vacation that is often forgotten. But it is a good idea to run your garbage disposal prior to a trip to rid it of any food scraps still lingering in the sink drain.

Prior to a trip, I also like to pour a little vinegar or lemon juice in the garbage disposal while running it to ensure the sink smells fresh when we return.

Clean out your coffee maker

We have a habit of leaving our coffee filter and used coffee grounds sitting in our coffee maker until the next morning when we make a new pot. But if you make coffee the day of a trip, you do not want to leave the used, moist coffee grounds sitting in your coffee maker while you are away.

Spoken from experience, it will begin to mold!  

Water plants

All living things require water. So, if you are leaving for even a few days make sure to water all your plants prior to your trip.

Personally, we have spent a lot of time and energy into turning our backyard into an oasis. It is a place where we can always feel like we’re traveling even when we can’ t . And our plants are a big part of that oasis.

With so much effort and money put into creating a beautiful space, we don’t want to leave for vacation and come back to a house or yard full of dead plants.

So, not only should you water your plants as one of the things to do before going on vacation, but if you plan to be gone for more than a week, you should probably recruit someone to water your plants while you are gone. 

Things to do before going on holiday to keep your house safe

While the travel checklist above will keep your house smelling and looking nice while you are on vacation, the following travel tips will keep your house safe while you are gone. 

Arrange for mail collection

An overflowing mailbox screams “we are not home!” To give the appearance of someone being home at all times, have a neighbor, family member, or friend collect your mail at least every other day.

If you are going to be away on an extended vacation, you can also request for the post office to hold your mail rather than deliver it. 

Leave contact info, itinerary, and lodging information on the counter

No one ever wants to think about something bad happening while you are on vacation, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If there is an emergency at home, it is good to leave some key information in an easily accessible place inside your house.

This information includes your contact information and the contact information for an emergency contact who is not on the trip with you.

It is also good to leave your itinerary and hotel information. That way if someone needs to get a hold of you or a family member nearby who can make decisions on your behalf in your absence, they will be able to reach someone quickly.

Arrange care for pets

Our pets are our family members, but unfortunately, those family members rarely get to travel with us. If you are leaving on a quick weekend getaway, you will want to make sure your pets are well cared for.

Admittedly, our dogs are pretty spoiled, so we board them at a facility where they get plenty of interaction with other dogs and humans.

But even pets, like fish, that don’t require as much attention, will still need to be fed while you are away. So, make sure you have a pet sitter or boarding facility lined up well in advance. 

Mow the lawn

If you don’t want to be “that neighbor” on your block that lets the grass begin to look like a jungle, some last minute yard maintenance is a must. Mowing the lawn a day or two before your trip is one of those necessary things to do before vacation that will keep you on good terms with the neighbors when you return.

If you plan to be gone for more than two or three weeks, it may be worth paying a neighborhood teenager to mow your yard once while you are gone.

Set lights on a timer

Over the years, we have invested in a few products to have transformed our house into a smart home. Our interior and exterior lights, televisions, thermostat, security cameras, and even our robotic vacuum can be controlled from our phones. But you don’t have to have a fully decked out smart home to set your lights on a timer.

You can purchase an inexpensive timer for your lights , plug a lamp or two into it, and set it to go on and off at certain times. Doing so will make it look like someone is home. 

Notify a neighbor of your absence

Letting a friendly, trusted neighbor know that you are going to be gone is one of the most important things to do before going on vacation. Your neighbor can watch your house and look out for any suspicious activity while you are away.

Lock windows and doors

Prior to traveling, it is a good idea to walk through your home and double check all windows and doors to make sure they are closed and locked.

It is particularly important to check windows that you open frequently, as they will be the most likely to be unintentionally left unlocked.

Be sure to set your alarm right before you leave for vacation, if you have one. If you don’t have an alarm you can invest in Google Nest Cams and a Doorbell Camera . That way you’ll be able to get notifications on your phone if one of the cameras spots a person on your property. 

Remember, if you hire anyone to feed pets or water indoor plants while you are gone, leave the alarm code with them and give them instructions on how to arm and disarm the alarm.

Leave key with neighbor

Finally, just in case of an emergency, leave a spare key with a neighbor or family member. You might forget something and need someone to go into your home and overnight it to you, or forget to do one of these pre-travel checklist items and need someone to run in and do it for you.

Travel preparations that will save you money

The majority of items on our travel planning checklist are intended to keep your home safe, however there are a few things to do before you leave for vacation that will also save you money.

Adjust thermostat

Perhaps the most obvious travel preparation that will save you money is to adjust your thermostat. We don’t recommend turning off your air conditioner or heater entirely, but adjust it to let your house get about 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer or colder than is comfortable for you.

If you have a Nest Thermostat , you can adjust the thermostat from your phone the day of your return so your home will feel pleasant when you walk in. 

Unplug small appliances

Coffee pots, toasters, televisions, and other small appliances can be unplugged to save money and energy.

Even appliances that are plugged in but turned off are still using small amounts of energy, so unplug them to save a little bit. 

Close blinds or curtains

Another easy way to save on energy is to close your blinds or curtains while you are away. The less sunlight coming into your home the cooler it will stay and the less time your air conditioner will have to run. 

Pay any bills coming due soon 

Planning for a trip is exciting. So exciting, in fact, that little things you would not ordinarily forget can get skipped. Paying bills is one of them!

As you pack your bags, you may not be thinking about the water bill that isn’t due for another two weeks. But if you go on a 2-week vacation, by the time you are back, that bill will be past due!

Not only will you accrue late charges, but you risk returning home to utilities shut off if your bill goes unpaid for too long.

Things to prepare before traveling out of the country 

Finally, now that we have covered all the things to do at home before going on vacation, there are a few things you will want to do to make sure you are also ready for your trip. These pre-travel checklist items are particularly useful if traveling to another country.

Inform your bank where you will be

Several years ago, we arrived in the Dominican Republic excited for a relaxing beach vacation. However, stress occurred the moment we got off the plane and had to pay tourist taxes. The taxes had to be paid in cash, so we had to visit an ATM at the airport. However, our bank had no idea we were in the Dominican Republic, assumed the transaction was a scam, and froze our account out of an abundance of caution.

From that trip on, we now inform our bank when we are leaving the country. Many banks have an online form you can fill out to let them know about any international trips.

Get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees

If traveling overseas, bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and plan to pay for most things on your credit card. This saves you the stress of trying to figure out currency conversions. If you travel a lot there are some great travel credit cards that offer great perks, like airport lounge access and a credit toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

Our personal favorite, and the card we use the most, is the Chase Sapphire Reserve . If you need cash during your travels, we recommend visiting an ATM rather than doing a currency exchange at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Check your health and car insurance policies and consider investing in travel insurance

A trip to the hospital or a car accident in a foreign country can quickly ruin a trip and drain your bank account. So, double check your insurance policies to see if you are covered should anything happen.

Consider buying travel insurance to protect you financially from unexpected events. 

Download any necessary travel apps

Your airline app, a navigation app, Uber, or Google Translate.

There are a variety of apps that make traveling easier and less stressful. Many of these apps may only be used when you’re traveling, so if they are not already installed on your phone or have been deleted, be sure to install them before you leave.

Set your out-of-office responder on your email 

Every family should occasionally travel off the grid . If for no other reason, it forces you not to check your phone or your email. But remember to set an out-of-office auto responder, particularly on your work email account. And then seriously, enjoy your trip and let all work matters wait until you return from your trip. 

Now to the fun part: packing for your trip! Don’t wait until the last minute to pack your travel bag, or you will forget something!

If traveling with a baby, we have created a handy baby travel essentials packing list to help you pack efficiently for your little one, as well.   

Download our pre-travel checklist

Now, you should officially be ready for your trip! If you are the type of person who needs a printable list rather than a digital one, we’ve included all of these things to do before a vacation on a PDF you can download and print at home for reference.

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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.

This post may contain affiliate links where, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a commission if you use them. I only recommend products I use, trust, and adore. Please read my  disclosure policy  for more information.

Get Organized Fast!

Turn this pre-travel checklist into a project to easily focus your efforts and manage your time using this easy-to-use free project planning checklist and planner.

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)

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!)
• 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!

Further Reading

Be sure to check out these great related articles to ensure you’re next trip is stress-free:

• The Ultimate Post-Vacation To-Do List (Get Back on Track FAST!)
• 24 Amazing Stress Management Techniques
• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List (55 Essential Items You Can’t Forget!)
• The 10 Hiking Essentials – You Don’t Want to Be Caught on the Trail Without These!

Travel Inspiration and Itineraries

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

• The Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 Itinerary
• How to Plan the Perfect Utah Road Trip
• 19 Things You Can’t Miss in Denver, Colorado
• The Ultimate Yellowstone National Park Itinerary
• Australia’s Top 10 Destinations
• 10 Things You Must See When Visiting New Zealand

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!

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to make a Post-Travel To-Do List to ensure everything runs smoothly when you return.

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Traveling Party of Four

The ultimate pre-travel checklist of things to do before leaving for vacation.

• December 3, 2020
• Family Travel
• 14 Comments
• by Jenny Bhatia

There are many things to do before you head out for your adventure. Preparing to leave for vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. Begin your trip organized and thoroughly prepared, so you aren’t obsessing over what you forgot to pack or do before you left. Here’s a comprehensive pre-travel checklist of things to do before you leave for vacation.

Plus, a downloadable pre-travel checklist.

Leave it all behind and have the trip of a lifetime.

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Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

By this time, you have booked your trip and have all of your travel plans set. But, in case you need a little help, sign up below, and I will send you a 50-page epic travel planner full of helpful tips and checklists to get you motivated and inspired.

Are you ready to start planning your epic vacation?

Your Pre-Travel Checklist Starts With Researching Your Chosen Destination.

Check the weather .  ~  Check the weather   of your destination a few days before traveling—this will help you with planning activities and packing appropriately for the elements. 

And culture . ~ Cultures differ in dress, etiquette, and public displays of affection. Make sure you know the rules and respect them.

Check for travel advisories here . ~ The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs collects and shares worldwide travel safety information and provides ways for you to receive updates on the safety and security of your chosen destination.

Learn a few essential travel phrases   in the local language.  ~ For example, please and thank you. Where is the bathroom, and I would like a beer are helpful, too. Rosetta Stone is the most popular language-learning tool; try it here . The locals love it when you at least try.

Research local transport . ~ Many destinations worldwide have top-notch public transportation, and you won’t need a vehicle rental. Sometimes this is not the case, and you may need to consider car rental. Good to know this information before you arrive.

And know the exchange rate. 

Pre-Travel Checklist: Things to Do Before Leaving for Vacation.

Make sure all of your travel documents and devices are travel-ready.

Passport. ~  Check the expiration date on your Passport. Some countries require your Passport expiration date to have at least six months, sometimes nine months left on it after your return date. Check the rules ahead of time. Scan a copy of your Passport and email the document to yourself and your travel companion. Plus, take a picture to have on your camera roll on your smartphone.

Does the country you are traveling to require a VISA?  ~ A VISA is a sticker placed in your Passport saying that you are allowed to visit this particular country for a determined period of time only.    Obtaining a VISA is your responsibility. Check directly with the embassy website of the country you are traveling to for this critical information.  

Confirm all reservations. ~ These days, all reservations are on our smartphones. However, a printed copy is never a bad idea.

• Flight time.
• Transport to lodging.
• Lodging reservations.
• Vehicle rental reservation.
• Activities.

Consider Using a Travel Credit Card . ~  Travel credit cards are reward cards that you can use to build points toward travel, enhance your status at many hotels and airlines, plus a few additional perks. With COVID-19 hindering our adventure plans, now is the time to build up your points for the future when we are safe to travel again. US News and World Report lists the best travel perk credit cards  here.

Don’t forget your driver’s license.

Create a packing list. ~  Create a packing list based on how long you will be traveling, the weather, your activities, and the destination’s cultural norms. Include toiletries, medications, snacks, and electronics on your packing list.

Charge all devices . ~ Charge all phones, Ipads, laptops, Kindles, headphones, and AirPods before leaving. Plus, pack extra batteries and chargers (and charge them, too).

Arrange for pet care . ~ Arrange accommodations for your furry friend if he isn’t going on vacation with you. Arrange a sitter or a doggie day spa for a week or two while you are away.  

If you are road tripping with the pup, here’s what to pack, so they can have a blast, too.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Getting Your Home Vacation-Ready.

Once you have made all of your reservations, secured pet care, created a packing list, and planned your itinerary, it’s time to work on pre-travel prep for your home.

Clean it up . ~ Don’t you love coming home from vacation to a clean home? There’s no time before your holiday for a deep clean, for sure. But you can do the following:

• Wipe down the counters.
• Sweep and mop.
• Run the dishwasher and unload.
• Empty the dryer and either pack or put away the clothes.
• Launder your sheets and make the beds, so you will have fresh linens to dive under once you are home.  
• Compost the produce that would be spoiled and stinky when you return.  
• Clean out the refrigerator of leftovers and perishables.
• Empty all of the trash cans.
• Set the thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in cold climates and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in warm temperatures. In humid Florida, we set out humidity at 35% to cut down on mold and mildew growth.
• Run the garbage disposal with half-n-half vinegar and water and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
• Don’t forget to clean the coffee maker.
• Water all of your plants.
• And put the water heater on vacation mode.

Instant Access to Your Pre-Travel Checklist Printable

Grab Your FREEBIE Here!

How to make your house looked lived in or occupied while you are traveling.

Leave a light on inside. Or better yet, set a timer for the indoor and outdoor lights so it will look like someone is home.

Put a hold on the newspaper and the mail. Nothing screams, “Nobody’s home!” than a stack of newspapers at the end of the driveway.

Let a trustworthy friend, family member, or neighbor know you will be gone for a while.

Set your sprinkler on a timer.

Make sure your lawn looks well kept.

***NINJA TIP: You can always stage that you have a scary dog on the property. Place a large dog bowl, a chain, and a beware of dog sign in the front yard. Add faux security stickers to add to the illusion of security measures. ***

Safety and Security Measures to Take Before You Leave for Vacation.

• Let your bank and credit card companies know you will be traveling.
• Unplug electronics and appliances to not only conserve energy but decrease fire risk, too.
• Test your smoke detectors to ensure they are functioning.
• Lock all windows and doors. Don’t forget the door next to the garage door and the door between the garage and your house.
• If you have a hidden key outside, bring it in.
• If you have a home security system, let them know you will be traveling.
• Install outdoor motion sensor flood lights; thieves don’t like being in the spotlight.

***DO NOT let social media know you will not be home. Save your pictures for when you return.***

Pre-Travel Checklist: Health and Medical.

Pack a first aid kit. ~ Create a DIY First Aid Kit or purchase from Amazon . Include all of the following essential medications for common medical issues during travel.

• Stomach medications. ~  Imodium, Pepcid (or any of the “purple pills for heartburn”), Pepto-Bismol, and TUMS.  We include ondansetron, which is an anti-nausea medication that is a prescription, great for motion sickness.
• Motion Sickness . ~ We spend lots of time sailing, so I always have multiple remedies for motion sickness, including ondansetron.  Ginger candy, scopolamine patches, and sea bands may help with motion sickness.  Don’t forget your motion sickness bags.  Ginger beer helps, too.  
• Aches, Pains, and Fevers . ~ Pack either acetaminophen or ibuprofen for minor aches and pains, including headaches.  These are also fever reducers.  Include both adult and kids doses.
• Allergies . ~ My daughter has multiple food allergies, so we travel always with liquid Benadryl and two EpiPens.
• Ointments . ~ For bug bites and rashes, always bring Benadryl and Cortisone Ointments.  Include Aquafor for dry, cracked, or irritated skin.  Aquafor is a skin protectant and is excellent on burns as well.
• Cold/cough . ~ Pack a decongestant, and some cough drops, just in case.
• Basic First Aid Items . ~ You can purchase a  Basic First Aid Kit on Amazon .   Or you can just add some Bandaids, gauze, tape, disinfectant wipes, wound closure strips, and maybe even some liquid bandage to a large ziplock bag.

Get refills. ~ Refill your routine prescriptions before you leave.

Vaccinate if recommended. ~ Research your destination and vaccinate if recommended. Check the  CDC website  for details before visiting a country.

Purchase Travel Insurance. ~ Do you really need travel insurance? Here is a quick answer. If you are heading out for a weekender in Florida , probably not. But, if you are hopping on a plane and heading over to explore the Galapagos on a cruise ship for ten days, yes, you do. Not to scare you, but stuff happens, and purchasing travel insurance will provide peace of mind that you will be taken care of in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

World Nomads Travel Insurance is flexible & straightforward. ~ You can  buy and claim online , even after you’ve left home. Travel insurance from  WorldNomads.com  is available to people from over 130 countries and covers overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and a range of  adventure sports and activities .

Money.com recently updated a comprehensive article about the 6 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2021 that lists World Nomads as the Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance for Adventure Sports Coverage and lists five other insurance companies as their top picks including best travel insurance for traveling with children, best for frequent fliers, and best for emergency support services. Read more here.

After corresponding with Money.com, Michael sent me this quote regarding travel insurance and the unique situation we are facing in 2021.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the travel industry has had to face some big roadblocks trying to maintain and adapt to the changing climate of travel during covid-19. With that being said, people are paying more attention and taking the necessary steps to get the right coverage for their trip in the event that any delays or cancellations occur be it domestic or international. Some  credit cards  will even help to cover some expenses if you were to cancel last minute or upgrade your accommodations. The best travel insurance policy for you is going to be the one that offers the specific coverage you need at a price you can reasonably afford. Whether you choose travel insurance for your vacation or work trip, make sure you understand exactly what’s covered. Since there are different categories for basic and special coverage, be sure to check out this  helpful guide  from Money.com and be sure you know what is covered.​​​​​​” Michael from Money.com

Plan to stay healthy while traveling. ~ Here are a few quick tips, but for more, read this.

• Pack hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
• During a pandemic, wear a mask when in crowds and when required and maintain adequate social distance.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every morning and pack healthy snacks when you are on the go.
• Maintain proper hydration.
• Don’t over imbibe. Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Get a workout in daily—this does not have to be super strenuous, but move your body for at least 30 minutes every morning.
• Walk or ride a bike everywhere when possible.
• Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
• Get your sleep.

Pre-Travel Checklist for Your Road Trip .

Have your car serviced before you leave on your road trip.

Prepare a road trip emergency kit, including jumper cables, flashlight, spare tire, and jack. And make sure your spare tire is in working order.

Clean your car inside and out.

Gas up the car, and you are ready.

Read This: The Ultimate DIY Car Survival Kit for Your Family Road Trip

Personal Grooming (or pampering, whatever you want to call it).

• Waxing, especially if traveling to the islands.
• Hair cut and color (I’m not ready for grays).
• Plan your comfortable travel day outfit.

Pre-Travel Checklist: Time to Pack Your Carry-On Bag.

Travel Necessities, you can’t go anywhere without these items.

• Travel Documents/Passport
• Credit Card
• Pen (You will be happy you brought a pen when that immigration and customs form is passed around).

Entertainment for the long haul flight.

• Laptop or Ipad (Upload a Movie or TV Series to Binge-Watch).
• Playlist of Music Podcasts On Your Smartphone.
• Earbuds/AirPods/Headphones.
• Book, Audible, or Kindle (or all three).
• Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger.
• Adult Coloring Book/Colored Pencils.
• Travel Journal.

Toiletries for the long haul flight.

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste.
• Hair Brush/Hair Ties.
• Hand Sanitizer.
• Disinfectant wipes.
• Moisturizer.
• Pharmacy   (DIY Travel First Aid Kit).

Snacks and Hydration.

• Water Bottle.
• Healthy Travel Snacks  (protein bars, pretzels, popcorn, nuts if no allergies).
• Noise Cancelling Headphones.
• Blanket Scarf.
• Compression socks.
• Change of clothes.
• Other items that I have seen people use for comfort include a neck pillow, eye mask, and compression socks.
• And a Sheet Facial Mask with Cucumber Under Eye Mask for a Quick Spa Day.

Now you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. It’s all done, take a breather and have the time of your life.

Is there anything I missed? Leave me a comment below so I can add it to the list for my traveling friends.

Oh, and send me pictures.

14 Comments on The Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist of Things to Do Before Leaving for Vacation

You can’t forget anything after reading this post 😄

Thank you. I hope not:)

Very complete post and I love that you added a checklist. I agree with Mayuri, you’re fully prepared after reading this post!

I appreciate how detailed your list is! I’m always afraid I’ll forget to do something when I’m traveling.

This is a really a comprehensive list, thank you! And I was glad to see you always take 2 EpiPens with you for your daughter in your first aid kit. So important to always carry 2 🙂

Thanks great post and great ideas.

Great post and so detailed! Thank you! Definitely agree on “check the weather” and “Research local transport”, that helped me so much in my travels.

I am a weather stalker so that I am prepared for the elements.

Great comprehensive list. Having a to-do checklist I can print off and check off after I have finished each item for every trip is a must. There are so many things to remember, that a list makes things so much easier. You’ve given me a few more ideas to add, thank you! One thing I like to do before I travel is a dry run on the packing, to see how everything will fit. As someone who feels the need to be prepared for every situation I have to reign in my tendency to add a few extra items “just in case.”

I am there with you, I am always sneaking things into my suitcase until it is in the car packed away. And I am a checklist champ!

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The Ultimate Travel Checklist | 37 Things to Do Before Your Next Trip

Say goodbye to stressful planning. With this travel checklist in hand, you’ll always be ready for your next adventure.

It's easy to get swept up by the hype when you're planning out a trip. Whether it's international or local travel, daydreams of relaxing on a beach or skiing down snowy slopes can easily occupy your mind. Of course, you won't forget the basics like booking your flight and getting your travel visas in order. Meanwhile, packing lists, house chores, reservations, and transport arrangements take a back seat, right behind the more exciting stuff. As with everything important, though, it's not until you need something that you realize it's not there. Luckily, we've got just what the travel doctor prescribed: 37 things to do before your next trip.

Each item on this list will ensure that everything is in order, from your packing checklist to your house plants. If you’re looking for a quick step-by-step guide, feel free to follow the bulleted travel checklist below. For a more detailed walkthrough, follow along with the video at the end of the list and read on.

A Month Before

• Create a travel packing list
• Book your accommodation
• Apply for an International Driver’s Permit (if you plan on driving in another country)
• Check for vaccination requirements
• Get an advanced supply of prescription medication
• Get travel insurance

A Week Before

• Check the weather and change your packing list accordingly
• Pack your bags
• Notify your bank that you’ll be traveling
• Get your finances in order
• Make arrangements for someone to take care of your household
• Confirm your reservations

2-3 Days Before

• Organize your travel documents
• Arranging transportation to and from the airport
• Share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info
• Charge your batteries
• Double-check your bag
• Start adjusting to timezone differences
• Clean your house

A Day Before

• Take out the trash and any perishables
• Pack your travel snacks
• Double-check your personal item bag
• Unplug the electronics you’ve been charging
• Put your bags near the door
• Check in to your flight
• Download your digital boarding pass
• Set an away message for your email
• Lay out your outfit for the next day
• Eat before you go
• Take out any remaining trash and leftovers
• Pack up your toiletries
• Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food
• Unplug appliances around the house
• Grab your phone
• Triple-check you have all your essential travel documents
• Adjust the thermostat
• Grab your bags and go!

A month before the big trip, it's important to decide what gear you'll need, i.e., (1) create a packing list . It essentially acts as a travel checklist, but only for what goes in your bag. Packing checklists depend on a lot of things, such as your destination's climate, duration of stay, personal and work-related needs, and local customs and culture. That last one is a bit nuanced, but a good example would be how temples and other religious sites enforce dress codes that require the head and shoulders to be covered.

At the core of any packing checklist for a vacation (or otherwise) are your absolute necessities, like clothing, toiletries, travel documents, and medication. It’s these items that must go first before you can move on to less essential gear like electronics, cosmetics, and other accessories. If you aren’t sure where to start, you can check out ours—such as our Digital Nomad and Budget packing lists—which are good templates that you can modify as needed.

Once you’ve got a working manifest of everything you need, it’s time to (2) book your accommodation . If your trip coincides with a holiday season or travel-heavy seasons in general, hotel and Airbnb prices usually go up during those times. Additionally, finding a place to stay tends to get more difficult as more and more people book. In other words, it’s better to lock one in as soon as possible.

If you’re traveling internationally and plan on driving a motor vehicle, like a car or motorcycle, you’ll have to (3) apply for an International Driver’s Permit . Procedures and requirements may vary from country to country. The processing time can be a few weeks, so it’s best to get the application process rolling early.

While you’re on the web looking up those permits, (4) check the vaccination requirements for the country you’re visiting. If you’re unsure which vaccines are required and which are recommended, the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website has an extensive travel checklist and is an excellent resource to get you sorted.

On the subject of health, make sure to top up and (5) get an advanced supply of your prescription medication from your doctor. You never know if you’ll have to extend your stay, and your specific medication may not be available at your destination. Furthermore, it’s important to check the laws and regulations on bringing medicine and drugs into the country beforehand to avoid legal troubles or confiscation.

After you have your vaccination and prescription medicine prepped, one additional layer of readiness you’ll want is (6) travel insurance . Travel insurance coverage varies depending on your provider, but typical coverage includes emergency medical treatment, personal liabilities, and loss of personal items like travel documents and baggage. Again, you never know what could happen while you’re traveling, so it’s best to be prepared in case of an emergency.

A week before your trip is a good time to (7) check the weather and change your packing list accordingly . Weather is one of the most finicky aspects of a travel checklist, as a particular day can go from sunny to rainy in a snap. That said, forecasts are still a safe bet for adapting your packing checklist. After all, what good are flip-flops and shorts when it's going to rain the entire trip? You can still wear them, but you'll be sad, wet, and look totally unprepared.

Now we really get into the thick of things: (8) packing your bags . We've already gone over how you should create your packing checklist, but there's also the question of how it all comes together. Start the process by laying out everything you think you need, then try cutting the quantity down in half. It's never too late to unburden yourself of excess weight, and who knows—maybe the extra space can afford you to bring something you initially had to cut.

Some items need to be packed last because you’ll be using them right up until you leave the house—we’re talking about toiletries, chargers, and house keys—so make sure to save some space in your bag for them. (Psst—that's where this travel checklist comes in handy.)

Once everything’s packed, keep track of your bag’s (or bags’) total weight. If you’re traveling with just a carry-on, airlines have different weight and size limits, so be sure you’re well within them. You can check your bag’s weight by weighing yourself on a bathroom scale with and without the bag then subtracting the difference. If you need a guide for packing a carry-on , we’ve got you covered.

Other than friends and family, you’ll also want to (9) notify your bank that you’ll be traveling . No, you won’t need to shed a few tears of sadness for them like you would for your pet. You’ll be doing this so that they won’t flag your purchases outside your typical area as fraudulent. Tell them the exact dates you’re traveling and where you’ll be. There are few things more embarrassing than having your credit card declined when you’re trying to pay for a fancy dinner; worse if you’re treating someone else.

On that note, check up on any upcoming bills that may come your way while you're gone. In other words, (10) get your finances in order . Don't worry—this won't be as complicated as doing a complete audit; you're simply making sure you're not coming home to find the electricity and internet disconnected.

This one's for the pet lovers and plant havers: (11) make arrangements for someone to take care of your household . Oh, how we wish we could just take our dog and/or three-foot fern with us to the Bahamas. But alas, it's not the most practical idea. The next best thing? Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to feed and water them from time to time while you're away. Just make sure to bring them back something nice (for the caretaker and the pet/plant).

Someone else who might miss you while you're away is the mail carrier. To keep mail from piling up unnecessarily, you may want to contact your local post office to put your mail on hold if you're going on an extended trip.

While you're still a week away from your trip, (12) confirm your reservations . This not only goes for your accommodations but also for restaurant reservations and any specific events you plan on attending. Last-minute changes to events aren't unheard of, so it's worth re-checking.

Okay, by this point, your hype levels are probably fast approaching critical mass. Hold your horses and passports, though, because there are still a few things to do during these last few days.

Still holding your passports? Okay, good, because it’s time to (13) organize your travel documents . Without these, there is no trip, except to the terminal or station. The documents you’ll want to keep track of are your passport, itinerary, insurance, visas, and tickets. If your everyday wallet can fit all those, then great. If not, passport wallets do exist, and some bags come with dedicated security pockets that can take them in.

The trip from where you're staying and to the terminal probably isn't the one you're particularly excited for, but it's worth prepping for anyway. (14) Arranging transportation to and from the airport is just as important in our eyes, unless you fancy a long walk. To avoid expensive parking fees or taxi fares, you can ask a friend or family member to give you a ride. There's a chance they won't be available on that day, though, so having someone extra as a backup is a good idea. If you’re taking an Uber or Lyft, schedule a pickup in advance so you won't have to wait long on the day itself. The same goes for when you're riding from the airport to wherever you're staying; book it now, so you aren't left waiting needlessly for a ride.

At this point, you’ve already told friends and family about your big trip, but now it’s time to (15) share your itinerary, accommodation address, and contact info . You won’t be doing this to brag, but to make sure they know where you are and how to reach you in case of an emergency.

If there’s something that needs constant attention throughout this travel checklist, it’s the (16) charge levels of your batteries . Even when they're just idling, laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch are slowly but surely sipping power. Topping them up just before you leave ensures they're ready when you actually need them.

Okay, now it’s time to (17) double-check your bag . It's not like anything's escaped between now and the time you've packed it a few days back—this is just to make sure you haven't forgotten anything. Plus, it gives you the chance to make a few tweaks to what you've packed and to squeeze in some last few items if you want to.

After you’ve double-checked—and maybe even triple-checked—your bag, you’re probably feeling a bit tired. Too early to go to bed? It may not be the worst idea to (18) adjust now and prevent jet lag . If you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can prepare yourself for the switch by changing your habits. This includes eating dinner an hour earlier or later (depending on the time difference), and the same goes for your sleep schedule.

This may be the least popular tip on the list, but it's worth doing anyway: (19) clean your house . Think your house is dirty as it is? Imagine it days or weeks later when no one's been home to keep things tidy. Trust us, piled-up laundry (worse: piled-up dirty dishes) only becomes more of a chore after you've come back from your trip, exhausted from all the traveling you just did. Do them now.

You've already cleaned the house, expelling all the dirt off of plates, clothes, and any reachable surfaces. But this is the day before the main event, and there's one more thing (or set of things) to throw out. Have you guessed it? Yep, time to (20) take out the trash and any perishables you have lying in the kitchen and pantry. We support eating as much as you want of the perishables since wasting food is just, well, wasteful.

While you’re in the kitchen, you can go ahead and (21) pack your travel snacks . Airport snacks tend to get pricey, and you won’t believe how much you can save just by bringing your own. Just be mindful to pack foods that are easy to eat, not messy, and don't smell. It’s also worth checking out which foods are considered liquids and need to follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule (we’re looking at you, goat cheese).

Now, (22) double-check your personal item bag , a.k.a your carry-on. This is to ensure your travel essentials are all there, especially your travel documents and money. After you’ve done that, (23) unplug the electronics you’ve been charging , like your laptop, game console, and power bank. By this point, almost everything is packed up, so (24) put the bags near the door where you can grab them and go.

There are just a few more things to sort out before you hit the hay! Before you go to sleep, (25) check in to your flight to save time at the airport. Most airlines have an app that allows you to check into your flight 24 hours ahead of time. Checking in this early lets you pick a good seat, so do that if you haven't already. If you've been issued a (26) digital boarding pass , take this chance to download it to your phone now to save you the hassle later.

Before you put down your phone for the night, make sure to (27) set an away message for your email . That is, unless you’re traveling for work or working remotely . If this is your vacation, turn off all work-related notifications so you can make the most out of your well-earned rest.

Once you’ve put down the phone, (28) lay out your outfit for the next day . Having your clothes laid out and ready will help speed things up as you’re rushing out the door. We don’t know about you, but we move faster just before we sleep than after we’ve just woken up.

At last, we've finally arrived at the day you've been waiting for. It's the main event: the day you actually leave for your trip. Hopefully, you weren't kept up all night by the excitement for your adventure, though we really can't blame you if you were. At the very least, you can go ahead and (29) eat breakfast or lunch to help stave off any hunger that could lead to unnecessary snack purchases at the airport. After you're done eating, (30) take out any remaining trash and leftovers you still have lying around.

Remember when we said some items need to be packed last? Well, it's time to get those aboard as well. After you've freshened yourself up, (31) pack up your toiletries and place them where you can easily get to them when you get to security. Putting them underneath anything else will hold up the line as you search through your bag to get to them, as TSA officers need to check those fluids to make sure they meet regulations. Bring out your packing checklist and ensure all remaining items are in your bag.

And don't forget about your housemates! Namely, your house plants and pets. (32) Make sure the plants have been watered and the pets have enough food to last until your designated caretaker gets to them.

The next tip will help you save money on electricity. (33) Unplug appliances that won’t be in use while you’re away, as they can still sip a tiny amount of electricity if, say, they have LED indicators. This includes TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, and desktop computers. Plus, unplugging will help prevent any potential fires if something accidentally shorts while you’re away. Speaking of unplugging, make sure you (34) grab your phone , earbuds, or Kindle in case you’re doing any last-minute charging.

Yay! You’re almost out the door. But wait! It’s time for another passport check. (35) Triple-check if you have all of your essential travel documents . You can never be too careful in trying to avoid being that person awkwardly digging through their bag at the last minute just before boarding.

While you’re walking towards the door, make a quick (36) walk-over to the thermostat and reduce the temperature . No one’s going to be home, so there’s no need to rack up a pricey heating bill. Needless to say, keep your pets and indoor plants in mind when you’re adjusting this. At this point, consider doing one last pass over this full travel checklist to make sure you're all set to go.

Got all that? Well then, time to (37) grab your bags and go! Careful not to trip in excitement!

If you’re reading this while you’re on a train or aboard your flight, congratulations! 37 travel checklist to-do’s sound like a lot, but once you’ve completed this travel checklist a few times, it becomes second nature. These are tips we follow ourselves and we haven’t missed a beat ever since. No missing passports, accommodations are on point, and the pets are just as happy to see us as when we left them—and it makes the trip all the more worth it.

This travel checklist is brought to you by the Pack Hacker team. We’ve collected these tips through many fun trips and a couple not so fun ones.

December 20, 2021

Author: Jude Miguel De Leon

Miguel loves road trips and actively takes the scenic route to make things interesting. When he's not behind the wheel with a trunk full of gear, you'll find him tinkering with a computer; a hobby he picked up while watching tech reviews starting at age 12. You'll never see him consider a product without being armed with plenty of product research & testing first.

Global TravEpi Network Tools

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Travelers’ Rapid Health Information Portal : a tool for travelers that provides health advice for safe international travel based on the recommendations of the U.S. CDC .

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10 practical tips to travel with PrEP

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Let’s be honest, who likes writing out checklists and to-do lists? Not us!  

It’s hard enough picking out our “Insta-friendly” outfits… but having to tick off all the boxes in planning our gay vacation can be nauseating. Especially when some countries have such grey areas when it comes to what you can and can’t bring across their borders.

One of those items being PrEP.

When PrEP arrived on the scene, we danced with joy. It was a massive step forward in the fight against HIV, and has created the possibility of completely eradicating new cases of the disease arising by 2030 . It’s just one small blue pill and offers near-complete protection. You’d think no one would have a problem with such a revolutionary preventive treatment, right? 

*ERROR SOUND* Sadly, not all countries provide PrEP. And many don’t have free or affordable access to it. Boooooo!  

So, when it comes to getting down and dirty on vacation, you need to be PrEPared. We’ve put together our top tips on how to travel safely when you're on PrEP, so you're ready to play safe for your next gay vacation. We also recommend checking out our Gay Travel Page for other important practical tips.

What is PrEP?

PrEP (which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a pill that can prevent the user from contracting HIV.

It has been a massive game-changer leading to an overall decline in new HIV infections . When taken as prescribed, it reduces the risk of contracting the disease by almost 100%. Yup, that’s right! After 7 days of use, you can expect to be protected from contracting HIV.

To find out more, you can read more about PrEP here .

1. Take enough PrEP for your trip

Seby always forgets to pack enough sunscreen. And I often don’t bring enough socks. Let’s just say, we can relate to the plight of the absent-minded traveler. 

At the end of the day though, those things are accessible all around the world… so it’s no biggie. But one thing you should make sure you DO have enough of is your meds. And if that includes PrEP… then so be it. 

We say this as there are many places in the world where PrEP isn’t as readily available as it is in Western Europe, North America, or Australia. So, if you’re planning a trip, make sure to bring enough pills to cover the entirety of the journey. Pssst , don’t forget to count any days with long-haul flights!

Calculate the number of pills you’ll need, making sure you have enough to cover each day, as well as a few spares just in case.

2. Pack it in your hand luggage

Selecting which items to put in your carry-on can feel a bit like Sophie’s Choice. You basically have to decide which of your personal items are more important than the others, as sometimes checked luggage goes missing…

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve lost our suitcases whilst on the road. As a precaution, we always put the most necessary items in our carry-on. That way, if our suitcases get lost, we’re still covered for all our essentials.

So, if you are on PrEP, then make sure it’s added to your carry on. Or, if you prefer, split your supply in two between your suitcase and carry-on. If anything, it means that you have the box with the prescription notes to hand if security have any questions/problems with you traveling with it.

3. Check if you’re allowed to carry PrEP

Remember in Sex and the City 2 when Samantha’s menopausal treatment was confiscated at the Abu Dhabi airport? Well sis, that stuff really happens! And you really don’t want it to happen IRL as it won’t be a cute moment. 

So, before you pack those little blue pills in your bag, check out this website (or ones like it) that lays out different countries' laws around importing HIV meds. 

In some places (i.e., Vietnam), you may need to supply a doctor’s note or prescription explaining that the treatment is for personal use only. In other places, such as countries in the Middle East, it’s best to leave them at home, and protect yourself with more traditional means. We’ve put together many guides for gay travelers on how to travel safely, including our tips for gay couples traveling together , which we recommend you check out.

4. Take rubbers and lube with you

Dorothy, from the Golden Girls , once said: “Coɳdoms, Rose, coɳdoms, coɳdoms!!!”

And we concur. Somewhere between hiding in the closet for forever and relying on PrEP, a gay guy’s best guard against STIs is the trusty coɳdom. 

And just because you are on PrEP or in a monogamous relationship, doesn’t mean you should stop using coɳdoms. PrEP only protects you from contracting HIV – it doesn’t ward off other STIs.

Plus, not all countries have access to PrEP, so the LGBTQ locals may not be DTF with people who don’t have coɳdoms. So, stay smart, be safe, and bring a box of rubbers! Oh, and lube. Always bring plenty of lube.

5. Research the STIs awareness in your destination

You may have a first-class healthcare system at home, but that dream location of yours may have anything but. Even in Eastern Europe, there can be notable doctors who have an abysmal reputation for identifying or treating STIs… and that’s if there are even STI screening clinics in the first place.

Before booking that trip, research, research, research, the heck out of your destination. Not only to get a sense of the local attitude toward gay people but to see how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is being addressed. 

Wikipedia is a good jumping-off point (just look up the name of the country and ‘gay rights’ or ‘HIV/AIDS.’ We also recommend Advert to see each country’s HIV statistics. 

All in all, our main advice is to bring coɳdoms regardless of how advanced their STI treatment facilities are, to prevent taking home anything more than souvenirs and memories.

6. Check where the local STI clinics are

As hard as it can be to pull yourself away from scoping out the local restaurants, the vibrant bars and clubs, or the fabulous gay scene, finding out the closest STI clinic in the area is a must. 

Trust us. If you come down with an infection during your trip, the last thing you’ll want to do is try and follow Google Map’s confusing directions. Especially when you have an unwanted party dancing in your pants.  

To find out where the local clinics are, turn to Google. Or failing that, just ask the bar staff in the local gay bar/club – they’ll always have the knowledge. 

The NHS website , AIDSmap , and AIDS Health Foundations give locations on all the HIV testing centres in the UK, Europe, and North America. If there are no STI clinics, then check out where the local private hospitals are located instead.

7. Get travel insurance

We know, we know. We sound like your overbearing mother.

But having travel insurance is the ultimate way to protect yourself from any disaster that may occur on your trip. Not only will you be covered for missed or canceled flights, but you’ll be covered for lost or stolen luggage too. So, if you find yourself stuck abroad with no PrEP, you’ll at least be compensated. 

You can often get single-trip or annual coverage through your own healthcare provider.

Let’s put it this way… if you did have to go to a private hospital for whatever reason, those medical bills aren’t cheap. In the long run, travel insurance is the best pre-journey expense you can make. 

8. Make sure you follow a schedule 

PrEP needs to be taken every day.

We’ll say that again in case you didn’t hear. PrEP needs to be taken EVERY DAY! One missed day could put you at risk of contracting HIV.

We know what you might be thinking: “But guys, I can barely remember to floss! How will I remember to take this tiny pill?” 

Well, we've got you covered. There’s a useful PrEP app that’ll remind you when to take your pill. This comes in handy for when you’re moving between time zones and dealing with jet lag. It also has tons of information about PrEP, PEP, and vaccines.

Otherwise, consider setting an alarm on your phone to go off at the same time each day. Or if you have a partner/travel buddy who also takes PrEP, you can sync up your schedules. Two heads are better than one! 

9. Store them carefully

Just because you like to get all hot and sweaty doesn’t mean your meds do. 

Exposure to heat or dampness can damage your pills – so your safest bet is to keep them in their original, watertight packaging… and for the love of gawd, don’t put them in your fridge! You should also bear in mind the pill’s shelf life, as some types of PrEP can expire after 30 days. No one wants stale, useless meds. 

Most importantly, don’t lose them! We can’t count the number of our friends who lost their PrEP because it was either stuffed at the bottom of their suitcase or in a hidden coat pocket. 

Lastly, if your pills have split, chipped, or crumbled in their box, don’t take them. Go back to your pharmacy and get a replacement.

10. Get checked up when you’re back home!

Everyone loves a souvenir… except the kind you find in your pants. 

It’s happened to the best of us. You visit a new city, discover a fabulous bar, meet a cute stranger, and indulge in some saucy, fun time. You walk away thinking, “Wow, what perfect night out” and imagine how you'll brag about your conquest to your friends at home. That is… until you start to feel an itch a couple of days later… Yikes!  

So, as soon as you get back home from a vacation, book an appointment at your local clinic, and get tested for ALL STIs (not just HIV). 

Remember, there’s no shame in testing positive for any disease – even the most careful of us can contract something. But the sooner you find out, the sooner it can be treated. 

So, get tested and hopefully, the only clap you’ll experience will be when the plane lands!

For more inspiration:

• Make sure you also read our tips for traveling with intimate toys
• Check out our safety tips for using gay dating apps if you're planning on meeting other guys while traveling
• These are our favorite gay travel apps for everything you'll need on your trip
• And our list of the most gay friendly countries in the world for you to visit
• If you love pride (who doesn't?!) these are the biggest and best pride events in the world
• Get inspired with our gay pride outfit ideas
• And don't leave the house without these must-have gay pride accessories

Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half , I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here .

Watch CBS News

Clear is now enrolling people for TSA PreCheck at these airports

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: April 30, 2024 / 6:00 PM EDT / CBS News

There's a new way to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program to help get through airport security lines faster. 

Clear, a private identity screening company , is now enrolling passengers in TSA PreCheck at select airports across the U.S. The announcement makes Clear the third company to partner with the TSA to expand enrollment options for low-risk travelers. 

Previously, Telos and Idemia were the only enrollment providers for TSA PreCheck, which launched in 2013 and now has more than 19 million members. The program provides customers with a dedicated line and lets them keep their shoes and jackets on while going through screening. They can also keep their laptops and liquids in their bags. According to TSA, PreCheck lane wait times are under 10 minutes, compared with 30-minute wait times in standard lanes. 

"The TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program enables vetted, low-risk travelers to move through security more efficiently," TSA Administrator David Pekoske said in a statement Tuesday. "Additional enrollment providers make it easier for the public to enroll and enjoy a seamless travel experience." 

Clear CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker said the company's enrollment opportunities provide passengers with "a fast and efficient airport experience."

"This is a win-win for U.S. travelers who will have access to more enrollment locations, expanded hours and other benefits," she said in a statement.

Clear charges $77.95 for TSA PreCheck. Idemia's enrollment fee is $78, and Telos' is $85.

Here's where it's available

Clear's TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal services are now available at three U.S. airports. 

Passengers can enroll in-person at Orlando International Airport, Sacramento International Airport or at Newark Liberty International Airport. Memberships last for five years.

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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Amazon Prime Day 2024: Here's what to expect, tips, and tricks

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Amazon Prime Day has grown into one of the biggest sales events of the year, with discounts rivaling those of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With so many retailers selling on Amazon, Prime members can save on just about anything, from viral beauty products to new unlocked smartphones.

The best Prime Day deals we saw last year included all-time lows on brands like Apple, Vitamix, iRobot, Dyson, Crocs, and, of course, Amazon-owned products like the Fire TV , Kindle e-reader , and Echo smart speakers . We expect to see more of the same this year as well.

It'll be the first major deal holiday of the year, so it's an awesome chance to score summer discounts on big-ticket items and household staples. The retailer's 10th Prime Day event has officially been announced to arrive in July, but the actual days are still unknown. In the meantime, we're keeping tabs on all of the latest Prime Day news, and we'll keep you updated with our findings here.

• Shop the latest deals at Amazon

When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?

Amazon Prime Day is officially coming this July, though the exact days have not yet been announced. In past years, it kicked off on the second Tuesday of the month. If Amazon follows the same trend, it will take place on July 9 and 10. We'll keep this story updated as more details are announced.

What is Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is the retailer's annual mega sale and one of the major benefits of Prime membership. It's a two-day sales event, usually during the summer, that features products from every category, from fashion staples to hot new tech. 

Though it used to be a deal holiday of a much smaller scale, Prime Day has grown exponentially since the first one in 2015. Now, you can find almost everything on sale for all-time low prices, matching discounts we see during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

What should I buy during Amazon Prime Day?

Everything is fair game to buy during Amazon Prime Day. Whether you've been holding out on a pricey new TV or just need to stock up on toiletries, Prime Day is a good time to make your move. 

Last year, we saw incredible prices on tech, including 4K TVs , Fire TV streaming devices , Apple products, Kindle e-readers , PC gaming accessories, Echo smart speakers , and top headphones picks. Prime Day tech deals featured brands like Logitech, Bose, Jabra, Sony, Roku, Samsung, TCL, and more. 

If you're looking for style and beauty deals during Prime Day, last year, brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Tatcha, Laneige, Levi's, Carhartt, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Adidas, and Marc Jacobs all featured products at rare low prices. That means skincare, makeup, shoes, men's clothing, women's fashion, and accessories will all be available for less. 

Home and kitchen products saw no shortage of Prime Day deals either, with big names like Dyson, Shark, iRobot, Philips, KitchenAid, Nespresso, Casper, Leesa, and OXO down to all-time lows for the event. So, whether you need an air fryer , robot vacuum , mattress , or just some sturdy mixing bowls, Prime Day is a good time to buy. 

You don't need to be focused on fancy new gadgets or treatments to shop smart during Amazon Prime Day either. We also catch tons of affordable household essentials available for even less every year, like toilet paper, dish soap, doggy bags, and makeup wipes. These deals are sweet, since they save you money on stuff you needed to buy anyway. 

How long do Prime Day deals last?

How long a Prime Day deal lasts differs between items, but in general, the best discounts will start during the event and end before the 48-hour holiday is over. Some will last the whole two days while others will only last one, so it's always wise to act on a good sale when you see it. Lightning deals especially go fast, the most popular of which dwindle away in less than an hour.

I always recommend buying a product you've had your eye on as soon as it's highlighted as a Prime Day deal. Regardless of how long it's set to last, oftentimes the best sales run out of stock, resulting in shipping dates being pushed out, or the deal no longer being offered at all. We'll be providing all of the deal context you need to shop confidently and quickly, so be sure to check our roundups of the best discounts when the event rolls around. 

Do you need to be a Prime member to shop Amazon Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day is locked to Prime members only. It's one of the major benefits of subscribing to the service, in addition to other perks like free two-day shipping and Prime Video streaming. 

If you have yet to become a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial to test it out. Once the official Prime Day dates have been announced, you can even time your free period to overlap with the sale, but it's not a guarantee since sometimes retailers will lock out free members from shopping the best deals.

Do other stores participate in Prime Day?

Although Prime Day is an Amazon-specific event, it's grown so large that other major retailers have started kicking off competing sales to overlap with it. No one has announced a competing Prime Day sale just yet, but if past years are any indication, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy will likely be holding their own events.

These are definitely worth checking out; they often match the best deals on popular items you can find from Prime Day. We'll also be rounding these deals up so you can shop from the retailer that best suits you, whether you're a Target Circle cardholder, My Best Buy Plus member, or Walmart Plus subscriber. 

Is Prime Day an international event?

Prime Day occurs in several other countries, but not all of them. Here's a list of countries where Prime Day will be available to shop:

• Netherlands
• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates
• The United States
• The United Kingdom

Want to see what Amazon has on sale right now? We've spotted some hefty price cuts on electronics, fashion, home, kitchen, laptops, and more on its main deals page .

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CLEAR becomes TSA’s third official TSA PreCheck® enrollment provider

WASHINGTON and NEW YORK — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it is expanding TSA PreCheck® with CLEAR, which is now offering TSA PreCheck enrollment services at participating airports .

Since TSA first launched the TSA PreCheck program as a  DHS Trusted Traveler Program  for low-risk travelers in December 2013, active membership in the program has grown to more than 19 million passengers.  

“The TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program enables vetted, low-risk travelers to move through security more efficiently.” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Additional enrollment providers make it easier for the public to enroll and enjoy a seamless travel experience.”

“TSA PreCheck with enrollment by CLEAR provides a fast and efficient airport experience,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “This is a win-win for U.S. travelers who will have access to more enrollment locations, expanded hours and other benefits.”

CLEAR now offers in-person TSA PreCheck enrollments and renewals at:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Sunday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. PT
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET.

Travelers will enroll at CLEAR’s dedicated TSA PreCheck airport enrollment pods. CLEAR will expand enrollment locations over time to additional CLEAR airport locations. Visit the TSA PreCheck program’s official website at https://tsa.gov/precheck for more information about renewing or enrolling in TSA PreCheck and to find enrollment locations and pricing information for all TSA PreCheck enrollment providers.

Following today’s announcement, TSA PreCheck members may renew their memberships online with CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos, regardless of who they enrolled with initially.

TSA’s wait time benchmarks for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes and under 30 minutes for standard lanes. TSA PreCheck members are able to wear their shoes, belts and light jackets through screening, and they can keep their laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in their carry-on bags.  

In May 2023, the agency announced that teenagers aged 13-17 may now accompany TSA PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Enrollment providers submit applicant information to TSA, and TSA makes the final determination regarding an individual’s eligibility to participate in the TSA PreCheck program.

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Clear Now Offers TSA PreCheck Enrollment

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a new partnership with Clear, making it the third TSA PreCheck enrollment provider.

TSA PreCheck is a program that gives members access to dedicated lines at airport security checkpoints. Members don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets when they go through the scanner. Plus, they can keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on luggage. More than 200 airports and 90 airlines provide TSA PreCheck.

Clear is a separate program that uses biometric data (like a fingerprint or eye scan) to speed travelers through airport security. Once Clear members use a kiosk to scan their biometrics, they skip the regular security and TSA PreCheck lines and proceed straight to the physical screening portion.

You can have both Clear and TSA PreCheck. The first will skip you to the front of the line, and the second will give you access to the lane where you don’t have to take off your shoes, belt or jacket.

The new partnership between TSA and Clear will make it even easier for people to enroll in or renew TSA PreCheck since no appointments are required. It will also save applicants time and money if they enroll in both expedited security programs.

TSA PreCheck and Clear costs

TSA PreCheck costs vary depending on the enrollment provider. Registering for TSA PreCheck through Clear will cost $77.95 for a five-year membership. Online TSA PreCheck renewals through Clear will cost $68.95 for five years.

That’s a few cents cheaper than enrolling with Idemia and a few dollars cheaper than enrolling with Telos. Generally, it’s best to enroll with whichever enrollment provider has locations that are convenient for you.

You can often get your TSA PreCheck application costs covered with a travel credit card as well. These credit cards usually provide a statement credit that’ll reimburse you for the cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Here are some popular cards that offer this benefit:

on Bank of America's website

on Chase's website

$0 intro for the first year, then $95 .

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Statement credit of up to $100 as reimbursement when you charge the application fee for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or NEXUS to the card. Available once every 4 years.

Here is a more comprehensive list:

Aeroplan® Credit Card .

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® .

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card .

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card .

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card .

United Club℠ Infinite Card .

United℠ Explorer Card .

United Quest℠ Card .

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card .

Terms apply.

Clear, on the other hand, has one-year memberships that go for $189. There is a smaller batch of travel cards that include Clear fees as a benefit. You can also get a discount on Clear through its partnerships with United and Delta.

on American Express' website

$189 credit each year when paying for a Clear membership. Terms apply.

One new option for getting both of these for less is applying for both through Clear. If you bundle TSA PreCheck and Clear, it’ll cost $199.95, which saves you about $66 off the full price of both programs.

Where to find Clear TSA PreCheck enrollment

Currently, Clear only offers enrollment for TSA PreCheck at three airports:

Sacramento International Airport.

Newark Liberty International Airport.

Orlando International Airport.

Enrollment for TSA PreCheck at all three participating airports is available daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time. Except at Sacramento International Airport, where enrollment closes on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Clear plans to expand to other airports in the future.

How to enroll at TSA PreCheck at the airport

You can’t exactly just show up to the airport to enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear. If you want to enroll through one of the Clear airport locations, you’ll have to submit an application online first.

Then, the next time you’re at a participating airport, walk up to Clear’s enrollment pod (no appointment necessary). Clear will submit your TSA PreCheck application on your behalf, and you can expect to hear back within three to five days.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.