Years ago, I would wait until the last minute to begin
planning for an upcoming trip. It caused
so much stress, I couldn’t really enjoy the experience and ended up exhausted
before I ever left. I already had a
great packing list that helped me remember what I wanted to take on the trip so
I began to add other things I needed to do before I left. Now, I don’t worry if I’ve forgotten something
because it’s all on the list so I can just relax and enjoy getting ready for my
new adventure.
Personal: I like to have my hair cut and nails done
before I leave on my trip so I book that and any other personal appointments a
couple of weeks before my departure.
Documentation and
Communication: I make a copy of my
essential information (passport, itinerary, credit cards) and email to myself
as well as to an emergency contact. That
way someone always knows where I am and can help me if my documents get lost or
stolen.
I contact my phone service provider and check what coverage I
will have at my destination. I always
switch my phone to manual updates while I’m traveling to save on data
charges. Also, if I am going to an
expensive coverage area I will put my phone on airplane mode and just check
when I’m in a free Wi-Fi area. I also notify
my bank and credit card company of my travel plans so my cards stay active
while I’m away.
Shopping: I make a list of any special clothing
items and travel supplies that I might need (bathing suit, sunscreen,
toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, medications, clear plastic bags for airport
screening, etc.), snacks and some type of frozen or non-perishable food to eat
when I return home so I don’t have to shop right away.
Household: Stop mail, newspaper or any other home
deliveries and set light timers. You can
also have a friend come in to water plants, take any flyers off your door and
open and close blinds occasionally.
I always keep a few ice cubes in a plastic dish or baggie in
my freezer, that way if the power should go out for any length of time you’ll
know if the food you have frozen will be safe to eat after you return.
Just before I leave the house I turn off all the water, set
my thermostat to an appropriate temperature (warm during winter, cool during
summer), unplug all small appliances (coffee maker, toaster etc.), clean the
refrigerator and take out the trash.
International: If my trip will be out of the country I
add some additional items to my list. I
verify that my passport is valid for at least 6 months past the end of my trip,
check any visa or immunization requirements and purchase an electrical adapter
for the country I’ll be visiting. I take
paper copies of any maps/guide/translation information that I need as phones
don’t always work in all areas. I also
double check that my credit/debit cards will be accepted and purchase a small
amount of the local currency before I go.
I used to arrange my lists by the type of trip I was taking
but I realized that it is much simpler if I stick to one basic list and just
modify it for whatever clothes or special items that I need. I also purchase duplicate travel supplies and
keep them separate from those that I use at home so I’m not stuck if I happen
to forget my hairbrush or toothbrush after getting ready the morning that I
leave.
It doesn’t matter if I’m traveling by car, train or plane
for a weekend getaway or an extended trip, I use the same list and just modify
it for whatever I need. I love knowing
that I can easily plan my trips and don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time
I want to go away.
What are some other things that you do before leaving on a trip? Do you use a travel or packing list to help
you prepare? Do you enjoy planning for
your time away? Share your experiences
and join the conversation!
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