PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST: 38 Things to do Before your Trip! With downloadable packing list!
Have you ever arrived at the airport and realized you forgot your passport or phone? I have and it's not pretty! I created a Pre- Travel Checklist, which should help you get organized before your trip. I've also included links to other travel tips and packing advice videos below. This Travel Checklist covers what to do several months before your trip, one month before your trip, one week before your trip, the day before you leave, and before you walk out the door!
PRE-TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Several Months Before trip
1. Plan your trip: Book flights, lodging, rental car, etc.
2. Check your travel documents; make sure passport is up-to-date.
3. Check travel restrictions for your destination.
4. Purchase travel insurance (see link above).
5. Book pet or baby sitter.
6. Book excursions, reservations, spa packages, etc.
Month Before trip:
1. Create a packing list.
2. Review your itinerary.
3. Research destinations for top things to see.
4. Purchase gifts.
5. Add travel apps to your phone.
6. Check the baggage policy.
Week before trip:
1. Create staging area.
2. Start using up perishable food in your fridge.
3. Pay Bills, Transfer money, and Get Cash.
4. Download entertainment.
5. Notify your Bank and/or Credit Card Company of travel.
6. Schedule Mail Hold.
7. Schedule an Uber or arrange transportation to the airport.
8. Share your itinerary with family or loved ones.
9. Notify neighbors, community patrol, or neighborhood watch groups of your travel dates.
10. Make Sure your prescriptions are filled, and you have any over-the-counter meds you might need.
11. Check your electronic equipment: Make sure you have batteries, cords, adapters, and accessories. Make sure everything is charged and, if you have AirTags, put them in your bags.
12. Check the weather of your destination and adjust your packing accordingly.
13. Organize your documents, visas, passport, driver’s license, insurance cards and travel insurance information. Also bring AAA, AARP or National Park Pass, if needed.
14. Start preparing for your trip by hydrating yourself and adjusting your sleep schedule to lessen jet lag.
Day before trip:
1. Check in for your flight and download or print boarding passes.
2. Clean perishable items out of fridge.
3. Run Dishwasher.
4. Water Plants.
5. Final Packing. If you packed early, review your list again to make sure you didn't take something out and forget to put it back in.
6. Pack travel snacks
Just before walking out the door:
1. Turn Thermostat up or down.
2. Turn down water heater, if possible.
3. Take Garbage out.
4. Run Garbage disposal.
5. Unplug appliances that aren't necessary.
6. And finally, DOUBLE CHECK that you have your travel docs, passport, eyeglasses, phone and toothbrush.
Additional tasks suggested by viewers: Print copies of important documents, so you have backup. Put important documents in a cloud file, so that if you lose everything, you have your passport information and other items in an accessible place.
Link to downloadable Trip or Packing List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xE_6LLXH6dDfUh25H73mah70akPC431y/edit
(I can only allow viewing, not editing, of the Google doc. However, feel free to copy and paste)
@seniorsolotravel
Facebook Travel Forum: https://www.facebook.com/groups/443309331791413
Senior Solo Travel Website: https://www.seniorsolotravel.net/
Travel Advice Videos:
How to Fold a Jacket for Travel: https://youtu.be/kQmqim1YZEo
How to Pack a Carry On: https://youtu.be/ph3NM4i6pVU
Packing Tips: https://youtu.be/4W5Z7ZAjYkQ
Packing Methods: https://youtu.be/5t1svDEZ8I4
Pre-Travel Checklist: https://youtu.be/KnUkt7EojA4
Favorite Travel Products: https://youtu.be/jizhD6Xnczw
Travel Products 2024: https://youtu.be/fo3WlxaHF7E
Senior Travel Discounts: https://youtu.be/9U1pS-lB6CA
Business Class-How to find flight deals: https://youtu.be/lx8wETsqeTk
Travel Insurance-Are you paying too much?: https://youtu.be/52Yp_LFQELc
Solo Travel-How to Banish the Fear: https://youtu.be/wx1rnerHjVw
Cruise vs. Land Travel: https://youtu.be/YDRxD3U3pU8
Senior Solo Travel Introduction: https://youtu.be/1FPqgn41Zwo
Overpacking-How to Avoid it: https://youtu.be/8hXrC7s_DSQ
0:00 Intro
0:27 Several Months Before Trip
1:36 One Month Before Trip
4:25 One Week Before Trip
7:04 Day Before Trip
7:27 Before you Walk Out the Door
