Anticipation is half the fun when it comes to travel. As you gear up for your next adventure, don’t let the pre-trip to-do list weigh you down. We’ve put together our top 10 tips to streamline your preparation and ensure a stress-free start to your journey. Get ready to embrace the thrill of the open road (or skies)!
The Week(s) Before: Get Organized
Avoid those frantic “did I forget something?” moments by jotting down every task and item for your trip. From packing essentials to home prep like unplugging appliances or arranging pet care, get it all down so you can check things off in stride.
Research typical temperatures and forecasts for your destination to pack accordingly. But also look into local dress customs – you may want to leave those shorts at home to blend in better in some regions. A versatile travel wardrobe of breathable fabrics and layers is ideal.
About a week out, do an inventory run on travel-sized toiletries, medications, and first aid supplies. Replenish what you need at your local stores – it’s easier and cheaper than scrambling once you’ve arrived.
The Few Days Before: Final Prep
Many airlines start check-in 24 hours prior to departure. Being one of the first to check in can increase your odds of scoring better seats or avoiding bumping on overbooked flights.
Have printed copies of your hotel/rental details, travel insurance info, and other vital documents. Technology fails sometimes, so hard copies are essential backups. And locate your passport well in advance if traveling internationally!
Whether driving and booking airport parking or scheduling a ride service, solidify your airport transit plans a few days out. The last thing you want is transportation stress on travel day.
Avoid roaming charges and boredom by downloading offline maps of your travel areas to your phone. While you’re at it, load up your devices with books, podcasts, movies, and shows to enjoy without an internet connection.
The Day Before: Charge Up
On the day before departure, do a full charge of every device, camera, e-reader, etc. Use a portable charger pack and keep devices lined up next to your bag, ready for a final sweep into your carry-on.
The Morning Of: Last-Minute Details
Avoid surprise overweight baggage fees. Get an inexpensive digital luggage scale to ensure you comply with your airline’s weight restrictions before arriving at the airport.
Come home to a refreshing abode, not messy remnants of your rushed departure. Do a quick tidy before leaving – wash any dishes, make the beds, and put away clutter. You’ll appreciate the reboot after being away.
With these tips, you can confidently embrace the joy of pre-travel anticipation, knowing you’ve crossed every t and dotted every i. The journey is half the fun – happy travels!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.