Travel Preparation Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will need to address every pre-trip task.

For a printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

10-30 days before departure

• Checklist: Download or create a packing list appropriate for your trip and activities.
• Pets: Arrange pet care; plan far ahead for pet boarding, particularly for travel during holidays.
• School: Prearrange school abscences for children.
• Luggage: Ensure luggage is sufficient for needs of upcoming trip.

• Vehicle: Schedule pre-trip maintenance.
• _____________________
• _____________________

5-7 days before departure

• Meetings: Reschedule appointments; notify others of your absence in advance.
• Bills: Check due dates for bills; pay early if payment is due before you return.
• Prescriptions: Ensure your supply matches or exceeds the duration of your trip.
• Books: Pick up a guidebook, paperback, some magazines and/or load your electronic reader.

• Support: Leave a copy of your itinerary/contact info with a friend (and at trailheads, under your car seat.
• ______________________
• ______________________

2-4 days before departure

• Newspaper: Suspend newspaper delivery.
• Mail: Suspend mail delivery, or arrange for a neighbor to collect it for you.
• Yard: Mow lawn, or arrange to have it mowed (and plants watered).
• Trash: Cancel trash/recycling pickup (or ask a neighbor to handle the task for you).
• Lights: Set automatic timers at different times throughout the house.
• Batteries: Charge rechargeables (for camera, phone, laptop, headlamp, music player or other items).

• Documents: Organize paperwork (tickets, passports, maps, permits, medical info) in 1 location.
• Reservations: Reconfirm reservations (plane, hotel, airport transportation).
• Weather: Check forecast for your destination; adjust packing list accordingly.
• Begin packing: Organize what you can ahead of time.
• _______________________
• _______________________

1 day before departure

• Refrigerator: Clean out perishables.
• Office: Display a note informing coworkers of your return date.
• Computer: Set out-of-office automated response.
• Check-in: Use online check-in; print airline boarding pass at home to save time at airport.

• DVR/VCR: Set timer to record favorite shows.
• _________________________
• _________________________

Day of departure

• Plants: Water inside and outside.
• Heating/cooling: Reduce thermostat and water heater settings; raise air condtioner setting.
• Electricity: Unplug iron, toaster, coffee maker, computer, hair dryer, other idle devices.

• __________________________
• __________________________

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