Catherine - Savvy Family TravelLeaving for a trip is exhilarating, but overlooking key details can turn your adventure into a hassle.
To ensure your journey is smooth, I’ve created a thorough list of things to do before a trip, covering everything from securing your home to packing smart and preparing financially.
This list is for all my fellow Type As out there! Follow these steps to leave no stone unturned.
Things to Do Before a Trip
Steps to Secure Your Home
Before your trip, prepare your home for your absence.
- Use the Penny Trick from my Reel below to Monitor Freezer Power
Place a penny on a frozen cup of water to detect if your freezer lost power while you were away. How far the penny sinks gives you an idea of how much your frozen foods may have thawed.
- Notify Neighbors or Arrange for House-Sitting
Let trusted neighbors or a house-sitter know you’ll be away. They can keep an eye on your property, hide packages, or handle unexpected issues. - Pause Subscriptions and Deliveries
Stop mail, newspapers, or grocery deliveries to avoid piling up. Here’s a link to request a mail hold from USPS. - Lock Doors, Windows, and Secure Outdoor Items
Double-check locks and store outdoor furniture to deter theft. - Consider Investing in WiFi Security Cameras, Locks, and a Smart Doorbell
During our trips, there have been numerous times we were glad to have installed these smart devices.
We could unlock the door remotely for neighbors to retrieve something from our home, we could check the backyard camera after a storm to see if any trees left damage, and we could see what deliveries may be waiting at our door.
Organize Your Finances and Documents
When considering things to do before a trip, organizing your finances and documents is both mundane and critical.
- Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Providers
Alert banks about your travel dates to prevent frozen accounts due to suspected fraud. Some banks have stopped requiring this, but it’s better to check. - Apply for Travel Insurance and International Permits
Ensure you’re covered for emergencies and have the required permits if driving abroad. We like our premier credit cards for travel protections. - Organize and Backup Travel Documents
Keep physical and digital copies of your passport, IDs, and tickets. Put a copy of your passport in checked baggage. - Plan Your Budget and Keep Emergency Funds Ready
Set a spending limit and prepare for unforeseen expenses. Make sure you have a debit card packed in case you need to make ATM withdrawals. - Prepay Bills Due While You’re Away
Avoid late fees by paying bills ahead of time. - Pack the Right Cards
Pack cards that will give you the best perks for your trip.
If traveling abroad, make sure you have a card that waives foreign transaction fees.
If you’re using airlines or hotels for which you have a branded credit card, make sure you pack that card for spend to optimize points earned.
Essential Errands Before a Trip
Some things to do before a trip require ticking off tasks at home and around town.
- Return Library Books and Expiring Rentals
Avoid fines or charges by returning borrowed items. - Refill Prescriptions and Stock Up on Essentials
Pack necessary medications. By now, you should’ve spoke with your physician about any prescriptions that may be useful on your trip.
For example, altitude medication, emergency medication for traveler’s diarrhea, certain motion sickness medications, etc.
Remember, medication is exempt from the TSA 3oz. rule in the USA. Just pull it out separately when passing your bags through the scanner. - Complete Store Returns with Deadlines
Handle returns before they expire. - Schedule Post-Travel Grocery Delivery or Pickup
Arrive home to a stocked fridge by planning ahead. This is especially useful if you don’t have a buffer day before returning to work and school schedules.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing efficiently can be one of the most challenging things to do before a trip.
- Update Your Packing List Based on Destination Weather
As your trip approaches, take one more look at the weather before finalizing your clothing choice. - Organize Travel Bags for TSA Compliance
Separate liquids and electronics to make airport security a breeze.
Even if you have TSA PreCheck in the US, remember that if you’re traveling through any foreign airports you’ll need these to be removed from your luggage. - Pack Multi-Purpose Clothing and Compact Gear
Save space by choosing versatile items. - Double-Check Must-Haves
Ensure you have chargers, adapters, and critical documents. - Use Luggage Tags and Personal Identifiers
Make your bags easy to spot and recover. Tie a ribbon, a loofah, or a bright tag to suitcases that would otherwise blend in. - Drop an AirTag in your Checked Luggage
In case your bag is lost in transit, you can help the airline locate and recover it by tracking it via an AirTag. - Try on Kids’ Clothing and Shoes
Showing up to your spring break beach vacation with last summers’ clothes and shoes only to find out some don’t fit is a real buzz kill. Try everything on the kids before packing. - Compartmentalize
Packing cubes, ziploc bags, and over the door organizers keep things easy to access while traveling. Especially if you’re moving around a lot vs. checking into a single hotel or Airbnb. - Avoid Risk
If you’re checking your suitcase, be sure to carry on at least anything you’ll need for the first 48 hours of your trip in case it is lost. A change of clothes in your carry on is crucial. - Kids Activities
Pack tactile toys and activities to entertain little ones on car rides, planes, or at restaurants during your travels. Here are some of our favorite toddler activities.
Digital Must-Dos
In our tech-driven world, digital preparation things to do before a trip are key.
- Download Entertainment and Offline Maps
Stay entertained and oriented without Wi-Fi. - Update Travel Apps and Load Tickets or Boarding Passes
Ensure apps are up-to-date and tickets are ready to scan. - Set Auto-Reply Messages for Work
Keep others informed of your unavailability. - Charge Devices and Bring Backup Power Bricks
- Purchase an eSim for Travel Abroad
There are many eSim providers out there, we’ve always had good experiences with eSims from Airalo. Install the eSim before you leave for easy activation when your plane lands in that country.
Prep for Convenience
Feeling hungry or uncomfortable can start a trip off with the wrong tone. Here are some things to do before a trip to keep comfortable.
- Pack Plentiful Snacks and Reusable Water Bottles
- Choose Travel Day Outfits for Comfort and Efficiency
(Loose fitting clothing with pockets!) - Prep Travel-Size Toiletries and Personal Items
Keep essentials within easy reach. Quick refresh items after a long flight: toothbrush, hairbrush, face wipes, and panty liners (when you’re traveling with kids its easier to change liners than changing underwear in an airport bathroom stall with your toddler!). - Arrange Transportation to and from the Airport
Avoid last-minute scrambles by booking in advance.
Or, if you don’t book, at least do some research so you know your options when you arrive and what the price should be so you aren’t ripped off. - Car Seats and Strollers
Decide whether you’re packing your own or renting them at your destination.
Most airlines allow you to check or gate check one car seat and one stroller per young child. If you want to keep your infant in a car seat on the plane, you usually need to have a separate ticket for them. It doesn’t hurt to ask at the gate though if there are empty seats that would allow you to bring it onboard. Just make sure the tag on your seat says it is aviation compliant.
Final Home and Office Preparations
- Arrange Pet Sitting
- Clean Your House and Use Up or Give Away Perishables
- Set Timers for Lights
Maintain the appearance that someone is home. - Water Plants
- Update Colleagues or Clients About Your Absence
Share necessary details for continuity. - Leave a Spare Key with Someone Trustworthy
Ensure access to your home in case of emergencies.
Last-Minute To-Do List: The Day Before Travel
The final day is crucial for ensuring all things to do before a trip are completed.
- Double-Check Your Bags and Travel Documents
- Confirm Reservations and Recheck Travel Details
- Ensure your Travel Details are added to any Flights
Frequent Flier, Known Traveler, Passport number, etc. - Fully Charge Electronics and Unplug Unnecessary Appliances
- Remove Anything from Your Car that May Encourage Theft
If you’re parking your car in at the airport or leaving it parked outdoors, be sure that nothing is visible inside your car. - Take Out the Trash
Keep pests away while you’re gone. - Family Meeting
Sit down and talk to the kids about what to expect from the travel day ahead. Make sure they also know what to do if they’re separated from you.
The Departure Day Checklist
Finally, the big day has arrived. Complete these final things to do before a trip for a stress-free departure.
- Triple-Check Your Essentials
Verify you have your passport, wallet, ID, and tickets. - Adjust the Thermostat for Efficiency
Save energy by setting your thermostat to an appropriate level while you’re gone. - Eat a Balanced Meal Before You Leave
Start the day with sustained energy. Keep salt intake low if you’re flying. - Grab Your Bags and Do a Final Walkthrough of Your Home
Ensure everything is secure.
Easy Return Preparations to Consider Before a Trip
Prepping for your return is a smart addition to your list of things to do before a trip so you don’t feel immediately thrown back into the stress of day to day life when you’re coming back from your vacation high.
- Freeze a Meal for Your Return Day
- Arrange Transportation from the Airport Back Home
Plan ahead to avoid delays. - Make a Note of Tasks to Tackle Post-Trip
Make it easier to pickup where you left off.
Save Our Things to Do Before a Trip Checklist for Later
Taking care of these things to do before a trip will make you feel well-prepared for your adventure and a low stress return.
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Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links on which (at no additional cost to you) I may earn a small commission. I promise to use any kickback to explore more of our incredible world. Read full privacy policy here.