There’s no denying that the most stressful moments in planning a trip come in the days prior to departure. As the stress begins to mount, it feels like there are so many things to take care of in so little time. The solution to these summer vacation stressors? Creating a comprehensive checklist of what needs to be taken care of before saying “Bon Voyage!”.
Vacation Checklist #1: Around the House
Wash and dry your laundry:
Wash, dry, fold, and put away or pack your laundry well in advance to avoid any last-minute wash and dry cycles. Collect your personalized outdoor pillow and cushion covers from your backyard and give them a good wash as well.
Clear out the fridge:
The last thing you want is to run up utility bills while away, especially for food that you’ll have to toss upon your return. So do yourself a favor and get rid of any leftover food and perishables that may stink up your house in your absence.
Protect your furniture:
If you’ll be out of town for a long period, its crucial that your outdoor furniture is protected while you’re away. To avoid any possible damage, use protective measures like chair covers to keep your internationally inspired patio safe. You can also utilize heavy duty tarps to protect vehicles and accessories.
Water the plants:
In the height of summer, your plants will be parched without regular waterings. Water your garden and houseplants right before leaving. You can even ask a neighbor to check in on them often or set up a timed sprinkler.
Provide for your pets:
If you have a pet sitter coming over to look after your furry friend while you’re away, make sure that you are stocked up on all the pet essentials such as food, clean litter, fresh pee pads, etc. Leave behind a detailed list of instructions to guide them.
Unplug all your appliances:
It goes without saying that you will not be using your coffee maker, oven, television, or toaster on vacation, so it only makes sense to unplug them and save a bit on your power bill.
Inspect the exteriors of your house:
Do a quick round of the external area of your property to check that all points of entry are properly secured. Cover any external fixtures or features with heavy duty tarps or chair covers to make them inconspicuous.
Close the curtains:
For the final step in your checklist, draw the curtains and turn on any security systems before heading out on your grand summer getaway.
Vacation Checklist #2: Pre-Trip Prep
Purchase the essentials:
Are you planning a road trip across multiple states? Then items like portable chargers and coolers will go a long way in making your trip more comfortable.
Traveling by air instead? Invest in a travel neck pillow. Prepare a list of all the essentials and purchase them well in advance. And even if you do miss out on a few items, don’t fret, as you can replace nearly anything that you forgot.
Refill your prescriptions:
Double-check any prescriptions to see if they will last you the entire trip. Also, carry any necessary medicines that you may need on your trip, such as anti-nausea medicine. Stay up to date on your vaccinations if you are traveling overseas, especially where travel mandates require you to do so.
Withdraw cash:
While you can use cards or contactless payments almost everywhere, it’s always a good idea to keep extra cash on hand. Check that your bank balance is equipped to handle any emergencies and notify your credit/debit card provider of the trip so that they don’t flag your transactions.
Have your documents on hand:
Create and store multiple digital and physical copies of your travel itinerary, passport, visa, and related documents to be ready for any potential travel emergencies.
Charge your devices:
Charging points may be hard to find or overcrowded on your trip. Save yourself from the long waits and the inconvenience of dead devices by charging them in advance. And keeping a few power banks in your carry-on storage bags as a backup is always wise.
Download offline maps:
While Google Maps may be handy, having reliable internet access throughout the trip is no guarantee! Download offline maps in advance, or if you wish to go old school, purchase physical ones at the airport terminal or gas stations.
Vacation Checklist #3: Packing
Pack the summerwear essentials:
Your summer vacation packing list should contain items like dresses and skirts, cargo shorts, lightweight pants, loose shirts, sandals or flip flops, sunglasses, hats, etc. Make sure that you have it all packed efficiently, maybe with the help of packing cubes.
Keep your cash and documents safe:
Carrying cash or vital documents like a passport comes with its own share of risks. Invest in secure travel bags to keep them safe and secure while you explore your vacation destination.
Weigh and measure your luggage:
Airlines have clear guidelines on the size and weight specifications of carry on luggage. Weigh and measure them ahead of time to ensure that you won’t be hit with a surprise baggage fee.
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