Travel planning is part of the fun, right? Researching the sights you’d like to see, searching for the best accommodations and deals, watching YouTube videos… it’s all a part of the larger trip.
But have you ever felt a small sense of anxiousness the night before? It seems like there’s so much to do, and you don’t want to forget anything. We’re here to help put your mind at ease! We hope the checklist below will help you cross all your t’s and dot all your i’s.
Set Your Light Timers
Home protection is, of course, one of the top priorities before leaving for a few days. The best thing we can do to deter thieves is to set light timers. If you have Apple Home or some other system, you can even set the timers for alternating times each night so they don’t run like clockwork. However, a simple ol’ fashioned timer that you plug your lamp into will do, too.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Although vacations can be costly, there is one opportunity for cost savings – your electric bill. You can either raise or lower your thermostat beyond where you’d normally set it and give the system a bit of a rest. If you have a system like Nest, you can even monitor it from afar and get it back to your preferred temp as you’re making your way back home.
Close Curtains and Blinds
Next up, it’s time to close all the curtains and blinds. This, of course, will keep any prying eyes from peeping in, but it will also help with that energy bill, as well. Be sure to check every room, even that spare bedroom or basement you hardly spend any time in.
Clean Out the Fridge
One thing we don’t want to return home to is a smell – or bug – problem. Make sure your fridge and any lingering items on the counters or in the cabinets won’t go bad while you’re gone. Donate or toss any perishable items that will expire while you’re away, and give everything a proper cleaning or wipe down before you go.
Take Out the Trash
Once everything is tossed and cleaned, it’s time to take out the trash. Hopefully, there happens to be a scheduled pickup at or around the time you’re leaving. But, at minimum, you want to get it out of the house and into a secure can outdoors to prevent odors, pests, or anything else unwelcome from moving in while you’re gone.
Do Your Laundry
This might be a slightly weird one. But, like the trash, you don’t want to come home to a pile of smelly clothes. Plus, you’re going to have all that post-trip laundry to do. So, why not leave the canvas blank and come home to a clean laundry room with an absence of errant piles of clothes?
Check Your Credit Cards & Bills
Some banks no longer require a phone call before traveling. Instead, they rely on their alerts via text or email when they see suspicious activity on your account. If you’re not sure, it doesn’t hurt to call or Live Chat with someone before you leave. Also, if you don’t have any bills on autopay, make sure they’re not coming up as due when you’re gone. You might want to set up Apple or Google Pay on your phone, as well, in case you ever lose your card but find a vendor that accepts these forms of payment.
Charge Your Electronics
Right at the last minute, perhaps before going to bed, make sure everything is charging. This includes cell phones, laptops, tablets, and portable power banks. Portable batteries by popular brands like Anker are such a lifesaver. They don’t tether you to finding that perfect spot at the airport with access to an outlet. You can work from anywhere you like while you’re on the go.
Check All Your Travel Info
Hopefully, you’ve never done this before… But, it’s possible that all this time, you thought your travel dates were set for Monday the 29th, but it was actually Tuesday the 30th – or something along those lines. Make sure your airfare, accommodations, rental cars, and any other bookings are, indeed, set for the dates you think they are.
Check In Online
If you haven’t already, make sure you’re checked in for all your flights and rental cars. This not only saves time but also ensures everything’s running smoothly and on time. Download the apps for all your airlines and make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts. Go old school and print out any tickets you can, just as a backup – it never hurts.
Download Google Maps Offline
Speaking of old school – you could go the extra mile and print out paper maps of the destinations you’ll be driving in. But, thankfully, Google allows us to download portions of their map offline so that, even if you’re traveling somewhere remote with bad cell reception, the maps will still show you the way. Simply tap your profile pic, select offline maps, and then crop the designated area or areas that you’ll need access to.
Consider Turning Off Your Water
This might be considered overkill for some people, but see what you think about turning off your water, especially if it’s a cold time of year when pipes can burst. If you don’t feel it’s necessary, then don’t worry about it. But, give it a quick run-through in your mind and see it you think it’s something you should consider.
Share Your Itinerary With Others
Normally, we’re able to stay well-connected with one another, even when we’re traveling abroad, thanks to apps like WhatsApp, etc. Still, share your itinerary with someone you know and love, including your flights and accommodations. This way, if anything happens, at least someone in the world will know where you are.
Water Your Houseplants
If you have any low-maintenance houseplants that could use another drink or two before you leave, be sure to indulge them! Nowadays, there are so many smart gizmos and gadgets, you can even set up self-watering systems. But, at minimum, give everything a quick check and, if needed, a drop or two of water.
Ensure All Your Pets Are Cared For
We saved this one for last because it’s certainly an obvious one. But, like your airfare and hotels, give your fur babies’ accommodations another once-over, as well. Sometimes, it’s easier to drop them off at their caretaker’s place the day before. Make sure you’re able to check in whenever you want to receive an assurance that they’re a-okay. When possible, it’s nice to give pets a quick test run for a night or two before the big day. Something that’s often overlooked is that doggie daycare is also an important part of the travel budget.
Safe Travels
We can’t be perfect all the time. So, if you’ve forgotten an item or two from this list, fear not. We can only do the best we can and try to follow through on all the items on our checklists. If you have a friend, family member, or neighbor you trust, you might want to leave a key with them for anything you might’ve forgotten.
And, wherever the road is taking you, it’s likely we have a destination guide on tap for you. Check them out! We love helping fellow travelers craft the itineraries of a lifetime and see all the sights they’d like to see. Safe travels, friends!