Are you about to embark on a trip? Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer journey, there are certain things you should do before leaving to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Below is a pre-travel checklist of items to complete before departing.
1. Pack Your Bags Well in Advance
No one likes scrambling to pack their bags at the last minute. Avoid the stress by packing your bags well before your departure date. This will also give you time to double-check that you have everything you need and that nothing is forgotten. Here are a few packing tips to keep in mind:
- Make a list of everything you need to pack. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
- Start packing a few days before you leave. This will give you plenty of time to get everything together without rushing.
- Pack light! Only bring what you need. There’s no need to overpack and end up lugging around a heavy suitcase.
2. Get Your Documents in Order
Before you can even think about packing your bags, you must ensure you have all the necessary travel documents. This includes your passport, visa (if required), and other required paperwork. Make copies of all your essential documents in case you lose them while on your trip. It’s also a good idea to leave copies of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member in case of an emergency.
You should also make sure that you have travel insurance. This will protect you in case of unforeseen problems while you’re away from home. Before buying a policy, be sure to read the fine print and understand what is covered.
3. Get Done With Home Repairs
If you’re leaving for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to take care of any repairs that need to be done around the house. This way, you won’t have to worry about them while you’re gone. For example, if there’s a water leak, you may want to hire a water damage repair company to fix it before it gets worse. Leaving the damage unrepaired could result in a much higher bill when you return home.
So, before you go on your trip, be sure to take care of any home repairs that need to be done. This will give you peace of mind while you’re away and prevent any stressful surprises when you return.
4. Set Up Automatic Payments
You don’t want to have to worry about paying your bills while you’re on vacation. To avoid this, set up automatic payments for all your recurring bills. This way, you can relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about making sure your bills are paid on time. Here are a few bills you may want to set up automatic payments for:
- Mortgage/rent
- Utilities
- Credit cards
- Insurance
5. Stop Your Mail Service
While you’re away, you don’t want your mail piling up in your mailbox. To avoid this, stop your mail service while you’re gone. The post office offers a hold mail service that will keep your mail safe and secure while you’re away. You can also have your mail forwarded to your new address if you’re moving while on vacation.
You can also ask a friend or neighbor to collect your mail for you while you’re away. Just be sure to let them know when you’ll be back so they can return it to you.
6. Put Your Pets in Good Hands
You can’t take your pets with you on vacation, so you’ll need to make arrangements for their care while you’re gone. If you have a dog or cat, you may want to hire a pet sitter to come and stay at your house. This way, your pet will have someone to take care of them while you’re away.
You can also board your pets at a pet hotel or kennel. This is a good option if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time. Just be sure to do your research and choose a reputable facility. Here are a few things to look for:
- Licensed and insured
- Positive reviews
- Experienced staff
There you have it! These are just a few things you should do before traveling. By taking care of these details before you leave, you can relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about what might happen back at home. Just be sure to pack your bags and get your documents in order, then you’ll be all set to go. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!
