20 Things to Do Before Traveling: An Easy Pre-Travel Checklist

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Even though I’m a pretty frequent traveler, I’m pretty terrible at doing all of the travel prep stuff. Packing. Organizing. Planning. Scheduling. Yeah, I’m just bad at all of the things to do BEFORE traveling – both from motivation and…honestly, I just forget about most of it. If you’re reading this, chances are you might be struggling with it as well. So I’m making this post for the both of us.

Traveling goes beyond the actual trip itself. There’s a bunch of pre-travel and post-travel items you’ll eventually have to take care of…or you’ll randomly remember it during your trip and you’ll spend the entire day trying to find wifi in the middle of a Costa Rican jungle so you can pay your storage unit rent before you get slapped with yet another late fee.

Totally not speaking from experience here.

But yanno what, I’m in my late 20s now and I should honestly just get myself into a routine of tackling all of the things to do before traveling so that my trip can be stress free. The way I see it, there are four crucial sections of any pre-travel checklist: things to do before traveling that deal with yourself, your home, your workplace, AND your wallet. Take care of all of those, and you’ll be SET to travel.

I even made a nifty lil pre-travel checklist that you can print out at the end, but for now, let’s go through them one by one!

Work Prep

I’m going to start with the work-prep section because it contains the things to do before traveling that involve advanced planning. Plus, you gotta get your job set up right if you want to keep making money to travel in the first place. That said, I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who will be traveling with a full time job (non-remote), so I know a few of these bullet points may not align with everyone, but since the large majority of people in the workforce are not digital nomads, these tips will be applicable to most people.

Schedule time off: variable time frame

Actually scheduling time off is the NUMBER ONE first step in things to do before traveling. I mean, if you can’t leave work, you won’t be taking a vacation anyway. Depending on how much notice you need to give in advance, this step might be done a few months to a few days before your trip. Personally, I just NEED to give a 3 day notice, but since we can only have a certain amount of people gone at the same time, this usually falls about a month or so in advance for me.

For large planned trips (or trip wishlists), I try to schedule time off AS SOON as I know I want to take the trip, just so my coworkers don’t end up scheduling that same time off. Once you get that cleared, you can move onto the other things to do before traveling.

Alert coworkers: 2 weeks before

I usually give my coworkers a formal heads up about 2 weeks or so before, adding it to our shared work calendar. Though, honestly, I’m usually gabbing about my upcoming trip sooner than that hahah. Alerting your coworkers is especially important if you are in a job where you all share workload or if you will need someone to cover your position while you’re out. This might not be required, but it’s basic common workplace etiquette in my opinion.

Set up OOP: day/week before leaving

Before you sign off for vacation, be sure to set up an OOP/OOO (out of position/out of office) or automatic email to let others know you are not actually working. I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t like people emailing me and then getting mad when I’m not responding.

If you won’t be completely offline during your vacation (*cry emoji*), then be sure to mention your hours of availability and how they can effectively contact you if needed (email vs phone vs text). You’ll also want to mention the possibility of a delay – always give yourself leeway when you’re traveling.

Clean desk/workplace: day before leaving

Last but not least, when it comes to things to do before traveling, CLEAN YOUR DESK. Ya nasties. It is my biggest pet peeve when someone in the cube next to me goes on vacation but forgets a whole banana peel in their trash and I get harassed by fruit flies for a week. And believe me – I’m not a naturally neat person, so this is just as much a reminder for me as it is for you. Take out your trash. Get rid of the 39796 water cups surrounding your computer. Organize the notes and papers on your desk. It’ll make you AND your coworkers happier when you get back.

Wallet Prep

Despite the association with your finances, wallet prep is actually one of the least annoying things to do before traveling. Well, assuming you have the money to do it.

If not…yolo, lol.

But assuming you’re being financially responsible, you’ll want to check all off all of these so you can actually enjoy your trip without needing to log into your bank app every other hour. Or, accidentally lock your cards and find yourself stranded in a random village where no one speaks your language and you have no local currency.

Totally not speaking from experience here.

Pay yo bills: a week before/closest pay day

This is hands down the most important financial things to do before traveling. PAY. YOUR. BILLS. Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your credit card statement is. Make sure you pay all of your bills due before and during your trip, because TRUST ME, it’s easy to forget when you’re enjoying a fresh virgin pina colada during a weekend in Viñales, Cuba.

Real easy. *cough*

And be aware of any automatic payments as well! I’m the type of person that goes HAM when I get my paycheck and get literal endorphins from paying things off…and then that pesky Netflix automatic payment comes out of nowhere. So account for those as well! If you have any subscriptions that you won’t be able to enjoy while you’re away – or if you’d rather spend that money on your trip – be sure to skip the month(s)’ subscription so they don’t charge you!

If you don’t really have the funds to do that before your trip, you can either push out your payment date or set up a reminder on your phone to pay while you’re away. Just make sure you have a secure connection.

Travel notices: day before/when you suddenly remember in the airport while boarding the plane

I swear, setting up travel notices for my credit cards is one of the things to do before traveling that I always forget. Seriously, I am actually making this entire post JUST so I will write this particular step down to remember. SET UP YOUR TRAVEL NOTICES. PLEASE.

It’s super quick and super easy, especially if you have an app on your phone. The last thing you need on vacation is your bank thinking some jerk stole your identity and is now buying 37 boba teas in Hong Kong.

Nope, sorry Chase Bank, it’s just me again. Your humble, yet embarrassing, customer.

Currency Exchange: a week before

While I’ve recently become to lazy to really care, you will definitely get a better currency exchange rate if you do it in advance at a bank or something than at your destination’s airport. Depending on how much money you exchange, you could end up saving hundreds. Heck, even saving $5 makes it worth it. I personally HATE paying in cash, let alone carrying it, but in some destinations, it’s necessary.

For one thing, if you’re an American traveling to Cuba, your credit and debit cards will not work. In China, at least as of 2019, many stores RARELY take visas or foreign cards. Many small towns and villages may not have service to accept digital transactions. Small markets? Artisan trades? Bribing the employees from the closed Pizza Hut to give you their last inventory because you have the munchies after stumbling out of a club at 3am?

You’re gonna need local currency for that.

Self-Prep

My personal FAVORITE section of things to do before traveling. What’s better (and more satisfying) than getting yourself ready for vacation? NOTHING, that’s what. It’s also the part of things to do before traveling that get me more excited for the trip. It not only prepares you physically, but mentally as well! Now, depending on your level of personal maintenance, this list might very a little, but hopefully it covers the most basics of bases.

Refill Prescription: a week before

If any of you are also traveling with a chronic condition, you know how crucial this step is. I take medication for my hypothyroidism, and simply remembering to refill my pills is probably the most annoying part of traveling with hypothyroidism. At least a week before, so you have time to make arrangements just in case, make sure to count your medication (or however it’s measured). You’ll want to ensure you have enough for the entire duration of your trip + extra for just in case-ies. If you don’t, get a refill. It may include scheduling an appointment with your doctor/blood tests, so keep that in mind.

If you notice you don’t have enough, but don’t have enough time to do anything about it, check to see if your medication is available OTC in your destination (sometimes levothyroxine is! woo!), and/or the costs of seeing a physician in your destination.

Even if you CAN technicallyyyyy go a few days without completely dying off your medication – it’s not fun. Trust me.

Reschedule Appointments: a week before

Speaking of doctors and whatnot, at the same time, check your calendar for any upcoming appointments or engagements you will need to reschedule due to your vacation. Doctors, dentists, therapists, hair stylists, etc. Especially since many of them will have a no-show fee!

Also, don’t leave your friends hanging either! If you had plans, let them know too so they don’t get annoyed seeing your cute lil Instagram story in Greece when y’all were supposed to be watching WandaVision together. Appointments are easy to slip your mind, but so rescheduling or canceling them is one of the most polite things to do before traveling.

Outfit Planning/Wash Shoes: a few days before

This is one of the things to do before planning that I’ve only recently started doing, but WHEW, it is a game changer. Usually when I travel, I just throw a bunch of random clothing items that I like in the suitcase (and plenty of extra options) and call it good. I would just pick out whatever I wanted to wear the day of.

If you also do this – you know how much of a mess it can turn into. Often, the pieces that I packed don’t work well together. Or I usually just end up wearing the same bottoms and switching tops. I hardly ever end up wearing the extra shoes I packed, even if they “match better” with the outfit I’m wearing.

So, just plan your outfits in advance and bring what you need. If you’re having trouble deciding, trying looking at pictures of your destination (and of course the weather app!) to get a feel for what you might want to wear. And on that note, if you are constantly running around in the dust like I seem to do, wipe down your shoes too! Trust me, you’ll be feelin yourself a lot more wearing fresh looking kicks!

Charging headphones/electronics: day or night before leaving

It’s one of those “obvious” things to do before traveling that you might forget if you’re too busy. That’s why I’ve written it down! It’s always best to leave for vacation with your electronics fully charged, especially your headphones (if they are bluetooth/wireless). For us feeble iPhone users, charging our phones AND trying to listen to music can be a challenge. Plus, you don’t want to waste any precious time when you arrive at your destination sitting around and waiting for your camera battery to charge.

Just make sure you remember to pack them before heading to the airport!

Emptying SD cards/clean lens: a week before

This something I alwaysss forget to do. But it is one of the most important things to do before traveling. MAKE SURE YOUR CAMERAS ARE READY!!! Beyond just having the battery charged, you’ll also want to ensure you have enough memory cards and that there is space on them!

My favorite brand are the Lexar Professional 300 MB/s. I have three of them (along with a few slower SD cards), and I always double check them before leaving on a trip.

On that same note, you’ll want to clean your lens, pack your chargers, tripod, and/or remote. GET ALL YOUR CRAP PACKED! I currently have a Peak Design camera bag. It’s a little pricey, but honestly any backpack works as long as your camera and accessories are protected!

Hair cut/Nails/Eyebrows: 1-2 weeks before

And, of course, one of the last things to do before traveling is any image prep you might want to do! This may or may not include getting your hair done, getting a fresh mani/pedi, waxing every single inch of your body, booking a massage or skin treatment, getting a facial, or teeth whitening, or eyelash extensions, etc etc etc

You get the point.

The part you want to avoid is waiting until the last minute to try to squeeze everything you want to do into the last day or so. Trust me, back to back appointments are stressful as heck, especially with stylists and technicians cancelling or moving your appointment. You want to have some wiggle room just in case.

That said, if for any reason you don’t get around to doing any of these self-beauty things to do before traveling…there’s ALWAYS the option to do it while you’re traveling. Most destinations will have a salon that can work with you (exceptions if you’re Black or have kinkier or even curlier hair). There’s probably a nail spot. And if there’s a good spa, you’ll be set on any massages, waxings, or facials you could want. Plus, you’re stimulating the local economy!

House Prep

Boooo – this is my LEAST favorite of the things to do before traveling. Mostly, because they’re all chores. But also, house prep is just boring to me. But maybe you’ll like it. If you HAD to skimp out on steps from any of these sections, you’ll probably be fine missing out on a few house prep bullets. However, these things to do before traveling that focus on your house will make your life a heck of a lot simpler and less stressful when you return from your trip!

Take Out Trash: day before/on your way out

For obvious reasons, don’t leave your trash in your house. First, it’s gonna stink up the place. Second, it’ll attract trash-lovers, depending on where you leave, they could vary in size (my friend had a BEAR break into her house while she was away *cry emoji*).

If you live somewhere with a communal dumpster, awesome! Throw it in there! If you live somewhere where you have to take your trash to the curb on certain days, it could get a little trickier. My HOA doesn’t allow me to have my garbage cans out on the curb beyond trash day (boo), so I…usually…end up…dumping my trash in a communal dumpster…

If you don’t have one around you, you can ask one of your neighbors to put your trash cans back! Give them a bag of popcorn or whatever neighbors like for their effort 🙂

Laundry and clean room: a few days before

There’s nothing worse than coming come to no clean clothes and a pile of dirty laundry.

Actually, I lied. Coming home to no clean cleans and a pile of dirty laundry that also smells is much worse. If you’re really in a time pinch, you can skip this one, but it WILL make your life easier, especially if you’ll be on a long trip. I personally just throw my dirty clothes in the wash a few days before so I only have a pile of CLEAN laundry waiting for me when I get back, but feel free to be neat and fold it or whatever.

I’ve also had friends who, if they knew their trip accommodations had laundry services, would take their dirty clothes WITH them on a trip and do laundry there.

Take your pick.

On that same note, go ahead and clean your room too.

Sitter: a month in advance

This is for all the parents and pet-parents out there. If you’re not traveling with your kids or taking your pets with you, you’re going to need some supervision. I recommend to start asking around about a month in advance. Any earlier and people will probably forget or not know their availability. Any later and you’ll have a harder time finding someone.

For young children, you’ll need a babysitter. I’ll leave that up to you since you’re the parent and know who can watch after them the best. For pets though, there are probably a few overnight pet-sitting companies (or even apps!) near you that can house your animal. If you decide to go with a service that you’ve never used before, or even a new pet-sitter, I’d highly highly recommend checking that person and their home/site out before leaving your dog with them. Double check that your pet is comfortable with the location and with them. And any other animals they may have.

If you don’t do any of the other home prep things to do before traveling, err, please make sure you have this one squared away.

Stock up on Toiletries: a week before

This is one of the things to do before traveling that is also helpful after! I recommend doing it a week before so you have time to inventory your toiletries and buy extra if you notice you’re low. I’ve come back to a trip before with no toothpaste, mouthwash, OR body wash.

It was tragic.

Empty Fridge: day of/day before

I don’t mean COMPLETELY empty the fridge of course. But it’s nice not to come back to a fully stocked refrigerator of rotten food. It’s one of the things to do before traveling that’s easily forgettable, but is the cherry on top to house prep. Not the end of the world if you don’t get to it, but it does make you feel like you have your life together. And isn’t that the American dream?

A false sense of reassurance?

Take a quick sweep to check expiration dates. Depending on how long your trip is, you might want to look into throwing out things that will expire while you’re out as well. Or you can gift them to a friend! Or an unhoused community member! Or donate it to a food bank. The options are endless.

Packages in Mail: varies

This is a big one for me, since I am a notorious online shopper. Be mindful of your packages and their arrival dates. Seriously, I’ve had packages stolen from my doorstep when I was in undergrad and I was out for 50 minutes. To give yourself the most peace of mind, one of the best things to do before traveling is to not online shop right before your trip – or, at least, make sure they arrive before you leave.

If that isn’t possible, leave a key with your friend to get your packages for you, or if you live in an apartment complex, ask the front desk to hold it until you return.

Security: day before/on your way out

And of course, we can’t forget to lock our doors on the way out. Front, back, and side doors. However, some people also forget about windows.

Yup. Lock them too.

If you have a security system, make sure it is armed. My security system also has a camera which automatically records whenever there is movement detected (and also stores the footage), so if you also have that I would just advise that it is also set up to your phone or AT LEAST email.

If you’ll be out for a while, another one of the things to do before traveling is to let your neighbor friends know. BUT, and I highly stress this point, ONLY IF YOU COMPLETELY TRUST THEM. When people notice you haven’t been home in a while, it might make your house a target for robbery, neighbors included.

Gotta stay vigilant.

Things to Do Before Traveling: Conclusion

PHEW! Wow, that was way longer than I anticipated hahaha. Who know there would be so many things to do before traveling? Most of these scenarios were under the condition of living alone, especially with house-prep, but hopefully you’ve found this list of things to do before traveling somewhat of a helpful reminder.

Are there any things to do before traveling you are notoriously bad at doing consistently? For me, it’s definitely laundry and prescription refills, haha. Below, print out my Things to Do Before Traveling Checklist so you can always have it with you! You can even laminate it and have it on your wall to reuse!

Did I leave off any of your most important things to do before traveling?? Let me know in the comments below!

Pre-Travel Checklist Printout

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