10 Important Things to Do Before A Trip

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So it’s the week before your trip, and you’re pumped for your next adventure! The planning is done, the flights are booked, reservations are made, and you’re wondering what else needs to be crossed off your list before you head out. I’ve got the week leading up to a trip pretty much down to a science at this point, and there are a few things I never leave home without doing first.

Here are 10 important things to do the week before a trip.

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1. Set travel notifications for your bank and credit cards

I’ll never forget the time I went to pay for dinner in Brussels only to learn that my bank had frozen my account. While this can generally be sorted out with a simple phone call, it’s a hassle you definitely don’t want to deal with (especially if you’re facing a time difference or roaming charges). Notifying your bank or credit card companies of your travel plans is super easy and can usually be done right online. Just enter all of the countries you’ll be visiting and the dates you’ll be away, and you’re all set. If you’re only traveling between states, this step isn’t always necessary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt! You can do this as soon as you book your trip, but it’s something I always make sure I’ve done in the week leading up to my departure.

2. Double-check your flight times and reservations

Continuing with the “learn from my mistakes” theme, don’t wait until the last minute to double-check your plans. I once arrived at the airport a cool two hours before my flight (or so I thought) only to discover that I had mixed up my connecting flight time with my departure flight time. So as I was rolling into the airport all confident, my flight was already taking off. Brilliant. Always double-check your flight times in the days leading up to a trip. Don’t forget to pay attention to the timezone listed as well.

It’s also a good idea to check reservation dates for any accommodation, transportation, or tours you’ve booked to avoid any mishaps. If you’re moving around, make sure you’ve got somewhere to stay each night and that you didn’t accidentally leave a gap. Keep in mind that many countries list their dates in reverse of how they’re listed in the U.S. (day-month vs. month-day). Remember that episode of Emily in Paris where she thinks she booked dinner reservations for August 11th but they’re actually for the 8th of November? Don’t be Emily.

3. Send your itinerary to a friend or family member

Once you’ve made sure all of your reservations are in order, send this info to someone you can check in with throughout your trip. I started doing this when I took my first trip abroad, and I just never stopped. It’s such a comfort (for you and your loved ones) to know that someone has a rough idea of where you’ll be and when. Check in with them when you get to your destination and when you get back to the hotel each night so they know you’re safe.

4. Make your packing checklist

If you pack last minute or without a checklist, you’re going to either have that nagging feeling that you’re forgetting something, or you’re actually going to forget something. Start making a checklist ahead of time to avoid either scenario. If there’s anything on your list you don’t have yet (like that travel-size contact solution), now’s the time to make those purchases.

5. Plan your outfits

Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what you’re going to wear! Not only is this more stressful, but it typically leads to overpacking as well. Check the weather, think about your travel plans (particularly the footwear that will be required), and plan out what you’re going to wear. This makes it so much easier to be strategic about the number of items you’re packing and to keep your luggage organized by outfit.

Related: 5 Classic Hat Styles for Travel (& How to Pack Them)

6. Clean the house and water the plants

You’re going to be tired when you get back from your trip – that’s just how it works. The last thing you’re going to want to do is clean (it’s hard enough to unpack your suitcase). Do your future self a favor and tidy up in the days before your departure.

You also won’t want to come home to a bunch of deceased houseplants. Be sure to take care of your green girls before you go. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, plan for a friend or neighbor to take care of them while you’re away.

7. Use up your produce and perishables

Just like you won’t want to come home to a messy house, you also don’t want to return to the smell of rotting vegetables. If you have any food that will expire while you’re away, plan to use it the week before your trip so you can avoid anything going to waste. If you can’t use it all, freeze it, offer it to a neighbor, or pack it in your backpack for an in-flight snack! I love these clear Stasher bags for carry-on snacks. Be sure to check TSA guidelines before packing food (fruits and vegetables, for example, are not allowed if you’re flying from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands).

8. Meal prep for your return

Remember how I said you’re going to be too tired to clean when you get home? Well, you’re definitely not going to want to cook either. Having something that’s already prepared and ready to heat or cook is a godsend. Freezer-friendly meals are perfect for this. Since you’ll likely be indulging while you’re away, I love to have something healthy at home versus ordering takeout (after days or weeks of eating out, a home-cooked meal is such a treat). Non-dairy-based soups and stews freeze well, as do tomato-based pasta sauces. You’ll thank yourself when all you have to do is reheat some soup or boil some noodles.

9. Charge your electronics

Now’s the time to ensure all of your electronics are fully charged before you pack them up in your carry-on. Camera batteries and equipment, your tablet, e-reader, wireless headphones, portable battery, and any other devices are all things you’ll want to charge in the days leading up to your departure.

10. Get your entertainment ready

Don’t leave without having some offline entertainment ready for the journey! Download some shows or movies on Netflix, put together the perfect Spotify playlist (upgrade to premium to listen offline), grab a new book, or download a game to play on the flight. While some flights and airlines have in-flight entertainment available, not all do, so come prepared. Keep in mind that if you use wireless headphones, these will not work with the inflight entertainment system.

Read More: The Perfect Spotify Playlist for Your Next Road Trip

11. Practice a little self-care

This is a big one! It’s so easy to feel anxious or even a little stressed before heading out (even if you’re excited). You might find yourself getting wrapped up in your to-do list, but taking care of yourself before taking off will make a HUGE difference in the way you feel during your trip. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting rest should be top priorities before heading out on your next adventure. Pampering yourself a little also wouldn’t hurt!

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Through experience, I’ve learned that taking care of these ten important things before a trip will set you up for a less frantic departure and a welcoming return back home. If you don’t get to everything, that’s okay! If you only do one thing on this list the week before your next trip, make it number ten. Practice some self-care, always.

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