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With all the excitement and anticipation of going on vacation, it can be easy to forget a thing or two along the way. For example toothpaste, chargers, or even your passport! That is why we put together this ultimate pre-travel checklist, to help you efficiently plan and prepare for your next big adventure. Besides, who wants to spend their vacation shopping for household items?
Choose a destination off your bucket list and think about the kind of vacation you want. Are you looking for total relaxation, arts and culture, a hiking excursion or a foodie paradise? Additionally, start looking up spots of interest, as well as visas, restrictions, and approximate travel and accommodation costs. That way you know what to expect and will be ready to organize and prep. That being said, the more you research, the more well-equipped you will be to plan your ultimate vacation.
Travel Tip: Check out these valuable money saving tips to help with your travel fund!
After a month of getting excited for your upcoming adventure, now is the perfect time to book ahead. This includes flights, trains, buses, car rentals, and accommodations. Including tours and restaurant reservations that you need to book in advance. Also, be sure to double check your schedule and exact dates and times before hitting that book button.
With COVID-19 still around, additional entry requirements may be required to cross borders. In many cases that means filling out a passenger locater form (PLF), and presenting a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours before boarding. We strongly advise you to check your destination’s government website for specific details.
Travel Recommendation: If you need to get a test be sure to book your appointment and do not book it on the day you are travelling.
In addition to COVID-19, you may also need to consider getting other required vaccinations, such as yellow fever or meningococcal. Again, check your destination’s government website for specific travel requirements.
Now is also the time to look into insurance for your trip. There are many countries that make it mandatory for you to bring travel insurance in case of medical assistance, lost luggage or passports, and any other issues that might arise. Also be sure to look at a few different insurance policies before buying the first one you find.
If you plan to rent a car or drive in a new country, check to see if you need to get an international driving permit. They are usually quite easy to get at travel/auto companies, just search where to get one near you.
This travel tip is especially important if you are going away for an extended period. That being said, if you are behind on specific doctor appointments or dental checks, be sure to get those appointments in before leaving.
If your destination uses a different currency than your own, now is the time to get some cash in that currency. It is always best to have cash just in case your card does not work, or it goes missing.
Travel Tip: Check exchange rates at a few different exchange centres so you can find the best rate.
Depending on how long you will be away, your bills might fall within your travel plans, so it is best to think ahead. That being said, make sure to have your bills in order and paid for so you do not have to worry about it on vacation. Or forget about them when you come back.
If you are travelling by plane, train, or bus, check the luggage allowance so you can pack accordingly. Needless to say, you do not want to incur pricey luggage fees if you are over the allowance.
Whether you plan on bringing your house keys or not, it is good to have an extra copy. Leave your spare set with a friend or neighbour in case yours go missing.
If you have any pets that need to be looked after during your travels, be sure to arrange plans with someone beforehand.
Right now, covid cases are very unpredictable. That being said, the governments rules of entry could change at any moment, so make sure the requirements are still the same and you have everything in order.
If you do not have an appointment already, now is the time to go get your test either today or tomorrow (48 hours before leaving). That way you will get your results before leaving.
Talk to your post office about holding your mail while you are away, or get a neighbour to collect any deliveries.
Another good thing to do before leaving is to scan your ID’s and credit cards and email the copies to yourself in case they go missing. As well, take the time to print any reservations that need to be printed.
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Make sure everything is clean and tidy before leaving, do the dishes and laundry, change the sheets, and empty garbages. It is really helpful to have this done so you can come home to a clean space. Undoubtedly, you will be tired and not interested in cleaning as soon as you get back.
Better yet, eat your perishable foods before leaving. But if things have gone bad, or are about to, make sure to dispose of those items.
If you have outdoor furniture that needs to be stored away or brought inside, make sure to do that as weather can be uncertain.
One of the most crucial items on this ultimate pre-travel checklist is to make your packing list and start packing early. This way you have less of a chance of forgetting anything. If you can get most of your packing done before the day of leaving, that will provide you with some ease and less running around on the day.
Remove any receipts and cards you will not be using on your trip. Not only will it be easier to manage, but you will also have less to replace if your wallet goes missing.
This includes any liquids like shampoo, cleansers and body wash for instance, that need to be in travel sizes. As well as anything from your packing list that you do not have.
Travel Tip: Buy a lock for your luggage.
Make sure all electronic devices you plan to bring are fully charged. Especially portable chargers, as they will be of great use if you cannot find an outlet.
Undoubtedly, it is always better to be well prepared, so review all your reservations and confirmations. Moreover, take a close look at times and dates so you know when to be at your next stop. As well, if you are staying in an airbnb, you should let your host know when you will be arriving.
Travel Recommendation: Check-in to your flight online to cut time at the airport.
Make sure to tell your bank you will be travelling, so your account does not get flagged. Also, so you do not have any issues using your cards abroad.
To be safe, make sure somebody else knows where you will be during your travels.
Be sure to turn everything off to save on energy and electricity. Including heating and air conditioning. If you unplug all home appliances, you will not have to worry about whether anything was left on.
Water any plants before you leave so they stay alive while you are away.
Go over your packing list and make sure you have everything before closing up bags and suitcases. Additionally, it is always a good idea to bring snacks for when you get hungry, and to avoid overpriced airport food.
Check all windows and doors and keep the blinds closed while you are away.
Give yourself a few hours to get to where you need to be, you never know about last minute delays that will have you rushing around trying to make it on time. Moreover, because of the pandemic there is a good chance that it will take longer to get through airport security.
Find your destination on Arrival Plans for up-to-date information that will help you make the most of each day of your travels!
Most importantly, enjoy every moment of your vacation and relax knowing that you get to see the world in the most efficiently planned trip. You deserve it!
We hope this ultimate pre-travel checklist helped you prepare for your journey – let us know in the comments below! Additionally, before you go be sure to check out these travel tips not to overlook.
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