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Planning a vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re embarking on an adventurous getaway or a relaxing retreat, it’s crucial to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate printable vacation checklist, covering all the essential tasks and items to consider when preparing for your upcoming trip. From checking passport expiration dates and booking accommodations and transportation to arranging travel documents and securing your home, this comprehensive checklist will help you stay organized and fully prepared.
So, before you embark on your next adventure, take advantage of this invaluable resource to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. Don’t let anything slip through the cracks – download the printable vacation checklist now and get ready for a memorable travel experience. Bon voyage!
To assist you in your vacation planning, we created the list printable so you can have it in hand and check off each task or item. You can download it here:
DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE VACATION CHECKLIST HERE
When You Book Your Flight – Things to Do Immediately
- Check passport expiration
- If it’s been some time since you had initially received your passport, it could have possibly expired during COVID. Make sure to double-check your passport for expiration dates, and set up an appointment to renew it as soon as possible if needed.
- Book the Remaining Pieces of Your Trip
- If you’ve got lots on your daily itinerary, double-check everything is scheduled out before you leave. Things like activities, sightseeing, reservations, and more can fall through the cracks. If you’re on a budget plan, make sure you have enough funds to afford everything. And if you’re planning on doing something like a cruise (like with MSC Cruises), make sure your tickets are ready and set before the date approaches.
- Request a visa (if applicable)
- If you’re traveling abroad, be sure to check the territory’s rules and regulations on visa and travel. You may need to request a temporary visa depending on your travel plans and length of stay.
- Get a copy of your passport
- Always be sure to have a backup passport and copy in case you lose your primary passport.
- Apply for an international driving permit (if applicable)
- If you’re going to be driving in another country, check the regulations to be sure you have the ability to drive.
- Check medical insurance
- An Essential part of this printable vacation checklist. Double-check to see your policies in the territory you are traveling to. If you aren’t protected, it may be in your interest to find temporary insurance that’s applicable to the region.
- Schedule hold on mail service
- Pause incoming mail to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Book pet/house sitter
- If you’re gone for extended periods, make sure your pet and house are taken care of, and hire a part-time sitter.
- Rent a car/transportation
- Lock in your mode of transportation early to make sure you can get around. Kayak is the most popular site to rent a car everywhere in the world, it’s safe, reliable and offers competitive prices.
- Set up an international phone plan (if applicable)
- International calls can be expensive on your base plane, so set up an international plan that will work for you.
- Make reservations for attractions/restaurants
- If you want to sightsee or do some fun activities, certain famous attractions and restaurants might have a long waitlist. Book them early to make sure you don’t miss out. On Kayak, you can search for tour packages and experiences in the location you’ll be traveling to, book and pay directly from the site, so you can make sure to focus on enjoying your vacation once you start traveling.
And if you want to find really killer deals on packages on some of the nicest resorts and stays globally, our favorite is Marriott International by far. They have vacation packages all over the globe, so no matter where you’re planning on traveling, you can have a beautiful and peaceful travel experience.
Before You Go – Right Before Your Trip
- Empty the fridge
- Any perishables that will go bad during your trip are best to throw away before to avoid nasty smells and spoiled food.
- Turn off your lights
- Don’t leave on unnecessary lights and electronics while you’re gone to avoid electricity bills.
- Check-in online and select seats
- Check-in online the day before so you don’t have to do it at the airport.
- Share diet restrictions to airline
- If you’re going on a long trip with an in-flight meal, make sure to let your airline know of diet restrictions so they can accommodate you.
- Check your luggage weight
- To avoid any big charges, be sure to check your luggage weight at home so that you meet the requirements. You might even want to review your packing list to make sure you can fit everything in and still stay underweight!
- Set your home temperature
- Especially during the hotter and colder months, you’ll want to make sure that you have the proper temperature set so no you won’t risk getting mold and you won’t come home uncomfortable.
- Leave a set of keys to a close contact
- Even if you have a house sitter, leave a set of keys to a trusted contact in case of emergency.
- Lock the doors and windows
- Double-check there are no points of entry for home invaders.
- Turn off your sprinklers
- You don’t want your sprinklers running while you’re gone in the case of a faulty system ruining your lawn. Be sure to turn this off before you head out.
- Arm your home alarm
- If you have a home defense system, be sure to keep this activated for any intruders.
Travel Documentations – Bring With You
- Passport
- The most important item in this printable vacation checklist. Necessary for any international travel.
- Drivers License
- Both for identification and if you will be driving.
- International Driver’s Permit (if applicable)
- Have this if you will be driving in another country/territory.
- Visa
- If you are on extended stay and were granted a visa, don’t forget it!
- Health Insurance Card
- In the case of a medical emergency, have your health insurance card with you.
- Printed Hotel Reservation
- Make sure you have proof of your hotel reservation in case there is a mix up on their end.
- Printed Itinerary
- Stay organized with a printed itinerary for your trip!
- Boarding Pass
- Either on your phone or printed, make sure to have your boarding pass when you arrive at the airport.
- Vaccination Records
- You may be expected to produce vaccination records for specific events and attractions, so have these or a copy on you.
Traveling hasn’t been a priority for many of us for the last few years or so, so we may all be a little rusty. This printable vacation checklist should be incredibly helpful to make sure you have everything you need for your upcoming trip. If you’re struggling to figure out what to do and where to go, use a vacation planner. Safe travels!
