Creating a written, day-by-day itinerary that includes information about transportation, lodging and other key items helps organize your trip and provides a handy reference during your trip. Include reservation or confirmation numbers and contact information for airlines, hotels, clients and other contacts. Print out a copy for yourself and give copies to appropriate friends, neighbors and relatives. You should email a copy of the itinerary to yourself, in case you lose the printed copy during your trip.
While preparing your itinerary, verify that your travel dates and other trip information is correct. You should confirm travel, lodging and other essential reservations. Before departing, check that your driver’s license, passport and visas are up-to-date, if you need them. Don’t forget to take membership cards, such as AAA or hotel and rental car loyalty cards, with you.
To avoid drawing attention to your empty home, you should suspend newspapers and mail deliveries. Avoid buying items that will be delivered to your home while you’re away.
If payment of a credit card, utility or other bill is due during your trip or soon after your scheduled return, you should make the payment before you leave.
Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house or apartment while you’re away. If your trip is lengthy, have a neighbor, friend or relative check inside the house periodically to make sure nothing is amiss.
The day before your departure, you should charge all electronic devices that you’re taking with you. Pack the adapters that you need to recharge the devices.
The day before your departure, check the weather forecast for your destination. Forecasts can change suddenly, so you may need to adjust your travel plans and the clothes you’ve already packed.
Make a checklist of departure-day tasks ahead of time to avoid a last-minute rush. On the day of departure, use your checklist. You should make sure that all faucets and gas appliances are turned off. Check the setting of furnaces or air conditioners. Turn off all lights, unless you want to keep some on for security reasons. Check that all doors and windows are locked.
