Vacation is an exciting time to make memories with family and friends. It is a time to relax, adventure, try new foods, and explore different places. However, there is a lot that needs to happen prior to going on that vacation to prepare for it. My husband, son, and I are heading to England in the next few days, and we have been several times, but I always need to prepare for it. Here is a checklist to help you stay on track.
Passports/REAL ID
If you are traveling internationally, do not forget your passport! If you need a passport, plan to do that months in advance. The lead time to receive your passport can vary widely. As of May 7, 2025, domestic travel requires a state-issued REAL-ID driver’s license or ID card. These REAL-IDs have a gold start in the upper right corner of the license.
Outlet adapters
When traveling internationally, the outlet plugs may be different than what we have in the states, so you will need outlet adapters to charge your electronics. These adapters can be purchased from Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
Currency exchange
You can exchange currency at some local banks, but this can depend on what currency you are converting to and how much you need. Banks will often have better exchange rates than airport kiosks, but you do have to request it in advance. If you plan to exchange currency at the airport, do some research prior to leaving, since you might get a different exchange rate. Towards the end of your trip, make sure to use the coins since they cannot be converted back to US dollars, unless you want to keep them as souvenirs.
Hold the mail
You can go to USPS.com to put a hold on your mail. You just follow the simple steps of creating an account and verifying your address and pick the return date.
Clean out the fridge
If we are going to be gone for a week or more, we always clean out the fridge of the perishable items or share food with the neighbors.
Hire a pet sitter
Your furry little friends at home are not always able to join in for the vacation adventure, so ask a trusted person to check on your pet. This person may also water your plants or check the mail if you didn’t put it on hold. You can also board them.
Do the shopping
When shopping for your toiletries, make sure that your items are less than 3.4 ounces. I also like to buy Lysol wipes to wipe my airplane seat and tray down before I sit. Don’t forget your favorite snacks!
Packing
When I am packing, I have to make a list of the things that we will need, (like passports and the outlet adapters) to keep us organized, especially the things that can’t be packed until the last minute, like cell chargers and toothbrushes. For the toiletries, they must fit into 1 quart-sized clear bag for carry-on luggage, and keep them easily accessible (and passport, too) for when you are going through security. Check the weather at your destination to ensure that you are packing the right outfits. We also like to pack empty water bottles and fill them after we get through security. This saves a lot of money from having to buy water once inside the airport.
Labeling luggage
This one seems like a no-brainer, but last time we went on vacation, our luggage got taken off the shuttle bus and was given to other passengers, so we almost went on a week vacation with only the clothes on our backs. Fortunately, things eventually worked out after a “production” but that was a lesson to me to label our luggage better. Now we use a bright yellow label with our name and number on each piece of luggage for easier identification. The best piece of advice I can give you, make sure to keep your money and passports “on your person,” not in a pocket of your luggage bag.
I hope that this list helps you to mentally and physically prepare for your next trip. Vacation is fun, so don’t let the planning stage get too overwhelming. Make a list of things that you need to do and buy and get the things that you can do ahead of time. Have a fun and restful vacation!
