Travel planning tips

This page contains notes to help facilitate Travel and vacations planning. Each time I am on a trip and I think "I wish before I left I had..." I add it to this list.

6-12 Months Before

• Choose destination.
• Determine approximate travel dates.
• Decide who will be traveling.
• Estimate overall budget.
• Research passport and visa requirements.
• Check passport expiration dates.
• Research the best time of year to visit.
• Determine how much vacation time will be needed.
• Research airfare.
• Research lodging options.
• Identify major attractions that may require advance reservations.
• Consider travel insurance.
• Create a dedicated wiki page for the trip.

3-6 Months Before

• Purchase airline or train tickets.
• Reserve hotels or other lodging.
• Reserve rental car if needed.
• Develop preliminary itinerary.
• Research transportation at the destination.
• Make reservations for high-demand attractions.
• Research restaurants.
• Check vaccination or health requirements for international travel.
• Research cellular phone and Internet options.
• Determine whether electrical adapters will be needed.
• Begin a packing list.

1-3 Months Before

• Finalize major activities.
• Purchase attraction tickets.
• Make important restaurant reservations.
• Arrange transportation between cities.
• Review travel insurance coverage.
• Confirm pet care or house-sitting arrangements.
• Arrange airport transportation.
• Research local customs and tipping practices.
• Learn useful words and phrases for international travel.
• Download useful travel apps.
• Make copies of important travel documents.

One Week Before

• Check weather forecast.
• Review packing list.
• Confirm flights.
• Confirm hotels.
• Confirm transportation reservations.
• Confirm attraction reservations.
• Check for schedule changes.
• Notify credit-card companies if necessary.
• Obtain appropriate cash.
• Charge camera batteries and power banks.
• Download offline maps.
• Download entertainment for flights or trains.
• Complete laundry.
• Arrange mail and package handling.
• Empty perishable food from refrigerator.
• Review home security arrangements.

Day Before Departure

• Complete packing.
• Charge phones, watches, cameras, and power banks.
• Check in for flight when available.
• Confirm airport transportation.
• Put passports and travel documents in carry-on bag.
• Pack medications in carry-on luggage.
• Download boarding passes.
• Set appropriate alarms.
• Check flight status.
• Verify that wallets, keys, identification, and phones are ready.