Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Stacey Levesque

Save these lists for later. Make copies to use again and again.

BAGGAGE CHECKLIST:

• Weigh your baggage. Ensure it meets the weight restrictions of your carrier. Overweight baggage can be very costly.
• Familiarize yourself with carry-on baggage restrictions. Size, cost, the number allowed, etc.
• Pack a change of clothes and medication in a carry-on bag In case of loss or delayed checked baggage.
• Remove non-essential documents from your wallet. Such as loyalty points cards, gift cards, etc.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:

• Passport. Check that the names on the passport match your travel documents exactly. Advise your travel agent right away of any errors.
• Check the passport expiration date(s). Ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date (not always required, but often is).
• Take a picture of each main passport page. Email it to yourself and companions and family or friends at home. Print copies and take them with you.
• Check your out-of-country travel insurance. Have insurer, policy number, & emergency assistance phone numbers with you.
• Print and save digital copies of your travel vouchers. Transfers, hotels, car rentals, etc. Keep them accessible.
• Bank Card. Your bank card will often work with foreign ATMs. Bring it with you only when needed.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME AHEAD OF TRAVEL:

• Wind down grocery purchases and empty fridge and counters of perishables.
• Consider airport parking, airport ride there and back.
• Refuel or charge vehicle the night prior.
• Check the destination extended weather forecast. Consider clothing, jackets, sweaters.
• Check in online 24 hours in advance of flight. You can select seats at this time (if you haven’t done it in advance) and pay for any baggage if required.
• Download your airline’s APP to be notified of flight changes and retrieve your reservation.
• Provide friends and family with a flight-aware link and your flight numbers for arrival.
• Download movies, and music to use on your personal device during your flight. (phone, IPAD, laptop)
• Check for running toilets or dripping faucets.
• Pack as much as possible the night before you leave and place it near the exit doorway. Ideally, only toiletries are added to the luggage on the day of travel. Have luggage tagged the night prior.
• Have travel clothing taken out the night before you leave. Consider local and destination weather for carry-on vs checked luggage.
• Pause newspaper subscriptions for your vacation duration. (more than a day ahead)
• Empty garbage containers. Consider asking friends/relatives to put out and retrieve cans.
• Notify credit card companies to avoid issues with card usage while away.
• Thermostats, unplug sensitive electronics, consider lighting & security systems.
• Have someone check your mail for longer trips.

Have peace of mind when you leave home that you’ve done it all and have it all!