9 Things to do the Day before You Travel ...

Neecey

9 Things to do the Day before You Travel ...
9 Things to do the Day before You Travel ...

It’s so very exciting getting ready for a trip or vacation but you really must not forget there is a whole slew of things to do the day before you travel. This list is essential for organized travelers who don’t want to be rushing around at the last minute trying to think if they have remembered everything. On my actual traveling day, I personally want to look at my packed suitcase and tick the final thing off my to–do list and then just wait for the hours to tick by until it’s time to leave. Here’s my list of the things to do the day before you travel.

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1. Check the Weather

Checking the weather both for home and your destination is one of the important things to do the day before you travel. Having an idea about what the weather will be doing on your trip will enable you to make any last minute changes to your choice of packed clothes. Plus, severe weather conditions at home might affect your flight and leave you with delays. It’s always good to have a head's up so you can prepare yourself.

2. Pack and Check

It’s not the greatest idea to pack the day before you travel. Packing in a rush always results in things getting left behind. If you have already packed, then have another look through the suitcase and check it’s all there. It’s a good idea to weigh your suitcase too; you don’t want to be one of those people you see holding up the check in queue and unpacking all of their flip flops. Also, make sure that you check your hand luggage; do you have your tickets? Passport? Money? Check and check again.

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3. Charge Your Electronics

Chances are you are travelling with electric devices, such as a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a portable gaming device, an electric tooth brush etc. Making sure everything is charged to the max is another item to add to your list of things to do the day before you travel. Once everything is charged, don’t forget to pack the devices and their chargers again! Make sure you have the correct adapters for the country you are visiting so you don’t run out of charge while you’re away.

4. Download at Home

Once everything has charged, make sure you have downloaded all you need for your trip while you have access to Wi-Fi. Download all your favorite tunes, new books, TV shows, and movies, to your handheld device. It’s also a good idea to download maps of the area through an app which doesn’t require Wi-Fi to open. You might want some offline guides too. Check what entertainment your airline is offering. If there is no on-demand seat back entertainment you might want to download a few extras to keep you busy on your flight.

5. Call Your Bank

Out of all of the things to do the day before you travel, this is high on the list of importance. Call your bank and let them know where you are going so that they don’t flag your card as having suspicious activity and block it, leaving you cashless. Those sorts of problems are much more hassle to sort out abroad, so take ten minutes the day before you travel and give them a call. Even if you don’t plan to use your credit or debit card abroad still let your bank know in case there is an emergency.

6. Clean the House

I know! Of all the essentials of travel planning, the last thing you want to do is to think about coming home, but you’ll be grateful when you get back to a clean place. Change your bed sheets, do that bit of washing up, empty the bin, and chuck away any food that is going to go off. You will also want to check that all of your windows are locked, your heating and air-con are adjusted, and all your plants are fed and watered.

7. Make Sure Your Bills Are up to Date

Schedule any bills to come out of your bank account while you are away so that, if you get stuck abroad, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Also, make sure you take back library books, especially if you have borrowed them from college as you don’t want to come home to a pile of fines.

8. Confirm Everything is in Place

Make sure you confirm all your bookings are in place to avoid any nasty surprises when you get there. When you call the hotel to check your booking, ask if there are any upgrades available- you might get yourself a last minute bargain. Also, check your flight (and check in online if you can), rental car, car parking, pet-sitting, etc.

9. Other Stuff

Don’t forget to confirm that your neighbor will come in and water the plants. Take the dog or the cat to wherever they will be spending your time away. Make sure you have stopped milk and newspaper deliveries and, if you’re going for an extended trip, that your mail has been held or redirected.

You’ll feel so much better once you have completed all these things to do the day before you travel. The next day you can just relax totally and get into travel mode without any stress or worry. Are you a rush packer or do you plan to the nth degree?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Drink extra water the day before you travel. Traveling is a busy activity, making it very easy to forget to keep yourself hydrated. If you forget, next thing you know, you have a massive headache which ruins your day.

I get a pedicure and a wax! Ha. I do most of the other stuff too but usually the week or so before since I typically work late the days before a trip.