The Best Vacation Planning Check List
Family vacation planning starts way before we head to the airport or get in the car. It can be exciting and build anticipation. Managing all the deadlines and getting to things as soon as you should can be stressful. So here a check list to keep you organized. It remembers all the things you have to do so you can get them done quickly and move on to the fun part: Looking forward to your trip with your kids.
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Like our Planning List? Check out our Packing Lists!
Vacation Planning To-Do List
Have we forgotten anything on this to-do list? Tell us Below!
___ Choose your destination
___ Book major lodging (hotel, campsite, home rental)
___ Book air travel
___ Reserve car rental
___ Book European trains or domestic trains for peak weeks
___ Book must-see and popular attractions/tours
___ Check passports for expiration dates. Renew/apply as needed
___ Research, apply for visasas needed for foreign travel
___ Plan an approximate daily itinerary and driving route
___ Book secondary or in-transit lodging
___ Book non-peak domestic train travel
___ Book attractions that need prior ticket purchase
___ Haircuts for you and/or the kids
___ Schedule pet boarding or drop-by care as needed
___ Pre-packing laundry
___ Pack (with our Packing List)
___ Schedule a mail hold
___ Suspend newspaper delivery
___ Call credit card companies to inform them you are traveling
___ Schedule any utility/service suspensions (for extended travel)
___ Check the car for tire pressure, oil, wiper fluid, etc.
___ Make 2 photocopies of passports, drivers license, credit cards, AAA card for emergencies (pack them separate from your originals and leave a set at home)
___ Email your travel details to friends/family as needed
___ Schedule salon/do at-home pedicure (beach and wedding travel)
___ Confirm flight, lodging, car rental as needed
___ Print and pack boarding passes as needed
___ Book your taxi (airport)
___ Fill the gas tank
___ Pack passports, tickets, online reservations/receipts as needed
___ Pack (or have kids pack) their carry-on/backseat bag (games, toys, art supplies, snacks, hoodie, blanket, cuddly toy)
___ Pack your own carry-on/car bag (maps, guidebooks, water, snacks, glasses, sunglasses, wallet, reading, shawl/sweater/hoodie.
___ Charge up laptops, tablets, phones, mp3 players, e-readers, cameras.
___ Pack laptops, tablets, phones, e-readers, mp3 players, cameras (extra memory card) and chargers.
___ Dishwasher: On or empty?
___ Plant watered?
___ Kitchen appliances: off or unplugged?
___ Electronics: off or unplugged?
___ Are there wet clothes in the washing machine?
___ Luggage
___ Carry-ons
___ Essential documents, cash, credit cards, eyeglasses, phone
___ Has everyone gone to the bathroom one last time?
___ Essential outerwear, plane-wear and shoes for everyone
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