Before You Leave Home
Get the bags right and leave the house so you will not worry about it while you are away.
Get Free Trip QuotesThe last week before a trip is about two things: getting the bags right and leaving the house so you will not worry about it while you are away.
The Packing List
- Documents: passport or REAL ID, tickets, hotel confirmations, insurance details, copies of everything.
- Money: two cards kept in different places, a little cash, your card issuer’s phone number.
- Health: prescription medication in original containers in your carry-on, plus a small first-aid kit.
- Tech: phone, chargers, a power bank and plug adapters for the countries you are visiting.
- Clothes: layers that mix and match, comfortable walking shoes already broken in.
- Carry-on essentials: a change of clothes and toiletries in case checked bags are delayed.
If you are flying, keep carry-on liquids within the TSA limits and check your airline’s own baggage allowances for your fare type.
Getting the House Ready
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Two weeks out | Arrange pet care or boarding, a house-sitter or a neighbor to check in; hold or forward mail through the Postal Service |
| One week out | Pay or schedule bills due while you are away; refill prescriptions; confirm airport transport and parking |
| Three days out | Check in online when it opens; download boarding passes, maps and entertainment for offline use |
| The day before | Empty the fridge of anything perishable; take out the trash; water plants or set them up with a helper |
| Leaving the house | Lock windows and doors, set lights on timers, adjust the thermostat, unplug small appliances |
Give a trusted friend or relative your itinerary, hotel details and a copy of your passport page. If you have home security cameras or smart locks, check that they work from your phone before you leave.
Money and Phone Settings
Look at your phone plan before you leave the country: some include international use, others charge heavily for roaming. Turn off automatic data roaming if you are not sure. Let your bank and card issuer know you are traveling if they ask for it, and set up alerts so you see every charge. Write down the numbers to call if a card is lost, and keep them separate from the cards themselves.
The Night-Before Checklist
- Passport or ID in the bag you are carrying, not the one you are checking
- Phone, charger and power bank charged
- Alarm set with time to spare for traffic
- Bags weighed if you are close to the limit
- House keys with you and a spare with your house-sitter or neighbor
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I post my trip on social media before I go?
It is safer to share photos after you are home. Announcing that the house is empty for two weeks is an invitation you do not need to send.
How do I pack for a long trip without overpacking?
Pack for one week and plan to do laundry. Lay everything out, then put back a third of it. Most travelers come home having worn the same favorite items over and over.
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