From Packing to Takeoff: Your Complete Vacation Planning Checklist

traveler writing in journal

Need a break from everyday life? Perhaps it’s time for a vacation!

Studies have shown that going away can benefit your health both physically and psychologically. For one thing, it can lower stress and improve sleep!



The planning process, however, can be overwhelming. After all, there’s so much that you have to do before you step on the plane!

Want to make things easier for yourself? Consider planning a vacation checklist—it’ll help you stay organized!

Need some tips on what to include? If so, you’re on the right page! We’ll be going over all that you need to know below.

Keep reading to learn more!

5 Things to Consider When You’re Planning a Vacation Checklist

Planning a trip? There are various platforms that you can use.

As far as getting ready goes, here’s a list of things that you might want to do in the days prior to your vacation:

1. Pack Your Basics

The first thing that you want to do is pack your basics. This includes lightweight clothing, long-sleeved shirts, pants, tanks, socks, and shoes.

Ideally, you want to use a packing organizer—that way, you’ll know exactly where everything is in your luggage. Not only that, but you’ll be able to pack more since everything will be compressed.

2. Gather Your Toiletries

Toiletries should be packed separately. This includes things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, and makeup.

Planning on bringing something onto the plane with you? If so, make sure it abides by TSA’s rules—that is, the container must be 100ml or less and fit into a 1 quart-sized ziplock bag.

3. Prepare Your Carry-on Bag

The next step is to pack your carry-on bag. It might be a good idea to include a few essential toiletries just in case the airport loses your luggage.

Other items that you might want to pack include headphones, laptops, phone chargers, and travel pillows. Don’t forget to collect your travel documents as well. First and foremost, you’ll need your passport.

4. Prepare Your Home

Make sure to prep the house before leaving for vacation. The last thing that you want to do is to let everyone know you’re not home. That’ll pretty much an open invitation to burglars!

For instance, you might want to tell the post office to put your mail on hold. The same goes for newspaper deliveries—if necessary, ask a neighbor to collect them for you.

Another thing to consider is the lights. Instead of leaving them off, use a timer. The goal is to make it look as if someone’s home.

Going On a Vacation Trip

And there we have it—4 things to consider for those who are planning a vacation checklist. If anything, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to do everything—that’ll only make it stressful!

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