What do you do the days leading up to a vacation?
Feb 17, 2016, 1:36 pm
#16
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
Last minute details...did I call the bank/cc company and let them know I will be abroad so they don't freeze the card? Did I photocopy my passport? Things like that. I will also organize my itinerary paperwork into a folder that I bring along etc etc. I will also check the weather here, there and inbetween.
Feb 17, 2016, 1:48 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 283
In the prior three days before a trip, I make a list of everything I'll need.
For example I decide how many white shirts I need, how many blue, which color polo shirts I need. I envision every day and plan what I'll need. I then decide what I'll do each day (for example, if I am going to the Toronto zoo, I list out the casual clothing needed).
I also list things like:
-Dressing gown (I have a lightweight gown from Japan. Kind of a kimono)
-Soap
-Razor, toothbrush, shaving cream, etc
-Laptop
-Chargers for electronics
Then about 48 hours before I leave, I wash all these items or rotate them from storage. I put my summer clothing away in season, and bring out my winter clothing, etc.
24 hours prior, I gather all these items, review my list. Depending on where I'm going, I pick out my luggage and decide what can be reused or washed and how I can get by with less. For example, instead of bringing three white shirts, I might bring a white polo and a white dress shirt. The list gets revised as I get closer to the date.
Finally the night before, I fold, roll or vacuum seal and pack. If I find that I don't have something I thought I had, I find an alternative.
I will generally pick out a set of clothing for travel in advance so I don't find myself looking for my gear on site. If it's a chilly or winter environment, I generally pick out different clothing than if I'm going to Montreal in the summertime.
As for what else I do? Ask the neighbors to take my newspapers, etc. Make arrangements for the pets, and lock the doors and give a key to a trusted friend.
Finally, I make sure to check my list once more and decide what can be purchased at the destination. Why tote a big bottle of shampoo or laundry soap when you can buy it at a supermarket on landing.
For example I decide how many white shirts I need, how many blue, which color polo shirts I need. I envision every day and plan what I'll need. I then decide what I'll do each day (for example, if I am going to the Toronto zoo, I list out the casual clothing needed).
I also list things like:
-Dressing gown (I have a lightweight gown from Japan. Kind of a kimono)
-Soap
-Razor, toothbrush, shaving cream, etc
-Laptop
-Chargers for electronics
Then about 48 hours before I leave, I wash all these items or rotate them from storage. I put my summer clothing away in season, and bring out my winter clothing, etc.
24 hours prior, I gather all these items, review my list. Depending on where I'm going, I pick out my luggage and decide what can be reused or washed and how I can get by with less. For example, instead of bringing three white shirts, I might bring a white polo and a white dress shirt. The list gets revised as I get closer to the date.
Finally the night before, I fold, roll or vacuum seal and pack. If I find that I don't have something I thought I had, I find an alternative.
I will generally pick out a set of clothing for travel in advance so I don't find myself looking for my gear on site. If it's a chilly or winter environment, I generally pick out different clothing than if I'm going to Montreal in the summertime.
As for what else I do? Ask the neighbors to take my newspapers, etc. Make arrangements for the pets, and lock the doors and give a key to a trusted friend.
Finally, I make sure to check my list once more and decide what can be purchased at the destination. Why tote a big bottle of shampoo or laundry soap when you can buy it at a supermarket on landing.
Feb 17, 2016, 2:00 pm
#19
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Omaha, NE
Programs: Marriott Gold, Delta, AMEX Membership Rewards
Posts: 140
I'm always packing and getting organized either the night before or morning of. You can't beat the rush of throwing clothes in a bag and running off to the airport! Best feeling in the world!
Feb 17, 2016, 3:15 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, TX - AUS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 1,625
Before the trip:
* Plan my day-to-day itinerary
* Download trip related emails into my iPad/iPhone
* Check the weather forecast for my destination, then pack clothes based on the forecast
* Pack electronics (chargers, camera, noise cancelling headphones, etc)
* Pack toiletries into my TSA compliant liquid bag
* Set light timer
* Do laundry, take out trash, vacuum (so I return from my trip to a clean house)
* check in online for my flights
For international trips:
* Contact bank to send cash in the country's currency
* Find my passport
* Put international travel notices on my credit cards
* Find plug adapters
* Plan my day-to-day itinerary
* Download trip related emails into my iPad/iPhone
* Check the weather forecast for my destination, then pack clothes based on the forecast
* Pack electronics (chargers, camera, noise cancelling headphones, etc)
* Pack toiletries into my TSA compliant liquid bag
* Set light timer
* Do laundry, take out trash, vacuum (so I return from my trip to a clean house)
* check in online for my flights
For international trips:
* Contact bank to send cash in the country's currency
* Find my passport
* Put international travel notices on my credit cards
* Find plug adapters
