What to do before leaving on a trip

What to Do Before Leaving for a Trip?

Proper preparation before embarking on a trip is essential to ensure a peaceful, hassle-free vacation. First, make sure all necessary documents, such as passports, visas, and travel tickets, are valid and up-to-date. Then, check the weather conditions at your destination to choose the most suitable clothing. Additionally, review your accommodation and transportation bookings, and reconfirm any flights to avoid last-minute issues. Before leaving, don’t forget to prepare your home: empty the fridge, take out the trash, and turn off the water and gas to prevent any problems during your absence. Make a list of essentials to pack, including medications, personal hygiene products, and tech accessories, to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Consider informing friends, family, or neighbors of your trip, providing them with a contact in case of emergencies. Good planning and attention to detail can make the difference between a stress-free vacation and one full of surprises. Following these tips will help you leave without stress and fully enjoy your trip.

Below is a handy checklist to assist you.

In the Kitchen:

• Empty the fridge and freezer. If possible, consume or give leftover food to family or neighbors. Defrost the fridge if needed, and leave it open to avoid mold and odors.
• Take out the trash.
• Turn off the water and gas valves.
• Leave some non-perishable food for your return.
• Turn off or set the water heater to minimum.
• Cover sink drains.

In the Bathroom:

• Turn off or set the water heater to minimum.
• Turn off the shower and faucet.

General Tips:

• Charge your phone battery.
• Check remaining credit on your SIM card and top up if necessary.
• Check international calling plans.
• Leave the house tidy (wash dishes and laundry).
• Turn off the main power switch (unless lights or appliances need to stay on).
• Unplug the TV from the wall and antenna.
• Fully unplug computer power cables.
• Disconnect the telephone line from the modem and fax.
• Activate voicemail.
• Provide a contact number to neighbors.
• Make copies of all important documents.
• Keep contact information for Italian diplomatic offices at your destination.
• Shave (optional).

If Traveling Abroad:

• Check your car or RV’s maintenance status.
• Verify document validity and renew if necessary.
• Check if a visa is required for your destination.
• Check for required or recommended vaccinations.
• Get informed about the political and health situation in your destination country.
• Purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected events.
• Reconfirm flight bookings.
• Label all luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
• Stamp train tickets.
• Check airline baggage weight and size limits.
• Ask your bank to increase your credit card spending limit if needed.
• Set an out-of-office reply for emails.
• Update your voicemail message.
• Unsubscribe from non-essential mailing lists.
• Use a timer to turn lights on and off.
• Pause recurring deliveries.
• Provide a trusted person with your contact information and keys.
• Ask a neighbor to empty your mailbox.
• Inform your supervisor of your absence.
• Check the compatibility of your phone with the destination country’s network.
• Check the power standard of the country.
• Keep jumper cables in the car.

Additional Tips:

• Close windows, leaving a small gap for plants, if needed.
• Set up an automatic irrigation system for plants or ask someone to water them.
• Arrange for pet care.
• Pay any bills due soon.
• Store keys, cards, and documents in a safe place.
• Spray insecticide if necessary.
• Close shutters and set the alarm.
• Fill up with gas if traveling by car.
• Make sure you have your house keys before locking the door.
• Take photos of valuable items before leaving, in case of theft or loss.
• Leave some cash at home for small expenses upon return.
• Inform neighbors of your departure and return dates.
• Share your travel itinerary with a family member or friend.
• Learn some basic phrases in the language of your destination country.