Before You Jet Off: A 5-Step Pre-Vacation Checklist from Travel Pros

You’ve locked in the flights, the hotel is booked, and the beach reads are packed. It’s tempting to just shut the laptop and head for the airport. But travel specialists say a few final errands can make the difference between a trip that’s smooth and one that’s stressful. Jess Capello Mathews, a team leader at luxury travel agency Scott Dunn, calls advance preparation “part of the excitement.” A little upfront work, she explains, means you can truly switch off once you’re gone. Here’s what the experts recommend before you lock the front door.

First, check your passport and any visa requirements. Capello Mathews says passport validity is the top thing travelers overlook. Requirements vary widely by country, so visit the State Department’s travel advisories page for specifics. Laura Alvarez of Otelle Travel suggests snapping photos of your passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance—a lifesaver if documents go missing. Next, touch base with your travel agent. They can offer destination-specific packing advice: binoculars for wildlife spotting in Borneo, for instance, instead of a sports jacket that just takes up space.

Don’t forget to prep your home. Put lights on timers, pause mail delivery, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye on things. Alvarez recommends a Ring camera for live monitoring, and to check the batteries before you leave. Also call your bank and credit card companies with your travel dates and locations, so your accounts don’t get frozen for unusual activity. Finally, pack smart in your carry-on: prescription meds, a portable power bank, a basic medical kit, a universal adaptor, and a silk eye mask for long flights. “These small steps,” Capello Mathews says, “have a surprisingly big impact on your journey.”