Travel Checklist: 12 Ways to Lessen Travel Anxiety and Prepare for Your Next Vacation

I must admit, sometimes I get so excited about our travel plans that I forget to properly prepare for our trip. We have experienced enough travel mishaps for me to know first-hand that I need a travel checklist to make travel planning easier.

This is the travel checklist I developed to reduce my own travel anxiety. I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

1. Ask The Right Questions About Your Destination

This is the critical first step. Among the questions to ask:

• Is there any historical or cultural significance in the area?
• What are the must-try foods?
• Will there be activities to entertain all age groups?

Once I have created my list of questions, I can proceed with my research. I start by contacting the local tourism office or searching online for answers to my questions.

And I have SheBuysTravel bookmarked. We cover both US and international travel destinations and we love sharing our expert travel tips.

2. Check For Events Happening During Your Visit

Avoid missing out on unique experiences like Texas’ bluebonnet season or the State Fair, or inadvertently booking during disruptive events like the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Check the destination’s official website and social media for event calendars. Create a Pinterest board to pin activities, sights, and restaurants, and follow hashtags like #DallasTX on Instagram for inspiration.

3. Advance Planning to Save Time, Money, and Stress

Booking key elements in advance can make or break your trip’s success. Strategic planning reduces costs, secures availability, and minimizes last-minute stress. Things to book ahead include:

Flights

Book flights 2-6 months in advance for domestic trips and 6-12 months for international ones to secure lower fares and better seats. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track price trends. Reserve rental cars or airport transfers early, especially during peak seasons, to avoid price surges or sold-out options.

Transportation to the Airport

This section is sponsored by Lyft.

Book your ride to the airport up to 90 days ahead with Lyft’s scheduled rides feature. The idea that I might miss my flight, or that I won’t find a parking spot at the airport, or that I will have to walk miles with three kids and their suitcases to get to my terminal is a huge source of travel stress for me. Knowing that my driver will pick us up on time and – this is the best part! – drop us off at the terminal door and help me unload all that luggage, really reduces my travel anxiety.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Lyft is promoting its scheduled rides feature by offering riders 25% off on one scheduled ride to select airports (max $10 off per trip). Use code SBT25. Terms apply. 

Accommodations

Reserve hotels, vacation rentals, or cabins 3-6 months ahead, particularly for popular destinations or events. Check cancellation policies for flexibility.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re booking a name-brand hotel, such as a Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott, always join the free loyalty program before you book. It will give you access to members-only deals and perks and you’ll earn points for future free stays.

Activities and Tours

Pre-book high-demand activities like guided tours, museum tickets, or adventure excursions to skip long lines and secure spots. For example, book zoo or aquarium tickets online to save up to 20% and avoid sell-outs.

Dining Reservations

Reserve tables at popular restaurants, especially for group or fine-dining experiences, 1-2 months in advance. Use platforms like OpenTable to lock in spots and explore menus.

4. Keep Up-To-Date On Weather Conditions. 

Check weather forecasts for your destination, especially during hurricane or winter seasons, to pack appropriately and anticipate disruptions. Use apps like AccuWeather for real-time updates.

SheBuysTravel Tip: NEVER rely solely on the calendar! For example, just because it’s June, you can’t assume it will be sunny and warm in Chicago; it could be 50 and rainy or 90 and humid. You’ll only know if you check the weather forecast!

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst:

• Carry a paper map for road trips in low-signal areas.
• Keep emergency contacts and photocopies of travel documents (passports, IDs, itineraries) in your purse, phone and suitcase.
• Pack a carry-on with essentials (clothes, chargers, medications).
• Set passcodes on devices to protect against theft.
• Pack a portable power bank and universal travel adapter for device reliability.
• Store digital documents in a secure cloud service with offline access.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out our complete carry-on packing list so you can travel light, even with kids!

 6.  Buy Travel Insurance

Protect against cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage with travel insurance. If you are a regular traveler, consider a cost-effective annual plan. Travel insurance will reimburse you for flight delays, road trip mishaps, car rentals and lost luggage. And, if you’re planning to visit far-flung or dangerous places, consider buying a Medjet medical evacuation policy as well.

7. Read Online Reviews And Suggestions

Check reviews on reputable sites for accommodations, activities, and restaurants. Balance negative feedback with trusted sources like SheBuysTravel to find hidden gems, like the best ceviche in Playa del Carmen.

Read More: Best Countries to Visit with Kids

 8. Avoid Overpacking, Use a Packing Checklist

Plan outfits based on activities to avoid overpacking. Use packing cubes for organization. Include:

• Clothing and Accessories: Underwear, socks, sleepwear, versatile tops/pants, dresses, sweaters, shoes, swimsuits, and fancy clothes for fancy dinners.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, body wash, razors, face wash, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc.
• Miscellaneous: Medications, chargers, laptops, documents, snacks, and family items like diapers or toys.

Read More: SheBuysTravel has a whole section dedicated to packing right for the vacation you’re planning.

9. Make Sure You Can Access Your Money

Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans to avoid suspended accounts. Carry some cash and consider a money belt for security.

10. Prepare Your Home

Ensure your home will be safe in your absence:

• Leave a penny in the freezer. Here’s why.
• Have a neighbor gather your mail or request a Hold Mail through your local post office or online.
• Arrange pet care. Pet boarding or finding someone to care for your pet from Rover.com are two good options.
• Pay the bills. Any bills that will be due while you’re gone should be paid or set on auto-draft.
• Consider purchasing a Ring doorbell from Amazon, That way you’re at least notified when someone is at your door while you’re away.
• Take out the trash! No one wants to return to a smelly home.
• Adjust the thermostat.
• Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electronics or appliances.

11. Digital Security  

• Use a VPN for secure communications.
• Pack a mobile hotspot or international SIM card for reliable internet.
• Back up files to a cloud service with offline access.
• Consider buying a waterproof phone case if you’ll be spending time in the water.

12. Health and Safety Precautions

• Carry vaccination records or health certificates for international travel.
• Pack a health kit with pain relievers, motion sickness meds, and local emergency contacts.
• Check travel advisories on government websites.

Additional Travel Checklist Tips

• Double-check the airline’s luggage weight and size restrictions.
• If you are traveling out of the country, make sure your passport isn’t expiring in the next 6 months. If it is, apply for an expedited passport.
• When you prepare for vacation, check your prescription medications to make sure you won’t need a refill before you return home.

If this travel checklist was helpful to you please share it!