Family travel checklists : everything you need to do 1 month, 1 week, 1 day before going in a trip with kids
Pre travel tasks
for stress free family trips
Travel days with kids are like storm. I’d even go further and say that the few days leading up to a family vacation are usually madness. At least in our home, with our 4 kids. Between final work projects to manage, kids off school and last minute trip planning and packing… In order not to drown in tasks, I love using checklists, and I decided to share them with you. Hope this helps!
1 month before departure
Book tours, activities and restaurants at your destination
Check when the early check in for your flight is
Order kids meal on the plane
Confirm the kids clothes and shoes need for the trip still fit
Order / purchase what is needed
If applicable: Plan for car maintenance (e.g., oil change, car wash, etc.) for a driving trip.
If applicable: arrange for pet care
Vaccinations (if required)
Check if you need an international drivers license
Visa or entry requirement of the country you will get to
1 week before
Travel Insurance: Verify that the insurance policy covers all family members and activities planned.
Shop for snacks and surprise goodie bags for kids you will use during your travel day
Hold mail/deliveries
Let neighbors know you are leaving town. Ask them to water plants or collect packages, if needed
If applicable: Reconfirm pet sitter dates
If applicable: Plan for car maintenance (e.g., oil change, car wash, etc.) for a driving trip
If applicable: cancel or reschedule your kids' activities and lessons taking place during the trip
If applicable: confirm baby bed with your stay
Contact your stays to arrange airport transfer
1-3 days before departure
Finish laundry
Pack
Make digital & paper copies of travel documents (e.g., IDs, credit cards, hotel & flight bookings ), esp. for international travel
Download kids stories / podcasts / applications /movies on your phone or tablet
Get cash, including small bills for tipping
Check-in for flight, if needed
Enable or pay for a mobile data plan, if needed for international travel
Inform the school or activity providers if kids are missing classes.
Set up out-of-office email response
Arrange transportation to and from the airport or train station
Notify bank of travel plans
Day of departure
Collect your kids loveys from there bed
Collect electronics that might be charging
pack toothbrushes and tooth paste (if you did not pack another one)
If applicable: water plants
Run dishwasher
Reduce heat or air-conditioning to conserve and save on energy costs
Toss or freeze leftovers and other food that will spoil while you are gone
Empty all trash and compost
Bon voyage!
Plan your trip
Now that you know how to get ready for a trip, time to plan your next one! ! Let me help you find your next destination via my family travel planning service
