Prepare for the perfect family trip with our guide on essential things to do before leaving for vacation to have a stress-free time with your loved ones.
So many seemingly insignificant things can cause your entire family vacation to flop. Often, we’re more focused on all the vacation activities we’ll enjoy once we get to our destination. And that’s good; you should be excited about an upcoming trip. But it’s the getting there that needs to be planned down to the last bit! Only then will you be able to have a stress-free time.
And that’s what we’ll take care for you in this blog. Use our readymade checklists to figure out what you need to do before & while on vacation:
Vacation preparations involve things to take care of from the time you look up where to go to when you return home! Does that sound like a bit much? That’s okay; we’ll tell you exactly how to complete yours successfully.
So, let’s begin with:
Consider the factors below when choosing your vacation spot:
Want a more detailed look at the choice of destination? Check out this blog.
Your travel checklist should include securing lodging and transportation well in advance. Doing so ensures availability and potentially saves on costs.
It's a good idea to compare options and book the most suitable ones for your trip. Find out which sites give you the best options here.
It’s best to sketch out an initial plan of your daily activities to make the most of your time at your chosen destination. When making such plans, mix up visits to must-see attractions with leisurely exploration.
You won’t overtire yourself if you can balance between adventure and relaxation. If it’s a long trip, plan slow days and list down things to do on your day off, such as uploading pictures, calling up family, planning the next few outfits, etc.
Here’s a sample itinerary to help flesh your trip out:
Family vacations are awesome, but you know what’s even more awesome? Knowing the types of holiday pictures that should go in your vacation album.
Put together a detailed packing list to ensure you don't forget any essentials. Start this list well in advance of your trip to avoid last-minute rush and potential forgetfulness.
Deciding which outfits should go into your suitcase? Consider versatile clothing items you can mix and match for the maximum outfit options & minimal luggage weight. Other essentials, like chargers, cash/cards, etc. go in your carry-on for quick & easy access.
Utilize these packing techniques to optimize space & keep everything organized:
Returning to find your house has been broken into is the worst way to come down from your post-vacation high! Prevent that with these important recommendations:
Follow these tips to ensure your house will remain secure:
Remotely operated lights won’t keep burglars if they can see a mail pile-up in front of your door! So, do one of these:
Make arrangements for the care of your pets while you're away. You can choose to:
It’s best to be ready for everything, from knowing how much you can comfortably spend on a family trip to being prepared to shell out more cash for unseen emergencies.
Here’s what we recommend you do:
Set a clear budget for your vacation and stick to it by:
The most important recommendation from our bag of travel tips? Carry local currency/travel card. Doing so is convenient and potentially saves on currency exchange fees.
Banking before vacation is not only advantageous but also necessary if you’re heading to these five countries where cash is still the preferred method of payment:
Want your trip to go smoothly without any visa hassles, someone falling ill, or misplacing important travel documents? Follow these tips:
Review your travel insurance policy so you can:
Organize these essential travel documents and store them where they’ll remain safe and easily accessible:
Check whether your destination requires specific vaccinations or medications. Consult your healthcare provider well in advance to ensure you have the necessary immunizations and prescriptions.
For instance, you may need these vaccinations depending on where you’re traveling to:
You’re almost done with the things you need to do before leaving for a vacation. Just a couple of final checks to make you travel-ready!
Confirm these details to prevent unexpected issues:
Do these before leaving home to save energy & reduce accidents:
Packing a carry-on with essentials
Pack a small carry-on bag with essentials, such as:
Having these items easily accessible can be invaluable in case of delays or lost luggage.
Share these details with a trusted friend or family member to ensure someone you trust is aware of your whereabouts and can assist in case of emergencies:
Had enough? Don’t worry; we’ve summarized all the things to do before leaving for vacation into a handy checklist below:
Have you completed your office tasks before vacation? Did you check off everything on the list above? Then, it’s time you found out about:
Knowing what to do allows you to make the most out of your multi-generational family trips. You’ve already done most of the work by creating an itinerary & booking everything beforehand.
Let’s see what other tips we have in store for you:
So, you’ve crossed the tarmac and are now officially on vacation! What should your next steps be? Do you drop off your bags at the hotel and embark on your first sightseeing trip? Or, do you stay in your room to lose the exhaustion from traveling?
We may have some family vacation ideas:
Prioritize relaxation over travel fatigue. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean staying in, you can also do the following things:
And if you’re hitting the beach, use this guide to take great pics.
The better you know your surroundings, the smoother your vacation experience will be. So, don’t forget to check the location of nearby attractions and essential amenities digitally before venturing outside.
Do this to get a bird’s eye view of your destination:
Unpack & arrange your essentials for easy access. Organize the things you'll need first, like toiletries, change of clothes, or board games for vacation to keep the kids busy.
What good is a trip to Japan if you forget to indulge in Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream? Or Sicilian Arancini while sojourning in Italy? Or…you get the drift!
Have delicious gastronomic adventures with the help of these tips:
Want food-related fun vacation ideas? Begin by immersing yourself in the local food scene. Try signature dishes and beverages. Then, seek out local restaurants and street vendors for authentic flavors.
Respect local dining customs, such as tipping practices and table manners. Engaging with locals can provide insights into cultural etiquette.
Exploring food markets and street vendors
While it’s true that food markets and street vendors offer a culinary adventure, you wouldn’t want to eat something that disagrees with your gut.
So, use these guidelines when savoring street food specialties:
You know you can’t visit Paris & not go see the architectural wonder that is the Eiffel Tower! It may be plain in design, crowded, & cost a pretty penny, but it is worth at least one visit. In other words, don’t miss out on seeing the must-see attractions no matter where you go.
That said, ending up in front of a hidden gem can be equally rewarding! Like being in on a local, well-kept secret. So, leave some space in your itinerary for off-the-beaten-path excursions.
Try dividing & conquering by checking out as many of these as you can:
Prioritize must-visit attractions over other places.
The usual haunts for travelers include:
Look to resources like local guides & Reddit if you want to have unique experiences.
Consider:
Here are a few examples of you may know about (Popular Spot), but do you also know about (Lesser Known Place):
Outdoor enthusiasts can embrace recreational activities and add an adrenaline rush to their trips with:
P.S. It’s good to try & push your boundaries, for instance, by hiking to remote locations. Even though, such adventures create lasting memories, always ensure your safety and that of your loved ones. Take precautions, such as noting down numbers of emergency services, informing your hotel reception about your plans, etc.
Whenever you’re planning to engage with wildlife as part of your group trip activities, do so ethically.
Some options you can try include:
Find out more about eco-travel here.
Your trip shouldn’t be all about sightseeing & binging on great food. Think about the following to recenter & relax your body & mind:
When going to a spa, opt for a local tradition with ingredients unique to the place you’re visiting, such as a Balinese massage or a Moroccan hammam. Also, check out hot springs for instant rejuvenation.
Attend a local yoga or meditation class to unwind. Practicing in a different setting can be a unique and calming experience.
Nature lovers can find solace in serene natural surroundings through:
For a deeper and more authentic dive into your destination’s culture, consider:
Wondering what to do on vacation now that you’ve had your fill of sightseeing & are packed to the gills with delicious, local food? How about shopping?
And while shopping may come easily to you, it also pays to keep these in mind:
Hunt for unique souvenirs that reflect the destination's culture at the following places:
In some regions, bargaining is customary. So, get with the program, but:
Support local artisans and crafters by purchasing handmade goods. When shopping for souvenirs, look for fair trade products and support initiatives that benefit local communities. This can make a positive impact on the community.
Capture proof of your travels because If you don’t have pictures or videos of the trip, did you even do it? **
Capture your travel memories! Newbie photographers can use this guide to experiment with angles and lighting. Experienced shutterbugs can consider collaborating with local photographers to snap the destination in a new light. You can also hire a local expert on the subject. In any case, your mission should be to create stunning visual records of your journey!
Journaling allows you to reflect on your experiences. Write down your thoughts, observations, and memorable moments in your travel journal to preserve your travel memories.
Utilize modern technology to create digital albums of your travels on platforms like DropEvent. You can also add captions, videos, and create neat galleries for every trip.
Can’t decide where to go on vacations or how to protect yourself from scammy behavior & other mishaps? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Safe Solo Travel in the USA!
But mainly, do these to keep you & your loved ones safe:
Research common scams in your destination & stay vigilant while on the trip.
You may have dozens of things planned, like a vacation activity a day. And that’s great. But if you aren’t prepared for these, your trip may not go as smoothly or be as stress-free:
We hope our things to do on vacation checklist will lighten your load:
Ready to go back home? Here are things you should take care of before you do:
Make your check-out process efficient with these tips:
Reflecting on a trip that’s coming to an end should be more about giving your finances another look! Do this for a well-rounded session of rumination:
As one journey ends, begin planning your next one, keeping the excitement of travel alive.
Dunno where to go next? Find our recommendations here! The Ultimate Guide to Staying Safe while Solo Traveling + Top Safe Solo Travel Spots (Updated June 2023)
Family trips can be great sources of creating unforgettable memories & bonding with each other. However, ensuring that everyone—that includes you—has a great time, they must be planned well. And that’s what we hope to do for you with this blog & its checklists.
Finally, don’t forget to immortalize your journeys. so you can revisit every precious & enjoyable moment later on.
Have pictures of your previous travel? Share them on DropEvent to relive those beautiful moments.
To enjoy a vacation:
People on vacation typically do these things:
Ready for a vacation? Here are some fun things to bring:
Relaxing vacation activities can include:
Before leaving home for vacation, ensure you've:
Things to do before vacation with three days left:
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