Pre-Travel Timelines
Dear Lovely,
When I’m getting ready to travel—and I’m talking about traveling for a significant amount of time, not a weekend away—I like to complete a set of pre-flight rituals, if you will, to make sure I have everything I need and don’t feel rushed or hasseled right at the end. There is NOTHING worse to me than spending lots of money on a trip, then feeling ill-prepared when I get there.
I’m going to be honest with you about something that probably won’t surprise you, and that is I REALLY care about what I’m wearing. Especially on a trip. I’ve told you this before in my letter, The Art of Dressing, and that is how much clothing effects my mood. If I’ve spent money and energy planning a wonderful trip, I want my mood to be tip top. You better believe I pack with purpose.
Below is a little timeline of how I go about preparing for a trip AFTER I have booked my flight, hotel, car etc…If you feel like being fancy or overly organized, I have provided a few options with *asterisks* next to them. I don’t always get to those things, but they are there to consider if you’re feeling ambitious.
3 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Check family schedules and coordinate childcare if needed; this may need to be done several times up until departure.
Ensure all travel documents are up to date including passport, Known Traveler Number, Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, etc…
Ensure my airline/hotel mileage accounts are properly connected to my reservation(s).
*Check for available upgrades.
2 MONTHS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Recheck schedules and recoordinate childcare if needed.
Check local weather; begin pinning outfit ideas; here is my Pin Board for Paris Fall Fashion that I started for my upcoming trip to France.
Research restaurants and make what reservations are available that early in advance.
*Check for available upgrades.
3 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Recheck schedules and recoordinate childcare if needed.
Ensure pediatrician and schools have what they need regarding a “registered care giver” in case of emergency during your absence.
Check makeup and skincare levels; re-order as needed.
Make dinner reservations for any place that wasn’t previously open for reservations yet.
Ask neighbor to get mail and/or put out trashcans if needed.
*If staying in an AirBnB, schedule grocery delivery.
*Schedule housekeeper to come while I’m gone and make sure she has access to the house.
*Check for available upgrades.
2 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Check medication levels, re-order as needed.
Check travel containers, re-order as needed.
Bring out rolling rack and begin pulling anything I would wear on this trip including shoes and handbags. I don’t worry about matching or saving space at this point, I just begin bringing out the options. Throughout the week, I’ll add and/or take away.
If you don’t have a rolling rack, I highly reccommend investing in one. They fold up easily to store under a bed, but I actually had Brian install some hooks in our laundry room so mine hangs on the wall. I have this one from Target and love it.
Paris Fall Fashion blog post
Ensure Uber app is up-to-date with current credit card information.
Order Euros or whatever currency you might need. I do this through my bank for the best exchange rate. Do this 3 or 4 weeks prior to departure if you are traveling during a busy travel season like over Christmas holidays or spring break.
Inform my bank, credit card companies, and cell phone carrier if I’ll be traveling internationally.
Confirm all transfers and hotel reservations.
Create a file on my phone or in my email that contains all confirmations or digital tickts so I can find everything in one place.
1 WEEK PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Print off itinerary for husband; also text him a copy; also email him a copy.
Text itinerary to my boys.
Double-check local weather and travel itinerary to create specific outfits for each occasion using the clothing I’ve pulled on the rolling rack.
Some trips are busy trips. Some trips are relaxing trips. Seasoned travelers typically know what type of trip they are going on prior to departure and can determine what to take.
I take into account the days I won’t have time to change before dinner and plan accordingly, ie: add a silk pajmina, heels, and an evening bag to dress up what I’ll be wearing during the day. I stay very involved with whatever Pinterest Board I’ve created for said trip. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, in order to carry on, you must be very strategic about packing.
Create a trip in Splitwise and send invitations out to anyone traveling with me.
If traveling with a group, I suggest using Splitwise to keep track of finances. Having to split checks is annoying (for us and for restaurant staff, especially in foreign countries.) Splitwise does all the math and even converts the what is owed into whatever currency you choose.
*Schedule grocery delivery for when I return: either day of or the day after so I don’t have to race out to the store after a busy travel day.
*Make a lasagna and freeze it for the boys to eat while I’m gone, or for us to eat when we get home.
2 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Check electronics and charging situation; make a Target run if needed for extra chargers or voltage adapters.
Bring down suitcase and open on the floor near the rolling rack; begin laying shoes and handbags inside.
Bring down packing cubes.
Pack 1 cube with underwear, pajamas, socks, swimsuits, and any workout/casual clothes.
Pack 1 cube of scarves and pajminas. Don’t forget to read The Art of Unpacking blog post to learn how I tackle wrinkles while traveling.
Bring down carry-on bag and begin packing everything you might need during the flight.
Refer to my book 11 Days in a Carry-on for detailed explanation of what I put in my carry-on bag and how it differs from the suitcase I’m carrying on the airplane.
Finalize all outfits including tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbag, coat/layers if needed, but don’t pack the actual outfits yet.
I always leave room in my outfit repertoire for likely shopping.
I keep jewelry very minimal while traveling and often bring only 1, maybe 2 pairs of earrings for the entire trip.
Call mom and tell her all details of the trip.
Call mother-in-law and tell her all details of the trip.
1 DAY PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
Pack all outfits into packing cubes and layer cubes inside your suitcase.
Pack as many toiletries as possible with the exception of what you will need prior to leaving, but leave toiletry bag in the bathroom.
Pack small electronics (airPods) and charging chords in an electronics pouch and place near or on your carry-on bag.
Prepare travel wallet and place near or on your carry-on bag.
passport
cash
drivers license
credit card
insurance card
DAY OF DEPARTURE
Finish packing all toiletries and place in suitcase.
Close suitcase.
Weigh suitcase if checking luggage and redestribute as needed.
Double-check carry-on bag contents and close up.
Okay friends, I think I’ve got it all. I hope this helps you next time you’re leaving town to keep yourself on track. As wives and mothers and CEOs, traveling is like juggling cars full of clowns, but with a little planning, hopefully we can make it successful. Pleeeease, in the comments, tell me what you do prior to leaving town that helps simplify travel days.
