Checklist for the Day Before Travel

I plan to email everyone these checklists two weeks prior to the trip. 

 

Day before:

Check flight status - this will help you decide when to leave for the airport

Check seat status – double check the seat map online to make sure you are in the best seat – once you check-in you cannot change your seat

Check-in to flights and print boarding passes - some airlines in Europe allow you to check-in a month in advance.  I try to check-in to all flights that are allowed.  Otherwise I have to find a place to check-in overseas and print boarding passes.  Some of the cheaper airlines will charge you to print a boarding pass.

Check banking accounts to make sure you have available cash for withdrawal. 

Do last minute laundry

Finish packing – only leave out what you need to use.  Attach a note to luggage with those items so you can be sure they are packed the next day

Check passport and documents and place in your carry-on

Make sure all e-books and mobile apps have been downloaded.  It might be a while before you have data or WiFi

Make sure you know how long you will need to get to the airport – you should be there 2 hours prior to flight departure.  Take into account rush hour traffic for large cities

Pick out your flight outfit and set it by your luggage (Do not take valuable jewelry and don’t wear any until you are through security) 

Set your out of office for email if applicable

Change your phone for work if applicable

Inform your closest friends you will be overseas and not to call or text

Change your purse to the purse you plan to carry

Charge all of your electronics – charging brick, phone, kindle, laptop, camera battery, etc.

 

If you have pet's make sure everything is set for their care whether you are dropping them off at boarding or having a friend or family house sit.  (Food, medications, notes informing the care giver of any special instructions, etc)

 

Get a good night's sleep. :)