Few things bring as much excitement as preparing for a long-awaited trip. The thought of new places, new experiences, and time away from daily routines is energizing.
Yet, the stress of forgetting something important can overshadow that excitement. Many travelers have faced the sinking feeling of realizing they left behind a passport, forgot to shut off the water supply, or failed to secure the house properly.
To help avoid those moments, this article lays out a detailed vacation checklist that you can follow before leaving.
Notify Your Bank
Financial interruptions can be frustrating when traveling. Banks sometimes freeze cards after detecting unusual activity, which can especially happen if you are on an international trip and make purchases in another country. Notifying your bank about your travel dates and destinations helps you avoid these issues. Many banks let you update this information online, while others require a quick phone call. Taking this step ensures uninterrupted access to your funds throughout the trip.
Lock Up the Doors
Securing every door before you leave is one of the most important steps in protecting your home. Both front and back entrances, along with any side doors, should be carefully checked to ensure they are firmly locked. For travelers seeking extra peace of mind, a smart lock for home such as the DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock offers reliable, modern protection with convenience.
This smart door lock features built-in Wi-Fi that lets you lock or unlock doors and monitor access directly from your smartphone, even when you’re far away on vacation. When the Vacation Mode is enabled, only Always users and One-Pass users can unlock the door, and all unlock events during this mode are logged as alarm events for added security. The result is that you have complete peace of mind while you’re away.
Secure the Windows
Windows remain one of the easiest entry points for intruders as many people tend to ignore their security. Take time to inspect every window in the house, from the basement to the top floor, and confirm that each latch is firmly locked. For added security, consider installing secondary locks or lightweight bars that make forced entry more difficult. You can also install window alarms that ring when someone tries to force entry and alert the neighbors about the intrusion.
Unplug Electronics
Appliances and electronics continue to draw small amounts of energy even when turned off. Unplugging them before leaving prevents this wasted energy and protects devices from power surges. Items like televisions, kitchen gadgets, and desktop computers should be disconnected before leaving while appliances such as refrigerators can remain connected.
Shut Off the Water Supply
While it is a common practice to ignore the importance of water safety before going on a trip, it is an essential point in any vacation checklist. A small water leak left unchecked can lead to major damage when a house is unattended. Before leaving for vacation, turn off the main water supply to minimize the risk of burst pipes, leaks, or flooding. If shutting off the entire system is not practical, make sure to close the valves to appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and sinks, which are common sources of leaks. Taking this step protects your home from unexpected water damage and saves you from dealing with costly repairs after an otherwise enjoyable trip.
Set Up Light Timers
A dark house for several days can signal to others that nobody is at home. Light timers help prevent this by automatically turning lamps on and off at scheduled times, giving the impression of normal activity. Place timers in main rooms that are visible from the street, such as the living room or hallway. Modern smart plugs and smart bulbs make this even easier, allowing you to control schedules from your phone and adjust them while being far away from your house.
Pack Chargers and Power Banks
Running out of battery on the road can disrupt your plans. Pack every charger you rely on at home, from phone and laptop to earbuds and camera. Keep them together in a travel pouch so they are easy to find. A high-capacity power bank is a must for long journeys. If you are traveling abroad, include a universal adapter to stay powered wherever you land.
Bring Essential Medications
Travel plans can quickly turn stressful if you forget the medicines you rely on every day. Pack all prescription drugs in their original labeled containers and keep them in your travel bag for easy access. Always take a few extra doses beyond what your trip requires, since delays and schedule changes are common. Over-the-counter basics such as pain relievers, allergy tablets, or motion sickness medication are also worth including, as they may not be readily available at your destination.
Back Up Important Documents
Losing key travel documents can disrupt even the best-planned trip. Create digital copies of your passport, driver’s license, and travel insurance documents. Store them securely in cloud storage or email them to yourself for easy access. Carrying a physical photocopy in a separate bag also provides extra reassurance if the originals are misplaced.
Set Your Out-of-Office Reply
Before heading out, take a moment to set an out-of-office reply on your email. This simple step prevents delays in communication and lets colleagues, clients, or business partners know that you are away. A professional message includes your return date, alternate contact details if urgent help is needed, and reassurance that you will respond once you are back. By doing this, you avoid misunderstandings, maintain professionalism, and reduce the stress of coming home to frustrated contacts who were left waiting without notice.
Clean Out Final Trash
Leaving garbage behind before going on a trip can create unnecessary problems when you return. Food scraps or packaging left in bins may attract pests, cause lingering odors, and make the house feel uncomfortable. Make it part of your pre-travel routine to empty all indoor trash cans, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Taking the extra step to wipe down counters and rinse recyclables helps keep the space fresh. A clean home not only prevents hygiene issues but also makes returning from vacation far more pleasant.
One Last Check for Passports & IDs
Travel plans can unravel quickly if essential documents are left behind. Before leaving for the journey, double-check that passports, identification cards, and any necessary travel visas are safely packed. Keep them in a secure, easy-to-access spot, such as a travel wallet or the front pocket of your travel bag. It is also a good idea to make photocopies or store digital backups in case of loss or theft.
Wrapping-Up
A successful trip begins with the steps you take before leaving home. Following a vacation checklist helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures your house stays safe while you are away. Simple actions like securing the doors with smart locks, shutting off the water, and packing the right essentials can make a big difference. By preparing ahead of time, you can truly relax, enjoy your journey, and return to a safe, well-protected home.
