Before traveling:
- Renew passport or passport card if traveling internationally
- Finish Visa requirements if traveling internationally
- Submit OCI passport changes if applicable & traveling to India
- Take ID depending on nature of travel (Real ID driver's license, passport, passport card, TSA card or Global Entry card).
- Take lounge access cards to use in airports if flying
- Any health insurance & vaccination cards (such as COVID vaccine proof)
- Take glasses (driving, reading, sunglasses)
- Take chargers
- Book ride from home to airport or train/bus station
- Hold postal mail. Request neighbors to hold postal mail for longer periods.
- Prebook baggage for airlines if cheaper
- Take passes, such as national park, state park, theme park pass. Print tickets.
- Take credit cards useful for travel, such as no foreign transaction fees, earns points.
- Notify credit cards & bank
- Suspend auto insurance
- Put water heater in vacation mode or turn off. If turning off a gas heater, turn off gas.
- Turn off all devices to save power
- Cancel internet service for longer trips. Return any equipment.
- Switch phone plan to enable international access if traveling internationally
- Install mobile apps for local travel that are supported in that country
- India: Uber, Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri. Fastrak rates are cheaper for airport to home travel, compared to prepaid taxi.
- Hong Kong: Uber, Didi
- Install any required apps such as theme park planners
- Update GPS maps. Download maps on phone for offline use
- Inform school for kids. Cancel any private classes & schedule make-up classes.
- Keys to trusted neighbors for emergencies
- Pack medicines
Before returning:
- Reinstate car or auto insurance
- Book ride from airport or station to home
- If applied for Global Entry, plan for Enrollment on arrival
- Switch phone plan to domestic cheaper plan if returning after international travel
- Reinstate internet service
After returning:
- Turn on water heater
- Uninstall apps required for traveling
