Checklist before traveling & returning

Before traveling:

1. International Travel
1. Passport/Visa
1. Renew passport or passport card if traveling internationally
2. Finish Visa requirements if traveling internationally
1. India: Submit OCI passport changes if applicable & traveling to India
3. Take ID depending on nature of travel (Real ID driver's license, passport, passport card, TSA card or Global Entry card). 
2. Take lounge access cards to use in airports if flying
3. Any health insurance & vaccination cards (such as COVID vaccine proof)
4. International chargers.
5. Take credit cards useful for travel, such as with no foreign transaction fees.
6. Switch phone plan to enable international access if traveling internationally
1. Install mobile apps for local travel that are supported in that country
1. India: Uber, Ola, Rapido, Namma Yatri. Fastrak rates are cheaper for airport to home travel, compared to prepaid taxi.
2. Hong Kong: Uber, Didi
7. International banking functionalities that you may need
1. India: Setup UPI for convenience.
2. Take foreign currency
2. Take glasses (driving, reading, sunglasses)
3. Take chargers
4. Book ride from home to airport or train/bus station
5. Hold postal mail. Request neighbors to hold postal mail for longer periods.
6. Check in online to flight, if flying.
1. Prebook baggage for airlines if cheaper
7. Take passes, such as national park, state park, theme park pass. Print tickets.
8. Notify credit cards & bank
9. Suspend auto insurance: Remove collission, drop liability to minimum or remove (if allowed), keep only Comprehensive.
10. Put water heater in vacation mode or turn off. If turning off a gas heater, turn off gas.
11. Turn off all devices to save power
12. Cancel internet service for longer trips. Return any equipment.
13. Install any required apps such as theme park planners
14. Update GPS maps. Download maps on phone for offline use
15. Inform school for kids. Cancel any private classes & schedule make-up classes.
16. Keys to trusted neighbors for emergencies
17. Pack medicines
1. Ibuprofen
2. Acetaminophen
18. Dispose garbage, especially if it may spoil

Before returning:

1. Reinstate car or auto insurance
2. Book ride from airport or station to home
3. If applied for Global Entry, plan for Enrollment on arrival
4. Switch phone plan to domestic cheaper plan if returning after international travel
5. Reinstate internet service

After returning:

1. Turn on water heater
2. Uninstall apps required for traveling