It’s the perfect time of year for a weekend trip. The weather is warmer, flowers are blooming, and there’s so much to do and see. Some people don’t want to go to the trouble of planning, prepping, and packing. By simplifying the process, you can be out the door in no time. Life is short. I say, “Go for it!”
This checklist will get you started on your planning and preparations. Of course, you may need to add other things to the list, depending on your situation, such as family size, pets, and your destination. Use this as a starting point. This is the checklist I use for planning a trip.
At Least One Month Ahead:
- Decide where you’re going and when. Then verify the weekend with all your family members. Make sure your hubby and kids don’t have something else planned for that weekend.
- Make reservations for your hotel, lodge, cabin, or wherever you want to stay. Do this as early as possible! If staying with family, make sure they’re available that weekend.
At Least Three Weeks Ahead:
- Make kennel reservations for your pets. Our kennel requires reservations two weeks ahead so, again, do this early, especially during summer vacation season.
- If you’re going to a special event such as a wedding, class reunion, or other big event, make sure you’ve got your outfit for the event early. Leave plenty of time to shop for anything you need to buy. Actually, make sure you have all the clothes you’ll need for the entire weekend. Shop early! Avoid last-minute panic!
Two Weeks Ahead:
- Get your car serviced, if needed. This includes oil changes, tire pressure checked, fluids checked and filled, and other car maintenance.
- Get all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, batteries and chargers for cameras and other electronics, and other miscellaneous for the trip.
- Verify your reservations with your hotel, family members, or wherever you’re staying.
One Week Ahead:
- Do all laundry and iron clothes for your trip.
- Pay all bills that need to be paid before leaving.
- If needed, ask a neighbor to get your mail, water your flowers, and keep an eye on your house. Also, give them your cell phone number, in case of emergency.
Two Days Ahead:
- Fill up your car’s gas tank and get car wash.
- Buy snacks and drinks for the ride there.
- Get cash out for the weekend.
The Day Before:
- Take pets to the kennel.
- Charge your cell phones and electronics that you and your family are taking.
- Make sure you have everything you need to take.
- Make sure everything is packed except for last-minute things.
- Put all luggage and miscellaneous in one spot and ready for the next day.
- Make sure the house is reasonably tidy.
- Have an easy dinner the night before leaving.
Day Of Your Trip:
- Finish packing.
- Do dishes and take out the trash.
- Load up the car.
- Close blinds and make sure everything is turned off.
- Leave one or two lights on, if you want.
- Make sure all family members haven’t forgotten anything such as luggage, things for the car ride there, wallets, tickets, reservation confirmations, addresses for the GPS, and anything else, according to your family’s needs.
- Lock doors and (best part of all) GO!
I don’t know about you, but just writing this gives me spring fever and makes me want to jump in the car and go somewhere. How about you? Do you have plans to take a trip sometime soon? Please tell me all about it. Leave comments and tell me some other great trip ideas and tips for planning.
Have a great trip!