Have post office hold mail or someone picking up your mail
Stop deliveries, newspaper
Leave house key and trip itinerary with a friend/family member/neighbor
Arrange care for pets, lawn and plants
Set-up a timed lighting system
Empty refrigerator
Unplug appliances
Turn down thermostat
Turn off water heater
Lock off all doors and windows
Store valuables in a safe place
Pre-pay bills (if possible)
Advise home alarm company of absence
Reconfirm with airlines
...
...
Besides from all the
checklists
I gave you, I wanted to add some personal tips to make your travel easier.
Personal tips
I always take some items to pamper myself during a long flight. I take body lotion or
hand cream in my carry-on (in a zip lock bag), because the air is always dry in the airplane. And take soft
socks with me, so I can take of my shoes and have comfortable feet.
I usually put in my carry-on: my PJ’s, a pair of underwear and an outfit to wear. Trust me if your bags are
delayed, you’ll be happy you can sleep, change your underwear and put on a nice outfit the next day!!! (Been there, done that :)
If I go to a sunny place, I always bring my bikini and sarong in my carry-on, than I can always go for a swim right away without needing my checked luggage. And a sarong can be used for a lot of things: over a bikini as a dress, a blanket,
a scarf...
I take a blanket or scarf with me, in case I get cold. You normally get one on the plane. But it’s nice to have your personal one. It makes it cozier! A pashima is also great! You can use it during your travel to wear as a nice scarf on
top of your outfit.
If you wear contact lenses, like I do, bring a small bottle of lens fluid in your carry-on (but remember the rules on
liquids)
Extra luggage locks, because the TSA locks, everyone with TSA lock keys can open these. Bring a separate pair
to use in the hotels.
An extra bag or expandable suitcase. I know myself by now. I always see nice souvenirs I want to buy!
Put luggage tags in- and outside your bag. In case the outside tag comes off and your luggage gets lost, it’s easier to find the owner.
Check with your airline how many pieces of luggage are permitted. Usually it’s one carry-on, a purse and a jacket. Laptop is also permitted. Most people combine purse and carry-on or laptop and carry-on, because otherwise your
hands are so full! The checked luggage is also different for each airline, recently they changed a lot and sometimes ask for extra fees, so check your airlines website.
