10 Things to Do the Week Before Your Next Vacation

The other week, a family member (who was a week away from taking one of their first vacations they planned themselves) asked how I get through the days before a trip.

The question really threw me. Usually I'm asked questions about traveling itself - logistics, where to go, what to do, etc. - but I've never really had someone talk about the flurry of activity that goes on right before a getaway.

It's only natural that the week or so before a trip is a roller coaster of emotions. Between confirming final details, getting things squared away at work, and feeling the excitement build as the vacay gets closer, it can be a cluster for lack of a better word.

I figured if my brother-in-law was curious enough to ask what he should be doing in the week before a trip, someone else out there may be wondering as well. Read on to find out what I do before jetsetting away!

Coming home from a vacation is sad enough; coming home to a dirty house is even worse. The last thing you'll want to do after a trip is play maid so do your future self a favor and spend some time tidying up before you leave. Get caught up on laundry, take out the trash, and clean those dirty dishes so you aren't greeted with gross smells or overwhelming chores once you're back to reality.

Everyone fears forgetting to pack something essential on a trip. By packing early, you'll give yourself more time to remember overlooked items. Overpackers rejoice - you're less likely to bring unnecessary items if you put some thought into your packing list sooner rather than leaving it for the last minute. I usually aim to pack the week before my trip. It gives me plenty of time to wash anything or run to the store if my travel-sized toothpaste is running low. PSST - check out my universal carry-on packing list HERE!

It may seem unnecessary, but take some time to review the confirmation documents for anything you've booked - flights, hotels, tours, etc. Make sure you understand where you need to be, when you need to be there, and any other little details that may make or break your trip. I failed to double check our train schedules when we were in Amsterdam - causing us to almost miss our transport! Some special details to double (or triple) check are departure times, lobby hours, and payment terms.

Packing early is great, but if you pack the wrong clothing it won't do you much good! Check the forecast for your destination throughout the week before you leave. I pay particular attention to chances of rain and the "feels like" temperature. Recently in Cartagena, I just looked at the temperature - high 80s - but failed to notice that the "feels like" temp was over 100 degrees! Needless to say, I wish I had packed more lightweight clothing to beat the heat - wearing sweaty clothes all day was not cute or comfy.

Your immune system tends to slow down when you're stressed and the days leading up to a trip can be, well, stressful. Travel exposes you to A LOT of germs too and nothing is worse than catching a cold when you're supposed to be living it up. Try increasing your Vitamin C intake prior to your adventures - getting plenty of rest and taking a probiotic can also help you stay in tip-top shape.

One of the most stressful trip memories for me was when we arrived in Germany without having our hotel information written down or any cell phone service. We had no clue how to navigate or where we even needed to go. It was really poor planning on our part, but I've learned to always keep key information (hotel addresses, public transport stops, and lobby phone numbers) in the Notes section of my phone. If you find yourself lost in a foreign country with no service, you'll at least have some basic information to get you on your way if it's stored somewhere that doesn't require WiFi.

Nothing will shut your credit or debit cards down faster than your bank suspecting fraud - and if a sudden, unexpected transaction in another country doesn't sound like fraud, I don't know what does. Make sure you shoot a travel notification email or call to your financial institution to let them know where you're traveling and when. Pro tip - while I use my travel credit card abroad (no foreign transaction fees), I also take out cash from a local ATM when I arrive in a new country with my debit card. It'll give you the best exchange rate compared to currency exchange services you see in the airport!

A vacation isn't really a vacation if you're checking your work emails while traveling. Tie up loose ends at work before leaving and make sure you let your coworkers know you won't be available AT ALL. Set an automated reply on your work email that provides alternate contact information in case there's a pressing situation while you're gone. It's the best way to keep work distractions at bay while you're enjoying your well-deserved time off.

A vacation is the time to forget about your stress and worries. It can also mean forgetting about the milk in your fridge (or the potatoes in your pantry). Coming home to rotten or expired food is something all of us could do without. Try to use up any perishable food before taking off (#nofoodwaste) - donate or compost it if you can't!

Double check your bank account and the dates of your travels and see if you'll be away during any due dates for expenses. Skipping your rent check, loan payment, or cell phone bill can cause late fees or worse. If you aren't enrolled in auto pay, either pay the bill before leaving or set up a reminder to pay while abroad.

Traveling, while fun, can be a little overwhelming with all the little details to keep an eye on. By staying on top of your game in the days leading up to your adventures, you can keep things as stress free as possible! A little pre-planning and preparation can go a long way in keeping your travels on track. Do you have anything special you like to do before heading on vacation?