If you travel for work, you no doubt have a packing routine. But when going on that vacation trip, you need to make sure not to go into auto-pilot! There are some things to do the night before your trip which could save you major headaches later!
There are not only different types of clothes and things to put into your suitcase, but you should also be thinking about prepping for your vacation travel in a different way, too. You’ve got your itinerary ready to go, and you may even have printed your tickets – most airlines allow you to do so at least 24 hours in advance, depending on your status.
Here are a few more of the most important things to do the night before your trip.
1. Backup Your Devices
Possibly the most important things to do the night before your trip is to backup all of the devices you intend to take with you. This would include your mobile phone, tablet, any photos already on SIM cards, etc. Vacation travel puts you in touristy areas potentially targeted by pickpockets and other thieves, so making sure you have copies of your data and photos safe at home is much more critical. If the worst case happens, you only lose the device and not the photos and memories.
I use a RAV POWER File Hub device which gives me one click wireless backups of my ipad and iphone directly to an external storage device. What’s even better, is that it also allows for direct file sharing and super fast streaming between devices, which is AWE – – SOME. I highly recommend this little guy – and at only $60, it’s a real bargain.
2. Check for Free Space
While you are backing up, especially if you are a shutterbug, make sure you have enough room on your phones and cameras for all of those pictures you will be taking. It’s a drag to get halfway through your trip and run out of space.
3. Charge Your Devices
Charge all of your devices, including any backup power devices you may be bringing. Even if your flight isn’t extra long, If there is any delay or flight change, you’ll be glad. While some airports have charging stations, not all do, and if they do they are often in high demand. Even on the plane, not all planes have outlets, and where they do they are not guaranteed to be functional.
You may want to consider investing in a high speed multi-port charger, which will cut your charging time in half. I find mine especially useful during travel, since your schedule and body clock can be out of whack, and charging time could be limited. Try the JARV 40W 5 port desktop USB Charger.
4. Download Entertainment
Make sure you have enough for the entire flight(s). You may want to download an extra movie, or extra book to accommodate for travel delays. If you are more than halfway through a book, download a backup. Not all flights have working internet access, and not all countries allow WiFi over their airspace. If your flight takes you over China, you may have a long period without internet. Make sure those traveling with you also have appropriate entertainment for the flights plus potential delays.
5. Spend Time with Your Pets
Whether you’ve arranged for a sitter or a neighbor to look in on them, nonetheless they will have some extra stress with the packing and change in routine. Your pets will certainly appreciate that extra time you set aside for them prior to your absence.
6. Add a First Aid Kit to your Luggage
Pack a small first aid pack for the trip. Include some aspirin or ibuprofen for headaches. Vacation travel makes you more susceptible to headaches by putting you in the sun and doing activities you might not be acclimated to. You don’t want any reason for your immune system to get stressed. Stay as healthy as possible.
Also check if your travel puts you at high altitudes. Check your medicines and make sure you have packed enough of any prescriptions for the entire trip, including a few extra days to accommodate possible flight delays or cancellations. If you pack travel or nausea meds, check the expiration dates to make sure they haven’t expired since your last big trip.
7. Get Plenty of Sleep
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before your flight. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. You’ll be rested and better able to manage any bumps or lumps in your travel plans, especially if an overnight leg is part of your plans.
Staying healthy is one of the most critical things you can do right now. Here are a few additional tips to stay healthy when traveling in 2020.
