5 "Non-packer" Essential Tasks for Getting Ready for a Trip

In our house there is a packer and non packer. Mandy is so talented at planning and making sure everyone has everything they could possibly need (that fits in one suitcase 😉).

Then there’s me. A little more behind the scenes. The stuff that doesn’t make or break the trip, but certainly has an impact even if it goes unseen.

Here are five essentials I handle before take off—dad duty some might say.

We rely heavily on maps to navigate wether we’re walking or driving. We learned the hard way that winging it just doesn’t work. I get our eSims ready for both of our phones before we leave. Installed and ready to activate once we land.

Save yourself the headache and $$ with an eSim. If you want to know more about eSims read our Guide on eSims.

We use a Charles Schwab account specifically for travel because they refund ATM fees worldwide and there’s no minimums or other sneaky stuff.

A week or so before we set off I move money to this account. If cash is necessary on our trip, we can withdraw it without ATM fees.

Bonus: Our kids love holding foreign currency even if it’s just to look at.

Security is part of the pre-tip checklist. If we’re gone for several weeks piling up mail and packages is a giveaway no ones home. I set a USPS Mail Hold (it’s free and for up to 30 days). They’ll hold your mail while you’re gone and deliver it when you return.

It’s one less thing for us to worry about while we’re away.

The tough part of traveling for us is the return home to an empty fridge and pantry. Before we leave I create a grocery order for delivery/pickup the day after our return. Jet-lagged decision making isn’t my strong suit, or remembering what is in the pantry, so having groceries prepared in advance is as easy as a couple of clicks.

Offline Maps: I download the Google Maps for every area we’re visiting so we can navigate even without a signal.

Podcasts: I download three or four podcasts that actually interest our kids. Nothing worse than a dead zone with no back up. Here are our recommendations.

iPad Prep: I check our younger kids iPads to ensure the apps they actually use are available and that a few episodes of their favorite shows are downloaded for offline use. If you’re looking for some games to entertain your little ones we have the Ultimate List for you.

What are some things you do to get ready for a trip that doesn’t involve putting something into a suitcase?