Master Checklists 

No need to make a new mental or paper checklist every time you prepare for travel. Create your own Master Checklists, keep them on your computer or photocopied, and just get a fresh copy every time you get ready to travel. Over time you will find that you will add more items.

See my sample Master Checklist for personal travel and  Master Checklist for business travel. They aren't 100% complete, but it's a place to start.

Before you leave

You've done your reading, your ‘homework’, you've made all your travel arrangements. You are ready!

One Week Before: in the Office

Go get a blank copy of your Business Master Checklist. See what you have to prepare for in the office and take care of those things. Hold on to this list, as you will need it on your last day at the office.

Make sure you understand your business goal clearly and what is expected of you. Make some phone calls or send some e-mail to confirm your visit with your out-of-town colleagues.

Start gathering all the papers you need as well as current phone directories, reports, periodicals.

If you are going to take a Laptop computer, contact your IT or Helpdesk department and ask them to give you a quick tour of the basic connectivity requirements. There is nothing more frustrating than not being able to check your e-mail or logon to systems at home because you are stuck in some PC communications problem. (See "How to get your Laptop ready for Travel" for more information).

Pick up all your Travel Papers and make sure everything is in order.

Get your Cash Advances / Travelers Checks.

One Week Before: at Home

Get a blank copy of your "Master Checklist: Personal". See what you have to prepare for and take care of those things. Hold on to this list, as you will need it on your last day.

Explain your itinerary to your family. Make sure they understand how to reach you out-of-town, and who in the office they can call if they need to find you.

Pick out some of your favorite books, games or entertainment items for those long hours on the plane.

You may want to write out checks for your upcoming bills, put them in their envelopes, and write the date you want them mailed on the corner. This may be helpful if you need to wait for your paycheck to be deposited during your absence. Arrange for someone you trust to mail your bills on the dates you marked.

One Day Before: in the Office

By now everything should be in order, you've planned and are ready. Just look at your Business Master Checklist and check off the remaining items. No stress, you've done it!

One Day Before: at Home

Take your Personal Master Checklist and check off the remaining items. Make sure you spend some quality time with your significant others… they are going to miss you, and you'll have plenty of time on the plane for last minute reading and business preparation.

Make sure your travel arrangements to the airport get you there in plenty of time.

Now, you are ready to pack.