With less than 30 days will we sail away aboard the Carnival Elation, my mind is buzzing with excitement and mental lists of things that need to be done. I find that a written list helps me keep things in order, especially when I have a tendency to do things in a rather haphazard fashion at times.
Which brings to to the topic of this post. Travel Time Lines. I always create a written record of what has been done, what needs to be done, and a basic outline of the actually trip. I call these my Travel Time Lines. Just because it stuck in my head that way. Today, I am going to share my 30 day's away timeline.
Which brings to to the topic of this post. Travel Time Lines. I always create a written record of what has been done, what needs to be done, and a basic outline of the actually trip. I call these my Travel Time Lines. Just because it stuck in my head that way. Today, I am going to share my 30 day's away timeline.
Travel Time Line
Things to do 30 Day's Before we leave
Complete BEFORE 30 days away:
- Book Cruise
- Make Final Cruise Payment
- Book shore excursions
- Obtain required travel documents.
- Create a budget
- Purchase airline tickets (if needed)
- Book Hotel for pre/post cruise needs
- Create a packing list
4 Weeks Prior to Sail Away: Vehicle Care
- Have fluids checked and changed if needed
- Inspect tires, repair or replace if needed
- Check your vehicle emergency kit and restock if needed
- Create a plan for any road related emergency or delay
- Remove any unneeded items
- Take a moment to consider items you will be bringing (luggage, stroller, coolers, and such) and evaluate available space in the car. You many need to reconsider bringing some things if space is an issue.
Three Weeks: Plan & inspect
- Plan outfits for each person for each day.
- Inspect luggage and clothing to make sure everything is in good condition. Replace needed items.
- Make final clothing and luggage purchases.
- Pull out your packing list and begin packing any items you wont be using in the next three weeks.
- Make any personal appointments for things (hair, nails, and such) you want done before the cruise.
- Make arrangements for pets or kids who will be staying behind.
- Arrange a house sitter if needed
3 Weeks: The fine print & driving/flying plans
- Pick up or print your cruise documents
- Read all documents, suggestions, and other information included in your document package.
- Check all documents for accuracy.
- Go over your packing list (again) and double check that have all needed travel documents.
- Make copies of identification, credit cards, and other travel documents.
- Print conformation of hotel reservations.
- Place all travel related documents and copys in a binder or folder.
Two Weeks: Maps & Road Trip Plan
- Prepare for keeping the kids busy on the road. Buy snacks, car friendly drinks, and inexpensive toys and books for time in the car or plane. (Check out my post on Travel Time Binders!)
- Update your GPS, plan your route (include rest stops!), and gather any road maps that you may need.
- Load ipads, kindles, and other devices with new books, apps, and games.
- Talk to the kids about what items they can and can't bring.
- Make a list of hotel reservations, ship information, and flight information to give to some who is not going on the cruise.
One Week: Details and Double Checks
- Buy Film, waterproof cameras, and media cards
- Refill perscription medications, double check your packing list and make sure you have accounted for all needed medications.
- Notify banks and credit cards of travel
- Exchange currancy if needed
- Arrange to have mail held and double check on pet, child, and house care arrangements while you are away.
- Give travel information to a friend or family member
- Triple check your packing list and continue packing