Routine guide
Holiday Travel Checklist
A calm routine for packing, planning and house prep before holiday travel.
Travelling around holidays can feel especially hectic. This checklist builds on a general travel prep routine with a few extra steps for gifts, busy airports and coming back to a welcoming home.
Step by step checklist
- 1
Confirm travel plans and peak times
Check travel dates, times and especially busy periods. Build in extra margin for traffic or queues.
- 2
Plan gifts and baggage allowances
If you are taking gifts, check baggage rules and pack them securely. Decide which items you will send ahead and which you will carry.
- 3
Prepare the house for a longer stay away
Because holiday trips can be longer, take a little extra care with bins, fridge contents and post. Ask someone you trust to check in if you will be away for an extended period.
- 4
Double check key bookings
Reconfirm accommodation, transfers and any booked activities. Busy seasons can bring changes, so it is worth a second look.
- 5
Plan your return day
Add a few gentle steps for the day you come back such as a simple meal, a quick tidy and a laundry load. Returning to a small plan makes re entry easier.
Tips to make this routine easier
- Pack lighter than you think you need, leaving room for small extras.
- Keep important documents and one change of clothes in hand luggage.
- Give yourself a buffer day before work or school resumes if possible.
Run holiday travel prep in RoutineHQ
You can adapt the travel preparation checklist in RoutineHQ for holiday trips and save it as its own routine. That way you are not reinventing the process every time you travel in busy seasons.
Start free in RoutineHQRelated routines
Travel Preparation Checklist
Use this travel preparation checklist to sort passports, bookings and bags so you can start your trip feeling ready rather than rushed.
Weekly House Reset Checklist
Use this weekly house reset checklist to quickly tidy, clean and reset your home. Follow this step by step routine or run it inside RoutineHQ to stay consistent every week.
Birthday And Gifts Planner
Use this birthday and gifts planner to remember important dates and organise presents without last minute rushes.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I start holiday travel prep?
For peak seasons it can help to start three to four weeks ahead, especially if you need to organise gifts and house sitting.
Does this work for both driving and flying?
Yes. The core steps apply to most trips. You can add extra car or flight specific items in RoutineHQ.
What if plans change last minute?
Plans can shift. Treat this checklist as a guide you can adjust rather than a rigid set of rules.