Pre-Trip Checklist: Financial Things To Do Before Every Vacation – Episode 108
Before a trip, there is a lot to do. You’re researching things to do, checking the weather, packing your bags, and double-checking boarding passes. Hopefully, you’re also getting your finances in order. In this episode, we’re focusing on the important but often overlooked financial tasks to complete so your finances are taken care of before departure. Some tasks will be related to your vacation, while others cover managing your day-to-day finances. Whether you already have a pre-trip financial checklist or haven’t considered creating one, here’s a list of financial tasks to complete before going on vacation.
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A Money Checklist For Travelers
Download our customizable and printable Pre-Trip Financial Checklist!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How a financial checklist can help you have a stress-free vacation
- [2:57] The benefits of creating a pre-trip checklist
- [6:22] How far in advance to start thinking about your finances before a vacation
- [6:47] Recommended tasks to complete before any trip (domestic and international)
Why create a financial pre-trip checklist?
- Your financial responsibilities don’t stop because you’re on vacation
- Avoid late fees and expensive interest charges
- Intentionally plan for issues that may come up during your trip
- Stay organized by keeping a running list of things to do
- Have a worry-free vacation, knowing all your bases are covered.
How early should you review your finances before a vacation?
I typically start looking at my pre-trip checklist 2-3 weeks before my trip since some items may take more time to accomplish than others.
Financial tasks to complete before a vacation
- Pay upcoming bills, including your rent or mortgage
- Exchange foreign currency at your local bank
- Transfer additional funds to your travel fund to cover travel expenses
- Add an ATM card to your wallet
- Decide which credit card (if any) you will bring
- Take photos of your credit cards and debit card
- Print photocopies of your credit cards and debit card
- Research
- Local tipping culture
- Currency
- Is haggling acceptable
- Cash or plastic preference
- Where to exchange money
- Download a currency converter app
- Will you track your expenses? If so, how?
Tired of reading? Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify.
Resources Mentioned
Download the Pre-Trip Financial Checklist. With this customizable download, get my full list of recommended tasks and make it your own. This checklist includes everything you’ll need to confidently manage your money before hitting the road.
Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy
How To Manage Your Finances While Traveling – Episode 76
How to Start A Travel Fund (Why You Need one) – Episode 2
Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.
