Traveling abroad can be pretty stressful.

Before you head to your holiday destination, there are many things you need to get sorted. From packing your essentials to preparing your home and everything in between, we’ll share six tips to help you prepare for your next trip.

Let’s dive in.

1. Create a packing or checklist of to-dos

Generally speaking, there are two categories of travelers. Some people meticulously compile a list of the items they must pack before traveling. They frequently utilize convenient compact packing cubes that make packing simple and aid in keeping your belongings organized when traveling.

The rest of us are included after that. We are the ones who carelessly toss the items we need into our bags in the hopes that they will all miraculously fit.

This could be because we haven't even finished unpacking from one trip before starting to plan for the next (yay!) or because we don't have the time or energy to prepare properly until the very last second.

No matter what kind of traveler you are, it's always a good idea to double-check that you have everything you need or at least have a mental checklist of what you'll need. Even if you travel frequently and believe you are packing down to a science, you should quickly check your bags to ensure nothing is missing.

Another essential thing to remember, which you will thank us for later, is to visit your doctor or dentist before heading out on a long journey. It's just as crucial to take care of your health while traveling and remember to pack any necessary medications and supplies.

The last thing you want is a significant toothache on your bucket list trip. That would be a severe buzzkill. So if you need the best dentist in Chandler, we strongly recommend Chandler Dentistry.

2. Lower the water heater and thermostat

Don't forget to lower the thermostat if you live somewhere chilly before you lock up. This can help you save money on your subsequent power bill by preventing your furnace from heating an empty house.

The recommended range is between 55 and 60 degrees. This is just high enough to prevent your pipes from freezing while yet using a reasonable amount of power.

Also, don't forget to set your water heater to vacation mode or a temperature of around 50 degrees while doing this.

3. Consume all of your perishables, then clean your garbage disposal

All of us have done it before. We visited the grocery shop a few days before our trip and bought a ton of food. For whatever reason, the majority of it just so happens to be fresh produce.

There is no rhyme or reason to our actions, but occasionally reason triumphs over reason, and before we know it, we are back at home with a kitchen stocked with food, wondering what the heck just happened.

It's time to consume all of your perishable items, which is essentially the only thing you can do. You might only eat sandwiches and salads for the next several days, but it beats throwing food out or returning home to a kitchen filled with moldy produce.

Clear your trash disposal as you empty your refrigerator to avoid coming home to a stinking sink. You can start the hot water and flush it out after sitting for 10 minutes. Try adding some vinegar and a half cup of baking soda. It's quick, simple, and worth your time to do!

4. Avoid posting about your travels on social media

As tempting as it may be, try not to post your travel plans on social media. Remember what happened in Home Alone? You don’t want to advertise to the Wet Bandits that you’ll be in Paris for the holidays.

Unfortunately, this is a common approach for criminals to determine when no one is home, which might make your house a target for burglary.

5. Check-in online

Make sure you check in online before going to the airport if you're taking a flight and download a copy of your boarding tickets to your phone. This can significantly reduce airport wait times, improve your airport experience, and start your trip on the right foot.

6. Shut off the water

It's wise to switch off your water supply before leaving if you're going to be gone for longer than a few days. This can assist in avoiding any potential floods that can arise from leaks or broken pipes.

If you live somewhere cold where there is a chance that your pipes could freeze and burst, this is very important.

Final thoughts

With these tips, you'll be on your way to a more enjoyable trip filled with fun and exploration instead of stress and anxiety.

What are your pre-travel rituals and preparations? Let us know in the comments below!