Atlas Pre-Trip Checklist Procedure:
Step One is to read through the entire collection of Atlas Culinary Adventures web pages for valuable Atlas client and traveler’s resource tips…..
Inquire re: availability
Gather details of itinerary & trip
Reserve space on trip:
Pay reservation fee
Confirm passport validity > Obtain or Renew (must be valid 60 days after your return from your destination)
60 days (or more) out:
Pay final balance
Send in signed policy agreement form
Check for health advisories at Health
Get inoculations if necessary (6 weeks minimum lead-time for some of the series of shots)….confirm if the destination requires you to actually have the inoculation certificate with you (most do not)
Search carriers for flight:
Book flight
Research airplane seating charts and request desired seats
Secure travel insurance
Go through packing list:
Purchase/order anything needed (see Travel Equipment Suppliers in the Links section)
Launder & select clothes for trip
Record music for MP3 player
Research destination cell phone providers (frequency compatibility, rates, coverage maps, etc.)
Call credit card company(ies) w/destination information & dates
Confirm plans for best method of taking money along
Got to Links and check the latest exchange rates
Arrangements for absence:
Mail: “hold” notice
Newspaper: “hold” notice
House sitter: water plants, etc.
Pets: someone to feed and take care of, or make kennel arrangements
Freeze, give away, or dispose of perishable foods that might spoil during absence
Suspend any contract services necessary: maid, pool cleaning svc, gardener, etc.
Arrange for payment of any bills that might come-due during absence (or pay early, or pay on-line while away, or make arrangements for a friend to mail on certain days)
Plan on adjusting home thermostat, light (interior and exterior) & sprinkler timers while gone
If you have a home security system, give the security company the contact numbers for a trusted friend that has a key (in case the system goes off during your absence); familiarize trusted friend w/pass codes
Arrange a ride to the airport (friend, cab, shuttle) or search web for airport parking lot discount coupons (often offered by private firms that compete w/municipal airport parking)
Web Research:
Research airport codes for luggage tag confirmation & ease reading tickets
Download airport terminal maps for connecting & destination airports (where are gates, baggage, taxi stands, rest rooms, food, reading materials, etc.)
Research number of award miles for roundtrip based on mileage traveled
Confirm expected number of mileage awards to be granted based on ticket seating code(s) by checking airline’s web site
Research airline ticketing and boarding pass procedure: E-tickets vs. delivery to house; boarding pass kiosk vs. ticket counter
Research weather forecasts at destination and plan clothing accordingly….reconfirm day before departure
Research eGullet and Chowhound (and any other sources) for eating recommendations at your destination (this is only for those traveling without Atlas guidance…we’ve thoroughly researched every available source and eaten there already)
One to two days before departure:
Obtain traveler’s checks (if taking)
Pack bags for trip
Photocopy important documents and leave one copy at home with trusted friend…also make sure that they know your itinerary and contact information while gone, and/or email them w/ local cell phone number once you get one at the new destination
Charge-up all batteries for electronic devices and make sure chargers will work at destination; confirm electrical adaptors needed at destination
Verify tickets, flight status w/airline
Before Leaving for Airport:
Food/snacks/drinks for flight: most carriers are now deleting food service during all but overseas and long-haul flights (some offer onboard food for a price)…make something to take with you, buy something at a local deli or market, or grab something on the way to the airport…or at the airport
Go through all check lists and packing lists before leaving home to see what you’ve possibly forgotten
Do you have all essential documents and information? :
Passport
Airline tickets
Insurance cards / numbers / contact numbers
Inoculation certificate (if required)
Travel insurance policy number and contact information
Atlas detailed information file for destination
Airport terminal maps for connections and destination
Details on where/how to meet Atlas when you arrive at your destination (or any contacts at destination if not an Atlas client)
Money in whatever best form suggested
ATM (or credit card