20 Things To Do The Day Before You Go On Vacation

The day before a big, long-awaited vacation, you're probably dreaming of beautiful scenery, warmer weather, or the many thrilling experiences that your trip has in store. But be careful not to get ahead of yourself; you want to make sure you've got everything in order before heading off on your next great adventure.

To truly be able to unwind, you need to make sure you've checked everything off your to-do list. You want to ensure you have everything you need for your journey, as well as cover your bases so that everything is safe and sound while you're gone. For a stress-free vacation, go through this brief checklist the day before your trip so that you know you've taken care of these small, easy-to-forget tasks, making it easier for you to get it away from it all.

Getting cut off from your funds can be a travel nightmare, especially when you've been looking forward to splurging. Call your bank or credit card company or notify them online of your travel plans. Let them know when and where you plan to travel so that an unexpected charge in a different state or country isn't seen as suspicious or fraudulent.

Double check all the dates and details of any reservations you've made at your hotels, restaurants, or other attractions. Bring any confirmation numbers and customer service phone numbers with you, just in case.

People may or not remember when you're going to be out of town, so set up an automatic "out of office" email reply for those who contact you while you're away.

You might seasonally know what to expect from the weather at your destination, but check the forecast in case there's a chance of inclement weather. This will affect how and what you should pack.

Make sure you have adequate entertainment for your drive or flight by stocking up on podcasts, TV episodes, movies, music, and more.

If you're running low on a prescription leading up to your vacation, call in and pick up a refill to guarantee you don't run out mid-vacation.

Request a hold on your mail from USPS so your mailbox doesn't become stuffed and packages and newspapers won't be left sitting on your doorstep. You can also delay or reschedule delivery from carriers like UPS and FedEx.

In case of emergencies, make copies of documents such as your passport, visas or driver's license and have them with you at all times. Having these on hand when moving through security checkpoints in particular is always a good idea.

Make a stop at the ATM and have some cash on hand in case you can't use your credit cards or you need to tip people like shuttle drivers, bellhops, and baristas on your journey. Just make sure tipping isn't an insult wherever it is that you're going.

Clean out your wallet, purse, bag or backpack to make sure you're not lugging around unnecessary things with you. Things like punch cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, store credit cards or old receipts can stay at home.

Check if any bills or payments will be due during your trip and pay them in advance so they're taken care of.

It's generally better to not turn your thermostat off all the way when you leave on vacation. If you're traveling during warmer months, set your thermostat to 85-90 degrees, while 50-55 degrees is the best range in the winter to prevent freezing pipes, according to the Department of Energy.

Even when turned off, gadgets still eat up energy when they're plugged in. Unplug any devices such as small appliances that you aren't using in order to save energy and money while you're gone.

Make sure any electronic devices such as your phone, music player, tablet, laptop, GPS, and digital camera have a full charge before hitting the road.

Eat up or throw out any food that will spoil during your trip.

Even a tiny mess can turn nasty or attract pests in your absence, so take out any trash or recycling.

Whether it's running the dishwasher or rinsing a few by hand, make sure to wash any dishes left in the sink before you leave — and make sure you're washing them properly.

Make sure your plants are adequately watered during your absence. If you'll be gone for a significant amount of time, don't overwater them before leaving. Instead, ask a friend to check in on them as needed.

Mother Nature can be fickle, so even if the forecast at home is clear skies, it's best to secure or store any outdoor furniture in case of inclement weather.

Before you pack, check to see what amenities your lodging provides so that you don't pack more than you need. Whether you're staying on a cruise ship or at a hotel, rental or campsite, certain things like toiletries, towels, or hair dryer could be provided, particularly at top lodgings known for their world-class amenities.