Monterey Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Chronological Planning Steps

A detailed timeline for your trip preparations.

Planning Phases

Organize your preparations over several months.

Phase One: Long Term 3-6 Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm passport validity (six months beyond departure).

Visa/ESTA Application

Start ESTA or B-2 visa application; allows several weeks or months.

Flight & Accommodation Bookings

Book flights and accommodation for better prices, especially for peak season.

Phase Two: Mid-Term 1-2 Months Before

Car Rental & Major Tours

Reserve rental cars and popular tours (e.g., whale watching).

Travel Insurance & Vaccinations

Secure comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads. Consult doctor for vaccinations.

Document Confirmation

Obtain International Driving Permit if applicable. Gather doctor's notes for meds.

Phase Three: Short Term 2 Weeks - Departure

Restaurant & Pet Care

Make special dinner reservations. Arrange pet or house sitting.

Bank Notification & App Downloads

Notify banks of travel. Download navigation and local apps.

Final Packing & Review

Start a detailed packing list. Review itinerary and practical tips.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these ahead of time.

Reservations

Flights
Accommodation
Rental car (if needed)
Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets (timed entry)

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Inform yourself before you go.

Information Sources

Read reliable travel guides and blogs specific to Monterey.
Check official tourism websites (e.g., SeeMonterey.com).
Browse online forums (e.g., TripAdvisor, Reddit).
Look at local event calendars for festivals or special events.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Prepare your home for your absence.

Home Security

Secure your home (lock windows/doors).
Inform a trusted neighbor of your absence.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Arrange for pet care or house sitting.

Household Management

Water plants or arrange for watering.
Empty your refrigerator of perishables.
Unplug non-essential electronics.
Take out all trash.

Communication & Emergency

Inform a trusted contact of your itinerary.
Provide emergency contact information.
Consider setting thermostat to energy-saving mode.
Pay any upcoming bills.

Planning Ahead

Remember to plan well ahead for peak season travel.

Arrival Checklist: First Steps in Monterey

Upon arrival, settle in quickly and smoothly.

Initial Arrival Steps

1
Customs & Immigration:
Clear customs and immigration efficiently. Have all documents ready.
2
Baggage Claim:
Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area.
3
Ground Transportation:
Locate your pre-arranged shuttle, taxi, or rental car.

Settling In and Orientation

Accommodation Check-In:
Check into your accommodation upon arrival.
Connect & Inform:
Connect to Wi-Fi; inform family or friends of your safe arrival.
Neighborhood Familiarization:
Locate nearby restaurants, shops, and public transport stops.

Practicalities on Arrival

Currency & Purchases

Withdraw local currency from an ATM or use your credit card.

Purchase water and snacks, especially if arriving late.

Connectivity

Purchase a local SIM card or activate your eSIM upon arrival.

This connects you to local networks.

Airport Transportation

If not pre-arranged, use airport signage for taxi stands or ride-share pick-up zones.

Confirm the fare or estimated cost before starting your journey.

Fare Confirmation

Confirm costs before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges.

Departure Preparation: Heading Home

A few final steps for a smooth departure from Monterey.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs a few days before departure.
If shipping items home, allow ample time for packaging.
Check shipping costs and regulations.
Value Added Tax (VAT) refund procedures do not apply in the U.S.

Return Journey Essentials

Confirm your return flight details and onward connections.
Pack according to airline baggage rules (weight and size limits).
Weigh your luggage with a Travel scale to avoid excess fees.
Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow sufficient time for all final steps.

Timing Your Exit

Check-out from accommodation:Ample time
Travel time to airport:Account for traffic
Airport security checks:Factor in queue times
Final baggage checks:Airline counters

Accommodation Departure

Dispose of any remaining trash.
Leave your accommodation tidy.
Return any keys or access cards as instructed.
Charge all electronics and pack your Portable charger and Power adapter.

Final Document Check

Ensure all travel documents (passport, boarding passes) are readily accessible for your journey home.

Packing organizers from Eagle Creek assist with orderly luggage.

Monterey Travel Checklist