Santa Barbara Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Essential Preparations

A timeline organizes tasks for your journey.

Your Pre-Travel Timeline

Organize your preparations effectively with this chronological guide.

+ Months Prior

Passport & Visa/ESTA

Ensure passport validity (6+ months beyond stay). Apply for U.S. Visa (B-2 Tourist Visa) or ESTA in advance (at least 72 hours prior).

Major Bookings & Insurance

Research seasons. Book flights/major tours for high season. Consider travel insurance, especially for international visitors.

Initial Research

Familiarize yourself with Santa Barbara's layout, public transport, and local customs.

Month Prior

Accommodation & Itinerary

Secure hotel, vacation rental, or hostel. Finalize itinerary, book remaining tours, fine dining, or event tickets.

Transportation & Banking

Arrange rental car (International Driving Permit if needed). Book internal U.S. Flights. Inform bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Document Preparation

Prepare physical and digital copies of important documents (passport, visa/ESTA, insurance, reservations).

Week Prior

Final Checks

Review packing list (weather). Re-confirm all reservations. Download required apps (Google Maps, Uber/Lyft, Transit). Charge electronics.

Travel Logistics

Check weather forecast. Confirm transportation to/from airport/station. Acquire last-minute Travel accessories.

Home Preparation

Secure home, hold mail, arrange pet care, notify contacts, empty refrigerator, unplug electronics.

Advance Reservations

Secure your place for popular experiences.

Secure Your Spot

High-demand accommodation, especially for luxury resorts or specific vacation rentals.
Popular tours, like whale watching excursions or the Channel Islands ferry (tickets can sell out).
Fine dining restaurants, especially for weekend evenings.
Tickets for special events or festivals (e.g., Santa Barbara Film Festival).

Pre-Trip Research

Knowledge of the area enriches your journey.

Familiarize Yourself

Familiarize yourself with Santa Barbara's layout, major neighborhoods, and attractions.
Review information on public transport routes and fare options.
Understand local customs and etiquette for respectful interactions.
Read recent travel blogs or articles about Santa Barbara for current tips and insights.

Home Preparations

Prepare your home for your absence.

Home Security

Lock all doors and windows.
Set alarms.
Arrange for mail to be held or picked up.
Cancel newspaper deliveries.

Utilities & Electronics

Unplug non-essential electronics.
This conserves energy.
Protects against power surges.
Adjust thermostat settings.

Personal Arrangements

Arrange pet-sitting or boarding.
Share itinerary and emergency contacts with a trusted friend.
Dispose of perishable food items from your refrigerator.
Minimize spoilage issues.

Travel Insurance Advisory

Consider travel insurance for peace of mind, notably for international visitors due to U.S. Healthcare costs.

Upon Arrival

The first few hours in Santa Barbara shape your trip.

Initial Steps

1
Immigration/Customs Clearance
International travelers: Follow all procedures upon landing at your U.S. Port of entry.
2
Luggage Collection
Retrieve your checked bags from the baggage claim area.
3
SIM Card/eSIM Activation
If you planned to purchase a local SIM or activate an eSIM, do so immediately for connectivity.

Orientation & Logistics

Accommodation Location
Use your pre-arranged transportation to get to your hotel or rental. Confirm meeting points.
Familiarize Surroundings
After checking in, take a short walk to locate the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, or public transport stop.
Local Map Acquisition
Grab a free map from the Visitor Center, your hotel lobby, or a public library.

Arrival Information

Currency & Payments

Use ATMs at the airport or a bank for cash withdrawals; they generally offer better exchange rates than currency exchange counters.

Most major credit cards are widely accepted for nearly all purchases.

Transportation from Entry Point

Follow your pre-arranged plan, whether a shuttle, taxi, rideshare pick-up, or rental car collection.

Confirm meeting points with your chosen transport service.

Connectivity

Activate your U.S. SIM card or eSIM immediately upon arrival to secure connectivity for navigation and communication.

Check your phone's compatibility with U.S. Networks.

Arrival Tip

Purchase your tickets online in advance for popular attractions to save time and skip lines upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

A smooth departure concludes your trip on a positive note.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well in advance of your departure.
This approach avoids a last-minute rush.
If you plan to ship items home, confirm shipping costs.
Confirm customs regulations and packaging requirements with the retailer or shipping company.

VAT & Customs

VAT (Value Added Tax) refund procedures are not applicable in the U.S.
There is no nationwide VAT or sales tax refund system for tourists.
Be aware of duty-free allowances for goods brought back to your home country.
Consult your own country's customs regulations prior to travel.

Departure Timing

Allocate sufficient time for airport check-in and security.

Airport Guidelines

Domestic Flights:2 Hours Prior
International Flights:3 Hours Prior
Traffic Consideration:Account for LAX/BUR commute
Security Check:Can be unpredictable

Return Trip Essentials

Confirm your return flight, train, or bus details, including departure times and terminal information.
Pack carefully, ensuring no prohibited items exist in your carry-on or checked luggage (check airline restrictions).
Dispose of any perishable food items from your accommodation.
Return your rental car with a full tank (if required by agreement) or at the designated drop-off point.

Final Preparation Note

Double-check all reservations.

Prepare your home before you travel for a truly worry-free Santa Barbara experience.

Santa Barbara Travel Checklist