Pre-Trip Checklist: Key West

Essential Preparations: Timeline

A chronological approach to your travel arrangements.

Planning Timeline

Structured steps for a smooth preparation process.

Months Before

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights and lodging; popular options fill quickly.

Passport Validity

Apply for/renew passport if traveling internationally; valid for six months beyond stay.

Tour Bookings

Research and book popular tours like the Dry Tortugas ferry.

Month Before

Confirmations

Double-check all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.

Itinerary

Outline daily activities for effective time management.

Pet/House Sitting

Arrange for pet or house sitting arrangements.

Week Before

Packing

Start packing luggage according to climate and activities.

Essential Apps

Install navigation, ride-sharing, weather, and translation apps.

Bank Notification

Inform financial institutions of travel dates to avoid card holds.

Required Advance Bookings

Securing popular elements of your trip ahead of time.

Bookings

Flights and Accommodation are absolutely necessary.
Dry Tortugas Ferry/Seaplane is required, often fully booked months ahead.
Popular Sunset Sails or Snorkeling Tours are recommended.
Fine Dining Reservations are advised for upscale restaurants.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Gaining island familiarity before arrival.

Research Focus

Read up on West's unique history and culture for greater appreciation.
Familiarize yourself with local weather patterns and potential hazards.
Review restaurant options and create a "must-try" list of dishes and eateries.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Steps to secure your home while away.

Mail & Plants

Arrange for temporary mail/newspaper hold or neighbor collection.
Confirm plant watering and pet care arrangements.

Security

Secure home: lock all doors and windows.
Notify a trusted neighbor of your absence.

Electronics & Documents

Unplug non-essential electronics to conserve energy.
Make digital and physical copies of important documents; store separately.

Travel Insurance Recommendation

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, especially for Key West, given hurricane season and U.S. healthcare costs. Policies covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and luggage are valuable. World Nomads Travel Insurance provides options.

Arrival Checklist

The initial hours in West influence your trip's tone.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs
If arriving internationally, complete U.S. Immigration and customs procedures.
2
Luggage Collection
Retrieve your checked bags from baggage claim.
3
Transportation
Locate your pre-arranged taxi stand, ride-share pick-up, or hotel shuttle.

Orientation Strategies

Accommodation Check-in
Settle into your hotel or rental.
Local Map & Surroundings
Obtain a local map; locate nearest convenience store or landmarks.
Trolley or Train Ride
Consider an Old Town Trolley or Conch Tour Train ride for an overview.

Initial Purchases & Transport

Currency Exchange

Withdraw U.S. Dollars from an ATM if cash is preferred.

Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Local SIM Card

If desired, purchase a local SIM card from a carrier store.

Immediate Essentials

Pick up bottled water or other immediate necessities, especially if arriving during hot hours.

Transportation to Accommodation

Confirm directions and pick-up points for taxis, ride-shares, or hotel shuttles from West International Airport (EYW) or the ferry terminal.

Departure Preparation

A smooth exit for your West adventure.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs prior to your departure day.
For larger or fragile items, confirm shipping costs and procedures with the vendor or postal service.
Eagle Creek offers travel organization products for efficient packing.

VAT Refund Procedures

The United States does not operate a nationwide VAT refund system for tourists.
Sales tax is paid at the point of purchase and is generally non-refundable.

Pre-Departure Timing

Timelines for a punctual departure.

Recommended Arrival Times

Flights (EYW):1.5-2 hours before domestic flight.
Ferry:At least 1 hour before departure.
Driving North:Depart very early morning to avoid U.S. Route 1 traffic.

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm flight/ferry/bus details and any changes.
Pack efficiently; liquids must comply with airline carry-on regulations.
Keep essential documents (passport, boarding passes) easily accessible.
Ensure accommodation is tidy; return rental bikes, scooters, or golf carts on time.

Additional Tips for Departure

Purchase any necessary Reef-safe sunscreen or a Waterproof phone pouch well in advance.

Check the West weather forecast for your travel dates for any last-minute packing adjustments.

Pre-Trip Checklist