Pre-Trip Checklist: St Augustine

Essential Preparations

Thoughtful actions taken in advance contribute to a successful journey.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Strategize your trip steps over time for optimal organization.

+ Months Before Your Trip

Research & Itinerary

Begin researching visit times, itineraries, and activities.

International Travel Documents

Apply for visas/ESTA; passport validity for 6+ months.

Flights & Accommodation

Book international flights and main lodging, especially for peak season.

Month Before Your Trip

Domestic Travel & Car Rental

Book domestic flights and any rental car needs.

Tours & Travel Insurance

Reserve popular tours. Acquire comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads.

Health & Dining

Check vaccinations. Make special dinner reservations.

Week Before Your Trip

Confirmations & Packing

Confirm all reservations. Pack medications and a first aid kit.

Electronics & Apps

Charge devices, pack portable chargers. Download local apps.

Financial & Home

Notify banks of travel. Arrange home care (pets/mail).

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these items early to avoid disappointment and attain better rates.

Reservations

Air tickets for the best prices and availability.
Lodging, especially for peak season or popular properties.
Rental cars, especially during peak travel periods.
Popular tours (e.g., Castillo de San Marcos, ghost tours).

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with aspects of your destination for a smoother experience.

Areas for Review

Review local weather patterns for your specific travel dates.
Become familiar with maps of the historic district and surrounding areas.
Read about St. Augustine's rich history to deepen your visit.
Check for local events or festivals coinciding with your trip.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Security Measures

Lock all doors and windows securely.
Set your alarm system if one is installed.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy.
Empty all trash cans to prevent odors.

Notifications & Caretakers

Inform a trusted friend or neighbor of your travel dates.
Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
Arrange for pet-sitting if you have animals.
Arrange for plant watering if needed.

Digital & Document Prep

Organize important travel documents.
Upload copies of documents to a cloud service.
Set an out-of-office reply for emails.
Ensure your mobile phone is travel-ready (roaming/SIM).

Important Document Check

Verify passport and visa requirements well in advance for international travel. Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Arrival Checklist

The initial hours in a new place influence your trip's start. These steps support a smooth arrival.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs:
For international arrivals, proceed through necessary procedures at JAX, DAB, or MCO.
2
Baggage Claim:
Collect your checked luggage from the designated area.
3
Transportation:
Locate your pre-booked transportation (rental car, shuttle, ride-share).

Orientation Strategies

Check-in:
Head to your accommodation to check in and drop off bags.
Local Map:
Pick up a free local map from your hotel or a visitor center.
Trolley Tour:
Consider a hop-on-hop-off trolley tour for an initial city overview.

Initial Purchases & Connectivity

Local Currency

Withdraw some U.S. Dollars (USD) from an ATM for small purchases or tips.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash has its uses.

Mobile Connectivity

International travelers: acquire a local SIM card or activate your international roaming/eSIM.

This supports navigation and communication.

Immediate Needs

Purchase water and any immediate necessities, like snacks or a forgotten toiletry item.

Convenience stores or hotel shops are good starting points.

Transportation from Entry Point

Execute the transportation plan from your pre-trip preparations. Know your route and access your chosen transport (rental car, shuttle, ride-share, taxi).

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure from St. Augustine efficiently for a relaxed end to your trip.

Souvenir & Shipping Insights

Acquire souvenirs well before your departure day to avoid rushing.
This approach allows for leisurely browsing and thoughtful selections.
For large or fragile items, inquire about shipping options from vendors or local postal services.
Factor in shipping costs and delivery times when planning purchases.

VAT Refund Procedures if applicable

The United States does not operate a nationwide Value Added Tax (VAT) system.
No Goods and Services Tax (GST) system offers refunds to tourists.
Florida also does not offer sales tax refunds to international visitors.
Do not expect to claim tax refunds on your purchases.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allocate sufficient time for airport processes to avoid stress.

Airport Arrival Times

International flights (JAX, DAB, MCO):2.5 to 3 hours before departure.
Domestic flights:1.5 to 2 hours before departure.
This accounts for:Check-in, baggage drop, security screening.
Hotel Check-out:Confirm hotel's check-out time.

Return Trip Preparation

Reconfirm your return flight details (time, terminal, gate) the day prior.
Secure all travel documents: passport, boarding pass, entry documents for next destination.
Pack liquids in checked luggage to follow TSA carry-on liquid restrictions.
Plan your transportation to the airport; book a taxi or ride-share if needed.

Smooth Departure

Ensure a relaxed end to your trip by planning your airport arrival time and transport.

Inquire about late check-out or luggage storage at your hotel if your flight is later in the day.

Pre-Trip Checklist