St Louis Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Planning Timeline

Preparation for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Chronological Steps

Follow this timeline for your St. Louis adventure.

Months Before

Passport Validity

Check expiration, ensure 6 months validity beyond departure.

Visa/ESTA

Apply early, approval times vary.

Flights & Accommodation

Research and book flights and main accommodation early.

Month Before

Specific Bookings

Book tours, major events, popular restaurant reservations.

Rental Car

Confirm your rental car reservation.

Bank Notification

Notify bank and credit card companies of travel dates.

Week Before

Confirm All Reservations

Reconfirm all flights, accommodation, rental cars, and pre-booked tours.

Pack Luggage

Pack according to the weather forecast.

Download Apps

Download necessary travel apps (Transit, Uber/Lyft, weather).

Pre-Trip Checks

Important actions to take before you leave.

Documents & Essentials

Print or save digital copies of essential documents.
Charge all electronic devices, including power banks.
Prepare a small travel first aid kit.
Arrange for pet care or house-sitting.

Home Security

Secure your home before heading out.

Home Preparation

Lock all doors and windows, set alarms.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Arrange for plant care or lawn maintenance.
Set up out-of-office replies for work emails.

Last Minute Tips

Final checks for a smooth departure.

Airport Navigation

Locate MetroLink stations at STL.
Find taxi stands and ride-share pick-up zones.
Obtain a local map for orientation.
ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.

Initial Purchases

Consider purchasing a MetroLink Day Pass.
Convenient for immediate public transit.
Most businesses accept credit cards.
Walk extensively in pedestrian-friendly areas.

Home Finalization

Empty trash and clean out refrigerator.
Ensure all appliances are off.
Pack carry-on essentials (meds, documents, valuables).
Fill gas tank before rental car return.

Traveler's Note

Always carry a portable power bank for your phone, especially when exploring all day.

Arrival & Departure

These immediate steps upon arrival get you settled quickly and comfortably.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Customs and Immigration:
For international travelers, clear customs and immigration at your port of entry. Have all required documents ready.
2
Luggage Collection:
Collect your checked luggage.
3
Orientation Strategies:
Locate MetroLink stations, taxi stands, or ride-share pick-up zones at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Initial Setup

Local Map:
Obtain a local map of St. Louis (either paper or digital) to orient yourself.
Currency Exchange and Initial Purchases:
ATMs are available at the airport for cash withdrawals. Most businesses accept credit cards.
Transit Pass:
Consider purchasing a MetroLink Day Pass if you plan to use public transit immediately upon arrival.

Departure Preparations

Souvenir Logistics

Account for any souvenirs or purchases you made. Ensure they fit in your luggage.

If items are large, investigate shipping options from an U.S. Post Office or major carriers like FedEx or UPS.

VAT Refund Procedures

The United States does not have a national Value Added Tax (VAT) system.

Sales tax, which varies by state and city, is typically non-refundable.

Rental Car Return

Fill the gas tank before returning your rental car.

This helps avoid extra fees.

Departure Timing

For domestic flights from STL, plan to arrive at least 90 minutes before. For international connecting flights, allow 2-3 hours. For train or bus, arrive 30-45 minutes before.

Return Trip Prep

Prepare for a smooth departure from St. Louis.

Flight & Train Status

Confirm your flight or train status the day before.
Confirm status on the day of departure.
Check for any delays or gate changes.
Pack required medications, documents, and valuables in your carry-on bag.

Accommodation Check-out

Dispose of all trash from your accommodation.
Ensure you have all your belongings.
Follow your accommodation's check-out procedures.
Fill the gas tank before returning your rental car.

Lost Document Actions

Steps to take if your documents are lost or stolen.

Procedures for Loss

Passport:Contact embassy/consulate immediately.
Police Report:File with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
Credit Cards:Contact bank/card company to cancel.
Emergency Numbers:Have international emergency numbers saved.

Emergency Contacts

All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911.
Hospital Locations: Barnes-Jewish, SSM Health Saint Louis University, Mercy.
St. Louis Children's Hospital for pediatric emergencies.
For non-emergencies, urgent care clinics are widely available.

Smart Exit Tip

Take a photo of your packed suitcase and its contents before you leave.

This can be useful for insurance claims if luggage is lost.

St Louis Travel Checklist