Pre-Trip Checklist: Cape Cod

Essential Preparations

A chronological timeline for effective pre-trip planning.

Planning Timeline

Structured steps to ensure all arrangements are complete before your journey.

-6+ Months Before

Book Flights/Accommodation

Secure flights to Boston (BOS) or Providence (PVD) and Cape Cod accommodations.

Reserve Rental Car

Rental cars book quickly; reserve well in advance.

Passport/Visa

Apply for or renew your passport; check validity for six months beyond stay.

-2 Months Before

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. World Nomads Travel Insurance

Major Tours

Book major tours or activities, like whale watching or dune tours.

International Driving Permit

Obtain an IDP if your license is not in English.

-4 Weeks Before

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel plans.

Pet/House Sitter

Arrange for pet care or a house-sitter if you need one.

Packing List

Start a detailed packing list, considering the season and activities.

Required Bookings

Essential items to book in advance for your trip.

Bookings Checklist

Flights to and from your destination.
Accommodations on Cape Cod.
Rental cars for local transportation.
Island ferries, especially if bringing a car.

Pre-Trip Research

Information gathering for an informed journey.

Research Topics

Research specific town guides based on your interests.
Check current weather patterns for your travel dates.
Review local event calendars for festivals or concerts.
Familiarize yourself with road conditions and traffic patterns.

Last-Minute Preparations

Final steps before your departure.

One Week Before

Begin packing your luggage.
Charge all your electronics.
Download offline maps or apps.
Print physical copies of documents; save digital.

Home Security

Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
Arrange for mail and newspapers to be held.
Water plants or arrange for their care.
Dispose of perishable food in your refrigerator.

Emergency Contacts

Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary.
Share your emergency contact information.
Confirm airport transfers or other arrival transportation.
Confirm all reservations.

Final Confirmation

Confirm all your flight, accommodation, car rental, and tour reservations.

Arrival Checklist

Immediate steps upon arrival for a quick and smooth settling in.

First Steps

1
Immigration & Customs
Clear procedures at the airport or border crossing.
2
Luggage Collection
Collect your bags from baggage claim.
3
Transportation
Pick up your rental car or find pre-booked transport.

Orientation & Purchases

Locate Accommodation
Find your lodging using GPS or a map.
Cash & Essentials
Find the nearest ATM, supermarket, or pharmacy for needs. Bottled Water
SIM Card Activation
Activate your local SIM card or eSIM if purchased.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Security

Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.

Arrange for mail and newspapers to be held or collected.

Plant Care

Water plants or arrange for someone to care for them.

Dispose of perishable food from your refrigerator.

Contacts

Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency information.

Confirm airport transfers or other transportation plans.

Home Security Reminders

A secure home provides peace of mind while you are away traveling.

Departure Preparation

Final steps for a smooth departure from Cape Cod.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Consider shipping large or fragile souvenirs from a local post office.
Check airline baggage allowances to avoid excess fees.
The United States does not have a nationwide VAT refund program.
Sales tax on purchases is not refundable for international tourists.

Return Trip Prep

Allow ample time for travel to the airport or ferry terminal.
Confirm your return flight, ferry, or bus details before leaving.
Ensure all your belongings are packed; double-check drawers and closets.
Return your rental car with a full tank of gasoline.

Traffic Warning

Traffic can be unpredictable on Cape Cod.

Reminders

Check flight or ferry status before departing for the terminal.
Allow extra time during summer or peak hours.
Traffic can be heavy on summer weekends.
Plan for potential delays.

Accommodation Cleanup

Dispose of all trash and recycling properly at your accommodation.
Leave contact details with your accommodation provider.
In case any issues arise after your departure.
Ensure the accommodation is left in good condition.

Final Checklist

Double-check all final departure requirements and complete necessary tasks.

Pre-Trip Checklist