Pre-Trip Checklist: Sandhills

Essential Preparations

These steps prepare you for your Sandhills journey.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Steps to follow for a well-organized trip.

Months Ahead

Ranch Stays

Book guest ranch stays early due to limited space.

Travel & Car Rental

Research flights to major airports and compare car rental prices. Consider booking a 4x4 or SUV.

Documents

For international travelers, ensure passport validity and obtain your U.S. Visa or ESTA. World Nomads Travel Insurance

Month Ahead

Accommodations

Reserve hotels, cabins, or campsites for peak season. Confirm Niobrara River outfitter bookings.

Park Permit

Purchase your Nebraska State Park Permit online.

Gear

Review packing list and obtain any needed gear or clothing.

Week Ahead

Confirmations

Double-check all flight, accommodation, and car rental reservations.

Digital Prep

Download offline maps of the Sandhills region and update travel apps.

Home & Vehicle

Notify credit card companies of travel plans. Service your personal vehicle if driving.

Bookings

Some arrangements require prior booking.

Required Reservations

Guest Ranches: Absolute must-book well in advance.
Niobrara River Outfitters: Book for summer weekends; advisable for peak season.
Popular Campsites: Book for weekends and holidays in state parks.
Car Rentals: Secure early, especially for specific vehicle types or peak season.

Research & Preparation

Wise research creates a smoother journey.

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with the region's vastness and limited services.
Understand potential for extreme weather conditions.
Cell service is often unreliable; plan accordingly.
Research specific attractions for any unique requirements or seasonal closures.

Home Affairs

Prepare your home for your absence.

Mail & Pets

Arrange for mail to be held or picked up.
Organize pet care if you have animals.
Secure your home: lock doors and windows.
Notify trusted neighbors of your travel.

Finances & Utilities

Ensure all necessary bills are paid.
Set up automatic bill payments where possible.
Adjust thermostat and turn off unnecessary lights.
Unplug electronics to save power and for safety.

Digital & Other

Backup important digital files.
Set up an out-of-office email reply.
Empty trash and clear perishables from the fridge.
Hide spare keys in a secure location.

Planning Summary

Effective planning makes for a relaxed adventure. Book high-demand services ahead, pack smart for variable weather, and always carry paper maps for areas without cellular reception. This careful approach makes your Sandhills visit a pleasure.

Arrival Checklist

These steps make your transition smooth upon arrival.

First Steps

1
Rental Car Pick-up
Collect your pre-booked rental vehicle. Inspect it for existing damage.
2
Offline Maps Ready
Confirm downloaded offline maps function on your device.
3
Initial Supplies
Buy groceries, water, and necessities in a larger town before heading to remote areas. Fill up your fuel tank.

Orientation & Purchases

Map Your Surroundings
Use maps and GPS to orient yourself to the region.
Note Distances
Observe distances between towns, gas stations, and your accommodation.
Currency & Purchases
International travelers: Withdraw U.S. Dollars from an airport ATM. Make immediate purchases of water or snacks.

Direct to Destination

Driving Plan

Drive directly to your pre-booked accommodation.

Follow your pre-planned route and use offline maps.

Anticipate Long Drives

Prepare for a potentially long journey from major airports to the Sandhills.

Enjoy the scenic route.

Route Awareness

Be mindful of road conditions, especially on gravel.

Check 511.nebraska.gov for updates.

Smooth Start

A smooth arrival sets a positive tone for your Sandhills visit. Have your rental car paperwork ready, verify your offline maps, and gather essential supplies before venturing into remote areas. These initial steps simplify your travel into the heart of Nebraska.

Departure Preparation

Arrange for a smooth departure from the Sandhills and Nebraska.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well before leaving. Some items are only in smaller towns.
Shipping options are limited to U.S. Post Offices. Plan for their operating hours.
No nationwide VAT or tax refund system exists for tourists in the U.S.
Support local businesses with your final purchases.

Timing Your Departure

Allow ample time for driving to the departure airport from the Sandhills.
Factor in delays from weather or road conditions.
Arrive at the airport with sufficient buffer time before your flight.
Check carry-on and checked bag weight limits.

Return Trip Checklist

Confirm everything for a worry-free journey home.

Final Checks

Confirm all flight details.
Check for any road closures or weather advisories for your route to the airport.
Ensure your rental car has a full fuel tank and is ready for return.
Double-check all personal belongings before leaving your accommodation.

Last Minute Tips

Dispose of all trash responsibly.
Turn off lights and appliances at your accommodation.
Send a quick message to your trusted contact that you are leaving.
Take a final photo of the Sandhills landscape.

A Smooth Farewell

Ending your Sandhills adventure with careful departure planning creates a stress-free journey home. Account for driving times to the airport, verify all travel details, and make sure your rental vehicle is return-ready.

Double-check all belongings before you depart.

Pre-Trip Checklist