Pre-Trip Checklist: Newport

Essential Preparations

A timeline for planning your trip.

Planning Timeline

A structured approach for a smooth trip.

-6 Months Before

Book Accommodation

Most important step for peak season or festivals. Hotels and B&Bs book rapidly.

Book Flights/Trains/Buses

Secure your transportation to Newport, especially if coming from afar.

Research Attractions & Tours

Identify must-see mansions, boat tours, or special events.

Month Before

Finalize Itinerary

Create a detailed day-by-day plan including attractions and dining.

Restaurant Reservations

For fine dining or popular restaurants, reserve in advance.

Purchase Tickets & Passes

Buy Newport Mansions tickets online and pre-book popular tours.

Week Before

Confirm All Reservations

Double-check flight, hotel, car rental, and tour bookings.

Pack According to Forecast

Check Newport weather and pack appropriate layers.

Copy Important Documents

Create digital and physical copies of passports, visas, and reservations.

Advance Bookings

These reservations streamline your trip.

Critical Bookings

Accommodation: This is the most important advance booking, especially during peak travel seasons.
Major Mansion Tours: Pre-booking helps bypass lines and confirms availability for specific times or combination passes.
Popular Boat Tours or Specialty Tours: These can fill quickly, especially in summer.
Special Event Tickets: If attending a festival (Jazz, Folk) or a specific event, secure tickets well in advance.

Pre-Trip Research

Getting familiar with Newport.

Areas to Explore

Familiarize yourself with Newport's layout: Understand the neighborhoods (downtown, Bellevue Avenue, Historic Hill) and their relation to attractions and transportation.
Read up on the history of the Gilded Age and the mansions: A basic understanding of this era and the families involved will greatly enrich your mansion tours.
Review local transportation options: Decide whether you will rely on walking, public buses, ride-sharing, or a rental car.
Plan your preferred mode of getting around.

Home Preparation

Getting your home ready before you go.

Mail & Pets

Arrange for mail: Stop mail delivery or ask a trusted person to collect it.
Pet care: Arrange for pet-sitting or boarding if you have pets.
Ensure pet needs are met.

House Security

House-sitting: If away for an extended period, arrange for someone to check on your home.
Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows, set alarms.
Inform a trusted neighbor of your absence.

International Travel

For International Travelers: Check Passport Validity to confirm validity for six months beyond your stay.
For International Travelers: Apply for ESTA or Visa. Begin the application process as this can take time.
Inform Bank/Credit Card Company of Travel Plans to prevent cards from being flagged.

Important Note

Arrange any necessary home preparations to avoid concerns during your trip.

Arrival Checklist

These steps guide your smooth transition upon arrival in Newport.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration/Customs
Proceed through the necessary checks at your first U.S. Port of entry (for international arrivals).
2
Collect Luggage
Retrieve your checked bags from the baggage claim.
3
Secure Transportation
Arrange or pick up your pre-booked transportation from the airport/station to your accommodation.

Orientation Strategies

Obtain a Local Map
Pick up a physical map from your hotel or the Newport Gateway Visitors Center (23 America's Cup Avenue).
Take a Short Walk
Go for a brief stroll around your immediate neighborhood to get your bearings and locate nearby amenities.
Visit the Newport Gateway Visitors Center
This is an excellent resource for maps, brochures, and personalized local advice.

Initial Finances & Purchases

Withdraw Cash

If you need cash, withdraw some from an ATM.

U.S. Currency is widely used.

Essential Items

Buy any immediate necessities, like Bottled water, snacks, or toiletries, if not already packed.

These small purchases help settle you in.

Convenience Purchases

Locate convenience stores or supermarkets for quick buys.

This saves time for exploring.

Transportation Reminder

If you pre-arranged transport, confirm your meeting point.

If using taxis, ride-shares, or public transit, follow the directions for getting there.

Departure Preparation

A smooth departure from Newport with these final steps.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase Souvenirs: Buy souvenirs in advance of your departure to avoid a last-minute rush.
Shipping: If you plan to ship items home, confirm customs regulations and shipping costs with the vendor or postal service.
Be aware of your home country's import duties.
No VAT (Value Added Tax) refund system for tourists applies in the United States. Sales tax is applied at the point of purchase.

Return Trip Logistics

Confirm Travel Times: Double-check your flight, train, or bus times, as schedules can change.
Pack Essentials: Pack items needed for your journey home (e.g., travel pillow, snacks, medications).
Check Out: Ensure you check out of your accommodation in time to avoid any late fees.
Account for Belongings: Do a final check of your room/accommodation to confirm all personal belongings are collected.

Pre-Departure Timing

Plan your departure effectively.

Timing Recommendations

Allow ample time to get to the airport or station.Especially during peak traffic hours.
Consider if you have an early morning flight.Factor in extra time for check-in.
Traffic can be unpredictable.Use navigation apps for real-time updates.
A relaxed departure makes for a pleasant end to your trip.Avoid rushing.

Digital Document Folder

Create a digital folder on your phone or in a cloud service specifically for your Newport trip documents.
Include reservation confirmations, scanned copies of your passport/ID, and important contact numbers.
This provides a backup if physical documents are lost.
Access documents readily from your device.

Helpful Tip

Create a digital folder on your phone or in a cloud service specifically for your Newport trip documents.

Include reservation confirmations, scanned copies of your passport/ID, and important contact numbers. This provides a backup if physical documents are lost.

Pre-Trip Checklist