Flagstaff Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Essential Preparations

Initial planning to final packing for a well-prepared journey.

Chronological Planning

Steps to follow at various intervals before your trip.

Months Before

Flights & Documents

Book international flights; renew passports or apply for U.S. Visa/ESTA.

Accommodations & Tours

Reserve major lodging for peak season. Book Antelope Canyon tours.

Travel Insurance

Acquire comprehensive travel insurance.

Month Before

Domestic Travel

Book domestic flights and rental car.

Reservations & Permits

Make restaurant and special tour reservations. Check for hiking/camping permits.

Health & Packing

Confirm vaccinations and discuss altitude. Begin packing list.

Week Before

Confirmations

Reconfirm all flight, accommodation, rental car, and tour bookings.

Documents & Tech

Organize copies of documents. Charge electronics and Portable power banks. Download offline maps.

Final Home Prep

Inform bank of travel. Arrange pet care/house-sitting. Pack climate-appropriate clothing.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these ahead, especially during high seasons.

Reservations

Flights (especially to FLG or PHX during peak times).
Accommodations (secure desired properties in high season).
Rental Cars (specifically for specific vehicles, like 4WD in winter).
Popular tours (e.g., Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, guided hikes).

Pre-Trip Research

Gain insights before you go.

Knowledge Boosters

Dive into Flagstaff's hiking trails, understanding difficulty and conditions.
Familiarize yourself with high altitude effects to counter altitude sickness.
Understand U.S. Tipping culture and service expectations.
Check for local events or festivals coinciding with your visit.

Home Preparation

Secure your home for peace of mind while away.

Security Measures

Secure all doors and windows.
Notify trusted neighbors of your absence.
Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
Set lights on timers for an occupied look.

Utilities Management

Adjust thermostat to a vacation setting.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to conserve energy.
Check for leaky faucets or running toilets.
Consider turning off your main water supply if away for extended periods.

Food and Perishables

Dispose of perishable food in your refrigerator.
Empty ice trays or turn off the ice maker.
Clean coffee maker and dispose of grounds.
Plan for minimal food upon return.

Final Week Reminders

Reconfirm all reservations. Prepare physical and digital copies of documents. Check the latest Flagstaff weather forecast.

Arrival Checklist

Immediate steps upon arriving in Flagstaff for a smooth start.

First Steps

1
Immigration & Customs:
For international arrivals at PHX, complete immigration and customs procedures.
2
Luggage Retrieval:
Collect checked luggage from baggage claim.
3
Transportation:
Pick up rental car or locate shuttle/taxi/ride-share services.

Orientation and Hydration

Hydrate Immediately:
Drink water upon arrival, especially from sea level, for altitude acclimatization.
Locate Essentials:
Find nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and ATMs.
Visitor Center Visit:
Consider visiting the Flagstaff Visitor Center for maps and advice.

Initial Purchases & Transportation

Currency Exchange

Ensure you have United States Dollars (USD) cash for small purchases and tips.

ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

Local SIM Card

Purchase a local SIM card from a mobile carrier store if you plan to use one.

This connects you to local networks for data and calls.

To Accommodation

Confirm your transportation method and its location at FLG or PHX.

Have directions to your lodging readily available.

Seamless Start

These arrival steps will launch your Flagstaff adventure without a hitch.

Departure Preparation

Packing souvenirs and planning return travel for an effortless departure.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase gifts early to avoid last-minute rush.
For large/fragile items, research shipping options (USPS, FedEx, UPS).
Keep receipts for high-value purchases.
Be aware of your home country's customs declarations and duty-free allowances.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time to return your rental car and reach the airport/train station.
For FLG, arrive 1-1.5 hours before. For PHX, plan 2-2.5 hour drive plus 2-3 hours for airport.
Account for potential traffic, weather delays (winter), or longer security lines at PHX.
Leave time for final meals or last-minute needs before heading out.

VAT Refunds Not Applicable

The United States does not have a national VAT or sales tax refund system for tourists.

Sales Tax Information

Sales tax is applied at the point of purchase.No Refund
This applies to all goods and services.Final Sale
There is no mechanism for tourists to claim back sales tax.No Mechanism
The price paid is the final price for tourists.Fixed Price

Return Trip Preparation

Confirm your return flight or onward travel arrangements.
Double-check departure times and terminal information.
Pack liquids in checked luggage to meet TSA carry-on rules.
Keep all travel documents (passport, boarding passes) accessible.

Departure Smoothness

These final steps ensure a comfortable and stress-free departure from Flagstaff.

Look back fondly on your Flagstaff memories.

Flagstaff Travel Checklist