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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Southwest, USA

Essential Preparations

Follow a chronological timeline to manage your planning tasks effectively.

Planning Phases

Break down your preparations into manageable timeframes.

1

-6 Months Before

Flights & Accommodation

Book flights to Grand Junction (GJT) or Salt Lake City (SLC); secure hotels or vacation rentals, especially for peak season.

Camping & Rental Car

Reserve Devils Garden Campground (6 months in advance); finalize your rental car reservation.

Park Entry & Tours

Set a reminder to book Arches timed entry permit (peak season); research and book highly desired guided tours.

2

Month Before

Confirmations

Reconfirm all reservations: flights, accommodation, rental car, tours, and park entry permits.

Offline Maps & Dining

Download offline maps for parks; make dinner reservations for popular restaurants (especially for groups).

Travel Insurance

Review your travel insurance policy; understand its coverage for medical emergencies and adventure activities.

3

Week Before

Weather & Packing

Check the weather forecast for Moab to finalize your packing list.

Electronics & Finance

Charge all electronic devices and portable power banks; notify your bank of travel dates.

Home & Documents

Arrange for pet or house sitting; print hard copies of essential documents.

Required Bookings

Many items require advance booking for a smoother trip.

Reservations

  • Flights to the nearest airports
  • Accommodation (hotels, vacation rentals, campsites)
  • Rental car for local transportation
  • Arches National Park Timed Entry (seasonal requirement)

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarizing yourself with Moab can enrich your visit.

Topics

  • Leave No Trace principles for minimal environmental impact
  • Specific hikes and activities, including distance and difficulty
  • National Park regulations (pets, drone usage, backcountry permits)
  • Current conditions and alerts from park websites

Home Preparation Before Departure

Security & Maintenance

  • Secure your home: lock doors and windows
  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or arrange collection
  • Unplug unnecessary electronics to conserve energy
  • Inform trusted family or friends of your detailed itinerary

Financial & Health

  • Pay any bills due during your trip
  • Fill any necessary prescriptions to have enough medication
  • Notify your bank and credit card company of travel dates
  • Check passport validity for international travel (6 months beyond return)

Logistics & Digital

  • Arrange for pet or house sitting if needed
  • Download offline maps and essential apps to your phone
  • Print hard copies of essential documents and reservations
  • Secure any required visas or ESTA approvals for international travel

Insurance Recommendation

Consider World Nomads for comprehensive travel insurance coverage, especially for adventure activities.

Arrival Checklist

These steps aid you in settling into Moab efficiently upon arrival.

Immediate Actions

  • Collect Rental Car:

    Pick up your reserved rental car from the airport upon arrival.

  • Check Into Accommodation:

    Head directly to your hotel or vacation rental to settle in.

  • Park Passes:

    Purchase the America the Beautiful Pass or individual park passes if not done online.

Orientation & Purchases

  • Visitor Centers:

    Visit Moab Information Center and National Park Visitor Centers for current conditions.

  • Town Layout:

    Orient yourself with Main Street for easy access to shops, restaurants, and services.

  • Initial Purchases:

    Withdraw cash from ATMs; purchase groceries and water, especially for self-catering.

Additional Arrival Tips

Airport Transfers

Information on transportation from your entry point (airport) to your accommodation.

(Refer to Section 4.1 for detailed airport transfer options.)

Offline Readiness

Ensure offline maps are downloaded for Arches, Canyonlands, and hiking trails.

Cell service is unreliable in many park areas, making offline maps important.

Dining Reservations

Make dinner reservations for popular restaurants if you plan to dine out.

This is especially true for larger groups during peak season to guarantee seating.

Rental Car Tip

Book your rental car well in advance, notably for specific vehicle types or during peak season travel.

Departure Preparation

A smooth and stress-free departure from Moab makes for a pleasant end to your trip.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs a day or two before departure to avoid a last-minute rush
  • If shipping items home, allot time to visit the post office or a shipping service in Moab
  • Consider weight limits for airline baggage when purchasing larger items
  • Local shops offer unique Moab-themed items

Pre-Departure Timing

  • Allow ample time for rental car return, airline check-in, and security screening
  • Adhere to your accommodation's check-out times
  • Confirm any potential extra charges with your accommodation beforehand
  • Check specific airline recommendations for arrival at the airport

Important Tax Note

VAT Refund Procedures

  • Not applicable in the United States.
  • Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
  • Sales tax is not refundable for tourists.
  • Factor sales tax into your spending estimates.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Reconfirm your flight details with the airline
  • Pack your luggage according to airline baggage rules and weight limits
  • Ensure all personal items are collected from your accommodation before leaving
  • Have contact numbers for airline or rental car company readily available

Smooth Departure

Double-check all belongings before leaving your accommodation to avoid leaving anything behind.