Pre-Trip Checklist: Houston

Essential Preparations

A chronological planning timeline organizes your trip effectively.

+ Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

Visa/ESTA Application

Apply for your U.S. Visa or ESTA; ESTA applications take at least 72 hours.

Research Major Events

Identify any major festivals, conferences, or sporting events during your dates.

-2 Months Before

Book Flights & Accommodation

Secure your flights and hotel or vacation rental, especially important for high season.

Book Major Tours/Tickets

Book popular tours or attraction tickets, especially for peak seasons or specific tram tours.

Plan Day Trips & Car Rental

Outline any day trips and book your car rental in advance for better rates and choice.

Weeks Before

Confirm All Reservations

Reconfirm flights, hotels, car rentals, and any pre-booked tours.

Notify Bank/Credit Cards

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates.

Document Copies & Apps

Create copies of essential documents and download travel apps.

Bookings & Research

Advance bookings ensure availability and smoother experiences.

Essential Bookings

Secure flights, hotels, and rental cars (if needed).
Book Space Center Houston tickets, especially tram tours.
Make popular restaurant reservations for fine dining or weekend evenings.
Reserve theater or event tickets well in advance.

Home & Health Preparations

Ensuring your home and health are ready before you leave.

Pre-Departure Home Tasks

Secure your home by locking all doors and windows.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy.
Arrange for mail hold or newspaper collection.
Arrange pet care or house sitting if applicable.

Digital & Document Checklist

Being prepared with digital tools and physical documents.

Digital Readiness

Download essential navigation and ride-sharing apps.
Charge all electronic devices and power banks.
Set up international roaming or plan for a local SIM/eSIM.
Save digital copies of documents in a cloud service.

Document Copies

Make color photocopies of your passport and visa/ESTA.
Copy travel insurance policy and major reservations.
Store copies separately from originals.
Use a travel planning checklist for tasks.

Health & Weather

Check for recommended routine vaccinations.
Get an updated weather forecast for Houston.
Pack according to climate and planned activities.
Remember to stay hydrated in Houston's climate.

Important Travel Advisory

Remember to inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any fraud alerts or card suspensions.

Arrival & Departure Planning

Seamless transitions make your journey stress-free.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Customs & Immigration
Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection; be prepared to answer questions about your visit.
2
Baggage Claim
Retrieve your checked bags from the baggage claim area efficiently.
3
Ground Transportation
Locate your pre-arranged shuttle, taxi stand, or ride-share pick-up zone.

Orientation Strategies

Settle & Orient
Once you arrive at your accommodation, take time to orient yourself using a map of the immediate area.
Transit Access
Locate nearby METRORail stations or bus stops if you plan to use public transit extensively.
Local Services
Identify nearby essential services, like a pharmacy, grocery store, or convenience store.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Pack souvenirs carefully, especially fragile items.

Arrange shipping with a local postal service for many items or oversized souvenirs.

VAT Refund Procedures

The U.S. Has no nationwide VAT refund. Texas has a limited "TaxFree Shopping" program.

Keep receipts for eligible purchases and visit a designated refund center before departure.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time to get to the airport, considering Houston's potential for heavy traffic.

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours for domestic.

Financial & Re-entry Planning

Consider all financial aspects and prepare for your return journey.

Currency & Purchases

Withdraw some USD from an ATM for immediate cash needs.
Utilize credit cards for most transactions, widely accepted.
Be aware of sales tax, as the US does not have a nationwide VAT refund.
Be aware of your airline's baggage weight limits.

Return Journey Preparations

Confirm all your return flight or train details, including departure times.
Ensure you have all necessary documents for re-entry into your home country.
Consider using Luggage organizer cubes for efficient packing.
Keep portable power banks charged for your devices during travel.

Important Financial Considerations

points for managing money while traveling.

Money Management

Currency:US Dollar (USD)
Credit Cards:Widely accepted, notify banks of travel.
Tipping:Customary for service (15-20% is standard).
ATMs:Readily available for cash withdrawals.

Re-entry & Customs

Understand customs regulations for your home country regarding purchases.
Declare all items as required upon re-entry.
Be aware of any cash declaration limits for international travel.
Have all necessary identification ready for immigration processes.

Final Reminders

Double-check all travel documents and flight details.

Ensure your electronic devices are charged for the journey home.

Pre-Trip Checklist