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Asheville Travel Checklist

Asheville Travel Checklist

Asheville The South, USA Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Organize your journey with careful timing and important bookings.

Chronological Planning

Set your itinerary with a clear schedule for booking and preparing.

1

+ Months Before

Research

Begin researching your itinerary and identifying main interests. Decide on the visit period (fall foliage, summer outdoor activities).

Flights

Book major flights, especially for peak season (October, holidays) or international travel.

Attractions & Visa

Book tickets for the Biltmore Estate and popular tours. International visitors: Apply for U.S. Visa (B-2) or ESTA if eligible. Confirm passport validity (6+ months beyond departure).

2

Month Before

Accommodation & Car

Book your hotel, B&B, or vacation rental. Confirm cancellation policies. Reserve your rental car if exploring beyond downtown Asheville.

Dining & Insurance

Make reservations for desired restaurants, especially weekend evenings. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (medical, cancellation, lost luggage).

Events

Check for major events, festivals, or concerts during your visit.

3

Week Before

Confirmations & Packing

Confirm all bookings for flights, accommodation, rental cars, and tours. Start packing appropriate clothing and gear. Eagle Creek for packing organizers.

Electronics & Financial

Charge devices and download apps (navigation, ride-sharing, weather, hiking). Notify bank and credit card companies of travel plans.

Documents & Home Prep

Make copies of important documents and store them separately. Arrange pet-sitting, house-sitting, or mail services.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure your spot for popular Asheville attractions and services.

Bookings

  • Biltmore Estate: Important booking for peak seasons like fall foliage or Christmas.
  • Popular B&Bs/Hotels: Desirable accommodations fill quickly during peak seasons.
  • Fine Dining: Reservations are strong for high-demand restaurants, especially weekend evenings.
  • Specialized Guided Tours: Activities like ziplining or whitewater rafting have limited capacity; pre-book.

Pre-Trip Research

Gather information before you go for a seamless journey.

Research Areas

  • Neighborhoods: Understand character and proximity to attractions (Downtown, River Arts District, West Asheville).
  • Breweries: Research specific breweries; some tours require booking.
  • Hiking Trails: For outdoor enthusiasts, research trails suiting your fitness and interests (use AllTrails).
  • Recent Reviews: Read recent restaurant and attraction reviews for current insights.

Home Preparation

Prepare your home for your absence.

Security

  • Lock all windows and doors.

Mail & Subscriptions

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them.

Care & Utilities

  • Arrange for care for plants and pets.
  • Adjust thermostat settings and turn off unnecessary lights.

Travel Folder Tip

Create a simple travel folder (physical or digital) with all your confirmations, copies of IDs, and emergency contacts. This keeps everything organized.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Asheville define your trip's tone. A checklist guides a smooth settle-in.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Luggage:

    Collect your luggage from baggage claim.

  • 2
    Immigration/Customs (International Arrivals):

    Proceed through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Have passport, visa/ESTA, and documentation ready.

  • 3
    Transportation:

    Find your pre-booked rental car, taxi stand, or use a ride-sharing app to get to accommodation.

  • 4
    Check-in:

    Head directly to your hotel or vacation rental to check in and drop off bags.

Orientation Strategies

  • Asheville Visitor Center:

    Visit 36 Montford Ave for maps, brochures, and local advice.

  • Gray Line Trolley Tour:

    Consider this hop-on-hop-off tour for an overview of the city, history, and attractions.

  • Public Transit (ART):

    Familiarize yourself with routes and the UMO Pass app if using public transit.

Currency & Immediate Purchases

Cash

Withdraw some cash from an ATM for small purchases, tips, or emergencies.

Credit cards are widely accepted.

SIM Card

International travelers, purchase a local SIM card from a carrier store (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) or a large retailer.

Immediate Necessities

Purchase any immediate necessities like Travel-sized toiletries if you forgot them, or snacks.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance from a provider like World Nomads covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage.

Departure Preparation

A smooth departure helps your trip conclude positively.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  1. Shopping: Schedule time for last-minute souvenir shopping in downtown, Biltmore Village, or the River Arts District.
  2. Shipping: For large or fragile items, inquire about shipping services at the store.
  3. Carriers: Major carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) have offices if you need to ship items home yourself.
  4. Customs: Consider potential customs regulations for international shipping.

VAT Refund

  1. No System: The United States lacks a nationwide VAT or GST system for tourist refunds.
  2. Sales Tax: Sales tax is paid at purchase and is not refundable upon departure.

Pre-departure Timing

Plan your departure to avoid stress.

Timing Considerations

  • Airport/Bus Station:Allow ample travel time, considering traffic.
  • Rental Car Return:Allow extra time for refueling and returning the vehicle.
  • Security & Baggage:Allow time for check-in and security. Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, earlier for international.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Confirm: Reconfirm return flight or bus details 24-48 hours before departure. Check for schedule changes.
  • Documents: Confirm passport, boarding passes, and all necessary travel documents are accessible.
  • Packing: Consolidate belongings; secure valuables. Weigh luggage if possible to avoid overweight fees.

VAT Refund Information

The U.S. Does not offer VAT refunds; sales tax paid at purchase is not recoverable.