Olympia Washington, USA Travel Guide
Follow this timeline for all significant steps before your trip.
Breaking down tasks by time before your trip simplifies planning.
Secure flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Portland International Airport (PDX). Early booking often means better prices.
Ensure passport has six months validity beyond your U.S. Departure. For international travelers, apply for U.S. Visa or ESTA early; processing times vary.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, plus lost bags.
If arriving domestically or connecting from SEA/PDX, book your flights, Amtrak tickets, or bus passes for Olympia.
If you plan to rent a car, reserve it now for availability and favorable rates.
For special occasion dining or popular restaurants, make reservations, especially for weekend evenings.
Double-check flight times, hotel bookings, car rentals, and tour schedules.
Pack climate-appropriate clothing. Make copies of important documents, storing them separately from originals.
Charge all electronics and power banks. Download essential apps and offline maps.
Specific bookings require early action to secure your plans.
In-depth research and home preparation create a worry-free start.
Final checks ensure a smooth start to your journey.
Research specific tours or activities like national park tours or kayaking rentals. Book these if they have not much capacity, about a month beforehand.
These steps mean a smooth transition from your arrival point to your accommodation in Olympia.
For international arrivals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Portland International Airport (PDX), follow signage. Have your passport and any required documents ready.
Proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked luggage.
Follow airport signs to the rental car center (often a shuttle ride away) or to designated pick-up zones for pre-booked shuttles, taxis, or rideshare services.
Use your phone's GPS/maps to navigate to your accommodation. Offline maps function without a data connection. Locate the Olympia Visitor Center on arriving in downtown Olympia; they offer free local maps, brochures, and helpful advice.
Withdraw some cash from an ATM if needed; ATMs are available at the airport and in Olympia. Consider getting a local SIM card if you are not using an eSIM or an international roaming plan.
Ensure your pre-arranged shuttle, rental car, or rideshare stands ready and waiting. Confirm pick-up locations if pre-booked.
Purchase gifts a day or two before your departure to avoid last-minute rushing.
If you plan to ship items home, arrange with a local United States Post Office (USPS) or private package carriers (UPS, FedEx) well in advance of your flight. Factor in shipping costs and time. Find packing organizers at Eagle Creek.
Allow ample time to travel from Olympia to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This translates to at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights, plus an additional buffer for potential traffic on I-5, especially during peak commute hours.
Consider returning your rental car the night before if you have a very early flight, and use a pre-booked shuttle or taxi to the airport.
Reconfirm your return flights or onward travel arrangements. Take advantage of online check-in through your airline's web page or app whenever feasible to save time at the airport.
Ensure all required travel documents (passport, boarding pass, etc.) stand readily accessible. Pack your carry-on bag with any items you need on your trip and all valuables. Consider travel insurance with World Nomads.
Have your accommodation address written down or saved on your phone for easy reference, especially if you arrive late at night.
Final details to consider before your departure.
Be mindful of potential expenses on your departure day.
Ensure your carry-on holds all valuables and necessities for the journey.
This includes medications, electronics, and important documents.
