When I used to go on vacation, albeit many years ago, preparations included making sure the travel documents such as passports, visas, tickets, etc. (almost all my vacations entailed international travel) were in good order, vaccinations, if any, were current, travellers' checks were bought, flights were booked and double/triple checked, suitcases were packed and weighed and packed again!

Most of my vacations, back then, were trips back to the country of my birth, so, there were lots of gifts to buy for family and friends. Shopping early with a list of everyone plus several extra "all purpose" gifts was the rule. Plus we have a custom of taking parcels back for everybody else's family and friends, too! So, generally, one suitcase of things for one's own family and friends, another suitcase of things for other people's family and friends!

Trip planning included making arrangements to get to the airport at this end and being met at the airport, upon arrival. Airport shuttle services are indispensable.

It used to be a long flight (approx. 23 hrs!) with one or two stops en route; I used to take things to do in flight, while waiting in transit, etc. Back then, knitting needles and sewing kits were allowed in the cabin. These days, I think a paperback book or two would be better.

Sorry Lea...I was responding to specific postings...

It helps to organize packing by genre like lingerie, outfits, electronics, toiletries etc. Call the 800 number to verify amenities. If there is a gym, take gym clothes/sneakers. Pack heaviest items [shoes] at the bottom [wheels] for stability and use the internal straps to keep things tight to reduce wrinkling. Empty your wallet and only take what you need for the trip. Never pack valuables or prescription meds in a suitcase. Keep those items in your handbag/carry-on.

Take the time to understand fully what is and what is not covered by your travel insurance. Know entitlements for bumping or missed connections. Print boarding passes from home to choose preferred seats.

It helps to have researched [dates/time] events, places of interest, activities you like at destinations and write a flexible itinerary. If weather or ticket availability scotch plan, you'll have another option.

I use a notebook too with a number of lists one for the suitcase items, one for stuff that needs to be packed on the day we leave (eg make up, daily medication)and a cleaning list.

I clean the house top to bottom before I leave so when I return I only need to worry about washing the holiday clothes. Then as I pack things I cross them off the lists, and as I clean rooms I do the same with that list.

I keep a spreadsheet on the computer for things that need to be packed in our motor home when we travel. It helps not to have to rebuild it each year from scratch. I also update it after we get back to make sure we don't take things we don't need as space is at a premium.

I have folders for each state we visit repeatedly. In it are maps or directions with notes on the best exits for restrooms or restaurants we encountered before.