10 Things to Do Before Taking a Trip (Without Losing Your Mind)

Traveling—whether it’s a family vacation, work conference, or girls’ weekend—can be both exciting and exhausting. In Episode 411 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, Kendra Adachi offers ten practical and surprisingly thoughtful tips to prepare for a trip in a way that’s low-stress, realistic, and actually enjoyable. These tips are especially helpful for families looking to travel with more ease, intention, and less last-minute chaos.

1. Be Clear About What This Trip Really Is

Not every trip is restful—and that’s OK. Set realistic expectations for the type of trip you’re taking (work, adventure, rest, family chaos) so you’re not frustrated by unmet hopes.

“Be clear about what your trip really is so that you can enjoy it for what it is instead of being frustrated with what it’s not.” – Kendra Adachi

2. Know What Matters to Everyone Involved

Get input from each traveler. What’s their one must-do or must-have? This helps avoid unnecessary planning fatigue and gives everyone a voice.

Example: One kid wants the aquarium, another wants The World of Coke, another just wants unlimited ice cream.

3. Think About What You Need Early Enough to Have It

Avoid the 11pm Walgreens run for travel-sized shampoo. Start your list at least a week out—especially important for kids with specific needs (like meds, sensory tools, or routines).

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4. Clean Out the Car (or Purse)

Before loading up, clear out trash, mystery snacks, or forgotten socks. If flying, swap “car” for “purse” or carry-on.

5. Make Plans for Porch, Pets, and Plants

The forgotten trio. Make sure someone’s bringing in packages, feeding the cat, and watering the plants. It’s the kind of thing that gets left behind in the travel frenzy.

6. Make Hangry Plans

Traveling humans = hungry humans. Pack high-protein snacks, plan ahead for meal stops, or research food options in advance.

“You’re standing in line for a mediocre overpriced hamburger that doesn’t really make anyone happy.” – Kendra Adachi

7. Pack a Mom Bag (Even If You’re Not a Mom)

This is your lifesaver kit: bandaids, gum, snacks, fidget toys, Advil, hair ties, and hand sanitizer. Customize based on your own or your kids’ quirks.

“Mom bags tend to the tiny annoyances of life… like actual moms are sometimes known to do.”

8. Enjoy Getting There, Not Just Being There

Make the travel part fun. Crank the music, play games, make gas station snack runs magical. Mindset matters—and it’s contagious.

9. Come Home Well

Plan for your return. Have clean sheets, a meal in the freezer, or at least a 24-hour buffer before jumping back into life. Episode 265 is a deeper dive on this topic.

10. Practice Patience Over Perfection

No trip goes perfectly—expect hiccups, delays, meltdowns. Preparing is good, but flexibility and grace matter more.

“Just like learning to pivot is more important than learning to plan… practicing patience is way more important than finding perfection.”

Especially Relevant for Parents:

Empower kids with responsibility: Kendra suggests sending packing lists with kids so they can re-pack confidently—especially helpful for camps or trips without parents.
Support neurodivergent needs: For example, Kendra pre-packed duplicates of key items for her son with ADHD so he could manage medication independently.
Avoid overstimulation: Knowing what matters to each person helps keep your itinerary manageable and enjoyable for everyone.

“There are always hitches. There are always meltdowns and long lines and cancelled flights… but patience with yourself and the people you love is way better than holding tight to the perfect trip.” – Kendra Adachi