Your travel prep checklist: 8 things to do before your next trip

The last thing you want to do while you're trying to unwind is stress about paying bills. Automate your finances before your trip to put your mind at ease. Set up autopay for bills and recurring transfers for anything else needed so your finances take care of themselves while you're away.

Keep your vacation spending in check by setting your travel budget beforehand. Don't forget to account for hidden fees like baggage fees and parking. Remember, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a fabulous getaway. Planning in advance, having flexibility and capitalizing on rewards points can all minimize the cost of your trip.

Vacation planning comes with a lot to keep track of. Help yourself (and your travel companions) out by putting all of your confirmation numbers, like hotels, airfare, excursions and rental cars, in one document. That way you can easily reference it whenever needed.

You may want to ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house, collect your mail or water your plants while you're away. If you're a pet parent, make plans for their care during your trip (or take your furry friend along for the ride).

You probably don't want to think about the end of your trip before it even starts. But some basic prep can ease your transition back to the real world. Clean your home, dispose of perishables and consider having a frozen meal ready when you get back so you don't have to cook. Your post-vacation self will thank you for your foresight.

Once you have the basics planned and booked, it's time to dive into the details. Make an itinerary for your trip to make sure you do and see everything you're interested in as well as help guide your budget. Don't forget to include meals and transportation in your plan!

If you tend to overstuff your bags, consider some strategic packing tips . Plan multiple outfits that leverage a few single statement pieces of clothing rather than just packing random clothing items that might not go together. You can also wear one of your bulkier items on the plane to save precious space in your luggage. And when you're done debating your wardrobe choices, don't forget the essentials like your phone charger and emergency cash.

Travel is all about savoring the moment. With a little prep work on the front end, you can ensure your trip is smooth sailing. Use these travel preparation tips to have your best vacation yet.