Stop buying fresh items at the grocery store, such as milk, eggs, fruit and other perishables.  You’ll just have to throw them out before you leave or when you return.

Get your suitcases and start packing, a little at a time.

Mark your luggage with identification on both the inside and outside.

Begin adjusting sleeping and eating habits to those of your destination.  This will help alleviate jetlag.

Make two or three lists of your credit card numbers and the serial numbers of the travelers checks that you bought.

Make a few copies of your passport.  Leave one at home, give one to a friend or relative and keep another with you in case you lose the original.  Don't keep the copy on your person.  Stash it in your suitcase or give it to your traveling companion.

Notify your local police or security company to consider any alarm as real and urgent !   Leave them the names of those people responsible for watching your house while you are gone.

Check any medications and prescriptions that might need re-filled.  Bring a list of all of your drug’s generic names.  Remember, brand names differ in other areas or countries.

Don't forget to pick up all items from the dry cleaners, especially anything you want to take on the trip !