I'm usually packed about 3 days before departure, so the day before all I do is make sure everything on my list checks out. I have my suitcase on the floor by my bed with the packing list next to it (items all checked off), and just to be absolutely sure I go through the list one more time and double-check-off each item.

I also try to go for a long powerwalk the afternoon or evening before I leave so as to burn off some energy and get myself ready for all the walking I'll do.

Once that's done I retire early if possible and try to zone myself into Europe time so that I'm up really early the day of my departure and ready to go when I get there.

That said, I'm not above doing a last-minute check once I get in the car to go to the airport - keys, passport, credit cards, ATM card, ticket, etc. You can never check enough times to make sure you have all the essentials.

Once I'm at the airport, I figure it's all in fate's hands and I don't fret anymore.

I usually run around thinking I have all these things to do, but in fact they were done days ago, so I begin to panic thinking that i have forgotten something...
But that day before I have to take my bird to the birdsitter, so usually I am excited about the trip but stressed out about transporting the bird...Once my bird is dropped off safely and I am on that plane, I know I am on holidays..

Tracy, all of us who have beloved pets are the same way.
KCW, surprise him or her on the plane with a bottle of good champagne, sneak up to the serving station and have them chill it if possible.

I used to travel for business and racked up over a million FF miles.

You would think I'd learn to plan ahead, but I never did - always waited until the night before leaving or even the morning of departure to pack. Stressful? Yeah, big time!

To prevent ulcers and a divorce, I now try to finish packing 24 hours prior to departure. I also use a checklist and don't wait until the last minute to withdraw some cash for the trip. Still, we all worry to some extent and
we are never "totally" ready to leave.

I leave tomorrow for Europe, and if today is any indication, I have to work like a madwoman at my job to get all of the loose ends tied up! But the day will fly by, I don't worry at all, and once I leave work I'll get that rush this evening of "I'll be in Venice on Sunday!"

Then when I get home, I've got lists, and lists of lists, with most of the items checked off and in my bag already, with just the last bit of laundry to finish up.

So after that's done I'll tackle watering the plants. Believe it or not, this will take another hour (I've got a lot!), then after that...voila! It's time to crack open a beer, play Yahtzee with my son, and go over which CDs I want to take with me...