Everyone has things they completely space off doing before they travel. Whether it’s the trash you forgot to leave by the curb, that present you meant to bring you friend for driving you to the airport, or the proverbial example of the oven left at 325, there’s always a box you somehow managed to leave unchecked before hitting the road. Before you make your next trip into the wild unknown, at least check off these five items before you leave.

Update Your Passport

This actually can be said for all forms of identification. Passports often cannot expire within 6 months of your dates of travel (depending on the country) and it’s never a good thing if your driver’s license is nearing its end either. I realize a trip down to the DMV is a nightmare for some people, but it’s far better than being pulled over out of state and having an expired license. Also, remember that your passport may take several weeks to process so start the application as soon as possible. Of course, as an added incentive to update these, in most states, retailers and restaurants cannot take your expired ID for the purchase of alcohol. So be smart and don’t risk it. Drinking fruity rum out of a coconut is your beach-given right if you’re responsible.

Check Your Medications

This may not apply to everyone, but medicine is a real necessity for many people and one of the worst things is to run out of something so essentially and potentially irreplaceable.

You can’t guarantee a refill will be honored, even if your pharmacy exists in your travel location. It’s better to play it safe than sorry here. Even better- use a potential big trip to check back in with your doctor about your medications (and maybe even your optometrist, getting adjusted to new glasses is far better well before a trip you’ve been planning for a year).

Get Cash

To many, this seems like a complete no-brainer. But, to be honest with you, I’ve forgotten this a few times and it’s cost me pretty dearly in ATM fees. Having a little pocket money stashed away is always a nice emergency fallback, and it’s exceedingly useful for things like toll roads (perhaps that you weren’t expecting, dang Creek Turnpike), parking meters, or for tips at the local coffee shop.

Keep in mind a lot of places don’t accept bills larger than a twenty, though, and quarters, along with small bills, come in handy frequently.

Check Your Insurance Cards

Much like IDs, these expire. Unfortunately, they usually expire in a much shorter time period. The nice thing is, you can usually just print off new insurance cards if your replacements haven’t come in the mail but having your updated insurance information is essential. Keep a copy in your suitcase, too. That’ll come in handy if you lose the originals or are in a situation where you can’t get to them. It’s also a way for your suitcase to find its way back to you should the two of you become separated.

Check Your Tires

Having enough air in your tires can save you gas, your vehicle strain, and a potential headache down the line. It’s a simple maintenance check anyone can do at most gas stations for free or very little money.

The same goes for oil. Most people remember to fill up their tank before they hit the road, but these two little things can be real lifesavers if you add them to your night-before routine.