If you’re going on a trip this summer, you probably have a travel checklist: pack sunscreen, arrange pet care, set up an out-of-office reply, maybe ask a neighbor to grab your mail. But there's one item that belongs on every traveler's checklist, especially if you're headed somewhere far from home: Make sure your estate plan is in order.

It's not about expecting the worst. It's about traveling with peace of mind, knowing that if anything unexpected happened, your family wouldn't be left scrambling. Think of it as travel insurance for your entire life, not just your luggage.

Why estate planning matters before you travel

Travel is unpredictable. Flights get delayed, plans change, and sometimes emergencies happen far from home. An estate plan ensures that no matter where you are:
  • Someone you trust can make medical decisions if you're unable to
  • Someone you trust can access accounts and handle financial matters
  • Your children or pets have a designated caregiver
  • Your wishes are documented and legally enforceable
The 4 documents every traveler should have

1. Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designates someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're incapacitated. Without it, doctors may not be able to consult your family.

2. Financial Power of Attorney
Allows someone you trust to handle financial matters (paying bills, accessing accounts) if you're unavailable.

3. A Will
A will documents who should receive your belongings, who should care for your children or pets, and who should carry out your wishes.

4. A Trust (if applicable)
If you have property, significant assets, or want to avoid probate for your family, a Trust 
provides additional protection.

Having these documents is only the first step. Make sure your designated agents know where to find important documents and can access them while you're away. Keep copies stored online so you can pull them up if needed while traveling.

Traveling with kids? This is especially important.

Whether your kids are coming along or staying behind, having a plan in place matters.
  • Who would care for your children if something happened to both parents during a trip?
  • Is that person named in a legal document, or just "understood"?
  • Would your family know what to do, or would they face confusion and delays?
Naming a guardian in your estate plan removes uncertainty and protects your children from legal limbo.

Traveling with pets at home?

If your pet is staying behind with a sitter or family member, your estate plan can also address:
  • Who should become their permanent guardian if you don't return
  • Funds set aside for their ongoing care
  • Specific instructions about their needs and routines

Here’s a quick pre-trip estate planning checklist

  • Do I have a healthcare power of attorney? If so, is it accessible?
  • Do I have a financial power of attorney? Is my Will up to date?
  • If I have children, is a guardian named?
  • If I have pets, is a caretaker designated?
  • Does someone I trust know where to find these documents?

Not sure which plan is right for you?

Our estate planning service starts with a quick quiz to help you figure out what's best for you.

Get started in 4 easy steps 

1. Log into SDCCU’s Internet Branch online banking and navigate to the estate planning 
2.    Take a short 2-3 minute quiz to help you pick the plan that best fits your needs 
3.    Complete a guided, self-paced questionnaire 
4.    Your personalized Estate Plan will be ready in 10 business days, then all you need to do is sign and notarize the documents at your convenience 

The best part? 
As a SDCCU member, you have access to unlimited support to help you every step of your estate planning journey.

Visit our Financial Knowledge Blog to learn more tips on setting up a solid financial future or join us for Financial Wellness Wednesdays.