Be sure you take care of some things that will help make both your trip less stressful and your arrival home smoother:
reservations - tripadvisor.com for ideas and recommendations, kayak.com for reservations, VRBO for home stays
watch movie and/or read book about/set in destination
brush up on the language - Duolingo
put reservation and activity details in kayak.com 'My Trips'
printout of ATMs and internet cafes
print reservation info, prep journal
set up/configure travel blog
arrange for pet sitter
prep pet - food, litter, nails trimmed
fill containers (<1000ml) with liquids: shampoo, conditioner, face scrub, witch hazel, toner, face creme, hand lotion
test pack 1 quart plastic bag with liquids (carry on)
get taxi fare in local currency
check that cell phone has international access
call credit cards, tell about travels
stop mail
cancel standing volunteer commitments
cancel CSA and other subscriptions
get nails, eyebrows done
clean off photo memory cards
charge electronics
back up computer
stash valuables at home
yardwork
water plants
fill birdfeeders
clean house, change sheets