Travel Checklist

Travel Checklist

Gather information about where you are going (your Travel Agent may be able to supply much of this) 

• Maps
• Learn about places to see and things to do
• US Government State Department Advisories
• Talk to others who have been there for good places and good tips
• Get tickets and reservations (using a Travel Agent will save you hours of research) 
• Renew passport or obtain passport if needed  
• Hint: Make 4 copies of picture page – take two copies with you in separate locations and give one to Travel Agent for safe keeping and store one at home.  
• Obtain necessary Visas 
• Get travel insurance to protect your costs and protect you if you need medical care (accidents do happen and flights do cancel). 
• Arrange for your shots if your destination warrants it
• Arrange for pet care or boarding
• Arrange to have the lawn cut/watered/walks shoveled
• Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on things and to pick up any drop off, leaflets, etc. left at your door. Leaving a key with that trusted neighbor is also a good idea.
• Be sure that you will have enough (plus some) prescription medicine. Order if required
• Carry prescriptions meds in original containers showing your name and the Doctor’s name.
• Planning to rent a car? Check your auto insurance to see if you're fully covered where you're going. Some credit cards also provide some rental car protection. You may not need that expensive supplemental insurance offered by the rental company (varies by country and type of car rented)

Buy extras you might need

• Sun Screen
• Insect Repellant- DEET works if your skin tolerates it.
• Anti-nausea pills (talk with your doctor if you need these)
• European power converter – not just a plug converter.
• A small 4-outlet plug strip is handy - there are never enough outlets for all today’s electronics.
• Camera batteries/charger/Extra Memory Cards

Things to Do When You Are Almost Ready to Leave

• Stop the mail
• Stop the newspaper
• Get money exchanged
• Pay upcoming bills that can’t wait
• Remove non-essentials from wallet or purse. (Sadly while you take a holiday, crime does not.)
• Record phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen credit cards or debit cards and put them in a location other than your purse or wallet (give a copy to your Travel Agent for safekeeping) A photocopy of both sides of the card works well for this.
• Record emergency phone numbers to leave with neighbors, relatives, or pet boarding facilities

Packing

• Hint: Lay out everything you want to take… then put about 1/3 back. Everyone over-packs.
• Think layers. Even in the tropics you may need a sweater or light jacket.
• Dress appropriately, but no one cares if you are a fashionista!
• With today’s airline bag charges it is much less expensive to do a load of laundry than take along an extra bag of clothing.
• Most hotels and cruises provide bathroom amenities such as shampoo, soap and lotion; save space and weight by not taking your own.
• Put your name and cell number or Travel Agent phone number in luggage. Don’t put the address/phone of your vacant home.

Don’t Forget to Bring:

• Tickets
• Passport
• Reservation Confirmations
• Prescription medicine
• Contact lenses, lens case, and extra solutions
• Extra eyeglasses or lens prescription
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella or rain wear
• Camera

*Note: If leaving the country, proof of purchase of expensive camera equipment or other electronics can avoid customs problems. If you don’t have purchase receipts, a photo of all the equipment taken in your home may also suffice. Same for expensive jewelry (but, why take it?)

• Hint: Bring a bag for dirty clothes
• Hint: If you plan to bring back souvenirs leave some room in your luggage or pack a collapsible bag to fill for your return trip.

As You are Leaving:

• Close and lock all windows/doors. Close draperies
• Put one or two lights on timers to make it appear someone is home.
• Unplug small appliances
• Turn off water to washing machine (especially if your hoses are old!)
• Adjust your A/C or heat. Adjust temp to avoid freezing pipes.

Hint: Consider using your credit card when away from home. If a credit card is stolen, you can report it and stop additional charges. If your debit card is stolen, stopping additional charges can freeze your access to cash. A credit card may also provide purchase protection – a debit card does not.

Breathe a sigh of relief; it’s all done and you are on your way. Have a great vacation!