This is the travel checklist that Ed and I use to plan what we’ll pack to bring on trips and so we don’t forget to lock the doors! Feel free to print out a copy for your own use. Missing something? We’ve linked to various online merchants that offer the best deals on travel gear, apparel and accessories.
Before You Leave… |
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| Passport and Visas | Don’t know what you need? Skyteam provides a visa search engine and database that is managed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). |
| Personal I.D. | Driver’s licence, birth certificate, marriage certificate. |
| Immunizations and Records | DO get a medical consultation to determine what (if any) protection you may need. Don’t forget to pack your immunization records when you travel. |
| Emergency Card | Make a list of your emergency contact numbers, as well as copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry at least one copy in a separate place to the originals (give it to your travel partner) and leave a copy with a responsible person at home. |
| Official Documents | Make photocopies of all official documents (see Emergency Card above). |
| Airline Tickets | We use Expedia. |
| Hotel Reservations | Again, we use Expedia. |
| Rental Car | Reserve well in advance. Read our car rental time and money-saving tips. |
| Insurance | Consider Trip cancellation and Medical Insurance. Get a free travel insurance quote from Travel Guard. |
| Money | Traveler’s Checks, Credit Cards & Relevant Currency. Remember to take your air miles and hotel rewards cards. |
| Guide Books | Destination guides and maps for handy reference on the road. |
Pack it up… |
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| Luggage | Make sure your bags have locks and ID tags. Get luggage and accessories as well as coupons and price drops. |
| Clothing | |
| Accessories | Take your watch, but keep the jewelry to a minumum! |
| Footwear | Hiking or running? Shoes, boots or sandals? Find shoes as well as the latest coupons and price drops. |
| Rain Gear | Should you take a Raincoat or a Mini-pocket umbrella |
| Headgear | Take a hat, visor or how about some ear muff headphones?. Think warmth and sun protection. |
| Scarf or Shawl | I especially like to pack a silk pashmina to wear during flights. |
| Water Bottle | Make sure it is empty as you go through security.Always have safe clean water for that bottle |
| Eyewear | Prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses. Need specialized eyewear for golf or swimming? |
| Special Items | Don’t forget your travel pillow. |
For Your Health |
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| Prescriptions | |
| Vitamins | |
| Pain relief medication | |
| Cold medications | |
| Allergy medications | |
| Contact Lens solution | |
| Diarrhea medicine | Travel smart we trust Dukoral |
| Laxative | |
| Insect repellant | |
| Sunscreen | |
| Lip balm | |
| Sunburn Relief | |
| Antibiotic cream | |
| Malaria pills | |
| Motion sickness medicine | |
| Water Purifier | Get clean water anywhere using a water purification device. |
| First Aid Kit | A First Aid Kit is a travel essential. |
Personal Hygiene Items |
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| Brush and comb | |
| Blow Dryer | |
| Dental | Toothbrush, paste & dental floss… teeth? |
| Deodorant | |
| Soap | Take both personal and laundry soap |
| Shampoo | |
| Shaving Cream | |
| Moisturizers | |
| Cosmetics | |
| Hand mirror | |
| Towel | For the beach and towellette for quick cleanups. |
Recording and Communications… |
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| Camera and film | |
| Laptop | Ros’s laptop was broken at the security checkin. She now use a padded sleeve to protect it. |
| Video camera | Don’t forget the tapes and/or disks for your camcorder |
| Batteries | Make a list of electronic equipment |
| Binoculars | Get that close up view |
| Radiation Shield | Still using a film camera. Try using a digital camera. |
| Address and Phone List | |
| Journal and Pen | |
| Cell phone | Roaming charges when traveling can be costly. Learn how to save. |
Good to Have… |
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| Reading Materials | Bring books and magazines. Paperbacks that can be left with other travellers are best. |
| Language Books | Consider using an electronic translator. |
| Flashlight | We use those ‘shaker’ no-battery flashlights. |
| Waterproof Matches | |
| Sewing Kit | |
| Travel Iron | For those ‘pressing’ times, a steamer works even better. |
| Travel clothesline | Doing laundry is never fun. A clothesline sure helps |
| Sink Stopper | Not all hotels supply them. |
| Laundry Bag | |
| Baggies | Small plastic bags with ziplock closures |
| Bottles | Bring an array of small bottles for liquid soaps and shampoos. Learn more about the TSA Regulations. |
| Games | Solitaire, Scrabble anyone? |
To Do at Home… |
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| Arrange for petsitter and/or housesitter | |
| Put a hold on your mail | |
| Stop deliveries | |
| Set up lights on timers | |
| Notify credit card companies of your plans | |
| Leave itinerary and key with a friend or neighbor | |
| Empty refrigerator | |
| Unplug appliances to prevent fires | |
| Turn down or program thermostat | |
| Turn off hot water heater | |
| Lock up valuables | |
| Lock doors and windows | |
