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Pre-Departure Checklist


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…

  • 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…
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • 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
    		•

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    Popularity: 11% [?]