You must have found cheap flights to Europe or within the US, booked a wonderful hotel room, rented a car. Now you need to think about what to bring with you. Whether you are headed just for a short trip by car, flying to a different state, or traveling oversees, this packing list will help pack all the essentials you might need and not to forget things.
Here is your travel check list.
Print it out, Pack it in, and Check it off the list!
PREPARATION
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Book a hotel room
Reserve a crib or extra bed if traveling with children (usually at no extra cost)
Reserve flight and purchase airline tickets; make sure to have seat numbers in advance
Make a train or bus reservation
Arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel if flying (rent a car or book a transfer)
Rent a car or prepare own vehicle for traveling
Check for visa and passport requirement if traveling outside the US
Research activities, tours, and events; depending on destination, it can cheaper to buy tickets before you go or at your destination
Check on electricity, voltage, and outlet/plug types, if traveling outside the US. Pack adapters if needed Find out telephone service and dialing codes to your country
Research vaccination requirements, if traveling abroad
Also...
Pay all the bills that might be due while you are gone
DO NOT stop mail or newspaper delivery, but rather ask a trusted person to pick it up every couple days. Intruders are more attracted by vacant houses.
Inform family members or friends that you trust about your trip
Leave and hide a key outside the house
TIP:
If you plan to rent a car, do that in advance, not at your destination, you will save lots of money.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Reconfirm flights with the airline 24-48 hours before you leave
Reconfirm hotel reservation
Print out and take with you all reservations you made and have confirmation numbers
Exchange currency before you leave or at the airport (the rates are usually better at the local banks, not airport)
HOME PREPARATION
If you have pets, arrange for a pet sitter or book a pet hotel
Secure the home: close and lock windows & doors
Shut off water (if not freezing)
Adjust the temperature inside the home (turn down or turn off thermostat)
Turn off the lights
Remove valuables from the yard
Take out trash
Unplug small kitchen and other appliances
Water plants
Empty refrigerator
~~~~~ TRAVEL PACKING CHECKLIST ~~~~~
BEFORE PACKING
Check with airlines on luggage weight limit and measurements for carry on and checked luggage
Pack luggage so you can carry it
TRAVEL NECESSITIES
Airline tickets (if paper tickets) & itineraries
Hotel reservation confirmation
Car rental confirmation
Bus or train tickets
Tour, entertainment, or other events confirmation or tickets
Passport, green card, personal ID (driver's license)
Birth certificate, if necessary
Marriage certificate, if necessary
Visa
Copies of passports and other documents
Road map/ directions
Destination guide book
Travel insurance/ Medical insurance
Credit/ check cards
Wallet
Cash/ travelers checks
Student ID
OTHER TRAVEL ITEMS
Pleasure reading
Food/ snacks
Water bottle
Travel pillow
Sleeping mask
Ear plugs
Chewing gum
Plastic bags
Safety pins
Appropriate luggage
Luggage locks / keys
Headphones
Address book / important contacts
Calling card
Business cards
Journal
Day planner
Phrasebook / dictionary
Playing cards/ games
Sewing kit
PERSONAL ITEMS
TOILETRIES
Tooth brush
Tooth paste (3 oz if carry on)
Dental floss
Mouthwash
Deodorant (3 oz if carry on)
Shampoo (3 oz if carry on)
Conditioner (3 oz if carry on)
Shower gel (3 oz if carry on)
Hair brush or comb
Hair gel/mousse (3 oz if carry on)
Hair spray (3 oz if carry on)
Soap Sunscreen (3 oz if carry on)
Body cream/ lotion (3 oz if carry on)
Lip balm
Shaver/ razor
Shaving cream (3 oz if carry on)
Aftershave (3 oz if carry on)
Washcloth
Perfume/ cologne
Make up / make up remover (3 oz if carry on)
Mirror
Scissors
Tweezers
Nail clipper
HEALTH / MEDICATION
Prescription medication
First aid kit
Aspirin, Tylenol / pain reliever
Cold/ sinus medication
Laxative
Diarrhea medication
Insect repellent
Motion sickness medicine
Antibiotic ointment
Hand wipes/ tissues
Band aids
Sleeping aid
Vitamins
Contact lenses / cleaners
Eye care
Thermometer
Cotton Balls/ swabs
Feminine hygiene
Birth control
BASIC CLOTHES
Sleepwear
Underwear
Socks/ hosiery
Bras
Undershirt
Robe
OUTERWEAR
Pants/ jeans
Skirts
Shirts
Sweaters
T-shirts
Tank tops
Sweatshirts
Sportswear
Shorts
Swimsuits
Jackets
Coat
Raincoat
Dress clothes (dresses, suits, slacks, shirts)
Tie/ scarf
Hat
Gloves
FOOTWEAR
Sandals
Dress shoes
Leisure shoes/ flip flops
Athletic shoes
Slippers
ACCESSORIES
Belt
Wrist watch
Jewelry
Hair accessories
Glasses (reading, sunglasses)
Glass case
Umbrella
ELECTRONICS / TECHNOLOGY
Voltage adapter / converter
Hair accessories (dryer, iron, rollers)
Laptop computer / charger/ cords
Cell phone/ charger
Music player/ iPod
DVD player / DVDs
Camera / batteries / memory card Video recorder / batteries / memory card
PDA / charger
Alarm clock
Batteries
Small flashlight
Binoculars
Calculator
WORK ITEMS
Office supplies
Work documents / reading
Work contacts
Notepad
AUTOMOBILE PREPARATION
Check tire pressure (including spare tire)
Check oil
Check windshield fuel
Check fuel
Check battery
Clean & wash
Emergency road kit
Extra set of keys