Travelers' Checklist
One year ahead
-
Start research, using websites, guidebooks, travel agents.
-
Create a budget. Figure out, realistically, what you'll need per day for room, food, sightseeing, entertainment.
-
Start saving furiously. Open a savings account just for your vacation.
-
Consult a calendar of events to see whether there are places you want to be — or avoid — on your trip.
-
If you're going abroad, consider taking a foreign language course.
-
Six months ahead
-
Check your passport if you are traveling outside the U.S. Make sure it is still valid. (Some countries require a passport that's valid for at least six months from dates of travel.) Apply for a new one or renew it, if necessary.
-
Buy hiking or walking shoes, so you have enough time to break them in.
-
Do you need shots? Check with a doctor or a travel medicine specialist early, because some vaccines require several shots over a period of several months.
| PRE-DEPARTURE | |
| Passport | |
| Visa | |
| Health Documentation | |
| Transportation Tickets | |
| Emergency Information | |
| Insurance | |
| Hotel Reservations | |
| Traveler's Checks | |
| Currency | |
| Credit Cards | |
| Guide Books and Maps | |
| Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance | |
| Personal Identification | |
| Photocopies of Documentation | |
| Special Event Reservations (art, popular festivals, sporting events) | |
| BASICS | |
| Luggage/Travel Pack | |
| Travel Clothing | |
| Rain Protection | |
| Travel Footwear | |
| Visor or Brimmed Hat | |
| Camera, Film | |
| Video Camera, Tapes | |
| Radiation Shield for Film | |
| Water Bottle | |
| Language Books | |
| Reading Materials | |
| Address Book | |
| Travel Journal | |
| Scarf/Bandanna | |
| Games/Playing Cards | |
| Binoculars | |
| Travel Lock | |
| Luggage I.D. Tags | |
| MAINTENANCE ITEMS | |
| Flashlight Batteries/Bulb | |
| Matches or Lighter | |
| Camera Batteries | |
| Mini Sewing/Repair Kit | |
| Duct Tape | |
| Portable Lightweight Travel Iron or Steamer | |
| Travel Clothesline & Clothespins | |
| Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks | |
| Mesh Bag for Dirty Laundry | |
| Zipclose Plastic Bags | |
| MEDICATION | |
| *Please consult your local health center or personal physician for help in planning your trip's medication needs. | |
| Aspirin/Pain Reliever | |
| Cold Medicine | |
| Contact Lens Preparation | |
| Diarrhea Medicine | |
| Laxative | |
| Insect Repellent | |
| Sunscreen | |
| Sunburn Relief | |
| Antibiotic Cream | |
| Malaria Pills | |
| Motion Sickness Medicine | |
| Personal Hygiene Items | |
| Personal Prescription | |
| Water Purification System | |
| Vitamins | |
| TOILETRIES | |
| Comb/Brush | |
| Toothbrush/Paste | |
| Dental Floss | |
| Deodorant | |
| Soap: Personal and Laundry | |
| Skin Care Lotions/Creams | |
| Make Up | |
| Mirror | |
| Manicure Articles | |
| Shampoo | |
| Sunscreen/Lip Balm | |
| Towelettes | |
| Shaving Cream | |
| Blow Dryer | |
| Towel/Washcloth | |
| Nalgene® Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap) | |
| HOME CHECKLIST | |
| Stop deliveries | |
| Have Post Office hold mail | |
| Arrange for care of pets, lawn and house plants | |
| Set-up a timed lighting system | |
| Check timed night lighting system | |
| Notify local police of your absence | |
| Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor | |
| Empty refrigerator | |
| Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.) | |
| Turn down thermostat | |
| Turn off water heater | |
| Store valuables in a safe place | |
| Lock all doors and windows | |
10 ESSENTIALS
* Everyday Bag: In transit it will hold all of the valuables you want to keep close: tickets, mini-camera and reading material.
* First-Aid Kit: A compact travel health kit is a must for every traveler.
* Passport/Money Carrier: It is absolutely essential to keep your passport and money secure.
* Travel Watch or Alarm: It should be quartz or battery operated, lightweight, water resistant, shock resistant and reliable.
* Pocket Knife: Travelers might find the following features handy: A basic blade, can and bottle opener, scissors, tweezers and corkscrew.
* Electrical Converter/Adapter: This allows you to use your personal appliances abroad.
* Flashlight/Head Lamp: Light a hallway, read in a train compartment, or study a map under the stars.
* Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation, especially if you are traveling at higher altitudes.
* Travel Organizer: The ultimate in convenience for carrying identification, tickets, trip itineraries, receipts and addresses.
* A Positive Attitude: Travel sometimes means expecting the unexpected: delays, detours, unfamiliar surroundings, strange languages and funny money. So, remember always to take along a big smile.