HERE'S THE SCOOP ON SMART TRAVEL.
Pre-Departure Checklist | Packing List | 10 Travel Essentials | TSA Travel Tips | Helpful Links
BEFORE YOU GO
- Read the Travel Advisory for your destination(s)
- Consult your health provider for travel medicine/immunization information 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
- Notify banks and credit card issuers of your itinerary to avoid security interruption
- Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbor
- Empty refrigerator
- Empty trash, flush toilets, run all faucets and run disposal
- Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.)
- Turn down heat/air conditioning (NOTE: Be sure to keep home at safe temperature for pets, plants and plumbing!)
- Store valuables in a safe place
- Lock all doors and windows
DON'T FORGET
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)
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
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
Prescription Medications
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
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)
10 TRAVEL 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.
HELPFUL TRAVEL LINKS