Travel Check List – Before You Leave

• Enroll in frequent flyer/discount programs & check membership benefits. Many of your current credit cards/memberships/clubs offer discounts when traveling.
• Request in-flight meals for special dietary needs, and seating assignments
• Check auto insurance/credit card policy to make sure coverage on rental cars
• Check medical insurance policy for coverage of out-of-town needs
• Decide whether to buy travel/rental car insurance. These may be cheaper if pre-purchased online
• Request smoking/non-smoking accommodations/or extra beds in hotels.
• Purchase or arrange to borrow guidebooks/phrasebooks for destinations
• Ensure passport or visa is current
• Have the car serviced beforehand if you are driving

Also available for download:  Tools For Better Travel – Trip Planning Checklist, Everything You Need For a Great Trip

TRAVEL CHECKLIST – PRE-TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

• Arrange for a pet sitter, watering plants, mail or packages pick up etc.
• Leave emergency contact info and itinerary with relative or friend
• Get appropriate inoculations for the destination. Some countries will not let you enter without proof.
• Notify credit card companies when and where traveling, and verify credit limits, cash access, service fees etc.  They may deactivate your card in mid-trip for making purchases outside of where you normally shop.
• Purchase local currency.  You may be able to lock in a lower rate at your local bank.
• Pay bills or prepay items that may come due during your trip.
• Put a hold on mail, newspapers, etc, notify trustworthy neighbors you will be away. Stacked up mail/papers are a sign for thieves that says, come on in, we’re away and won’t be back soon.
• Arrange transportation to and from airport. Hiring a service may cost less than the parking fees at airports.
• Make two copies of your travel itinerary, passport, credit cards, driver’s license, and give one to trusted friend, one in carry-on. If you lose these you can have the information on hand, and it may even get you through immigration.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST – PACKING

Checked-on luggage

• Shoes, (hiking, dress, casual, slippers etc)
• Swimsuits (swimsuits make great overnight wear as well.)
• At least one pair of light clothing that will dry fast. These cloths dry fast and you can hand wash them and have regular clean cloths if necessary
• At least one pair of dress clothes. Many fine restaurants, theaters etc. will not allow casual wear).
• One good lightweight jacket.  Layering clothes when it’s cold can save you from lugging around a heavy jacket.
• Toiletry.  Hotel’s usually give soap, shampoo, towels, irons, blow-dryers etc (some you have to ask for).
• Leave extra space in your suitcase for purchases.
• Only bring clothes you know you will wear. Remember many clothes take up room, are heavy, and often unnecessary.

Carry-on luggage

• Passport/ID, All travel tickets, confirmation codes/phone #’s, credit/debit cards, membership cards, directions to the hotel, local currency, insurance cards etc.
• Bring a light change of clothes.  Your luggage may not make it with you, or arrive late.
• Electronic equipment and chargers. A cell phone often can replace all other items.
• Things to keep you occupied (magazines, books, hand games etc.)
• Extra copy of your travel itinerary, passport etc.
• Money/passport/credit card belt.  If you wear it under your clothes you most likely will not lose it, or have it stolen.
• Prescription medicine, aspirin, upset stomach medicine.  Some doctors recommend taking a standard anti-biotic with you, especially to third world countries.
• Travel plugs/adapters if leaving the country
• Extra pair of glasses, sunglasses, contacts etc.
• Snacks and bottled water.  These can save you from paying $5.00 for water at the airport.

TRAVEL CHECKLIST – LEAVING DAY

• Set alarm, timers for house lights, watering etc.
• Empty trash, water plants, check the fridge for possible perishables.
• Call emergency contact or person taking care of things.
• Update websites, social networks, blogs that you manage.
• Lock all windows, doors, and turn down/off thermostat, computer & appliances.
• Check flight/train websites for possible last-minute changes.

Making Your Trip Successful – A Travel Check List is a great place to start, but check out our other travel tips on our Travel and Recreation Section.