A successful vacation usually begins with careful organization. Creating a packing list should be one of the first tasks on your agenda. Start with the following items and make changes based on your individual needs. Keep a copy of the list and use it each time you travel.
1. Important documents
Important documents include passport, driver’s license, ID, visas, and anything else you may need for customs and entry/exit requirements. Make photocopies of everything. Be sure to take photocopies with you while visiting tourist attractions; leave the originals in a hotel safe or other secure location.
2. Travel insurance information
Be sure to take your travel insurance card with you, as well as a photocopy of your policy. Read the fine print before you go so you know what your policy covers and excludes.
3. Prescriptions and Doctor’s Notes
Visit your doctor and request signed prescriptions for all medications. Do the same with your optometrist if you wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have an ongoing medical problem, ask for a doctor’s note explaining the condition.
4. List of emergency numbers
Prepare a list of emergency numbers for all stops and destinations. This should include hospitals, medical clinics, police, fire, poison control, or anything else you think is important.
5. Information for Tours and Purchases
Gather brochures, Internet printouts, guide books, maps, tourist information packets, etc. Keep them together. If you can’t find or buy maps ahead of time, make them a top priority as soon as you arrive at your destination.
6. Reliable pen
A good pen will come in handy for signing credit card receipts, completing customs declarations, or just doodling if you get bored.
7. First aid supplies
Check a local department store or pharmacy for a small first aid kit. It will help you deal with common problems like sunburn, insect bites, indigestion, diarrhea, small cuts, scrapes, etc. Add whatever is appropriate for your needs, such as an auto-injector for severe allergies or zinc sunscreen if you burn easily in the sun.
8. Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer
You can use antibacterial wipes to clean your skin, remove things like ketchup from clothing, and disinfect dirty eating surfaces. Hand sanitizer is a gel that you can use anywhere without rinsing afterwards. Be sure to bring a size that meets carrying guidelines: 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.
9. Electrical adapters, converters and transformers
If you’re headed to a foreign country, you may find out too late that you won’t be able to charge your camera batteries or use your hair dryer. A converter/transformer combo kit will solve the problem.
10. Recreation
Be sure to include everything you need to keep you and your family entertained on long trips: handheld games, MP3 players, magazines, crossword puzzles, smartphones loaded with e-books, etc. Airline headsets are often cheap and of poor quality, so pack some decent headsets as well. The noise canceling variety is the best.
11. Digital camera with extra batteries and memory cards
If you own an expensive digital camera, leave it at home and replace it with an inexpensive model. Extra battery and memory cards. If a thief steals his camera, it won’t cost as much to replace it.
12. LED Display Alarm Clock
Waking up during the night to see a familiar clock is a homey touch that can make you feel more comfortable. Hotels sometimes permanently place alarm clocks on a nightstand or dresser that is inconvenient or out of sight when you wake up on your favorite side of the bed. A small clock that stays in your suitcase between trips solves the problem and gives you the security of a wake-up service in accommodations that do not provide it.
13. Appropriate clothing for the temperature and climate
Pack clothes that will protect you in any situation you may encounter: blazing sun, wind, rain, snow… Remember, even in the tropics, the wind can be cold.
Keep this packing list up to date and you’ll never forget your prescriptions or passport again!