Travel Check List

You only have socks and shoes, lol! You'd better get busy packing

Don't forget...

Passport
Identification
Cash

ummm...lol!! shirts, pants, shorts, undies, swimwear...

anti-perspirant

My bare minimum is tickets, money, passport, the clothes on my back and a change of underwear.

Unless you're going to the boonies, anything else can bought onsite.

ATM card
Credit card with pin number(as a back up money source)
We take a Cosco calling card for calls home from overseas. Note the additional number on the packaging when calling from certain countries.
About $50 worth of currency of the country to which I am traveling in case an ATM machine is not handy right away.
Confirming paperwork of hotels, flights, tours, etc. Toll free phone numbers of the airlines I am using in case of some snafu.
Dental floss
A few pens for the backpack with little note pad for notes.
I always pack a new nightgown

Number to call if CC is stolen or lost.
Copy of Passport info page
Stop newspaper
Copy of itinerary to neighbor/friends with hotel phone numbers
sunglasses
medication
band-aides
zip-lock bags
duct tape (mends everything)

passport
money/ATM/credit card
plane ticket or confirmation no.
prescription meds
prescriptions glasses and sunglasses

everything else you could manage without or buy after you arrive

Never leave home without:

A sense of humour

A spirit of adventure

Willingness to go to Plan B (or C...)

corkscrew - not in your carry-on bag though!

Paper back for the plane.

Actually, you can carry a corkscrew in your carryon; I've done so for at least 2 trips now. (it can't have the knife/blade on it, just the screw part).

I offer my detailed pre-trip and packing list at the risk of exposing the depth of my AR:

PREPARATION LIST
--------------------------------------------
Make airline reservations (freq.fly #'s)
Make hotel reservations
Purchase travel / med evacuation insurance
Complete trip planning / itinerary details
Purchase train tickets or passes
Notify credit card cust. svc. of upcoming foreign use
Arrange for pet care
Reconfirm flight and hotel reservations
HOLD mail and newspaper delivery
Buy film and disposable cameras, spare compact-flash card(s)
Change camera batteries
Extra batteries: cell phone, cameras
For pet-sitter:
Prepare "Important Information" before traveling:
Passport documents (birth cert., passprt applic.)
Copy passport pages; extra passport photos, leave uncut
Itinerary - Hotel names, ph#, dates
Copy of airline tickets, train tickets, car rental
List of credit cards & hotline #
Phone number list (family, emergency, etc)
International calling tips
Consular Info Sheet (ph. #s)
Overseas Citizens Services (OCS) of State Dept.
- call in event of crisis (202) 647-5225

PACKING LIST
---------------------------------------------
<>Travel items:
Passports
Airline tickets / train tickets
Hotel confirmation
Cash/Euro / Credit / ATM cards (know PIN #s)
AARP / AAA member cards / US Drivers Lic.
Journal, maps, brochures, guidebooks
Important information (see list above)
Health insurance cards, blank medical claim forms
Cameras
Cell phone

<>For the plane trip:
No-Jet-Lag, Tylenol PM or Simply Sleep
Eye shades, earplugs, travel pillow
Put film in baggie, then lead bag
Book, magazines

<>Miscellaneous items:
Day-bag, tote or backpack
Disinfectant hand wipes
Water bottle, gum, snacks
Sunglasses, reading glasses
Swiss knife / baggies
Rain poncho (also to sit on)
Mini-binoculars, flashlight
Wine kit (corkscrew, pump/stopper, glasses)
Tip envelopes
Laundry kit / pack towel
Adaptor plugs (converter?)
Alarm clock
Extra tote for souvenirs

<>Clothing items:
Clothes (plan for layering)
One nicer outfit each, for dinners
Walking shoes, 1 pr. nice shoes
Small handbag, scarves
Pajamas / slippers
Folding umbrella/ rain coat or poncho
Light jacket or coat (50's - 69's)
Cuddleduds, thermals, gloves, scarf , hats
Travel vest

<>Bath kit:
bath / hygiene products / razor
nail clipper, file
dental floss
Q-tips
cosmetics
sewing kit
safety pins
eyeglass repair kit
clothespins

<>Medicine kit:
SPORTS TAPE
Cold remedy
Headache
Sore throat
Allergy
Immodium
Tums
Vitamins
Bandaids
Antibiotic ointment

<>LABELS on outside & inside of bags:
Outgoing - use trip itinerary w/ hotel name, address, phone, dates
Return - use office address or private mailbox service (NOT home address)

I always pack a little emergency kit with things like pen, paper, tape, padlocks, paperclips, string etc as you never know when you are going to need these sort of things.

Travelnut -

I think you are my long lost twin!

I will definitely have to compare your list to mine that I have saved. I actually have "Summer Packing Lists" and "Winter Packing Lists" in addition to Packing Lists for specific activities.

One of my "favorite ideas" of things to pack is address labels written out for those who are to receive post cards. I buy them at the grocery store on the school supplies aisle before leaving. That way, I don't have to fish for my address book at the post office and I don't leave off anyone that "should" receive a greeting.

Nire mentioned a good one. Take a couple retractable ballpoint pens in your carry-on. It's amazing when it comes time to fill out forms how many people don't have a thing to write with. I am always loaning mine out.

Funny story- recently watching a seeming hyper organzied couple settle themselves in the airport waiting to board, they pull out the newspaper to do a crossword puzzle... you got it, no pen or pencil between them!

A small 3x4" spiral notepad. One per trip. I jot down shopping lists, restaurant names, hotels, street names, words or phrases i've learned up in french or spanish. Once I'm home I label them and keep for future reference (or posting here on Fodors).

If staying at a self-catering accommodation, we like to pack some kitchen essentials so we don't have to spend time and money (especially with poor exchange rate) buying them at our destination.

Things like:

plastic wrap
ziplock bags
paper napkins
handi-wipes
coffee/tea
coffee filters
sugar/sweeteners
salt/pepper
favorite cooking spices (in small ziploc bags)
laundry detergent
cooking spray
plastic cups
paring knife (in checked luggage - there is never a decent knife in rental properties.)

We try to take just enough to last for the vacation and if there is anything left, we leave if behind. It also leaves room in your luggage for more souviners.

Hey, "moldyhotels...gross" - you need a list for your lists!

American flags

Care Packages for needy European kids:
Pork rinds,bacon grease, grits,collard greens, cornbread, and catfish.

Vicks vapor rub

Dolly Parton fan

NASCAR and Dixie belt buckles

Mustard plasters

Books: Why the French Lose Wars, How to Find a Decent Meal in Europe, 100 Ways to Torment French Waiters, and Why English Food is so Bad.

I'm not OCD or anything-- here's my list.

Closing the House:
• Stop mail
• Stop paper
• Stop milk
• Order cab to airport
• Turn off water main and sprinkler control
• Check outside light bulbs; take in outside key
• Turn heat down/AC off
• Empty trash
• Run disposal
• Clean out refrigerator, freeze breads, toss produce, fruit, etc.
• Move outside flower pots to sprinklers
• Call a neighbor
• Check computers off, unplug laptop
• Check voice mail on
• Check bills due
• Turn water heaters down, unplug hot water circulator
• Check microwave, oven, stove-top
• Check windows open/closed
• Check lights off inside
• Close blinds and lock inside doors
• Take in newspaper
• Set alarm system

Do Not Forget:
• Plane tickets; get boarding pass on-line
• Conference documents, reservation confirmations
• Get cash; check balances in accounts for ATM use
• Passports and copies; notify Visa and credit union if out of country
• Purse, wallet, neck pouches
• Jackets, sweaters, hats
• Two-way radios, if needed
• House keys
• Contacts, case and solution; eyeglasses and case
• Prescription medications
• Kids’ and adults’ toiletries, deodorants
• Hairbrush, comb
• PJs, unders, socks
• Photo IDs
• Camera, film
• Cell phones and chargers
• Books
• Electric toothbrushes and re-chargers; battery toothbrushes and batteries
• Hair dryers/ setters, hair gel
• Batteries for camera
• Laundry detergent and/or spot remover
• iPod and charger
• Phone numbers
• Cable ties for luggage, with scissors in an outside unlocked pocket
• Two umbrellas
• Electricity converters, extension cord
• Backpack and/or extra small duffel bag

Summer Packing List:
• Sandals, slides
• Sunscreen, sunglasses
• Swimsuits & cover-ups
• Tennis shoes, rackets

Winter Packing List:
• Snow boots
• Gloves

Thanks guys! I knew I forgot something! lol...I forgot to put my umbrella in my suitcase. Never go to Europe without an umbrella!
Thanks again. What would I do without you!

Minimeike - thanks for starting a most amusing post!

It seems that there is planning - and then there is PLANNING !!!!!

I have never made a list to travel. I double-check I have passports, tickets and assorted documents which may be required.

And I ALWAYS make sure I have a spare pair of contact lenses, and because I love a glass (or 3!) of wine my corkscrew is NEVER forgotten.

Then I consider the weather, and pack as I think fit. I ask someone to feed the cat and hamsters. I lock the windows and doors, try to remember to turn off the heating/hot water but it's not the end of the world if it's left on, maybe pull out a few electric plugs, and that's it.

Anything essential I have forgotten to pack can be bought elsewhere, or I can do without it for a few days. Except for the children..... I try not to forget them, although there are always a few times each holiday when I wish I had....

But remember... to be a good Fodorite, you have to be able to fit all of the above into a suitcase or duffle bag no bigger than 22".

Degas' list is absurd and an embarrasment. He did not even include pork and beans or smoked sausage!
Some of the longer lists have freightened me due to their complexity.

Platz, I was rudely escorted off an Air France flight once after me and the LW enjoyed a vat of my special baked beans and deep fried chicken gizzards. It was the cabin pressure that worked against me, that and the terrible lack of air flow. Never again.

It is Europe: They don't have washcloths in the hotels. Better pack your own.

Take out the garbage before you go and make sure the house is clean and tidy. I hate coming home to a mess!

To Travelnut: exemplary planning. One supplement only needed for Australian travellers: a jar of Vegemite.

To Kaybe95: I understand and expect 'self-catering' to mean all that stuff is supplied. I certainly want it to be there each time I check in to a Ferienwohnung in Germany.

Harzer

"To Kaybe95: I understand and expect 'self-catering' to mean all that stuff is supplied. I certainly want it to be there each time I check in to a Ferienwohnung in Germany."

We have not found that to be the case with properties we have rented. They have the basics like pots and pans, dishes, cutlery, etc... But not the kitchen essentials I listed.

..condoms but then again I am an optimist

I don't like deciding what clothes to wear to work the next day, much less what to put in a suitcase for 10 days. That's why I keep a detailed list (don't necessarily take it ALL), stick to black, red, purple for the most part, and only take carryon. I can spend all my time planning the fun parts and just stick to the plan for the 'business' part. Works for me/us.

Well, I want to print this post out to show all my travel buddies that I'm not the only OCD traveler in the world!

No one mentioned their Palm...which stores a lot of this information from one trip to the next.

Also, I'm sure you do, but if you put this list on the computer (I use Excel) you can look back at what you packed last time for a similar trip, and you already know what you have...with a few tweaks, you're all set for the new trip!

Now, I'm going to print this out and settle down for a lovely evening with a glass of wine and update my packlist for Paris, Florence & Venice '05

Travelnut & MaureenB you are hired! For families - thermometer. I keep my list on the computer & add/delete as needed per trip. I print portions of the list for the kids to pack themselves, with quanties of clothing. Minimeike - thanks for this, I also forgot the umbrellas, we really don't use them in Colorado.

MaureenB ! where is it that milk is still delivered?

Degas, a small bottle of Odor Eliminator (obtained from your local hospital) will save the day next time.
And anyway, I don't think it was the smell that got 'em, it was those books.

Nobody has mentioned to take along a handsome, well built young man to carry your bags and for some light evenings entertainment.

Schnauzer,
Where do you get one of those? And is there a large selection? (Nothing too used please!)

I have a selection on hand, for the right price I can let you have one. New models coming in every day. (I wish!!)Nice thought though eh?

Travelnut, we live in Denver where Royal Crest Dairy delivers twice weekly. The best milk, fresh from the dairy, and hormone-free. Also cheeses, coffee, some bakery items, eggs, cookie dough, some juices. It's an expensive luxury, but it's worth it. Whenever you realize you're out of something, you can have it delivered, instead of running to the store where you will end up buying a dozen other items. So maybe it might be less expensive, given that. If you like drinking milk, which I do, this milk can't be beat.

We can get milk delivered in western Massachusetts, too.

This is a great thread.

And Travelnut, you and I were related in a past life! As organized as I am, I was still able to add one of your 'things' to my list (held the mail, but forgot to hold the newspaper!) Well done.

Emergency rolls of toilet paper and toilet seat covers. Travel size packets are available at drug stores. I recently returned from a 16-day cruise on the QE2, with stops in Portugal, Spain, Senegal and the Canary Islands. I was surprised to find poor public restroom facilties even in the modern cities like Lisb

Grrrr! Not sure why my posts have a tendency to get cut off; I must have a wayward finger. Anyway, I was trying to say that restroom facilities were poor to abysimal (Dakar) on my recent trip and my little Charmin roll and toilet seat covers really came in handy. I passed the roll onto some fellow excursion passengers on two separate occasions.

Also, earplugs are a handy item. On the QE2, there was a steady engine noise (like something loose banging against the side of the ship) that bothered a lot of passengers. I even overheard people discussing it at mealtimes. But I was able to sleep through it because of my earplugs. Of course, their purpose was to drown out my father's snoring,but they proved useful for other noises, too.

I'm organized compared to many others; however, I don't have an extensive list and will definitely use this info. There is something missing from this list, a neck rest and light blanket for the long flight. Don't use airline blanket...yuck

travelnut I want to travel with you! I will use your list for my next trip!

Thanks, Travelnut -- I've also printed out your list and will use it next time... if there is a next time. I'm having both knees replaced April 17th.

Then you'll be as good as new!

First aid kit (bandaids, antibiotic creams, etc.), the foam inserts from Dr. Scholls to make your feet more comfy after long days of walking.

A journal to write down your thoughts and how you feel about the places you are visiting. Keeping a journal will also help you to remember those wonderful little cafes and restaurants you visited but may have forgotten the name of by the end of your trip.

Great thread! bookmarking

Turn off hot and cold water taps to the washing machine. My laundry room flooded when I was gone and the water ran over onto the adjacent hardwood floors.

Hey, Ilovetotravel29, you are so right about the journal. My husband says he's grateful I'm a journaler because we have refered numerous times to journals from previous trips as we plan this one.

Last trip I also took a glue stick for attaching business cards from restaurants, shops that have items you might want to order when you get home, new acquaintances, etc. as well as tickets stubs and small paper souvenier items in my journal pages.

Travelnut...we leave Friday for Barcelona and I am traveling also with red, black and purple!!

Thanks to all for the list...I had to add bunion pads and moleskin...(bad feet)

nice thread, thanks for reviving it.

VS

Hi! This is my first time to post anything. I have been hanging out here for awhile getting some great tips for my first trip to Europe. I will be packing in a 22" carry-on so I need all the help I can get with packing! Thanks for all the suggestions.

Here's one very important item. While traveling in Norway last year I had some credit cards stolen and wish that I had taken along copies of my card numbers plus the numbers to call in case they came up missing. I would also have some extra credit cards as backup kept in your room. Also I had only one ATM card and and it didn't have the "Plus" symbol on the back and didn't work in most ATM machines. I have since mentioned this to my Credit Union. I also make up a calendar which has my trip schedule plus necessary contact phone numbers incase something turns up missing. On a trip out of Vancou

Here's the rest of my reply.
Here's one very important item. While traveling in Norway last year I had some credit cards stolen and wish that I had taken along copies of my card numbers plus the numbers to call in case they came up missing. I would also have some extra credit cards as backup kept in your room. Also I had only one ATM card and it didn't have the "Plus" symbol on the back and didn't work in most ATM machines. I have since mentioned this to my Credit Union. I also make up a calendar which has my trip schedule plus necessary contact phone numbers incase something turns up missing. On a trip out of Vancouver Canada my friend accidentally left her purse on the top of the car behind us as we were loading things into the trunk of our car. Our trip schedule was also in the purse and the police called to the next city that we were going to report that they had her purse, and a shop owner had found it and turned it over to the Police. We were lucky and had noticed it missing and returned and called the Police who had it and returned it to us.

*** I always pack a new nightgown ***
Janeyre, I LOVE this idea. This was one of those Doioioing! moments. It's funny because I'm not real big on pajamas but the thought of coming back to your room after a hard day being a tourist and climbing into a new and pretty nightgown sounds so comforting. Thanks!

what to pack and do at home before a trip http://tinyurl.com/juhdm
universal packing list
upl.codeq.info/index.jsp

flagging

If travelling to Paris, take a 1" x 1" picture for your Carte Orange

If travelling without spouse, but with kids, another post recommended taking a notarized letter signed by spouse stating you may take the kids out of the country

We have a great check off list as we prepare for travel-house list-to do list-pack list-etc. Last trip as soon as we settled in to our first place I was sure I hadn't unplugged our Bunn coffee maker. I emailed our daughter and had them get in through a window to take care of the problem. Unfortunately when they saw it was "off" they assumed that was okay. When we returned it was almost bone dry! Had our vacation lastest another day or two I shudder to think of what we would have found. Lesson learned, unplug coffee maker is now on the top of the list. Shirley

bookmarking

schnauzer,
now you're talkin'

Blister bandaids are on my list (and about a million other things). Thanks for the good suggestions.

ambien and earplugs!

bookmarking, thanks.

Just bookmarking. Great advice!

Bookmarking

Itty Bitty Book Light for reading in poorly lighted European hotels

I hate to admit it, but I also take a small electric travel coffee pot along with enough American coffee for the trip. Need Java immediately upon waking so coffee pot is essential for me.

gotta bookmark this one

I pack a couple of infant wash cloths. They dry incredibly fast and fold up into a tiny ziplock.

As a woman, I'm a big fan of the sarong if you're going somewhere warm. It packs like a dream and can be worn on the beach and out to dinner depending on what you wear with it. Just make sure it's easily washable.

flagging.

Very valuable thread, especially for first timers. I'm leaving in mid-Feb. and already starting to make my lists and lay out the essestials. Thanks to all contributors. Let's keep this site alive.

Forgot to add this amusing note, since I also travel to the BVI quite frequently. It was an article about dressing for rustic living and sailing in the BVI. This guy said he had it down to a science--he WORE everything on his body for the trip. First, no underwear, because you really don't need it if you are in a swimsuit all day. It went like this, from bottom layer out: swimtrunks, shorts and two tee-shirts over that, one dressier button-up shirt over those, baseball cap and sunglasses, Teva sandals, and his toiletries; passport, travel papers, credit cards and camera in one small carry-on.

Can someone improvise a little on this idea for Europe? An interesting proposition and a new twist on "traveling light." jg

I always carry a small battery operated alarm clock - you can never trust hotels clerks to wake you up when you have to make an early flight, and many times the electric alarm clocks provided to not work properly.

I almost missed my flight home because of non-functioning such alarm!