Planning a trip gives you lots of stuff to think about, so it can be easy to forget a few things. This handy checklist was created to help you remember the important stuff.
1. Your Passport and Any Visas
It goes without saying – your passport needs to be up-to-date. You also need to obtain any required visas for the countries you’ll be visiting.
2. Have All Your Tickets- Plane, Bus, Train, Etc.
Even though we mostly use e-tickets nowadays, it’s still smart to print out your tickets, including your airline tickets, or have the information available on your laptop or cell phone. Doing that means you’ll have your itinerary, and other important information, readily available if required.
3. Hotel Reservations and/or Vouchers
Once again, even if you made your reservations online, be certain to have all the accommodation information and confirmations with you.
4. International Medical Travel Insurance
Be absolutely sure that you take your travel insurance documentation with you. You don’t want to be in a difficult situation when you need them only to realize that they’re still sitting on the dresser at home.
5. Available Cash
It’s now pretty common to use credit and/or debit cards while traveling. Some of us like to carry a few travelers checks as well. Having access to local currency is a wise move, too. Make an effort to obtain some of the local currency before you travel so you can get the best exchange rate.
6. Important Contact Information
If you booked your trip through a travel agent, you should have their contact information with you. On top of that, ask for information about contacts they may have in your destination country.
Make sure you have the proper contact info for your banks and credits cards. If your cards are lost or stolen, you’ll need to contact them.
7. Minimal Toiletries in Your Carry-On Luggage
It will happen to all of us – lost luggage. Dealing with this kind of inconvenience is bad enough. However, if you arrive at your hotel without so much as a toothbrush or deodorant, it can be very unsettling.
There are some hotels that offer free, small toiletries packages for guests that have forgotten theirs, but some don’t.
Note: Make sure you keep within the size limitations currently required by the airlines.
8. Cellphone
In order to stay in touch, and to let other people be able to contact you, think about taking your mobile phone with you when traveling. Ask your service provider about coverage where you’re going and about any roaming charges.
9. Speaking a Foreign Language
Sure, we’d all like to have a “universal translator” like they do in Star Trek, but we’re not quite there yet. However, there are several state-of-the-art devices available. And then, there’s also the low-tech approach – a phrase book.
10. Medicines and Vaccinations
Prior to your departure date, find out if there are any vaccination you need to have for your destination country. If there are – get them!
Take along any of your necessary medications and be sure to have your doctor’s prescription just in case any of them are questioned. Some countries can impose pretty harsh penalties if they suspect you of trying to smuggle in controlled substances.
11. Avoid Over-Packing
Stick to what is really necessary. Things like a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts, a few dressy items, dress shoes and a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Select items that you can mix and match and that can be laundered along the way.
12. Something to Read
If your vacation means you’ll be spending several hours on planes, buses, trains, ships, etc. then have some reading material with you like books, magazines, crossword puzzles and more.
This checklist was designed to help you have a stress-free trip.
For more travel tips and ideas on cheap vacations we recommend that you visit http://www.DirtCheapTravelSecrets.com.
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