Before you go:
Planning for a trip is almost as exciting as the trip. Keep it from being nerve-wracking by taking a few actions early.
Get or prep:
- Passport
- Identification
- Visas
- Transportation and tour tickets—frequent flier program
- Make hotel and ground travel reservations
- Establish emergency info and contact
- Make copies of documents: airline tickets, passports, visas
- Insurance—trip, medical
- Currency, travelers’ checks, credit cards
Travel Gear:
Consider where you are going, for how long, what gear, clothes, documents or equipment you have to take and how you like to keep you and your companions organized. Travel gear is what you might use to carry and organize
- Travel bag—carries most of your items, think duffel (basic, wheeled, compartmentalized), rolling, travel pack
- Carry-on pack or duffel
- Day bag—could be as basic as purse, daypack, or tote—you will use this every day as you tour—would a backpack be better for hours on your feet? Do you prefer a hip pack or small purse? Expandable bags are great for those souvenirs you pick up!
- Packing accessories—a cosmetic bag, organizers for items in your duffel, toiletry bags - some people pack by outfit for each day, color code for individual family members (e.g. yellow is for a daughter, green is for the baby), by activity, etc
- Money Belt or Security pouch (undercover)—keep your personal travel documents and currency on your person and safe
- Document Pouch/Organizer—know where your documents are and ready for ease of transition, travel
‘Basics’ backups:
Along your way sometimes you need some basic maintenance items.
- Flashlight/headlamp (keep hands free) and extra batteries
- Matches or lighter –may be restricted by airlines
- Extra batteries
- Sewing kit
- Duct tape
- Travel Iron
- Sink stopper, laundry soap, mini clothesline for those who will wash and wear items
- Plastic bags with zip closure—keeps items contained or protected
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For Everyday Use:
What will you need to have a fun trip? Consider the climate, what type of activities you will be doing, what resources might be available, if you are responsible for others on the trip and what accommodations you have made.
- Travel clothing—think quick dry, wrinkle-free, versatile. You can carry less if you wash as you go. Darker colors won’t show the stains. You might like to have lightweight, UPF-protection, pieces that have zip off legs, roll up sleeves, plenty of pockets.
- Raincoat and/or Umbrella
- Travel Footwear—consider how long and where you will be walking. Get the appropriate socks and shoes or sandals.
- Headwear—consider where you will travel, if you need sun or rain or cold protection
- Camera with appropriate lenses, film or memory stick/card—and its carrying case or film shield
- Binoculars with glass chamois
- CD, DVD, MP3 I-Pod or other music players
- Electrical converters/cell chargers
- Travel alarms and/or currency calculators
- Language or phrase books
- Reading material
- Maps/travel literature
- Journal
- Pens/pencils
- Bandana
- Travel games or playing cards
- Snacks—bring something that satisfies you in case you experience delays, are in transit, etc.
- Water bottle
- Sanitizer/wipes/toilet paper—not always available when you need or want it most!!
- Travel Neck or Lumbar Pillows
- Eye shade/ear plugs—drown out the drone of a plane or minimize interruptions in hostels, hotels, etc
- Tissue/toilet paper—the latter made the list twice for a reason
- Keys
- Cell phone
- Travel sheets—some hostels don’t change the sheets every day, keep clean with your own
Toiletries other personal items:
- Brush/comb
- Toothbrush/paste, dental floss, mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Soap and shampoo—personal • Skin care lotion
- Cosmetics/Mirror
- Nail clipper and/or nail file
- Sunscreen/relief cream, lip balm
- Razor and shaving cream
- Hair dryer
- Travel towels/washcloths (quick drying, packable)
- Contact lenses, eyeglasses, extra pair
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