Pre-Trip Checklist

Having an ‘out-the-door checklist’ prior to departure and before returning home, with a few miscellaneous items to pack, as a last minute reminder, always proves helpful and avoids unnecessary stressful moments and wasteful and hasty cash purchases. It might contain any, some or all of the following:

• First aid kits should contain, at the very least some band-aids and anti-bacterial ointment, all prescriptions, cold and allergy medicines, dosage spoon and chart. Tylenol for the traveling adults, children and babies is always a good idea as well.
• Foil-packaged, coffee and tea are a necessity. You can also pack, if you prefer a certain type, Sweeteners and Cream/Milk or whitener.
• Camera and film supplies
• All relevant travel documents, tickets, passports, birth certificates, travel insurance information, baggage, currency and travelers checks (if applicable), Phone numbers and maps, emergency contact and identification cards for the kids and individual travelers
• Addresses for sending postcards, and stamps, Cell phone and/or prepaid phone card
• Favorite books, music, DVD’s and videos for the children (most hotels have VCRs now)
• Bathing suits, extra towels, and sunscreen
• Snacks and juice or water for the hotel (every penny counts)
• Finally yet importantly… do not forget the EXTRA pillows and favorite toy or sleeping friend for the kid(s) if required or deemed a necessity!

Ensure to set and arrange for a couple of alarm clocks or wake-up calls on your day of departure. Confirm ground transportation to and from the airport if you are not driving yourself and using the park-and-fly service. Allow lots of transit and en route times.

Confirm your bookings and remember to always let hotels or resorts know if you are running late, delayed and or if your trip is cancelled altogether.

Utilize travel services, that is why they are there, remembering that all extras like valet parking, baggage handling, luggage carts, tips etc. all add up and need to be budgetary items or categories in your overall travel and financial plan.