Prepare Like a Pro for Your Next Adventure with This Travel Checklist

You’ve chosen your destination, booked your hotel, and secured your plane tickets. Now, it’s time to pack! But what should you take on your journey? Here’s a straightforward travel checklist to guide you as you get ready for your next vacation, starting with packing advice.

Packing Advice

Consider the Weather: Monitor the weather at your destination in the days leading up to your trip to shape your packing plan. 

Check for Laundry Options at Your Accommodation: If you’re staying in a vacation rental, find out if there’s a washer and dryer. In a hotel? Ask about laundry services. This could reduce your packing needs, allowing you to bring less and do laundry during your stay. 

Pack Using a Coordinated Color Scheme: To minimize your luggage, consider packing all your outfits in a single color scheme, allowing for easy mixing and matching. 

Review Your Selections Before Departure: Lay out your intended items, then step away for a few hours. Return and evaluate whether each piece is truly necessary. 

Essentials for Checked Luggage

Toiletries: Regardless of your trip duration, you'll likely need some essentials. In your toiletry bag, be sure to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap for face and body, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, a hairbrush, sunscreen, and any makeup you plan to use. Don’t forget any hair styling tools and products you might need as well.

First Aid and Medications: Bring your prescription medications along with any over-the-counter remedies you might require. If space allows, include a small first-aid kit with items like band-aids, hand sanitizer, pain relievers, tweezers, and alcohol wipes. 

Footwear: Before traveling, consider all the activities you’ll engage in during your trip to decide on your footwear. Exploring a city? Pack comfortable sneakers. Going out for a night? Bring dress shoes. Hiking? Opt for sturdy boots. Remember to pack only what you truly need, as shoes can occupy a significant amount of space. 

Socks: Pack one pair for each day of your journey. Roll or fold them and tuck them inside your shoes to conserve space. 

Underwear: Resist the urge to overpack “just in case” pairs. Bring one for each day of your trip instead. 

Pants: Being aware of your situation is crucial. Heading to a warm destination? Pack a comfortable pair of slacks. If it’s chilly, jeans are a solid choice. Aim to bring one or two pairs of travel pants that can mix and match with various tops.

Shorts: If you’re traveling to a warm place (lucky you!), be sure to pack at least one pair of shorts to keep cool. 

Dresses or Slacks: If you have a special dinner or an evening outing planned, pack one elegant piece to feel your best. Consider using a garment bag to keep it fresh, or bring a portable steamer to ensure it’s wrinkle-free when you arrive. 

T-shirts: For trips in warm weather, t-shirts are essential. Pack two or three based on the length of your vacation (and don’t fret about repeating outfits).

Cold-Weather Clothing: For trips to colder destinations, be sure to bring warm attire, including long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, or sweatshirts. To save luggage space, wear your jacket, gloves, hat, and scarf while flying. 

Sleepwear: Don't forget to pack your pajamas. One or two pairs should be enough. 

Swimwear: If your trip includes a pool, hot tub, or beach, make sure to pack your swimwear and a coverup. 

Jewelry: Bring along any accessories you wish to complement your outfits. If you’re uneasy about packing your real engagement or wedding ring, consider using a less expensive replica that you won't mind losing. 

Essentials for Your Carry-on Luggage

Electronics: Your carry-on should hold anything you might need or want during the flight. This could include your laptop for work if it’s a business trip, a smartphone to stay in touch, or an e-reader. Just remember to pack the necessary chargers. 

Emergency Medications: Pack at least two days' worth of your medications to ensure you have what you need in case your checked luggage is lost. 

Travel Documents and Identification: Keep your ticket information readily available (both digitally on your phone and in print for backup), along with directions to your accommodation upon arrival and any necessary visa details. Additionally, carry your passport, another form of ID for international trips, a credit card, and some cash for emergencies. 

Face Mask: While face masks may not be required by many airlines anymore, it’s always wise to have one on hand in case you want extra protection or if it’s necessary at your destination. 

Sunglasses or Reading Glasses: Don't forget your sunglasses and any other eyewear you need for vision correction, including an extra pair of contact lenses in a travel case. 

Preparing for Your Trip: Essential Steps

Notify your bank or credit card provider: Most banks and credit card companies let you indicate that you are traveling through their app or website. If needed, call them to ensure your access remains active while you're away.  

Review your mobile plan: Ensure your mobile plan covers travel without incurring high roaming charges. 

Verify your bookings: Take the time to confirm that all your reservations are in order to prevent any issues upon arrival. 

Clear out your trash and tidy up: Dispose of your trash, including any leftovers, and give your home a quick clean and vacuum. This way, you return to a pleasant environment.

Establish security measures or inform a neighbor of your absence: Set up alerts from your security service, and if you don’t have one, at least notify a reliable neighbor to keep an eye on your home. It’s even better if they can collect your mail as well.

Request a hold on your mail: If you’re going to be away for a while, ask your mail carrier to temporarily stop delivery to prevent a buildup of mail while you're gone. 

Secure your doors and close the garage: We definitely want to avoid a "Home Alone" scenario! Also, if your car is parked outside, think about using a car cover to shield it from the weather.