travel checklist
Ten Suggestions for Simple, Enjoyable, and Stress-Free Travel
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- The Numbers List Before traveling, compile a list
of important telephone and insurance policy numbers, flight information,
and traveler's checks serial numbers. You might print them on perforated
business card paper for your home computer printer. Then simply break
apart the cards and put them in wallets, baggage, and clothing.
- Make Backup Copies Before traveling, make two photocopies
of your credit cards, driver's license, passport, vaccination certificates,
airline tickets (or the verification), and any traveler's checks. Pack
one set away from your original documents. Give the other set to a friend
back home who has easy access to a fax machine. Should your documents
become lost or stolen, your friend can fax them to you anywhere in the
world in minutes. By being able to show copies of the original documents,
you can dramatically shorten the time it takes to get official replacements.
- Plan for Emergencies Many emergencies can be handled
with confidence if the lines of communication are open. If you're worried
about the folks back home, make duplicates of your travel arrangements
list, including hotel addresses and phone numbers, and leave them with
a friend or relative so you're instantly reachable.
- Create a "Living" Packing List After a successful
trip, note what you packed, from the number of shirts and pants, to the
supplies in your medicine bag. Enter this info in your computer in a
simple word processing document. Before your next trip, print the list
and with just a few seasonal/temperature adjustments, your complete packing
list will be right before your eyes. Since the list "lives" on
your computer, it's easy to open and add/subtract things whenever you
think of them. When you're ready to travel, simply print a copy and start
packing!
- Maintain Your Medicine Bag When returning from your
trip, don't unpack your medicine bag. Keep it packed and ready for your
next journey. (Buy special travel size supplies or get duplicates for
your home medicine cabinet.) Create a card called "Take Outs" and
keep it in the bag. Should you ever need to dip into your vacation stash,
jot down what you have used. This way, you'll know exactly what to replace
for your next trip! Occasionally review expiration dates to keep medications
safe, fresh, and effective.
- Postcard Prep Plan to send postcards? Instead of hand-addressing
multiple cards, simply bring pre-addressed labels printed on your computer!
You can keep adding to this list throughout the year as your acquaintances
expand, and print the list in seconds before each trip you take.
- Think Ahead and Pack Some Snacks A good practice when
flying is to call your airline and reserve a special needs meal (like
low sodium or vegetarian) which may be fresher than many poor-quality
airline meals. Instead of rushing through airports looking for (overpriced)
restaurants, pack some convenient sports nutrition bars or trail mix
in your carry-on bag.
- Slip-on Shoes Speed You Through Many airport security
officials now require that all passengers remove their shoes and put
them on the x-ray conveyor belt. Instead of fumbling with lace-on shoes
(which are a hassle to put on in a rushing crowd), slip-on shoes help
you speed through without missing a beat.
- Check the Expiration Dates Checking the expiration
dates of medicines you need when you travel is a must. In foreign countries
you may want to bring copies of vital prescriptions. Another foreign
travel tip: make sure your passport doesn't expire within six months
of your travel date. Many countries require that it be valid for at least
six months to a full year!
- Wash Your Hands Colds and other illnesses are spread
mainly by dirty hands...and airports, buses, trains, and other public
travel areas are breeding grounds. Soap and water is your best defence
but you may want to carry a small bottle of germ gel with you to keep
other people's illnesses from becoming yours. One squirt destroys over
99% of germs that may have otherwise caused the miserable cold that ruins
your holiday travel.
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