Getting Ready For A Trip

     I know the idea of getting ready for a trip seems like common sense.  Pack your cloths, camera, travel documents and your all set. But how many of us know someone who is always forgets to pack something when they travel.  My dad is notorious when it comes to forgetting essentials when packing for for a trip.  One year he forgot his bathing suit when we were headings to the beach in San Diego. Another time he forgot his sandals when we went to Las Vegas. The guy just has a tendency of forgetting stuff. Granted most of these issues would be averted if he only packed his bags the day before instead of at the last minute.  So how can you avoid this fate and avoid a vacation catastrophe?

     Plan ahead! By planning ahead you can usually avoid forgetting to bring something critical for your vacation. The best way to put this in action is to formulate a list. I know what your thinking, making a list sounds so childish or too methodical for you, but it really works!  You can simply create a mental list of things to take and do, or for the OCD types like myself, you can write down the list. To be successful, create an itemized list of everything that you want to take on the your trip and everything you need to do before leaving. Start doing this about two weeks out. This way you can start to prepare for anything that will inevitably come up.  There is nothing more stressful than an unexpected last minute surprise.

     So what kind of things should you try to remember before you embark on your latest get away? Do not forget to call your credit card companies! The last thing you need, is to be in a strange city with no money and several credit cards that are being declined because the bank had no idea that you were going away.  Make sure that you have your ATM pins memorized and make sure that they work before you leave town.  Also, bring some extra cash in case of an emergency.  Of course, let's not forget those furry friends as well as one's mail and plants.  Make sure someone reliable is taking care of them. Don't forget to get new memory cards and batteries for those cameras, or at least make sure that they are fully charged before you go.  Imagine how horrible it would be to see the Eiffel Tower and not be able to take a photo! Lastly, make sure you have all of those cosmetics that you cannot live without.

     Make sure to pack early!  By packing early, you can cut down on unnecessary stress and avoid forgetting things.  Thus, you can get a restful night sleep, which will enable you to have a great start to your trip. Let's not forget about your travel documents and ID.  TSA will not let you get on a plane without an ID, and most hotels will not let you stay without a valid Id.  So just do not forget those drivers licences and passports.

     Now everybody is different and have unique needs, but here is a potential list of things that you do not want to forget on your next vacation.

-Wallet
-ID/ Passport
-Money (travelers checks)
-Travel Documents/ Airline Tickets
-Cosmetics (toothpaste, makeup, deodorant, etc...)
-Money Belt
-Hard Cash
-Travel Alarm Clock
-Clothing (variable, based on length of stay and activities planned)
-Umbrella (when applicable)
-Swim Suit (when applicable)
-Jacket
-Daypack
-Camera/ related gear
-Extra pair of Glasses/or contacts
-Prescriptions
-Sun Screen
-Pen
-Travel Guild Books
-Contact info (credit/ debit card numbers and thier corresponding telephone numbers)
                     (Emergency numbers)
-Journal
-Sandals/ Dress Shoes