What do you Need when Traveling

The Ultimate Travel Checklist!

A trip requires careful planning. The key to traveling abroad is being prepared.  You are excited to be heading to that exotic place for your upcoming vacations, but in order to have a carefree time, it’s wise to invest a bit of time upfront to make sure you have covered your bases.

Packing light is not as important as packing smart.  And make sure you are choosing this effectively, whether it’s a study abroad, an International Internship, work experience overseas, or just a well-deserved beach session on some exotic island.

So, here are some essential steps to take before traveling outside the U.S. These items are: Passport and visas, Medications, Insurance, and ID cards, vaccinations if needed, cards, debit and credit cards, pen for customs, portable charger, earplugs, eye mask, natural sleep aid, electrical converters, adaptors specific to your destination, headphones, antibacterial wipes, sweater, scarf for the cold plane, plastic bags, camera, memory cards.

• Choose your main Language.

Pick luggage that is versatile, lightweight, and big enough to hold all your essentials. Buy a bag that has an awesome warranty and is easy to carry, like rolling luggage, 4-wheel, duffel bags, wheeled backpacks, or carry-on luggage.

Keep your clothing organized in compartments based on outfit type or activities type, by using packing cubes.

These zippered organizers make it easy to keep your bag neat and provide quick access to all the different things you will need during your trip. This is especially convenient for bulky items such as sweaters and jackets. And folders are great for keeping dress clothing, nice, neat, and folded.

• The Basic Packing List:

Lightweight clothing, that can be layered, long-sleeved shirts, sweater or fleece jackets, T-shirts and tank tops,  pants and /or shorts, belts, socks, comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, windbreaker or umbrella, pajamas and sleepwear, underwear, scarf …

Jewelry, swimsuit, cell phone and charger, travel speakers, travel pillow, eye mask and ear plugs, electric converters, and adaptors, a travel app that will help with Language, directions, and money conversions.

You don’t need and you shouldn’t overpack, just pack smart. Include clothing that can be worn on your daily adventure.

Things like jewelry and cosmetics can be in a carry-on luggage with small compartments.

• Pack your Toiletry Bag:

Keep your toiletry bag light and TS-compliant. The TSA 3-1-1 ruler makes it easy to remember liquid, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100) or less per container and they must be in a 1-quart sized clear, plastic, zip-top bag. My favorite is the Bago Travel Toiletry Bag for Women its a Large Waterproof Hanging Large Toiletry Bag for the Bathroom and a Travel Bag as a Toiletries Organizer.

• The Toiletry bag basics:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, hairbrush and/or comb, hair ties, barrettes/pins, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, sunscreen and face lotion with SPF, face wash and/or makeup remover, wipes and q-tips, nighttime moisturizer lotion, lip-balm with SPF or lip-gloss, personal hygiene items, sunglasses and prescription glasses, prescription medications toiletries.

• Toiletry bag extras:

Cologne, perfume, personal mini-mirror, hair products, like hair spray, hair gel and oil, detergent for handwashing clothes, shaving kit and extra razors, sewing kit/clothing care kit,  stain remover, facial tissues and/or toilet paper, travel towel, scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers.

• First Aid – Kit:

Once you decide to travel Internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for travel vaccinations, medications, and travel advisory information.

You will need also bandages, gauze, adhesives, personal prescriptions with copies, pain and fever relievers, thermometers, cold and throat medicines, allergy medicines, anti-bacterial ointments, multivitamins, sunburn relief …

Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever, motion sickness pills, altitude sickness pills, eye drops, medicines, and vaccinations.

• Technology bag basics:

You don't want to be on vacation without your mobile devices. Pack your charger(s), laptop, iPad or E-reader, headphones, camera and go Pro/video camera.

• Travel Entertainment Information:

Travel pillows, blankets, eye masks, earplugs, travel journals, pens, books and magazines, cards and travel games, water bottles, guidebooks, travel guides, maps and Language guides, etc.

• Important documents, money, and credit cards:

Keep all your documents in a travel document organizer, like Passport-visas, personal ID student ID cards, frequent flyer cards (for discounts at Hotels), cash and credit cards, Health Insurance card/document(s), travel Insurance information, reservations and itineraries, Hotel and/or tour contact information ….

Transportation tickets (plane, train, bus, car, etc…), emergency contacts and important addresses, copies of all these things in case you lose your wallet, guidebooks, and maps.

As soon as you book a trip, it’s a good idea to double-check that your Passport and ID are not expired.

Also consider emailing yourself a copy of your passport, driver’s license, medical cards, and itinerary, so if anything happens to them, you will be able to access them online.

• Consider Travel Security:

The easiest way to keep your belongings safe is to keep them hidden and close to you, for safety travel essentials, you will need a money belt or hidden pocket, neck wallet, undercover bra, leg wallet, luggage travel lock and reflective clothing, and luggage accessories.

• Prepare your Home:

It’s essential to prepare your home before you go. Here are some simple tasks to think through before you head to the Airport.

Have the post office hold your mail, stop newspaper delivery, set up an email auto-responder, arrange for care of pets and plants, prepay all your bills …

Stop by any location, like the Houston Heights post office for more information.

Pre-arrange School absences for children and their homework, empty the refrigerator of this-that will expire, unplug appliances, turn off the heater/air conditioner, turn down the water heater, turn off washing machines, lock all doors and windows, store valuables in a safe place leave house-key and trip itinerary with a trusted friend, leave flight and Hotel itineraries with a relative, reconfirm check-in online with Airlines before your Uber, train or shuttle to the Airport.

Following these simple steps, you can have a safe and happy trip.  And the last advice try to sleep well one night before traveling abroad, so you will have enough energy to carry on your dream trip! We wish you the best of luck and have a nice and safe trip!