Travel Preparations
It may seem obvious (and it should) but good preparation is an important key to enjoying most any trip. This is especially the case for a long vacation out of the country!
This list is a "work in progress" and we welcome input by way of
our contact form or, better yet, post a message in the appropriate Back-Talk
Forum! We will be updating this page as new insight requires.
It is always helpful to run through a checklist to make sure nothing truly important is left to chance, left behind or left undone. If you accommodate Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong will, there will be much more that goes right!
Before you leave
The best way to ensure peace of mind while you are away is to put a plan in
place so that your property, pets and personal affairs are attended to.
Find someone reliable to house sit while you are away.
Print an itinerary and house care instructions to leave with the house sitter,
and anyone else you feel needs to have a copy.
Your itinerary should include:
- Flight information
- Hotel phone numbers
- Emergency contact numbers at home, such as your closest
family member or neighbor, your pets veterinarian, etc…
- Emergency contact numbers at destination such as the hotel
or the family you are staying with.
Instructions for house sitter should include:
- How to take care of the pets.
- Plant care. When to water and how much.
- Where to place the mail.
- Which lights to leave on in the house.
- How to operate the alarm system and what to do if it goes
off.
- Property-care instructions. When to water the garden, mowing
the lawn, snow removal, etc.
Leave a copy of itinerary and house sitter instructions in
the kitchen in a very visible place, such as taped to the refrigerator.
If you have pets, leave an ample amount of pet food, cat litter,
treats etc… in a visible place.
Leave several lights on in the house while you are away.
Timers that can mimic your normal routines can be very helpful even if you do have an alarm system.
Draw the curtains on any windows that offer a view into your
house on the first floor.
Unplug all major electrical devises such as computers, printers,
scanners, TV, stereo etc.
Call your bank and/or credit card company to alert them that you will
be using your card while you are abroad. Some credit card companies will
disable your card if they see unusual charges and give you a call ... which of course will go unanswered.
Pay any bills that will be due while you are away, or leave
them with your house sitter with mailing instructions.
Some of the more nasty credit card companies will be happy to increase your interest rate and charge a fee if you miss a payment.
Remember to confirm your flights a week before you leave.
Choosing Luggage
Everyone has a different style of packing. Some over pack, preparing
for every contingency while others prefer to carry as little as possible and
purchase the essentials when they reach their destination. Someone traveling
to Africa would probably pack very differently from someone going to say …
Paris. The following is a general list of things to consider when deciding what
and how to pack.
Unless you are backpacking, choose a suitcase with a good set
of wheels and a comfortable handle.
Place some kind of identifying mark, such as a ribbon on your
suitcase to help identify it in case it is lost. Everyone uses red ribbons,
so be more creative.
Make sure you have an identification tag attached to the outside
of every piece of luggage with your name, address and phone number on it.
Choose Luggage that falls within the airline's guidelines.
If your carry-on is too big, they will force you to check it through before
you board the plane. The smaller planes used to fly short distances have smaller compartments though having to put a carry-on in the cargo hold of a small plane upon boarding and grabbing it when leaving the plane doesn't put you at risk of the baggage handling system.
Check Through Suitcases
This list does not include ones normal wardrobe … you're on your own with that, though plaid may be coming back.
- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Camera, video, film
- Journal
- Alarm clock
- Hair dryer (with the capability of running on the voltage of your destination and an appropriate plug adapter)
- Comfortable walking shoes (break them in before the trip
or you'll be sorry)
- Medicines. You can't know what you might catch on your
trip, so be prepared. In some countries it is difficult or even impossible
to get the medicines you are used to picking up off the shelf at the drug
store. Most importantly, bring any prescription medication your doctor has
prescribed such as antibiotics or birth control. In addition we recommend
that you carry some basic products that most people keep in their medicine
cabinets. Examples: decongestant, cough suppressant, Pepto, Gas-X, Immodium,
aspirin, Dramamine.
- Gift for your host (if not staying in hotel)
Carry On
When you pack your carry-on, assume that your main luggage stands a 3 in 10 chance of being lost
for a few days and some basic "survival gear" will be most helpful.
- One backup outfit
- Toiletry case.
- Book, journal
- iPod, cd player, laptop
- Book or magazine
- Small bottle of water
- Snacks, candy, and if you have a delicate stomach, pack
a sandwich…everyone knows airplane food is toxic
- Eye patch to block out the light so at least you have a
chance of sleeping on the plane for long flights
- Neck pillow (some airlines no longer provide pillows)
- Warm sweater or shawl
- Dramamine
- Separate small pouch for your passport and ticket. Thought
they look silly, the best ones go around your neck for easy access.
How to pack
It's generally a good idea to place the heavy and flat items
at the bottom of your suitcase and save the lighter and odd shaped items for
the middle and top. A great way to maximize space is to fold your clothing and
then roll it. Place the rolled garments into plastic bags, tie a knot and squeeze
out all the extra air. You'll be amazed at how much space this will save.
If you are packing any items such as scissors, eyeglass repair
kits or nail clips that may not be allowed in your carry on, place them in your
check-through luggage.
Make sure you are not packing any items that are not allowed
on the plane or that might give you problems at customs. While illegal drugs may get you taken away, a good salami might be "retained" by the customs crew for local consumption.
Place a piece of paper with your name and address on it inside
your suitcase so if your id tag is lost or broken your luggage can still be
traced back to you.
