When it comes to packing there are a few essentials I need to make
sure my trip runs smoothly. For whatever reason I always end up sick on
vacation or with severe back pain due to carrying my backpack all day. It can
be a nuisance looking for a CVS or Walgreens while on vacation, so I like to
plan and buy ahead of time. I also like to make sure I have what I need like
printed material. I’ve encountered times when I needed print documents and
failed to do so, not a great experience on vacation when they tell you an email
won’t work. Here are my top 10 things I do for any trip.
1. Printing documents; make
double sure you’ve printed everything you need such as hotel and flight
information. If you’re renting from a car make sure you bring everything you
need, like proof of insurance. If you’re taking Super Shuttle…print, print,
print! I have had the pleasure of forgetting to print the vouchers and while
the hotel tried to help me, it was a no go. We had to end up paying full price
because they wouldn’t accept an email. I don’t know if the policy has changed
but in any event print and put them in your carry on. If you choose to print
out tickets like I have done for the Euro rail do so; I’ve also pre-printed
tickets to attractions, don’t forget those! I always carry a clear folder that
has a snap, so nothing will fall out and I can see everything with having to
shovel around for flight information (which I keep on top). Oh and I did I
mention when we went to Paris for a day, upon returning Britain they needed
proof we were leaving the UK when we said we were, thankfully my friend had
service and saved the email. Print!
2. Medicine; I always have
mine with me in case. Advil, Tums, Claritin, mini heat pads are just a few
things I carry. I’ve experienced earaches, headaches and I feel everything in
between while on vacation. It’s my small first aid kit.
3. Electronics; before I
head out I make sure I make a play list with soft music. I just love to listen
to soft music when you’re in flight. It helps me realize and makes my sleep a
bit easier. If you rather watch TV remember to download your favorite shows. I
always make sure I have all my electronics charged up and ready to go. I bought
a plug that had a slot for a USB and a regular plug so that I can charge two
things at one time. This really helped when I was in Europe. To make sure I had
everything together I bought some twist ties and a small pouch from the
Container Store.
4. Book; a good book is
always good. Right now I’m reading the Hunger Games Catching Fire. I’ve seen
the movie but we all know sometimes the book is better.
5. Snacks; food can be
expensive, especially on a plane. If your flight doesn’t offer a meal bring
some granola bars. I’ve gone through security with granola bars. If you’re looking
to save on water bring an empty water bottle. My aunt has done this and after
she has passed through security she fills it up.
6. Exit-flight essentials;
I mean that little quart bag that has all your essentials to make sure that
cabin air doesn’t break you out.
7. Plastic Bags; hear me
out. I don’t know about you but I don’t like to mix my clean clothes I didn’t
wear with my dirty clothes (even though I may clean them). I always carry extra
plastic bags in case. I use them to separate my socks, undies, t-shirts etc…
8. Bank; this is so
important especially when you fly international is to call your bank before you
leave and informing them of your trip. When we were in Niagara Falls we’d go
back and forth from the US to Canada, my brother didn’t call his bank and they
put a hold on it while we were on our back from Toronto.
9. Copies; pick-picketers
is real, it happens. My aunt who has been overseas gave me this piece of advice
before I traveled international (because she knew someone who this happened
to); make a copy of your credit cards, passport and ID and keep the originals
in the safe of the hotel (if they have one). I realize not carrying a credit
card is unrealistic but in the event that it’s stolen you have a copy of the
card to reference to when making a claim.
10. Good Night’s Sleep; the last thing you want is to be late for a
flight. I have a flight Monday that leaves at 8:40 AM. I make it appoint to be
there two hours before when traveling domestic, three for International.
Honestly, TSA aren’t the fastest group and maybe rightfully so (though I think
they can open more lines) but you’re not the only one trying to catch a flight.
I have to not only wake up early but also pick up my sister on the way who’s
dropping us off. Houston has an insane amount of traffic, that’s just something
to factor in. What time of day are you leaving? Is there usually traffic at
that time? You’re not the only one on vacation and for that matter everyone
else has to work, expect traffic.
I really hope these three posts helped you or at the least reminded
you of what you need to do. These are just things that helped me and I’ve
learned along the way, some not so easy but at least I learned for the future.
Happy Traveling!
Melissa
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