Frist thing…let’s talk about packing lists. Yes, lists.
It’s a good idea to keep a master packing list on your computer. You can modify it for short trips, longer ones, international trips, trips to visit family, and whatever works for you.
You don’t like lists? Okay with me. Skip this part. Me…I’m going to have a list.
Realizing the following list is quite comprehensive, take a look, and then modify it to fit your needs. If you were to take everything I’ve thought of, you’d need a small army to carry your bags.
Remember, these are just suggestions.
Here goes…
Documents
- Itinerary
- Passports
- Visas
- Separate info record of passport docs
- International Driver’s License
- Regular Driver’s License
- Bank Cards
- 2 separate credit cards
- List of cancellation numbers
- Print-out of addresses where you will be staying
- Health plan cards/info
- Cash, U.S.
- Cash, local
- Copies of passport photos
Let’s talk about these items and why it’s important to have them. Also, let’s talk about where you should keep them when you travel.
Your entire itinerary is handy to have on you, in your purse or carry-on bag, or a pocket in your jacket. Why? Looking up your confirmation number, hotel address, or flight number just got easier if this information is all in one spot or on one document.
Passports, driver’s licenses, credit cards, cash, and health care cards are best kept in your wallet. That way, they are easy to retrieve. My wallet and my travel purse are both RFID. What does that mean? Radio frequency identification is a technology that incorporates the use of electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling. What this means for you is, this technology prevents readers from picking up the data in your wallet or purse. Supposedly, unsavory characters could walk by you and ‘grab’ your data from your passport, credit card, or bank card without you even knowing it. It’s like an electronic pick-pocket. With RFID, they can’t. That data is blocked.
Do you need this? Up to you. I just feel safer…and my wallet is cool. Plus, I could buy a new purse.
I digress.
Multiple passport color copies…again why take them?
If your passport was lost or stolen, you could take the copies to the nearest U.S. Embassy to expedite getting a temporary passport. Important if you want, or need, to get home quickly.
Stash your copies in a separate place from your actual documents, so if you lose one, you’ll likely still have the other. You could email your passport number to yourself or simply email the scans of the documents. I’ve created a travel document file in two of my cloud storage spots. That way, I can find them…as long as I remember the password!
Why is the list of cancellation numbers important and where do you keep this? If, your wallet was stolen, you need to cancel your credit cards. Some companies will notify you, especially if a large purchase is made or your card gets used in a country not on your travel list. That’s why it’s important to let the credit card companies know which countries you will be traveling to. Not a good idea to keep this in your wallet or purse, however. Stash it somewhere in your luggage or your carry-on bag.
I always get some cash ahead of time to use at my destination. Some banks will order Euros or other foreign currency for you. That way, you don’t have to get cash right after you land. Using the airport ATM or exchange counter might not be in your best interest as their rates are almost always higher.
