Travel Preparation

Most people think booking airfare, a hotel, and a rental car is the only travel preparation necessary, spending the rest of the time dreaming of pina coladas on the beach. But you've probably found there's nothing more stressful than waking up the day of your trip and scrambling to pull together two weeks worth of your life crammed into a suitcase. As a result, it's nearly impossible not to over-pack or under-pack. To combat the last-minute travel stressers, here's a packing and preparation list to get you started:

10 Day Vacation

Clothes:
Dress pants
Dressy outfit
2-3 pairs of jeans
6 wrinkle-resistant shirts
10 pairs of underwear
8 pairs of socks
Walking shoes
Comfortable 'going out' shoes
Dressy shoes
Swim suit (if applicable)
A work-out outfit or T-shirt for bed (save on space, only bring one)

Tips: Pack wrinkle-resistant clothes whenever possible and include a Tide Stick for unexpected spills and stains


Bathroom Accessories:
Toothbrush
Travel toothpaste
Floss
Travel-sized Cetaphyl Cleanser (Perfect for make-up removal and works as a cleanser or leave on as a moisturizer. Also acceptable for men)
Travel-sized Contact Cleanser and case
Travel-sized Shaving Cream
Disposable Razor
Make-up
Hair tie (or Hat)
Medication
2 Quart Sized ziplock bags (if you're checking your luggage, use the 2nd as a spare, they rip)

Tips: Always opt for travel-sized items, whether you plan to check your bag or not. It will save room. I prefer just sucking it up and using soaps and shampoos from the hotels to save on space. If you like your own bath products, pour them into travel-sized containers


Accessories:
Cell phone charger
If traveling with computer - power cord
For women - any jewelry (nothing expensive!), an all-purpose handbag, evening bag
Light-weight sweater or sweatshirt
Backpack or other bag big enough for a day out

Tips: Keep accessories to a minimum to save on space. You won't care about how many purses you have by day 3 when you're lugging luggage


Emergency Supplies:
Tylenol or other pain relievers
Travel-sized Sunscreen - even in winter
Chapstick or lip balm (chapped lips can surprisingly cause a lot of discomfort and distract from your vacation)
Copy of your driver's lisence or passport
Emergency contact numbers
$100 in traveler's checks in case your debit or credit card is lost or stolen
Extra pair of contacts or old pair of glasses
If traveling with medication, number of pharmacist in case you need them replaced or refilled
If traveling out of the country, number of the American embassy, an international phone card, travel insurance with legal counsel option


Now that your bag is packed, don't forget about some last minute tips to make your trip go more smoothly.

Call a car service the night before, a friend taking you to the airport, or make sure your car has gas.

Confirm your travel plans and print out boarding passes and itineraries.

Throw out any perishable foods. (Makes for a very unpleasant surprise if you don't) At the same time, keep a few non-perishable items for when you get home so there's food in the house.

Clean your house or apartment. There's nothing more refreshing than coming home after a long trip to a clean house and clean sheets on your bed.

Pay your bills early so you don't have to worry about them while on vacation or the moment
you get home.

Make sure you're well rested! It'll start your vacation on the right foot.

Tips: Resolve stressers in your life like a difficult project at work, a small house repair, or unfinished business before your trip. Without burdens to pull you down, you'll feel light as air!


Thoughts:

Now, I'm sure some people will balk at my clothing list, but I'm a light packer. The point of beign on vacation or traveling is to be free and experience new things. I find it difficult to achieve this if I'm being weighted down, literally, by my suitcase. I only pack what fits into one suitcase and one carry-on. Try it, you'll love the freedom it allows!



I received an insightful comment about packing light and the environment... see An Afterthought to Travel Preparation for more...

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