Getting ready for your next vacation can be exciting, but forgetting to pack things or make certain arrangements can put a damper on your trip. That’s why it’s important to remember to pack the essentials and tie up any loose ends that prevent you from having a smooth and successful vacation. Here are five things to remember planning your next trip:
1. Pack the Essentials
Before you start packing for your trip, make a list of the essential things you want to bring with you. For example, you’ll definitely want to take the basics, like clothes, toiletries and technology. But there are other often forgotten items you might want to consider packing:
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Sunscreen
- Your ID
- Passport
- Hotel reservations and itineraries
- Headphones
- Electronic devices and chargers
- Blanket and pillow
- Glasses or contacts
- Shaving kit
- Perfume or cologne
Make sure you also pack what you need for your specific trip. For example, if you’re headed to the beach, you might consider packing your own snorkeling gear so you don’t have to risk renting!
2. Bring a Credit Card
Traveling with a credit card can be a little bit safer than traveling with cash because if you lose your wallet, you can’t get your cash returned. But if you have a credit card, you can always call your credit card company and lock the card. If any unusual charges show up on it, you can always dispute them and report your card stolen. In other words, you’ll have peace of mind. With the right credit card, you can truly enjoy your trip knowing you’re protected if something should happen. So if you don’t already have a credit card, start searching for one that offers the perks and benefits you want.
3. Make Copies of Important Documents
If you’re planning on traveling abroad, make copies of your passport, travel itinerary, and your credit cards just in case. Either hard copies or electronic copies are fine. The important thing is that you have access to these things in the event that you lose your luggage, purse, or fanny pack — whatever you happen to be traveling with that holds all of your private personal belongings. So make copies and bring them with you and keep them in a safe place while traveling — perhaps in an in-room safe.
4. Charge Up Your Electronics
Before you go on a long trip, remember to charge your electronics so that when you get on the plane, bus, or train to your destination you’ll be ready to relax. You can watch movies, play games, or listen to music without worrying about your battery dying. If you want to ensure you’ll stay juiced up the whole way there, consider buying a few portable power banks. These work great in emergencies or just whenever you need to charge your laptop, tablet, phone or handheld gaming device and there isn’t an available outlet nearby.
5. Prepare Your Home
Before you go on vacation, clean your house and remember to dispose of any perishable food in the refrigerator. Make sure to sweep your floors and vacuum your carpets well also. The last thing you want is to come home to bugs or mice roaming around your home. Wash the dishes and take out the garbage and recycling. You should also unplug any unnecessary appliances and electronics like fans, air conditioners, toasters, computers, TVs, game systems, and whatever else you can think of that might be sucking up electricity. If it helps, create a vacation cleaning checklist. Doing so can help you remember to do everything you need to do.
Preparing for Your Next Vacation
Going on vacation can be fun, but it can also be stressful to get everything in order before you leave. Use this guide to plan your packing and cleaning checklist — then checkout and go have fun!
Cover image: Photo by Chen Mizrach on Unsplash
Author: Aemilia
