Holiday Travel Tips (Part 1 of 3): 20 Things to Pack or Do Before You Go

If you’ll be traveling domestically or overseas this holiday season here is a cheat sheet of things you’ll need and/or do:

*health insurance card (call your provider to check on your coverage if going overseas)

*trip insurance (highly recommended these days), www.insureyourtrip.com

*driver’s license (in case you need to rent a car) and valid passport (do not pack in checked luggage but make copy and put in your bag and leave a copy with a trust family member or friend)

*visa, if applicable, www.travel.state.gov

*money for exit fee, if applicable

*two credit cards (in case one is lost or declined; be sure to notify credit card company about your travel plans so they don’t block the account due to “suspicious activity.” Note that in Europe chip technology is nearly 100% so many places will not accept “old” cards that only have a magnetic strip and no chip.

*enough money to cover all expenses that cannot be charged, such as taxis, tips, etc. Be sure to make a budget that includes at least a 10% contingency. Be sure to check conversion rates so you know the true value of your money. www.oanda.com

*adapters, converters & chargers, if applicable

*a print out of your itinerary including contact information (and make sure to give all your flight numbers and information to anyone picking you up)

*load your smartphone or device with magazines, books, travel apps and all contact information and confirmation numbers

*snacks (I always like to travel with individually wrapped hard candy and protein bars); I recommend getting a good night’s sleep and eating a light meal before flying and be sure to drink a cup of water or decaf tea every hour as you dehydrate faster when traveling

*first aid kit, if applicable; I also like to pack duct tape and a tiny sewing kit that includes buttons, thread, needle, and safety pins)

*pack the right gear and/or clothing for your trip, especially the right shoes (and good walking socks) and jacket/coat

*do your research to make sure what you want to see and do and be sure to make reservations as the holidays are a busy travel time so you may not be able to get tickets to a show or excursion or restaurant or whatever (chances are that if you’ve heard of it and want to do it that many other folks have the same idea; also the place may be closed on the date or time you plan to go)

*make sure you have enough medication to last at least a week past your trip in case of delays getting home

*make sure your passport has the right name, enough blank pages, and does not expire within six months of your trip

*if flying make sure your connections are not too tight as you don’t want to miss your next flight by cutting it too close (lots of delays these days, especially during peak travel times) and be sure to stay updated on gate changes and departure times, www.gateguru.com

*make sure you know the airline baggage and carry on policies (wrapped gifts are usually a no no and medications should stay in their prescription bottles)

*pick a good seat, www.seatguru.com

*a good attitude! The best thing you can bring with you is a good attitude. Be patient and be prepared and you’ll do just fine…