This is what you freak out over just before you leave on the big holiday. Did you bring enough stuff? What happens if there is an emergency? The best thing to do is write your self a travel checklist a month or two in advance and keep it on hand all the time. Ask people who have been where you are going what you might need. If you are traveling with others, split the shareable items to lighten the load. Here is a travel checklist that you might find handy.

I got that idea for this post from 101 Great Posting Ideas That Will Make Your Blog Sizzle on I Help You Blog.

If you want to build your own, try using the following categories. My own list is farther down.

• Before You Leave
  Make sure everything is going to be okay at home while you are gone. Will Fido be taken care of?
• Documentation Essentials
  These can take the longest to be ready, so start early. You cannot even get on a plane nowadays if you do not have your passport on you.
• Clothing and Shoes
  You will not enjoy your trip if you don't have the proper outfit. Remember, some places you can buy what you need for less money than at home, if you have the time to do so.
• Toiletries
  Another biggie. If you need anything special and you are going somewhere it cannot be purchased, it can really ruin a trip.
• Medical Supplies
  Some people would lump this in with toiletries, but I like it in its own section. Typically things that would go in a red emergency kit.
• Essentials
  These are must haves that don't really fit into the other categories. I always take flat duct tape for fixing stuff. Sunglasses fit in here as well.
• Extras
  Same as Essentials except not as big a priority. Throw things in here that would be nice to pick up for the right price or a friend will let you borrow.
• Food
  That is right. It is good to take along some snacks, vitamins, and protein bars to help you through some days where you do not have the time to eat or what there is to eat is not very appealing.
• Photography Equipment
  This will appeal more to the photography crowd, but everyone will still take a camera. Make sure you do not have any down time with your camera because pictures is the biggest "souvenir" from your trip.

Keep in mind that this is never complete. If you have any suggestions, email them post a comment on this article. If I like them, I will add your suggestion and your url to the article. My checklist is for a lot of situations and you can scratch off anything you know you don't need.

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Advance Posting For My July Articles
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Category: Travel

2 Comments

Anonymous Says:
2007-01-22 16:13:15
Great list! I'll use it everytime! Thanks

Shawna Says:
2008-06-19 14:47:15
Thanks for the checklist- I use it every time !

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