Pre-Trip Checklist

When planning a trip (whether overseas or even just a weekend get-away), you know there are certain things you're going to need. I have compiled the checklist below over years of traveling and trial-by-error when certain clutch items were left at home. It's unbelievably helpful to have when packing your suitcase (since even the most confident and seasoned traveler sometimes packs late at night after one-too-many glasses of wine or packing hungover is not the best of ideas...)

NOTE: there are a few things to consider. Do you plan on checking your bag? If not, you need travel size toiletries. Are you going to a country where you will most likely be able to find specific items in order to save the space while packing? How long are you going for and you realllllly need a curling iron? Be pragmatic, be realistic, and realize you can get by with a lot less than you think. Also this is the Master List, not all bullet points are applicable for all kinds of travel.

The Paperwork:

• Passport (with room for visas and not expiring in the next six months)
• Other form of government ID
• Extra passport photos
• Visa (check if you need to get it in advance, or if you can purchase it on arrival)
• Cash (always have some on hand and look into what currency you need, what the exchange rate is, and how accessible ATMs are)
• Specifics such as flight/ticket info, reservation #'s, etc.
• Vaccination info (I carry mine in my passport holder)

The Toiletries:

• Travel size shampoo
• Travel size face wash
• Travel size body wash
• Travel size face lotion
• Travel size toothbrush/toothpaste
• Razor w/ additional razor heads
• Travel size contact solution (I use a specific brand for necessity)
• Extra contacts/glasses/glasses case
• Makeup (only what you absolutely need and make sure you have enough of each kind for the duration of your trip)
• Small hair brush/hair ties
• Deodorant (a new one)
• Travel size sunscreen/insect repellant
• Quick drying towel
• Tweezers/nail clippers (if you will be gone long enough to need them)
• Tampons (if applicable and if you think wherever you're going doesn't sell tampons)
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes (I cannot explain how handy baby wipes are!!!)
• Small first aid kit (even a baggie with bandaids, Neosporin, tylenol, etc.)
• If you have prescriptions, make sure you have enough for while you're gone and any correlating doctor's notes.

The Clothing:

• This is dependent on where you are going, but I dress for comfort, plan to re-wear many items, and look for items that show the least amount of sweat-stains. remember, layering is your friend when you don't want to lose space on bulky clothing.
• Undergarments (NOTE: ladies, you can re-wear a tank top a lot more often than underwear! Bring plenty of fresh undies!!!), plan on wearing a comfortable bra for 3-4 days without changing, and bring breathable socks for your sneakers if you plan on doing a lot of walking.
• Leggings/yoga pants 
• Tunics/tank tops/t-shirts
• Swim suit
• Light sweater (even if going to the tropics, airplanes are freezing and you never know when you might be in a frigid situation)
• Dress (be prepared for that random night when you gotta look good!)
• Rain jacket 
• Good walking sneakers
• Flip flops 

The Business Necessities:

• This will vary for different people, but for me the list includes:
• DSLR camera bodies with two lenses
• Camera batteries/charger/cord for transferring photos
• usbs/memory cards
  
• Laptop/case/charger/headphones/wireless mouse
• notebook/journal/pens/book

The Purse:

• I use my main bag/purse to carry my paperwork, ids, laptop, and makeup bag,  but a few things additional items to make sure you have on hand are: 
• Chapstick (I always have a few in my bag)
• Gum
• Extra pen
• Business cards (promote yourself!!)

The Miscellaneous:

• Small travel alarm clock with fresh batteries
• Cheap pair of sunglasses 
• Adaptor plug (for international outlets)
• Jewelry (I like to accessorize, not gonna lie. I bring a few staple items that go with multiple outfits, aren't too flashy or expensive to draw unwanted attention, and don't take up too much room)
• Travel laundry detergent (great to wash in the sink those undergarments or t-shirt that drunk guy spilled beer all over that's making your entire suitcase smell...)
• Space saver storage bags (helps save room when packing and also can designate one for dirty laundry to keep sealed and from making everything else in your bag smell)
• Laundry dryer sheet (put in loose in your suitcase to help with travel smells)
• Luggage locks (I like to have a few on my backpack / suitcase. Aside from preventing against pick-pocketing, also good to use to lock up your stuff at the hostel, in lockers, or at stations while out exploring). 

TO DO:

• Pack everything in advance and see how it fits, how easy it is to access items, etc.
• Confirm your flight/travel/reservations are set without delays or cancellations.
• Make sure someone knows your itinerary if you have one or at least any important reservation numbers.
• Notify your bank that you are traveling so they don't put a hold on foreign charges and leave you high and dry without access to any funds (learned the hard way).
• If you are bringing your phone, either work with your provider to have it be international for length of period abroad (if applicable), plan on buying a SIM card overseas and have your phone unlocked before leaving, or put on airplane mode with wifi on if you don't need to make calls but just want to post amazing shots on Instagram.
• Check the weather and political situation before you go. The CDC and State Department's websites are great sources for info to confirm you're aware of everything you need to know.
• RELAX! HAVE FUN! DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!​