We've been traveling a lot lately. Three days ago, we just came home from Baguio. Tomorrow, we'll be on a flight to Cebu for a short vacation. I guess it's that time of the year again.
Over the years, I've kept a list of things to purchase, prepare, or bring every time we travel. The last thing that you want is to forget something (and incur add expenses) while on your trip.
Here's a list of what you may need for your summer get away.
PLANNING
☐ Buy your tickets in advance. (Plane, ferry or bus) I know how hard you've worked (stalked) to get that 'piso fare' seat sale.
☐ Plan the itinerary. Maximize the fun. Leave room for adjustments though, don't stress people out by being too rigid or too strict. Plan, but remain flexible!
☐ When traveling without the kids – Fix their schedule at home. Make sure they'll have fun things to do as well. Perhaps, you can invite their cousins or friends to sleep over?
☐ Traveling with a child on a plane? Here's a trick. Surprise him with a toy he's been wanting to buy. Don’t show it until you are on the plane. This should keep 'em busy.
Reminder: Make sure it's a single piece. You don't want toy parts falling off. Or else you'll spend your time on the airplane picking up toys on the floor.
☐ Buy a “hand carry” bag. The more pockets, the better. This should make it easy for you to compartmentalize your stuff. Empty your pockets and put it all in there. (for faster security checks)
☐ For long flights – Bring a book, an ebook, or put a movie in your iPad, iPod or gadget. Catch up with The Walking Dead episodes or finally read what the 'Hunger Games' craze is all about.
☐ Arrange/prepare your transportation. Make sure you have somebody to pick you up from the airport. Unless you are planning to take a cab. (also for your return trip)
☐ Road trip – Load the luggage the night before your departure. Relax, and worry no more.
☐ Prepare the car – Make sure your car is ready. Your car might be dying to get a tune up. Check the oil. Fill-up the fuel. Pump the tires.
☐ Check the spare tire. Make sure your tools are complete. (It's time for your neighbor to return the screw driver he borrowed last summer!)
DEPARTURE DAY
☐ Leave some emergency money at home.
☐ Leave the contact numbers of people to call just in case of an emergency. Stick it to the ref!
☐ Traveling on a budget? Eat at home or bring some snacks instead of buying food in the airport. A decent meal in the airport will cost you at least P200 or $4 per person.
☐ Contact info/business cards of people you will need to meet on your trip. (business / leisure trips)
☐ Wear something comfortable. Avoid anything that will give you a hard time when passing the metal detectors!
☐ Easy slip-on shoes – for faster security checks.
INSIDE YOUR HAND CARRY / BAG
☐ Camera – Photos may be important to you, but don't overdo it to the point that your children thinks you're a paparazzi.
☐ Rechargeable Batteries, Memory Disks, Film, Tapes – (Jurassic era)
☐ Your mobile phone and iPod
☐ Shades, Cap, Headband, etc.
☐ Print out of your plane e-ticket if you bought it online.
☐ Passports, 2 valid IDs and other important documents you may need.
☐ Your wallet / credit card (stash some cash away somewhere else just in case you lose your wallet)
☐ Loose change for small purchases and for tipping.
☐ If you are flying long hours, bring a book or an ebook that you can read.
☐ Chocolates?
☐ Medicines (Bioflu, Benadryl, Tempra) [know the bottle size allowed on the plane]
INSIDE YOUR LUGGAGE
☐ Chargers - Phone, iPod, iPad, Camera and Laptop.
☐ USB Storage, cables, adapters, etc.
☐ Clothes, accessories, shoes & slippers
☐ Extra bag for dirty clothes
☐ Traveling with Children – Bring some toys. Leave the bulky ones.
☐ For swimming – goggles, snorkeling gear, sunblock lotion/spray, swimwear, beach toys, beach bag, etc.
How do you keep your travel free of headaches? Share your ideas to us. Feel free to print this page in case you want to use it as a checklist!
