That's a VERY complete checklist and should be really helpful to new travelers to work from.

Myself I pack less than 1/2 the things you mention (I don't take any electronics, or thing like binoculars or travel iron, for example). If you packed everything on this list, you'd have a VERY heavy suitcase(s)!

That is a very complete list. I am tired just reading it. Think I will copy it and delete all the things I don't take.

Agree - very complete but too much to lug around unless you have a car or only a couple of stops! Good "leaving home" list, though.

I noticed: "Foreign currency (watch rates)" and "Travellers' cheques" - that's very dated advice. These days you should take your ATM card(s) instead, except for a few places off the grid where cash US dollars are needed (e.g. Myanmar).

Really....haven't used TC in more than 20 yrs!!

Travelers checks still work in certain locations and circumstances. I've used them to pay for a hotel bill where charge cards weren't accepted and I didn't want to carry that much cash. I know they aren't a good suggestion for European travel, but they still work fine in Mexico for example (not to spend them directly but to change 'em at a cambio).

I would like to see everything on this list packed and how much weight and space that would entail. I'm guessing at least two full sized, possibly over the weight limit, suitcases!

As I said, I don't do or take everything every time, but it helps to have the whole list to hand when you're making a quick switch from a short holiday to an important business trip, or preparing for a place that's miles from the nearest shop. If you travel often to certain destinations, it can be aurprisingly rewarding over time to use an online currency broker and keep an eye on exchange rates for hard currencies that you use regularly -- the Euro has moved ten cents on the US dollar in the past three months, for example. I haven't actually bought travellers' cheques for a while, but I still have a few of low denomination that have been useful, most recently, in North Africa and South America. Increasingly, as our culture moves toward convenience 24/7, it's sometimes a bit of a surprise to travel to places where ATMs are few and far between, and the drug store really is stuffed with herbs.

And I thought I was a list maker! I did come up with a new idea for my travel lists this year. In the past I wrote on index cards with one per catagory. This year I finally put my lists on my computer, but I didn't want to have to print them out for each trip after I had marked items off. So, I put each list in a page protector, using the front & back of each one. Then, as I pack I check items off with a dry erase pen. After the trip, I use a cotton ball to remove the marks and I'm ready for the next trip! I will admit that I am obsessive-compulsive when it comes to packing and my lists! Just ask my husband.

Impressive!

Two days before the trip I empty my pocketbook of things I won't need on vacation. At the last minute I lighten the load further by taking out all keys except the house and car keys.

We always seem to leave just before our credit card bill would arrive, so we stop using the cards a week before the trip, and just before we leave I call for the amount we owe and send a check.

I keep a master packing list, including separate sections for things we'll need if we're planning to bike or kayak. Then for each trip I revise the master list to include just what we're taking. As we get closer to the time, I get specific about which tops, which shoes, which slacks, which raincoat I'll pack. I create a column for what's in my suitcase, carry-on, handbag, and my husband's suitcase and carry-on, and what each of us will be wearing. I print it out two days before departure and start packing, revising if I have to.

Some of my underwear goes in my carry-on and some in his, and vice versa. I hope I never have to explain this in a foreign language.

I print out two sets of the final list and we each take one in our carry-on in case of luggage loss.

If we buy something new for travel, it goes on the master list right away.

I don't see any mention of a travel kettle, tea bags, powdered milk and digestive biscuits. Absolute essentials in our household - the rest of the world being incapable of making a decent cup of tea.

And 56% of my fellow Brits agree.

I didn't see feminine hygiene products on the list. Those can be a very bad thing to forget.


Overall, a fantastic list that would let you easily tailor the list to your specific trip/destination.

I'm impressed with all the list makers. I love making to do lists and checking things off of it but I've never made a master travel list.

Thanks for posting this one.

I always tuck a couple of "light days" and moist towelettes into my purse for long plane trips.

Guess I am not much of a list person, and looks like way too much stuff for me.

<<<Neuman605 on Jun 28, 10 at 8:59pm
... and looks like way too much stuff for me.>>>

Do remember that this isn't a list for every trip, but more a master list of possibilities. Most people don't need a snorkel and thermals on the same trip, but you might need the beach stuff on one trip and the warm gear on another. Simply cross off the items that don't apply to you or that specific destination and you have a full list for what you do want to take.

YES I CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND THE SNORKEL /THERMAL SCENARIO BUT I GUESS THE NAIL POLISH, ACCESSORIES 7 SCARF RINGS MAY HAVE GOT ME. OH WELL EACH TO THEIR OWN!

I would love to see all the stuff on this list actually packed. How it would look. I don't think you could get it into even 2 large suitcases plus a carry-on.

For myself if I crossed off what I don't take, it would be about 3/4's of this list.

Great list! Very extensive and meant to be pared down to the individual. I'm flying to Europe this summer - with carry on only - so will remove those nasty potential weapons, but appreciate the reminders of the "to do's" to do before leaving home. As much as the list is extensive, I bet with the current availability of mini packs of things, and packing cubes and accessories, you could get most of these things (except all the electronics) into one suitcase. On a recent trip to Peru, my roomie and I were the walking pharmacy and very popular with the rest of the group when one was in need...and all in one medium suitcase.

One thing I always forget and always regret not bringing is bubble wrap for breakable souvenirs. That finally made it onto my packing list after my last trip.

I like things that do double duty so instead of bubble wrap, I bring waterproof flip flops and a bit of duct tape. The flip flops serve as slippers, pool shoes and wrapping material if I need it, along with a giant sized zip lock, these things have always served for secure packing equipment.

Why bother with bubble wrap? Why not just use your clothes?

What I like about the flip flops and zip lock is that if it's a bottle of something and it breaks, then you don't have wine, calvados etc all over your clothes.

Oh, I agree if it's booze or wine!! But for "breakable souveniers" I was wondering about.

Yeah, for breakable souveniers clothes are fine.

This is a great list, just tailor it to your trip and your needs! I always have plenty of toiletries and medicines when I travel instead of having to find a pharmacy in a foreign country.

I'm packing for a trip right now. I makes me realize I'm a "gatherer" instead of a list maker. I'm uber-organized but I don't write it down.

I use the bed in my spare room and start laying things out a month in advance. Get clothes sorted, decided upon, figure out the shoes, my first aid & necessaries "kit" (a few OTC meds, bandaids, flashlight, earplugs, corkscrew). Now as the trip gets close I'm on to downsizing cosmestics, toiletries, organizing cash and paperwork, luggage tags/locks, etc.

I must be crazier than most - I have about 15 different lists for different types of trips. I have business travel lists for myself for an overnight, for 3-5 days, and for a trip of unknown length. I have a list just for going into the city for a day. I have summer domestic travel and winter domestic travel, likewise for international trips. I have separate lists for all the above for when I'm going away without the hubby, and then when we are on vacation together. I have his business packing lists. Each of these lists has separate checklists for our toiletry kits, medical kits, and clothes. And that's just what I can think of off the top of my head for packing. I have separate lists for leaving the house for a long weekend versus leaving the house for a week or more. And for big trips (2+ weeks) I also have separate lists for what to do 1 month ahead, 2 weeks ahead, 1 weeks ahead, 3 days ahead, the night before and the day we are leaving.

All of these lists are in a single Word doc, and all have little check-off boxes. Each one has a footer which says the last time it was updated.

Yes, I am a crazy list-maker! Surely there's a group for that?

spcfa,

Thank you. There is now someone who admits to making more lists than I do! I'm Excel happy and have tons of various packing and to do lists, but I don't need a packing list for work travel, an overnight or a weekend away. It helps that I leave a toiletry bag packed and just grab that for 90% of my non-clothes items. I grab that bag, a ziplock of shower items (refilled as needed) and then lay out clothes in piles on the bed.

For my last big trip I had an Excel file to organize everything. I had tabs with airline information, confirmation numbers for lodging, a packing list (sorted by carryon and check bag), a tab with all entertainment info (open times/dates, prices, location, misc notes, etc). There was a tab that was sorted by what I wanted to do each day as I had to try to fit things in around odd open times and locations. There was even a tab with average weather for each day (I was in two very different locations and wanted to see how many days of warm vs days of cold for packing).

Most of the time I don't even use the list to gather stuff or remember to do things, but simply use it as a check list at the end to make sure I have everything or remembered everything. There's something about typing it in that really helps me think of other useful items and makes things click in my memory.

As far as I know, there is no 12 step program for crazy list makers!

Being totally anal and making lists for everything.. Packing is one that does NOT get a list. For some reason I don't find them practicle for myself.

We unfortunatley do take many electronic items with us, and I found the best charger at www.gomadic.com it has changeable tips and changable wall outlets. This one item is a definate never leave at home item.

It's so nice to find a whole world of list makers! Some people can head off round the globe with nothing but a passport... Not me I'm a list maker! I know I'm late to the party, but I've been away off the grid in Africa. When I return, I'll share my safari list and my first aid kit lists with you all
Also, I made a personal checklist for each of us ( travelled with 3 teens) and color codedit so thegirls would remember what to pack in their back packs for travel days or for game drives. They also usedut to "check out" as they packed and left each place. It saved me a world of work and nothing got left behind.
One peice of advice I give myself whenever I am obsessing over what to bring/ not bring...at the end of the day if I remember my documents, any meds, and money... There is nowhere I will go that I can't improvise and make do!

I love lists, I have one master list on my computer and just delete what I don't need for each trip and print. Occassionally I'll add a new Rx or travel item, that's why I only have one master, if I had a list for each different type of travel I would have to add new items to each different list, especially Rx's for 3 members of my family. I also put at least one complete set of clothes for each person in someone else's suitcase - if one bag gets lost at least we each have one change of clothes and if I check luggage one bathing suit each goes in carry-on.

After reading your post, debsnj, I realize I should put my list file in Excel, and add the different lists as categories. Then when I change the master and need a list, for say, international business travel, I can just filter on that category and will always have the latest updates.

As my listmania grew organically over decades, I never thought to consolidate a master and put it in a database format. Your post gave me this good idea!. Thanks.

Just went through your extensive list and it looks like I'm ready to go! Thanks.

I would add - set timers on internal lights (usually minimum week before departure), replace blubs in all outside lights, disable garage door opener and cancel mail and paper delivery.

For extended trips ( more than two weeks) we also shut off water at main line...also ensure you turn down water heater so it does not evaporate out.

Otherwise - fabulous list!

Having had a major water disaster after coming home from a three-day weekend (the seal on my upstairs toilet dried out and flooded the upstairs, brought down the ceiling below it and then flooded through the main floor into the basement), we now shut the water off at the main when we go away for even one night.

Iowa_Redhead - I'm Excel crazy also. I have tons of lists and spreadsheets in Excel. And with the new Office 2010, I turn them into tables and color code them, etc.

If I would shut off water main in summer, the lawn and flowers will die. If I shut water in winter, the pipes may freeze. So, I don't agree.
I do shut the water feeds to my washing machine, and dishwasher / kitchen sink.

<<<If I would shut off water main in summer, the lawn and flowers will die. If I shut water in winter, the pipes may freeze. So, I don't agree. >>>

Depending on how your house is setup, you can sometimes shut off the inside water without shutting off the outside water. The plants and lawn would be fine that way in the summer. Otherwise turning off the water somewhere inside the house helps limit the potential damage if a line breaks. Water problems seem to come more from appliances and where an appliance is hooked up than the main pipes.

As for shutting off water in the winter, the pipes won't freeze if you drain them after turning off the water. You turn off the main, run various sinks/tubs to drain everything and leave a faucet open in a sink/tub so that anything extra (shouldn't be any, but just incase) can drain.

Beyond that, the pipes should be fine if you leave the heat on. Don't turn the heat below 50 degrees and I wouldn't even go that low depending on where you live (leave cupboard doors open if needed to let heat into closed off areas). It's turning the heat off (or crazy low) that gets people into trouble with freezing pipes, not turning off the water line. If anything, turning off the water (and draining properly) will help prevent your pipes from freezing because there's very little/no water in them to freeze and burst pipes.

If you're going to be gone for a longer time over the winter, many people will turn off the water and drain the lines, turn the heat down low (50's, not below) and setup a temperature light. My grandparents go to Arizona over the winter and setup a temperature activated switch... when the temp in the house drops below a certain point, the switch turns on, which is attached to a lamp in the front window with a green light bulb in it. If the neighbors see a green light, they call my dad to come fix it.



Toedtoes, I do the color coding thing too.

Thanks I found your list helpful,lotion and phone charger were 2 things I would of forgot.