Master List for Travel

Have you ever left on a trip only to realize you left one or more essential items at home? Depending what is forgotten, it can possibly ruin a long planned for vacation. Here's how I make sure I never forget anything. Remember, this is for me, but can be altered to fit any type of travel.

I simply made some "master travel lists". I originally made one list for Spring/Summer and one for Fall/Winter. Here is a sample of my Summer list.

For The Dogs:

• Food and water dishes
• Food, treats, and bottles of water
• Collars with rabies and ID tags, leashes
• Toys
• One small blanket for each dog

I take a current close-up photo of each dog just in case we are separated. I take these photos not more than one week prior to the trip. This would be a good idea if you have children too.

For Me:

I make a separate list for my husband and anyone else going.

• Clothing: On my list, I list how many of each type of clothing per day.
• Personal care: I have a small bin in my linen closet with travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soaps, travel razors, etc. On my list I specify what to take out of all these.
• Glucose monitor (I'm diabetic)
• Medications and vitamins: I list each one and fill a weekly or daily container.
• Snacks: Since I'm diabetic I can't just stop for cokes and chips, so I pack some non-perishable snacks and drinks.
• Purse
• Wallet: I list each and every one from my driver's license, cash, credit cards and any other wallet items I may need.
• Keys
• Eye glasses and/or contacts
• Any other purse items I may need are listed separately.
• Emergency contact information
• List of all medications and medical conditions, including blood type, etc.

Other items:

• Book, magazine
• Road maps
• Magnifying glass (those maps are printed so tiny!)
• Sunglasses
• CD's/audio books
• Cell phone with charger (both house and car)
• Camera with extra batteries.

Not more than one week prior to the trip I take a photo of each person going, including myself (separate photo for each) and keep them in my purse.

Also, about a week or so before the trip I take this list, and print a separate list which is kept on the fridge and to which I add any incidentals (gifts, or whatever) to take. I check off each item as I put it into the suitcases or the car or my purse. Then the night before the trip, I go back with this list and double check everything.

Many of these items are always kept in a bin labeled "Travel". This way all I have to do is refer to my list and pull out the needed items. This list sounds extensive, but it's really not once I start gathering it all together. Much of it is things that I normally carry with me daily.

I made up these "master lists" long before any scheduled trip. That way I was able to go back through them slowly and customize them so they are more realistic for my needs.

This gives you the idea. And like I said, it can be altered to fit each person's needs. But I used to forget things every time I took a trip. Since I started keeping this list (I laminated the list and keep it inside my "Travel" bin), I have never forgotten a thing.

By Cricket from NC