Here is a compilation of a check list for travel. Most importantly, please read the post script.

PRE-DEPARTURE

• Get your FX Cheat Sheet
• Read the Travel Advisory for your destination
• Passport
• Visa
• Health Documentation
• Transportation Tickets
• Emergency Information
• Insurance
• Hotel Reservations
• Traveller’s Checks
• Currency/Wallet
• Credit/Debit Cards
• Guide Books and Maps
• Trip Cancellation/Medical Insurance
• Personal Identification
• Driver’s License
• Photocopies of Documentation
• Special Event Reservations (art, popular festivals, sporting events)

BASIC

•  Mobile Phone/Charger
• Camera/Video Camera/Charger
• Binoculars
• Luggage/Travel Pack
• Luggage ID Tags
• Waist/Neck Pouch
• Travel Clothing (Formals, Casuals)
• Shorts, Tees, pair of Jeans, Innerwear
• Rain Protection
• Travel Footwear
• Watch
• Belt
• Handkerchief
• Scarf/Bandanna
• Visor or Brimmed Hat
• Water Bottle
• Language Books
• Reading Materials
• Address Book
• Travel Journal/Notepad
• Pen/Pencil
• Games/Playing Cards
• Travel Lock

MAINTENANCE ITEMS

• Flashlight Batteries/Bulb
• Swiss Army Knife
• Matches or Lighter
• Camera Batteries
• Mini Sewing/Repair Kit
• Duct Tape
• Portable Travel Iron or Steamer
• Travel Clothesline & Clothespins
• Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks
• Mesh Bag for Dirty Laundry
• Zip close Plastic Bags

TOILETRIES

• Comb/Hair Brush
• Toothbrush/Paste/Brush Cap
• Cleaner/Dental Floss
• Deodorant
• Soap: Personal and Laundry
• Shampoo
• Razor/Blades
• Shaving Cream/Brush
• Insect Repellent
• Skin Care Lotions/Creams
• Make Up
• Mirror
• Nail Clippers
• Sunscreen/Lip Balm
• Travel Towel
• Blow Dryer
• Towel/Washcloth
• Bottles (for shampoo & laundry soap)

HOME CHECKLIST

• Stop deliveries
• Have Post Office hold mail
• Arrange for care of pets, lawn and house plants
• Set-up a timed lighting system
• Check timed night lighting system
• Notify local police of your absence
• Leave house key and trip itinerary with a neighbour
• Empty refrigerator
• Eliminate possible fire hazards (unplug appliances, etc.)
• Turn down thermostat
• Turn off water heater
• Store valuables in a safe place
• Lock all doors and windows

FIRST AID KIT

• Cotton, Wool
• Bandage Cloth
• Band Aid
• Crepe Bandage
• Gauze Pad
• Buds
• Small Scissors
• Tweezers
• Aspirin/Pain Reliever
• Paracetamol
• Cough Syrup
• Povidone Iodine
• Savlon Antiseptic
• ORS
• Laxative
• Antibiotic Cream

MEDICATION

• Medication for Allergies, Diarrhoea, Cold, Acidity
• Medication for Motion Sickness
• Medication for Malaria
• Vitamins
• Contact Lens Preparation
• Water Purification System
• Prescription Drugs, Doctors Phone No., Fax no.

 PS: Pack light & smart 🙂

Addendum

Nov 2023: How I Pack for a Two-Week International Trip with Only Carry-On Bags