This post is part 2 of a Travel Checklist series.
TRAVEL CHECKLIST: ONE MONTH OUT
□ Order a hard copy map of your destination at Amazon
□ Confirm flight, ground transportation, accommodation and restaurant reservations
- Print a copy of your confirmations for your carry-on
- If you’ve booked through a travel consolidator, verify your reservation directly with your hotel
TRAVEL CHECKLIST: ONE WEEK OUT
□ Scan your vital passport pages and email the file to yourself and one or two contacts. Print a copy to store in your checked bag
□ Organize your itinerary; email the document to yourself and one or two contacts. It should include:
- Airlines, flight numbers, flight arrival and departure numbers, flight confirmation numbers
- Hotels; arrival and departure dates; addresses, fax numbers, telephone numbers, and email addresses; confirmation numbers; deposits paid and balances due
- Other reservations: destination-to-destination travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, etc.
- Miscellaneous destination-specific research notes (tipping guidelines, recommended restaurants, public transportation instructions, etc.)
□ Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling to a foreign country
- Two credit cards for the trip should be sufficient (or one credit card and one bank card)
- Safekeep your credit card information (account number and international customer service telephone number) in case your cards or lost or stolen. I save my information in a password-protected app on my iPhone. An alternative is to email the information to yourself
□ Withdraw cash
- I typically withdraw enough cash to last me the trip, so as to avoid hefty credit card cash advance interest and/or fees. I keep the money in an envelope in a hidden compartment in my carry-on bag, which I lock
□ Confirm arrangements with petsitters, nannies, housesitters, post offices, newspaper delivery, etc.
□ Obtain an international driver’s license if you will be renting a car abroad (go to the American Automobile Association for a list of locations to obtain a license). (By the way, you still need to bring your state-issued driver’s license)
□ Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Recording information on your trip allows the Department of State to assist you in case of an emergency.
□ Plot places that you want to visit (stores, restaurants, museums, etc.) on your hard-copy map
□ Buy evacuation insurance if you are staying in a third-wordl country. I buy mine through Medex
□ Determine your communication strategy. Do you need to buy a SIM card? Does your current service offer international service? Do you have a Skype account? Do you need to add credits to your Skype account?
This post is part 2 of a Travel Checklist series.
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