Travel Checklist

Must Have:

  • Wallet, credit cards and cash
  • Car and house keys(duplicate sets kept in different bags)
  • Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner)
  • Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers
  • Prescriptions and other medications
  • Itineraries, tickets, reservation confirmations, guide books, maps and directions
     

Must Do:

  • Remove trash from home
  • Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc.
  • Replace expired prescriptions and medication and replace expired sunblock, most SPF lotions lose potency over years time
  • Replenish toiletries kit
  • Empty refrigerator
  • Hold incoming mail and newspapers
  • Notify neighbors of your vacation and give phone # for emergencies
  • Mow your lawn before you leave
  • If you’re leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway
  • Lock all windows and doors before you leave
  • Unplug small appliances
  • Turn down or turn off AC/heat
  • Make arrangements for pet and plant care
     


Basic Travel Checklist

ADD TO LIST AS NEEDED

Electronics:

  • Cell phone, charger, extra battery
  • Camera, charger, batteries, cords, etc.
  • CD player and CDs
  • DVD player and DVDs
  • Laptop, cord and battery
  • Other small electronics and chargers (Nintendo DS, Kindle, etc.)
  • iPod and headphones
     

Packing Clothes:

  • Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing), though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get away with less
  • Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
  • Swimsuits (two per person, so you’ll always have a dry one)
  • Beach towels (two per person is ideal)
  • Beach cover-ups or roomy T-shirts (to throw on over swimsuit when you’ve had enough sun)
  • Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect faces from sun)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection for adults
  • Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes and shoes, gym workout clothes and shoes)
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Beach bag
  • Family size beach blanket
  • Laundry bag
     

Toiletries:

  • Bath soap
  • Mouthwash
  • Razor kit
  • Q-tips
  • Bottle opener
  • Cosmetics
  • Deodorant
  • Contact lenses
  • Nail clippers/tweezers
  • Vitamins
  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Cologne/perfume
  • Shaving cream
  • Matches
  • Sunscreen
  • Cotton balls/Q-tips
  • Kleenex, tissues
  • Mouthwash/dental floss
  • Combs, brushes
     

First Aid Kit:

  • Band aids
  • Sunscreen
  • Birth control
  • Cold medicine
  • Thermometers
  • Aspirin
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive strips
  • Insect repellent
  • Aloe Vera gel
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Moist towelettes, wipes
  • Lotion for insect bites
     

For the Baby:

  • Baby powder
  • Teething ointment
  • Baby wipes
  • Baby formula, bibs
  • Changing pad
  • Pacifiers
  • Baby sunscreen
  • Diapers and lotions
  • Stroller
  • Zippered plastic bags
  • Baby food and spoon
  • Blankets
     

Beach Items:

  • Buckets and shovels
  • Sand castle toys
  • Frisbee, paddle ball, inflatable beach ball and other simple beach toys
  • Inflatable flotation devices (check lifeguard regulations)
  • Kite
  • Zippered plastic bags for collecting wet suits after a day trip to the beach
  • Paddle games
     

For Older Kids:

  • 1 outfit per day, 2 extra tops
  • 2 swimsuits per child
  • 1 nice outfit
  • 1 out-of-season outfit
  • 2 towels per child
  • Frisbee, beach toys, paddle ball *usually available upon arrival
     

For Travelling:

  • Travel games, books
  • Crayons, clip board
  • Cooler with drinks and snacks
     

Safety Checks:

UPON ARRIVAL TO YOUR DESTINATION

  • Make sure the pull-cord loops on older window blinds and drapes have been eliminated or secured. Cut the loop of the pull cord just above the tassel to result in two cords, or keep the loop taut with a tie-down device that fastens the cord to the floor or wall.
  • Hand-test the hot water temperature. A child can suffer third-degree burns in a matter of seconds if exposed to water above 120 degrees F. Most rental homes do not have anti-scald devices or renter access to the water heater thermostat. Hand-test the water upon arrival to avoid accidental scalding in the bath or shower.
  • Examine bunk beds for proper installation and support of the mattresses. Bunk bed guardrails, like crib slats, need to be close enough together to avoid head entrapment. Avoid allowing children under the age of 6 to sleep in the top bunk.
  • Place all household cleaners and other potentially dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet.
  • Inspect the rental crib to make certain it is sturdy, properly assembled and in good condition.
     

Nice to Have Items:

  • Folding beach chairs, umbrella
  • Beach cooler
  • Flashlight
  • Pillows
  • Books/books on tape
  • Alarm clock
  • Travel journal
  • Binoculars
  • Travel iron or steamer
     

Essential Diving Gear:

  • Dive bag
  • Mask
  • Fins
  • Snorkel
  • Wet suit (as necessary – pants, vest, jacket, hood, farmer john)
  • Spandex-type shorts (great for under wet suit)
  • Dive boots/shoes
  • Gloves
  • BCD
  • Regulator (is the annual inspection current?)
  • Submersible pressure gauge (SPG)
  • Depth gauge
  • Compass
  • Dive knife
  • Dive watch
  • Dive computer
  • Weight belt
  • Tank (is it filled?)
     

Accessories:

  • Dive light(s) (does it work and has fresh batteries?)
  • Dive flag
  • Safety sausage
  • Whistle
  • Camera, batteries and memory card (or film)
  • Buddy line
  • Slate and pencil
  • Lift bag
  • Save-a-dive kit
  • Tools (as necessary)
  • Extra weights (as necessary)