packing checklist

FORWARD PLANNING
Foreign currency (watch rates)
Travellers’ cheques
Vaccinations
Visas

Arrange care for pets / plants / lawn / garden
Arrange payment for bills falling due
Suspend deliveries / subscription services
Return library loans, DVD rentals
Notify credit & debit card issuers

Share itinerary, contact numbers with family / friend / neighbour
Store critical information securely online

Check-in online
Check weather forecasts
Check public transport links / book cab

LEAVING THE HOUSE

Set e-mail auto response, voicemail message
Adjust heating / air-conditioning
Turn off / drain water system(s)
Turn off / unplug appliances & equipment
Check the fridge for perishables
Put out garbage & recycling
Lock windows & doors
Check / set security & smoke alarms
Keep house keys secure but accessible

DOCUMENTATION
Tickets / boarding pass
Itineraries / reservations (hotel, car)
Passport(s)
Visa(s)
Driver’s licence(s), ID cards
Travel insurance
Health insurance
Prescriptions inc. glasses / contacts
Medications (name, dosage) & doctor(s)
Conference documents / tickets

Photocopies & scans of vital documents

Emergency numbers & online access details
inc. credit cards, banks, airlines, embassies
(2 copies, separate locations)

Family & friends: addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses

Travel card(s), passes, tickets, tokens
Printed route maps / instructions

MONEY

Foreign cash & coins (including stop-overs)
Small notes (inc. US dollars & Euros) for tips
Credit cards (at least two, in separate locations)
Debit / ATM cash card(s)
Cheques & cheque guarantee card
PIN / account numbers (encoded but retrievable)
Kitty purse & notepad for shared expenses