1.  Umbrella – Weather can be unpredictable and it’s nice to have an umbrella.  It’s no fun getting wet.  On most trips I never use the umbrella, but when I have needed it, I was really happy to have brought it along.

2.  Footwear – MUST be comfortable!  Don’t try to break in a new pair of shoes for your travels.  A good pair of walking shoes is highly recommended and depending on where you travel to, be prepared for whatever conditions you may encounter – beach, snow and rain.

3.  First Aid Kit – It is good to bring a small kit that contains an ace-bandage, tape, ibuprofen, and band-aids in case your feet have a bad time or your strain a muscle, etc.  Make sure you bring any medications you are taking and enough for the length of your trip with some extra in case of delays.  You will want to pack these meds in your carry on bag.

4.  Back Packs – Having a small backpack or fanny pack is convenient to have for day trips.  Having a backpack will save an unwanted trip back to the hotel for a hat, coat, sweater, etc.  This is also a great way to carry food and drinks for those longer day journeys.

6.  Phones –  When traveling abroad texting and internet can be costly.  Check with your service provider for international travel packages.   I then use my Apple phone’s FaceTime for free calls to anyone who has an apple device.  Other options for you are Facebook phone app, Skype, Whats App, and Viber are just a few other free calling apps. In addition to your phone.

7.  Suitcase – You will be getting on and off of the subway and the trains, so it is advisable to have a four-roller upright suitcase.  A small carry on that can attach to the top of your suitcase is also a great way to carry your personal items on the plane.  Once traveling to and from your destinations having the ability to stack your bags and walk will help you to be more mobile.  Try packing your suitcase with everything you think you need, then drive to your downtown area and walk around with these items for a few hours.  If you are uncomfortable and the load feels to heavy, go home and discard some of those items and lighten your load. I would put you NAME, EMAIL Itinerary and phone number on a pieces of paper and put the info in each pocket or compartment on your suite case so in case your tags gets separated from your luggage they can always find you. I will also try to mail my luggage home after skiing so I don’t have to carry it further. I’ll mail my medium size bag home and just take my carry-on from that point on. Last year it cost $40 to mail the luggage from Chamonix France post office.

8.  Money – It is good to arrive with some currency of the country you are visiting in your pocket.  Try to use a credit card for as many of your transactions as possible.  The credit card companies get the best exchange rates but most of them charge a 2-6% foreign exchange transaction fee.  Many Credit Cards do not have any transaction fees. The worst exchange rates for cash are found in the airports and train stations money exchange booths, so try to avoid exchanging money at those places.  The best way to get cash is to use an ATM card at a bank ATM.  You will get better exchange rates than going to a bank with cash.  Make sure your ATM card can be used internationally and has a 4 digit pin number. Also, make sure that your credit cards and ATM do not expire during your trip. If you need cash, I would recommend getting enough for a few days, then revisiting another ATM when you need to replenish.  I use my cash for all of the small incidentals (for instance, bus, subway, tips, coffee and perhaps a quick snack.)  Everything I can use my credit card for, I do because it is convenient and also provides a record of my purchases.  Let your credit card company know the dates you will be traveling and where you will be traveling.  This will prevent them from putting a freeze on your card due to a fraud alert while you are on your trip.  Check your credit card company to see if they charge a transaction fee for international purchases.

9.  Airlines – Check with your airlines in advance in regards to their baggage policy.  You may need to pack differently to avoid any special baggage fees.  Also, you will want to check for delays especially if you have a connecting flight.  Sign up for the mileage reward clubs on any airline you travel.  These points do add up over a period of time, and is a great way to get travel for less.

10.  Backup Copies –  Copy the front and back of your credit cards, medical card, passport and any important information in your wallet.  Once you make copies of this information, scan or take photos and email them to yourself so you will have access to the information in the event that it is lost.  Do not carry the copies in your luggage in the event someone steals them.  Email is a safe way to have access to the 800 numbers.

11.  Less is Best – Only bring the necessities on your trip.  Avoid the stress of expensive jewelry, or excessive electronics.  Most importantly, don’t over pack and bring too many clothes.

12.  Power Strip – Bring a power strip that can be used for 240/ 110 outlets so you can charge all of your devices at once and will only need one power adapter.  Check which type of adapter to use when traveling around the world as many of the countries are different.

13.  Passport – Last but not least, don’t forget to take your current passport.  There have been situations in the past where someone has mistakenly brought an expired passport with them.  This has been known to induce high levels of stress and anxiety and is best avoided.  In case of any emergency while traveling, know where and how to contact your country’s embassy or consulate.

14. Air Tags – I use the Apple Air tags to keep track of my Suite case, Wallet and keys besides other items.  Costco carries 4 for $90.  This is a great way to keep an eye on your baggage as you travel in case it gets lost.

 

 

Bon Voyage!!!