Vacation Planning - Making Your List and Checking it Twice

Vacations are very exciting. You finally have the time off from work to relax and take a much needed trip to somewhere you have wanted to go for a long time. The preparation for the trip is equally important as the vacation itself, though. You certainly don't want to be stranded somewhere without everything you need. You may be fortunate enough to forget an easily replaceable item such as your toothbrush or socks, but what if you forget your camcorder or digital camera? Worse yet, what if you forget your prescription medication? These things are not so easily replaced and can cause an exciting vacation to go down the tubes quickly.

About a week before your big trip, start making a list of everything you should bring. These can be the more obvious items, such as your luggage and clothes to wear. But more importantly, list the little things like your hair dryer, rain coat, and even the pairs of shoes you plan to bring. Basic accessories include items like toiletries and travel appliances, but don't forget others that are equally important to you like razors, and alarm clock, and books to read.

The longer your trip, the more items you need to take. So determine the number of days and make sure you have enough clothes for each, along with toothpaste, hairspray, deodorant and things like that. You should also consider what you want to have while on the plane (if you fly). If you have small children, bring activities for them for the flight and hotel room. You may also have a neck pillow you want to bring along.

Here are a few additional items you may need that would be easy to neglect:

• Binoculars

• iPod

• First aid kit

• Travel iron if the hotel doesn't supply it

• Mini-umbrella

• Prescription medication

Your personal list can be fairly lengthy, so pick and choose what is most important to you and that you will actually use. It is better to slightly over pack than to travel without enough and find yourself at a destination where there is no store nearby. However, keep your load light enough to make it manageable.

While developing your travel list, keep it nearby so that as you go through your daily routine you can jot items down as you think of them. Finally, try to actually pack two days before your departure to help ensure you have everything you need for a great vacation.

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