Packing everything needed for stress-free travel is an art that few perfect. At some point, even the savviest traveller is likely to encounter the frustration of forgetting to pack some essential item. In some aspects, modern technology has enhanced the travel experience, with online services to purchase tickets, make reservations and check personal email and financial accounts. In other ways, technology has further complicated the whole affair by making it necessary to pack a host of batteries and chargers for cellphones, laptops and digital cameras.

With rising baggage fees and overweight-baggage charges, most people prefer to travel as light as possible, but there are some essential items that should accompany you whenever you travel. Here are five things that, if forgotten, can result in considerable hassle and expense.

1. The All-Important Passport

Canadian passports are good for five years, but most travel experts advise against travelling with a passport that will expire within six months. Some countries will not only bar entry to those whose passport is set to expire during their trip, but to those whose passports will expire shortly after their planned date of return. In a pinch, you can get a new passport in 10 business day by person. It takes 20 business days by mail.

2. Other Important Documents

Carrying photocopies of your passport, birth certificate and proof of citizenship is a good idea, too. Many hotels will ask to hold your passport at the front desk until you check out but will often accept a photocopy instead. Pack photocopies in carry-on luggage and leave a set of copies with someone at home, too. If possible, make a computer scan of important documents like passports. Email them to yourself using an internet-based account so you can access them from any computer.

Documents to photocopy:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship
• Vaccination certificates
• Airline/cruise/rail tickets
• Itinerary
• Insurance policies
• Prescriptions for medications

3. Traveller’s Insurance

Some experienced travellers maintain that traveller’s insurance is unnecessary. They reason that airlines and hotels will refund your money whenever they can’t meet their obligations. Hopefully, you’ll never need traveller’s health insurance, but preparing for unforeseen events is never a bad idea. A little investigation may reveal that you already have enough coverage through a homeowner or automobile insurance plan or through your credit card company.

Travel health insurance will cover the costs you may incur if you have to cancel a trip due to ill-health or if you get sick or injured while on a trip. Considering the staggering health costs in some countries, obtaining travel health insurance is a wise precaution. Be sure and read the entire policy carefully before signing it. One policy, for example, may promise to take you to the nearest hospital while another may take you to the hospital of your choice.

4. First-Aid Concerns

Always bring any medications, as well as copies of the prescriptions for them, in carry-on bags. A small first-aid kit can stop a larger health problem in its tracks. The kit should include band aids, Dramamine, antibiotic cream, anti-diarrheal medicine and pain relievers. Hand wipes with germicidal cleaner are a good idea, and don’t forget sun screen and lip sun block. Finding some of these items on location might be difficult and you may need them before you get there.

5. Staying Connected

You’ll not only want to bring all the batteries, chargers, adaptors, converters and memory cards that you need for your cellphone, digital camera and laptop, but any instruction for them that you might need as well. Most laptops are designed to handle 100 to 240 volts, so they should operate in most countries without a power convertor, but be sure to check your laptop manual to be sure. If you plan to plug in the laptop’s power adapter, you’ll want to ensure that it operates with 50 to 60 Hertz frequencies.

Of all the electronic devices you’ll bring along on a trip, the plug convertor may be the most important. In many countries, you’ll need one before you can plug in anything. Travel stores offer plug converters for various electrical outlets around the world.

Once you’ve collected all this stuff, checked exchange rates with the currency exchange, picked up your money and packed, get out there and enjoy yourself.

• «Previous Post
• Next Post »

---