We have all been there. Forget something or better yet, forget to do something before we leave the house on vacation.
Hopefully, it’s just your shower gel, which you can just buy at the nearest drug store when you get to your destination. No harm-no foul.
But often, it’s something bigger. Much bigger.
Here is a list of things travelers forget at the last minute. Hopefully by seeing them in print- you’ll remember next time!
1. Calling banks and credit card companies to let them know you’re traveling. Doing it will not only alert them of out of town/country activity, but it’ll save you the headache of NOT having the card work when you try to use it- they may flag it as stolen!
2. Holding mail at the post office. The last thing you want is for mail to be falling out of your mailbox, advertising to local criminals that your house is the perfect target.
3. Copying your passport. Hide one in a safe place to take along and also give the other copy to a friend or family member, just in case. Write down your credit card toll free number, in case you need to report the card lost or stolen.
4. Bringing emergency cash for the trip. You might need a taxi on the way there or back. You don’t want to be stranded or worse yet- take a pricey cash advance on the ‘ole credit card! Ouch!
5. Packing battery chargers for cameras, cell phones and computers. They are often overlooked. The same applies to voltage convertors and adapters.
6. Leaving the keys for the house-sitter. Why not make a spare set and give them out well before the trip?
7. Making a list of emergency numbers and expected itinerary, in case of, well, an emergency. Nuff said.
8. Pets. Often overlooked, but never forgotten, sometimes pets get the short end of the, er, bone?! My pooch has her *own* bag that always stays packed with the essentials and her own bowls at Grandma’s. Make sure you have more than enough food for the length of your trip, enough toys and snacks to entertain and lots of walks and human contact to make up for your absence.
9. Essential Tickets. No, not your plane tickets, although that would be tragic, but often times people buy tickets to concerts, shows, special events, museums etc., well in advance, keep them in a safe place, only to forget them later. Avoid buying tickets in advance if it can be helped. If not- place the tickets in your suitcase as soon as they come in the mail.
10. Making Reservations. You want to plan a special dinner or a massage at your destination, but you forget to make the reservations. If it’s a popular place you may just be out of luck when you arrive. Make sure you arrange it before you leave, or at least remember to bring the phone number with you to reserve when you get there.
Now it’s your turn, fess up! What is something you have forgotten before traveling? And how do you now remember?