Making a List
In just a few weeks I will be boarding an airplane to England. I have my e-tickets, my passport, and travel insurance. I downloaded new music and e-books to my iPod and bought two new games for the Nintendo DS Lite. I plan to bring my netbook, paper books, and my thin fleece blanket for use as a coverlet or folded up as a pillow, should I want it. I have travel-sized bottles of all my favorite lotions and potions and have an adapter for my electronics.
I have my pre-trip haircut and spa appointments scheduled. I still need to exchange currency and buy traveler's checks. And pack, of course.
What am I forgetting?
This is my first trip across the ocean and the first time I am flying by myself. I am so excited about the trip but also a bit nervous because I know I am probably forgetting something.
So, dear reader, what travel advice do you have? What did you wish you had brought with you on your last flight or when you traveled outside the country? Or, what did you think you would need and did not? For fun, what is the one comfort item you always bring with you when you travel? Enlighten me.
England, travel in About My Day 
Reader Comments (13)
Camera with plenty of memory and batteries. Pack light because luggage fees are ridiculous. (Weigh bag before going.) Pack an empty bag if you plan to do much shopping. You should NOT use your debit card outside of the country (don't even take it!) because if it's stolen you have to wait for the money to be refunded and a stop will be placed on it. If you use a credit card money is credited back immediately. On any long flight, be sure to get up and walk around every hour or two. Dress in layers because plane temps vary greatly. And, don't stress about forgetting something because you can always buy it there. Have fun!
Don't buy travler's checks! They're rarely taken anywhere anymore!
I agree with Denise. I was going to write that but then forgot.
Well obviously camera... but that's a duh. How bout that passport? Glad you're getting over there so soon. Forget all the other junk - just take your heart.
I like David's advice :-)
And, I've never been out of the country (except for a short jaunt into Niagra Falls, Canada) so I have no experienced advice to offer.
How long will you be able to stay?
Leave the paper books at home. You have enough to read to get you there, and will have plenty to read when you get where you are going. It's just extra weight. I agree about the travelers checks. If you don't want to bring your own credit card, many banks sell Visa gift cards that do the same thing. If you lose that, you will be out the money but won't have to worry about your identity. Make sure you have good walking shoes. Drink plenty of water on the plane or you will get dehydrated. And have a blast.
All of the above advice is good! I've done the empty suitcase inside another thing and it worked great, because I tend to buy a lot. :-) The only thing I would add is, if you plan to sleep on the plane, one of those u-shaped neck pillows makes it SO much easier.
Bon voyage!
I also need to buy gifts for the people I'm meeting, stop the mail, and find a ride to and from the airport.
People, you're supposed to be reminding me of these things. :)
ummm, got anyone to water your plants? also, don't forget an address book (or put them in your blackberry or whatever) so that you can send postcards to the people back home. hint hint.
I can take you to the airport if you want. I'll just go in my jammies :) I can also take care of whatever you need me to at your house. Just let me know. Don't forget to make copies of your passport, driver's license, birth certificate and itinerary and give them to someone here. I don't care who - your mom, me, David - whomever - that way if you lose your passport we can fax them to the American Embassy over there.
Lip balm! Planes are dry! Enjoy!
I over-pack like crazy, but definitely take a voltage converter unless you plan to buy or be supplied with electric stuff there. I would say take an umbrella but they got pissy with us in customs about ours, so pack a small one if you can. And a scarves and hats. It is freaking cold there now and you will want hats and scarves and good gloves. And boots. And buy a couple of bottled waters once inside the gates for the ride, as well as snacks. You will be dehydrated/thirsty beyond belief by the end of it. Ipod is a must--I was stuck watching same bad movies on the way there and on the way back. I could go on, but won't. Unless you really want me to :)
Well, I think I am alone in this one, but when I am in for a long flight and want to look great when I get there, I don't put my make up on ahead of time. I take whatever I need (now in the little ziploc bag) and put it on towards the end of the flight. That way I always look fresh. :)
I agree about leaving the paper books behind, you don't need the extra weight. I ALWAYS haul around my laptop and all of my camera gear. I take something to read, something to listen to, something to snack on, something to drink, and usually a sudoku or a crossword or something. I also always have a change of clothes in my carry-on, just in case my luggage wanders off. I'd also consider grabbing a movie or two for your ipod. :)
And it's not as though you're going out to the middle of the jungle, if you did miss something you can replace when you get there.
Also? I'd turn your water off before you go. I've known people that have come back from vacation to find their water heater or a hose to their toilet or washing machine as erupted, and water has been pouring out for EVER.