When planning and packing for a business or pleasure trip, there is a lot to consider and usually several things to contend with before leaving home. So it’s not so surprising that oftentimes things are simply forgotten.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned traveler, checklists are proven to be very helpful. But that’s usually for things like clothing and toiletries. So, here is our Top 10 list of the Most Forgotten Items.
1) Cash
Telling you to take cash along on your trip might sound like silly advice considering most places accept debit and credit cards. But even a small amount of local currency is a good idea to have on hand given that some small businesses will only accept cash. Very small purchases, such as a newspaper or a snack, don’t warrant using a credit or debit card, and cards won’t be helpful if you need to tip a valet or chambermaid. Using an ATM for cash withdrawals means having to locate a machine and might involve user fees. So, despite how busy you might be before leaving on your trip, make sure you visit your bank or a foreign currency exchange (for better rates) and tuck some cash into your wallet.
2) Copies of Travel Documents
No one goes on a trip expecting to lose their belongings. But it happens. Therefore, it’s wise to make copies of your passport, birth certificate, and driver’s license, and pack them separately and safely, so that in the event of a loss of the originals, you’ll have the numbers with you for reporting purposes.
For a lost or stolen passport, you can locate your nearest embassy for a re-issue. In the meantime, a copy of your birth certificate and driver’s license can act as ID. Similarly, it’s also wise to record your credit card number and bank phone number somewhere safe in case you need to report it as well. For added security, ensure that your travel insurance and travel itinerary (including all hotel reservations and flight numbers and times) are backed up to your phone or tablet, or are photocopied and packed ‘separately’ from the originals.
3) Documentation for Children
Carrying special documentation for accompanying children is something that is rarely thought about, but given so many child abductions in the news it’s not uncommon for single parents to be questioned at borders or customs, particularly if the child’s surname differs from the parent. If you’re a parent that has undergone (or is undergoing) a situation involving custody issues, it’s wise to consider traveling with documentation that clearly defines your permission to take your child out-of-province, out-of-state, or out-of-country. Simply take any original court-issued documents, such as Custody Papers, a Statutory Declaration, or a Mobility Agreement that asserts your right to take your child away on vacation. If you’re lucky enough to have a cordial arrangement with your ex-partner in which you both agree that the child (or children) can travel with just one parent, consider a notarized agreement or have a lawyer draft a Letter of Consent to Travel. Such documentation can save a lot of time and hassle at border crossings/customs should any questions arise.
4) Phone Charger
Love them or hate them, cell phones today are a necessary companion for business and pleasure, as well as staying in touch with loved ones while you’re away. They have become an extension of our hands so most people automatically remember to take them along when traveling.
Unfortunately, what often gets left behind is the charger, which is every bit as necessary as the phone itself. Although replacement chargers can be purchased at the airport or on the road, tracking down what you need is an unplanned expense and can prove problematic if you can’t find the type of charger you require. So the next time you travel, ensure that your charger is packed in your carry-on.
5) Extra Memory Card (SD Card)
Whether you’re traveling to an exotic location or simply going home to spend time with family or friends, chances are that your trip will include plenty of photos to capture the memories. Therefore, limited space on your camera or phone will prove frustrating and disappointing and might lead to deleting existing photos or simply not taking any more.
Before you leave on your trip, take the time to stop by your local electronics store and pick up an extra memory card for your camera or phone. Consider offloading some existing photos to a hard drive. Or, sign up for a cloud storage service. Google users can use Drive or Google Photos.
6) First Aid Kit and Medications/Prescriptions
No one wants to think about getting injured while on vacation, or at any time for that matter. But it happens. And if you are traveling with children, chances will increase for needing some type of First Aid. You can even use something as simple as a sandwich baggie to put a little kit together, including some antiseptic, a few gauze pads, and Bandaids. A scraped-up knee or a foot blister can ruin a good time, but if you have something with you to doctor it up, fun times can quickly resume.
It’s also wise to carry some basic over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol for headaches and pain, Gravol for nausea, and Pepto or Immodium for potential stomach upset or diarrhea. All of these can be purchased in travel-sized packets.
Of course, never forget to pack prescribed medications. Refilling prescriptions before your travel date is a good idea so you don’t run out while you’re away. For a 7-day vacation, consider packing 9 or 10 days of medication. The little bit extra will help to cover any unexpected flight cancellations or layovers. Always pack medications in the original prescription bottles with the original labels to avoid any questions or incidents when traveling across borders and through customs.
7) A Cheap Pair of Flip-Flops
You don’t need to be beach bound to benefit from a pair of flip-flops. This is an item that comes in handy anywhere you go – ideal for protecting your feet at a hotel’s indoor and outdoor pools, as well as whirlpool or sauna facilities. Not only can they prevent cuts to feet from something sharp, but they can also protect you from plantar warts, which are contagious and commonly spread near swimming pools, whirlpools, and showers. They are also useful at hotels of questionable cleanliness. If you don’t want your feet on the dirty carpet or touching the floor of a dodgy bathroom, cheap rubber flip-flops can save the day. And they’re perfect for a quick run to the ice machine, or to the gift shop in the lobby.
They’re available at numerous stores and pharmacies and they don’t take up much room in the corner of a suitcase or carry-on. And like a First Aid Kit, they don’t add a lot of weight to your luggage.
8) Laundry Items
Consider packing a laundry bag in your suitcase or even just a large plastic bag to separate your dirty clothes from unworn items. You might even take an extra plastic bag so that wet or damp clothing, such as a bathing suit or beach towel, can be kept completely separate from everything else in your suitcase while you’re on the move. This can prevent mold and mustiness from forming inside your luggage considering that mold spores can germinate after only 12 hours, and the right conditions for this to occur are certainly found inside a dark and locked-up suitcase.
Also, consider packing a stain-remover pen and perhaps even a small baggie of laundry soap that will allow you to quickly rinse out a stain in your hotel room.
9) Headphones or Earplugs
Traveling can be frustrating, particularly if your seat on a train or plane is next to a loud talker, a snorer, or a crying baby. Similarly, a room located near an elevator or close to a pool or a snorer in the next bed (or even in the next room if the walls are thin), can prevent you from getting the kind of sleep you’re used to at home.
With this in mind, it’s best to think ahead and pack your headphones and/or a set of good earplugs. Headphones will not only tune out the noise but will provide you with the calming effect of music you enjoy. Earplugs will help to drown out everything.
10) Snacks
Given that airlines have cut down on almost everything, meals are no longer served on short flights and snacks are limited so it makes sense to carry something that will fill the void while you’re on the move. This is especially true if you’re traveling with children.
However, your trip doesn’t need to involve air travel in order to be prepared. Whether traveling by train, plane, boat, or automobile, non-perishable snacks like trail mix, granola bars, cookies, or nuts are convenient and practical and are easily tucked into the corner of a carry-on, purse, or even inside your coat pocket.