Whenever I go away, I always re-write the same lists over and over again. The insanity has to stop. Without further ado, I'm immortalizing my packing and pre-trip "to do" list, so both you and I can refer to it prior to taking off.
Do
- record "away" voice mail
- write "away" email notification
- arrange snail mail pick-up
- prepare any documentation back-ups you may need like flight and hotel confirmation numbers
- travel insurance
- get or change money
Bring
- passport
- 1 - 2 print outs of your passport
- trip documentation or itinerary
- money*
- money belt
- books/mags
- smartphone
- iPod or like device
- camera
- earphones [and dual-pronged converter] for plane
- power converters for international travel
- chargers [camera, phone, laptop, etc...]
- ziplocks [always seem to come in handy]
- small umbrella
- hand sanitizer or wipes
- toiletries
- any meds you think you might need** [pepto, cold &flu , tylenol, gravol]
- sunscreen
- bug repellent
- sunglasses
- hat
- bathing suit
- pashmina or scarf for everything including the plane's ever-changing temperatures
- clothes
- shoes
*No matter where you're traveling, having a little of the local currency on-hand is always smart.
**I was in Africa earlier this year and came down with a bad cold enroute. The last thing I wanted to do after just landing and traveling through multiple time zones, was take a taxi to a local store. I broke down and purchased drugs akin to Tylenol Cold & Flu at the hotel's store. Twenty painful usd later, they were in my possession. Turns out all I needed was sleep because I was better within two days.