A typical packing checklist

• 2 pairs of pants
  
  
• 3-4 shirts
  
  
• A dark-colored sweater that is best to wear en route
  
  
• Clothes for a dressy occasion, for comfort while traveling and suitable to the climate
  
  
• One sport-jacket for men (some restaurants require them)
  
  
• Swimsuit
  
  
• Cover-up for beach or pool
  
  
• Raincoat and galoshes
  
  
• Hat, beret or sun hat
  
  
• 3-5 pairs of underwear
  
  
• 5 pairs of socks – cotton or wool
  
  
• Sleepwear
  
  
• 1 pair of sturdy well-broken in boots or sandals
  
  
• If for winter travel include down jacket, waterproofed boots, gloves and hat and long underwear

Other suitable items for purse of carry-on luggage:

Passport                                                                                  Pens and pencils
Tickets                                                                                    Camera,  film, batteries
Itinerary                                                                                  Multi-media accessories
Traveler’s checks                                                                    Zip-lock or plastic bags (seal)
International certificate of vaccination                                       Dictionary or phrasebook
Maps                                                                                      Laundry items - detergent
Money belt of pouch                                                               Clothes-brush
Extra glasses, contact lenses and prescriptions                         Inflatable hanger or two
Combination lock                                                                    Rubber sink stopper
Address , notebook or journal and small pad of paper              First aid kit - bandages
Daypack                                                                                 Moleskin for blisters
Pocket flashlight for each traveler                                             Analgesic
Net shopping bag                                                                    Antiseptic towelettes
Travel alarm clock                                                                   Insect repellent
Sunglasses                                                                               Anti-malaria pills
                                                                                               Thermometer in hard case
                                                                                               Nail clipper & Tweezers

Toiletries                                                                      Optional
Toothbrush and paste, extra dental floss                        Ear plugs and eye shade
Soap and soap dish                                                      Binoculars in hard case
Shampoo                                                                      Roll of transparent tape
Moisturizer                                                                   Adapter
Lip balm                                                                       Transistor radio, CD or walkman, MP3player
Small towel and washcloth                                            Musical instrument ( if appropriate)
Hairbrush or comb
Razor, blades and shaving cream

Checklist when traveling with children: (infants or toddlers)

Car seat with cloth liner                                                Small packets of tissues
Disposable diapers                                                       Nightlight
Wet-ones                                                                     Flashlight
Change pad                                                                  Extra juice
Garbage bags                                                               Childs cup with drinking spout
Diaper rash ointment                                                     Collapsible cup
Fork and spoon                                                            Drinking straws
Familiar foods (cereal,  crackers and noodles)               Finger foods (cubes of cheese, vegetable sticks)
Vitamins of fluoride drops                                             Bibs
Small toys                                                                     pencils and pads of paper
Favorite animal or doll                                                   Pacifier
Compass                                                                      Transparent tape
Insect repellent                                                              Baby shampoo and soap
Favorite books

A wise traveler once said: “Take half the clothes and twice the money!”

Try to resist the urge to pack everything “just in case” and all but the kitchen sink.

The secrets to selecting and packing well: pack light, adaptable and comfortable clothing, do not buy an all new wardrobe prior to traveling, comfortable shoes, cotton or wool socks as you will be doing a lot of walking, underwear, avoid expensive clothes that you are sorry for, washability, durability and color, mix-and-match, accessorize to bring variety, layer and adjust to the climate.

Other money considerations when traveling:

Foreign exchange - Changing money

Look for the best rate and be aware of banking hours
Familiarize yourself with how the process and exchange rate actually works
Clarify any fees associated with the transaction
Know the local currency and be able to tell them apart
Bring a small pocket calculator to assist you with quick conversions
Save all your receipts

Combine your monetary instruments and travel funds
Cash, credit cards and traveler’s checks, preferably carried on-person, in a money-belt

ATM systems

Available, accessible, convenient and expensive
Transaction fees for cash withdrawals
Set Dollar limit daily on what you can withdraw
Credit card withdrawals will require a PIN code – get this by calling the toll-free # or your local bank prior to your departure
Bring Visa and Master card – not all machines accept all cards
You will receive local currency, not dollars. You will be billed accordingly to the exchange rate on the day the charge clears at home, not the rate in effect on the day of the transaction

Traveler’s checks

Safest way to have your travel funds with you
Receive a better exchange rate than cash typically
Get them early and lock in your rate
Denominations (small and large preferred)
Keep a record: city and date or purchase, amount and numbers
Update your record daily, keep better track of your spending, budget, and cash still in-hand
You will need a passport to cash your traveler’s checks
Immediately report any stolen or lost checks

Credit cards

Convenient and safe to use
Postpones immediate payment for transportation, lodgings, purchases and so on
Can assist you to get access to cash
Beware of overspending
Watch the exchange rates
Credit card acceptance varies
Different cards have different perks
Protect your credit cards
Check and keep all your charge slips – these will be used for budgeting and expense consolidation

Red Tape and documents you should take on a trip abroad:

Travel documentation: tickets,  passport and visas
Copy of naturalization certificate
Birth certificate
Driver’s license and international driver’s permit
Travel insurance claims form
Extra passport photos – at least half a dozen
Any membership cards,  like AAA membership, retired, veteran or student cards
Basic medical information, blood type, allergies, doctor’s address, prescription refill and extra prescription medications you may require
Immunization cards

“IF YOU GO ONLY ONCE AROUND THE ROOM, YOU ARE WISER THAN HE WHO STANDS STILL”

Estonian Proverb

There are numerous popular and well-read, published, copyrighted materials and even out of print sources and books available on travel in general. Some are general and others deal specifically with budgeting for business, leisure or vacation travel. General references are made to some of the sources used in this summary.  This is complemented by an increasing amount of quality online publications, sources and travel sites, specifically named and credited here for their contributions to the body of knowledge on travel. Through state-of-the-art, budget travel-sites and dollar-saver clubs, they openly share travel insights and offer money-saving options for travelers to explore in the public domain. This proud tradition will continue.