What are your checkpoints for getting ready for a trip.

[markis10]

This article got me wondering if we all have the same checkpoints or make the same preparations for a trip?

10 signs you aren't prepared for your trip

I am sure everyone knows their flight status here, but do we hit the ATM (given the discussion on 28degrees or Citibank), and the recent discussion on hot water service shutdown seems to confirm some think carefully about power vampires?

I must admit to making most of the points in the article part of my routine, although checking the destination weather has occasionally been overlooked (strangely when I am crossing the equator when Asia is actually cold in some places)! So what do you do that is not part of the list?

 

[RooFlyer]

* Travel options at destination airport (taxi, train, bus) - if new, review forums to see which are best / having issues

* Back-up laptop and phone both to leave at home and another to take set with me

* Got various power adaptors and a power board?



Travelling to and around Canada in winter you learn NEVER not to check the weather

 

[burmans]

While I do some or most of these things to some degree, a bit cough retentive to me. If I'm going somewhere long enough to empty the fridge knowing the weather next couple of days won't help that much, I count on a range of weather in that long a period anyway, my main reason for checking the weather is more immediate (e.g. do I need to include a jacket with my on-board luggage).

Have never found anywhere I can't get some money, poor exchange rate maybe but for the sort of money we are talking about, e.g. emergency travel needs commission is by any realistic measure pretty trivial (so I'm worried about a few $'s commission after a flight that costs well north of $1,000's?). Same for travel options, yes I do check to understand the easiest/best way but have yet to find any airport where its been difficult to get into town (some just cost more or are more/less convenient).

I do turn off major sources of power but certainly don't turn off my fridge (or empty it). The money I'd save doesn't justify the time waste IMO.

As for plan for the little things, well I plan a fair bit but still believe its sometimes the unplanned things that make a holiday so am firmly of the belief this can go too far! And a cellphone, we'll am not convinced you need one, if everything is planned that well, who do you need to ring. While I do sometimes get a Sim am unconvinced it's a must have.

 

[dajop]

Depends on how frequently one is travelling, and how experienced, and how long the trip will last. I suspect this article is written more with the infrequent traveller in mind. I couldn't be further from this one:

Use a packing list and start collecting what you'll need for your trip at least a few days before departure—or even longer.

Not going to happen.

 

[Limewood]

We always travel light knowing we (well Mrs.Lime) will buy clothes, shoes, bags etc. while away - as we go together usually, we leave with one suitcase inside another, long trips 2 in 2.

We turn off hot water and rest of appliances like TV's, amp, recorder etc, except fridge and bar fridge!. We fill out immigration forms (we always keep a few on hand) if needed before going to airport. We arrive at airports well in time so never any rush.

Always charge up iPhone and iPad latter with some good movies and favourite music videos, have most adapters too, buy local sims for devices if overseas usually at airports. Take noise cancelling headphones.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Most of my work trips are short day hops, so not much checking. I have been known at times, to need checkin angles to tell me which destination I'm traveling to that day , not often though but they have told me that's reasonably common so I'm not alone.

 

[simongr]

I don't travel with the family that much so I don't do most of these - but I have a three week trip coming up in Sep/Oct and will do some of them. We will empty the fridge - and by that I mean get rid of fresh fruit and things that will go off whilst we are away - a good chance to have a clean out - obviously the cheese stash wont be affected.

I am already thinking about packing, what we will have to take - mainly because I want to take dive gear (no tank unless I can get QF luggage allowance on EK flight). The biggest planning focus for me is readying the 4yo boy for the flight - we already have a magnetic airport thing to show him all of the bits he will have to go though and I have promised him chippies in the F lounge!

 

[harvyk]

My plan is pretty simple,

1. Find decent airfares

2. Find hotels / places to stay

3. Confirm how I will get cash

4. Confirm that any Visa's or entry prerequisites (eg ESTA) are sorted (often I'll have checked up on this well before I travel)

5. Confirm I have power adapters for where I am traveling to if required.

6. Pack, as lightly as possible... I now try and travel HLO if at all possible. Mrs Harvyk doesn't understand why I don't need a massive suitcase for even a trip to the US... (Her words)

7. Go... The way I figure it, if I have forgotten something major I can always either buy it when I get there, or have someone back home sort the problem out...


Mrs Harvyk will sometimes go a little nuts about cleaning the house, but for the most part I know when a trip is coming up and will adjust fresh food buying patterns accordingly a week or two away. About the only thing I will ensure is that the dishwasher does not contain dirty dishes...

 

[RooFlyer]

Depends on how frequently one is travelling, and how experienced, and how long the trip will last. I suspect this article is written more with the infrequent traveller in mind. I couldn't be further from this one:

"Use a packing list and start collecting what you'll need for your trip at least a few days before departure—or even longer."

Not going to happen.

You said it! For current month long trip of 4 countries & 3 continents, took about 1 hour from getting the suitcase out to closing it. Weighed in at 19kg at the airport. Mind you, the carry-ons with all the electronic gizmos and 2-days-supply-of-gear-in-case -the-checked-bag-doesn't-arrive must have come in at about 15kg

 

[lovestotravel]

Weekend trip - Nothing

2 weeks plus trip - Hot water off, spa turned down to 20 degrees, ensure sprinkler systems has a new back-up battery. Switch off circuits to the various A/C units in the house. Ensure computer/laptops/hard drives/media players are locked in the safe

4 weeks plus trip - Everything OFF at the circuit board, except power to house alarm and watering system. New back-up battery in the watering system. Ensure computer/laptops/hard drives/media players are locked in the safe

 

[Friends of None]

Depends how organised you are. I usually have everything laid out 3-7 days beforehand (for a cycling EU trip)

 

[Friends of None]

I make an extensive checklist comprising: casual clothes, clothes for plane, clothes for activity (usually cycling or snowboarding), as well as food for the plane (here is what I normally take).

I check off stuff like making sure I have digital copies of passport, all plane/transfer/accom tickets on two USB sticks in different luggage, and on Dropbox.

I ALWAYS have prepaid internet sorted. Good information page on prepaid overseas mobile.

Itinerary. I usually go OS for cycling or snowboard holidays. Here are a few of my example itineraries.

Adaptors for cig lighter in car, particularly USB->iPhone/iPad. All other adaptors.

Maglite torch (small one).

If you plan well, you will be fine.

 

[get me outta here]

I'm a list sorta person. I made a list once when sitting late at night at a distant htl of all the things I could've done / should have done and brought on the trip.

I was clearing out some shirts y'day to pass on, then I thought I could throw a couple at the suitcase ready for the long flt to the next holiday stops, wear them once then throw them out. Saves on washing upon arrival. HLO sharpens the details.

 

[Selby]

on our last trip - 3 months in Europe: Our essential items to pack were:

1) We packed the electric kettle we purchased on previous trip along with a thermos and 2 old large coffee cups.
* huge savings on hot drinks including soups/noodles for instant dinners on late night arrivals where no meals available. Old cups so no need to bring home with us.
2) A multi circuit board so all our appliances were usable at the same time - plus of couse the adapter for the country we are going to
3) An external hard drive for photos and scanned documents - carried with us all the time
4) Sat Nav so hire cars didn't need this as an extra requirement
5) An old coloured flat Queensize sheet
* 3 reasons for this - I hate sheets that rustle all night which many motels have.
* Germany / Austria B&B's don't have top sheets - just doona's, which are too hot!
* Being coloured and old - easy to identify as our own sheet
6) a metal wedge - hand made which fits under any door - whether on carpet or tiled for protection

 

[timster]

I have many but one of my favourites came from a book by a gentleman who lives in an Asian country where such things are cheap. It was his "solution" to the laundry problem . Before setting off on a 2 week European trip, we would buy 14 pairs of 50 cent undies. And just throw that day's pair in the hotel waste basket at the end of each day. Doesn't work so well though if it's an 8 week trip.

 

[get me outta here]

Yes, undies the same as 'old' shirts, use the old ones first and then discard.

 

[bjay51]

I'm a bit cough about lists so I have a trip checklist on my laptop that I refer to for each trip. Many of the things have already been pointed out by others. Some extra ones are:
. Find out about required innoculations needed for the country/countries travelling to and get them done well in advance.
. Arrange travel insurance. The old adage is if you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to travel.
. Prepare an exchange rate "cheat sheet" for each adult travelling member. Helps a lot with shopping.
. If you are taking medication for any conditions, get a letter from your doctor in case customs want to take them off you or they thing they are illicit drugs.
. Check out what sorts of power adaptors are needed for where you are travelling and take them. The power board is also a good idea so you can charge multiple cameras, MP3 players, phones, computers, tablets, etc. For her hair dryer, ensure the adaptor can handle the draw without blowing a fuse.
. Remember insect repellant for some countries - and suntan cream.
. Ensure webmail is working with plenty of available quota.
. Understand what visa fee or departure tax is payable for the location and currency required.
. Apart from passport copies, ensure you have copies (electronic and/or paper) of visas, travel insurance certificates and PDS, E-tickets, credit/debit cards.
. Arrange pre-payment or D/D payment of any bills that may come in while away.
. International roaming set up on phone, plus understand what settings are needed to avoid international phone/data roaming charges. Using free wifi zones and calling via Skype, or doing your Facebook on wifi only will save heaps. There are also smartphone apps for texting over wifi I think.
. Check out Trip Advisor forums for where you are going for things to do, places to eat.
. If you have a monitored security system, ensure the list of numbers to call is altered so someone responsible can takes any calls for you.
. Put a "No Junk Mail" sticker on your letter box. But just in case, ask a trusted neighbour to clear any that appears.
. Take photos of any expensive equipment you are taking with you (cameras, computers, etc) including the serial numbers, and upload these to the net or USB stick where you can access them while away in case they are stolen.
. Pack a torch - better than the smartphone "Light" when walking dark streets.
. Notify banks that you are going away and where so that they don't put a hold on your card when used in that country.
. Ensure that any external sheds are locked and valuable outside items secured.
. Turn off laundry and kitchen taps (if possible) so nothing bursts while away.
. Register with smartraveller.gov.au so they know where you are if something happens (tsunami, earthquake, uprising, etc). I know some will say "no way" - up to you.

So they are my additions to this discussion. Hope they help.

 

[whatmeworry]

Step 1: Check out Australian Frequent Flyer!

 

[markis10]

on our last trip - 3 months in Europe: Our essential items to pack were:

1) We packed the electric kettle we purchased on previous trip along with a thermos and 2 old large coffee cups.
* huge savings on hot drinks including soups/noodles for instant dinners on late night arrivals where no meals available. Old cups so no need to bring home with us.
2) A multi circuit board so all our appliances were usable at the same time - plus of couse the adapter for the country we are going to
3) An external hard drive for photos and scanned documents - carried with us all the time
4) Sat Nav so hire cars didn't need this as an extra requirement
5) An old coloured flat Queensize sheet
* 3 reasons for this - I hate sheets that rustle all night which many motels have.
* Germany / Austria B&B's don't have top sheets - just doona's, which are too hot!
* Being coloured and old - easy to identify as our own sheet
6) a metal wedge - hand made which fits under any door - whether on carpet or tiled for protection

Welcome to AFF, a great first post, although point 1 reminds me of the Nespresso ad with George Clooney packing the coffee machine

 

[Greg Gadd]

(6) a metal wedge - hand made which fits under any door - whether on carpet or tiled for protection

Yes, most definitely, although I used a plastic one. Whilst traveling overseas, and with hotels with their digital security locks, it came in handy, when the door shut, but I had my wedge (I was sitting outside on the front verandah), and all was well. Just a minor inclusion, as well as cotton buds (although some hotels supply them), plus tooth pics, for after the meal, as well as a Torch (never know when you may need it).