Tips
*Documents: Itinerary; Passport; Real ID; Airline Tickets/Boarding Passes; Cruise Line Boarding Passes; Cruise Luggage Tags
*Credit Cards (bring a backup card in case one is not usable) and some Cash in desintation local currency
*Emergency Contact Information – send a copy to Travel Agent
*Copy of Passport in carry-on luggage/phone – send a copy to Travel Agent
*Your contact information in checked luggage
*RFID Wallet -Driver’s License, Teacher ID - current year, Two Credit Cards*, Cash; (*Recommended to NOT bring a Debit Card)
*Prescription RX and Doctor contact info
*Daily Medication as well as: Motion Rx, Allergy, Pain reliever, Cold-Eze, Flonase, Inhaler. Some medications (including marijuana - medicinal or recreational) may need a doctor's note to accompany them. Check your destination government website.
*Health insurance cards/document(s)- screenshots
*Travel Insurance Policy Info
*Plane tickets: Physical AND Screenshot (Download app and sign up for text messaging)
*Car/House Keys in carry-on luggage only
*Phone & Charging Cable
*Fitbit/Smart Watch & Charging Cable
*Power pack- fully charged
*Headphones in case (noise cancelling optional)
*Headphone cable converter (small cable)
*Multiple outlet strip and/or multiple USB port strip (surge protectors are not allowed)
*Electrical Converters and Adapters
*Travel Comfort and Entertainment
*Games/Music/e-readers
All items must be 3.4oz. or less for liquids in carry-on luggage, less than 4” for scissors and nail files
*Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss
*Eyedrops
*Nail File
*Razor
*Body Lotion/Shaving Cream
*Deodorant
*Shampoo/Conditioner
*Liquid Soap
*Eco-Coral friendly Sunscreen/Bug Spray
*Cologne/Perfume
*Hand sanitizer/Wet wipes
*Contact Lens Solution/Contacts
*Antibacterial ointment
*Hair products
*Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes in Ziploc
*Make up: eye cream, face cream, coverup, foundation, eyeliner, eyeliner sharpener, mascara, lip liner, lip balm
*Blow dryer - travel size
*Glasses and Case/Sunglasses and Case
*Hair brush/Comb/Small Mirror
*Hair clip and elastic bands
*Q-tips/Cotton Balls
*Underwear, Panty Liners, Feminine Protection
*Flat iron/Curling Iron
*Shirts/Tops, Pants/Shorts/Skirts
*Capris/Leggings/Jeans
*Socks/Shoes/Shower Shoes/Water Shoes
*Sweater/Blazer/Light Jacket
*Rain jacket or Poncho-packable
*Pajamas/Sleepwear
*Walking/Athletic/Casual/Dress/Water shoes
*Dress clothes, if necessary
*Jewelry (costume only, nothing flashy– leave sentimentals & valuables at home)
*Swimsuit and Coverup
*Binoculars, Camera/Batteries
*First Aid Kit – Band-aids, Neosporin, Aspirin, Imodium, Antacid, Dramamine, etc.
*Ziplock baggies
*Earplugs/Eye Mask
*Pillow/Blanket-mini
*Notebook or Journal/Pens/Pencils
*Gum/Mints
*Snacks/Food
*Tissues
*Water bottle (empty or frozen to get through TSA)
*Consider bringing a backpack for your ‘personal item’ on your flight to store under the seat. This can hold much more and you can store your purse/camera inside.
*Consider getting a fillable neck pillow/cover and use it for socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc., to save room for souvenirs.
*Verify your passport is up to date and is valid 6 months PAST your travel dates.
*Contact Credit Card companies to tell them you will be traveling. Make copies of front & back.
*Contact phone carrier for international plans or SIM cards.
*Reconfirm/Check-in with Airline and/or Cruise line.
*Copy of Itinerary on phone and with Emergency Contact Person.
*Copy of Passport in carry-on luggage (separate from physical passport) and send copy: Travel Agent & Emergency Contact Person. Take a picture of your passport and store in a secured file on your phone.
*Download Airline, Cruise Line, Resort, Hotel apps and sign up for text messaging, if applicable.
*Gather all documents one week before travel to verify everything is there.
*Copy of address, phone number INSIDE luggage, in case it gets lost.
*Put ‘valuables’ in carry-on, not checked luggage, if possible. Preferably leave valuables at home, and don't travel with sentimental items, like wedding rings.
*Do NOT bring or use a debit card when traveling, as it has direct access to your banking accounts.
*Use an RFID wallet to prevent theft.
*Sign up with S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for Foreign Travel.
*Take a picture of your hotel/resort/stateroom and door number in case you drink too much –someone can get you home.
*Install Mobile Passport on your phone.
*Backup your phone (especially photos) before you leave.
*Be wary of public WiFi. Install a VPN if possible.
*Download translation and currency apps on your phone.
*Stay alert while traveling, especially in high tourist areas. It is your responsibility to check gov’t issued warnings for your destinations of travel.
*Be aware that cruise lines do NOT allow extension cords or surge protectors. If you require medical equipment, please advise your travel agent so the cruise line can provide what is needed.
*Be aware that airlines will not allow full sized oxygen tanks aboard flights. Contact your airline for alternative options.
Australia, Hawaii, most Caribbean islands, Mexico, and several European islands/coastal towns, have restricted the use of non-mineral based sunscreen. Sunscreen with oxybenzone, benzophenone, benzene, and octocrylene are prohibited as it is known to kill reef coral and certain marine wildlife. Please check your sunscreen and purchase accordingly.
If you have any issues with your flights being delayed or cancelled or luggage damaged or lost, you MUST see either the airline counter or gate agent to get you booked on the next available flight, and/or you MUST declare any damage to your luggage BEFORE you leave the airport property. Nothing can or will be done once you leave the airport. The airlines have been good about taking care of issues that arise, but only if you address them at the time.
Please be aware that some medications, cigarettes, vapes, etc., can be illegal in certain countries. Marijuana, in any form, whether medical or recreational, is illegal in most countries if transported in. Please check with the US consulate government website to verify. You may need a doctor’s note to accompany your medications to travel.
Bring some cash (~$100pp in local currency or US$ for Mexico or Caribbean Islands) 1-4 days, for tips, tour guides, and some businesses that do not take credit cards.
Be aware that Discover Card is not taken by many retail businesses outside of the US. Consider applying for another credit card if you do not have one.