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A successful holiday usually begins with careful organization. Creation of a packing list should be one of the first tasks on your agenda. Start with the following items and make changes depending on your individual needs. Keep a copy of the list and use it every time you travel.

1. Important Documents

Important documents include passport, driver’s license, ID, visas, and anything else you might need for customs and entry/exit requirements. Make photocopies of everything. Be sure to carry photocopies with you while you visit tourist attractions; leave originals in a hotel safe or other secure location.

2. Travel Insurance Information

Be sure to take your travel insurance card with you as well as a photocopy of your policy. Read the fine print before you leave so that you are aware of what your policy covers and what it excludes.

3. Prescriptions and Doctor’s Notes

Visit your physician and request signed prescriptions for all medications. Do the same with your optometrist if you wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have an ongoing medical issue, ask for a doctor’s note explaining the condition.

4. List of Emergency Numbers

Prepare a list of emergency numbers for all stops and destinations. This should include hospitals, medical clinics, police, fire authorities, poison control, or anything else you deem important.

5. Information for Tours and Shopping

Gather pamphlets, Internet printouts, guidebooks, maps, tour information packets, etc. Store them together. If you are unable to find or purchase maps ahead of time, make them a top priority as soon as you reach your destination.

6. Reliable Pen

A good pen will prove handy to sign credit card slips, complete customs declarations, or just to doodle if you get bored.

7. First-Aid Supplies

Check a local department store or pharmacy for a small first-aid kit. It will help you deal with common problems like sunburn, insect bites, indigestion, diarrhea, small cuts, scrapes, etc. Add whatever is appropriate for your needs – such as an auto-injector for severe allergies or zinc sun block if you sunburn easily.

8. Antibacterial Wipes or Hand Sanitizer

You can use antibacterial wipes to clean skin, wipe things like ketchup off clothing, and disinfect dirty eating surfaces. Hand sanitizer is a gel that you can use anywhere without rinsing off afterwards. Be sure to carry a size that meets with transportation guidelines – 100 ml/100 grams (3.4 oz) or less.

9. Electrical Adapters, Converters, and Transformers

If you are heading for a foreign country, you may discover too late that you will be unable to charge your camera batteries or use your blow dryer. A combination converter/transformer kit will solve the problem.

10. Recreation

Be sure to include everything you need to keep yourself and your family entertained on long trips: hand held games, MP3 players, magazines, crossword puzzles, smartphone loaded with eBooks, etc. Airline headphones are usually cheap and of poor quality, so pack a decent set of headphones or ear buds as well. The noise-canceling variety is best.

11. Digital Camera with Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

If you own an expensive digital camera, consider leaving it at home and substitute with a cheap model instead. Pack extra batteries and memory cards. If a thief steals your camera, it will not cost as much to replace.

12. Alarm Clock with LED Display

Waking up during the night to see a familiar clock is a homey touch that may make you feel more comfortable. Hotels sometimes permanently attach alarm clocks to a bed table or dresser that is inconvenient or out of sight when you wake up on your favorite side of the bed. A small clock that stays in your suitcase between trips solves the problem and gives you the security of a wake-up call service in accommodations that do not provide it.

13. Temperature- and Weather-Appropriate Clothing

Pack clothing that will protect you in any situation you are likely to encounter: burning sun, wind, rain, snow … Remember, even in the tropics, the wind can be cold.

Keep this packing list updated and you will never again forget your prescriptions or passport!

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