Vacation Binder | Steps to Complete in two weeks | 30 Days to Vacation Prep

 First page of binder or on the Refrigerator

Pre-Trip Preparation

Before you head to the airport it is important to have:

• Verified Identification in the form of a passport or the correct domestic identification.   

• Correct Travel Documents:  A copy of the ticket on your phone, a physical copy if you are not using self checkin, the correct visas if traveling where there are restrictions

• Medical Checkup if Needed:  Have shot records with you if certain shots are needed for travel to a country where it is needed. Check with the embassy before travel to ensure you have the correct medical information.

• Check-In for your Flight and have your boarding pass on your phone.  Double check you have your flight details available and with your passport and any other identification you may need.

Personal Bag Inventory - What are you going to pack for the flight?

What to Pack in Your Personal Bag

• The "Paperwork" (Digital & Physical): * REAL ID or Passport mentioned above.  Essential for clearing security.

  • Smartphone or tablet to play your own movies downloaded onto your devices.

• Power & Tech:

  • A portable power bank is allowed onto the flight. 

  • Noise-canceling headphones if you would like to sleep

• Personal Care & Comfort:

• The 3-1-1 Bag: A single quart-sized clear bag for liquids which include, hair gel, wax, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, lotions, beauty products in liquid form.)

• Prescription Meds with your prescription in paper format.  Do not carry excessive medications.  Persons in certain countries have been jailed for having too many medications. First aid kit that contains band-aids and antiseptic wipes.

• A Light Scarf, Sweater, airline pillow : Many domestic flights do not have blankets or pillows available.

• Travel Focused Items:  Hotel information and vacation schedule.  Money, debit card and credit cards in a travel wallet.  

Do not take in your person or carryon

• Over-Sized Liquids: Any liquid, gels, shampoos, conditioners that do not fit in your clear plastic bag which totals (100ml) Commonly confiscated items: Large tubes of toothpaste, full-size perfume, Food jars and water.

• Sharp Objects: * Knives: Even small pocket knives or Swiss Army knives.   Scissors: Only permitted if the blades are shorter than 4 inches from the pivot point in a nail kit.

• Self-Defense Items: * Pepper Spray/Mace: Strictly prohibited in the cabin.

• Heavy Tools: Items like hammers or screwdrivers longer than 7 inches.

• Flammables:

  • Lighters and Aerosols including hair spray.

For your vacation Binder, create a checklist using the information above and place that in your binder.  Double check the list each week before you leave to make sure all items are checked and in your luggage.