A List of All Packing Essentials for Traveling

When preparing for a trip, there's more to keep in mind than just packing the right number of shoes. In fact, making sure you take along a few essentials can make all the difference between a successful trip and one where the smallest bump in the road turns into a major disaster.

Passport

When traveling abroad, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the time you board the plane, as many countries have this as a requirement to allow you in.

Prescriptions

Bring along extras of any prescription medicine you normally take and pack it in different bags, in case you misplace part of it or one of your suitcases is lost.

Safety Items

Bring luggage locks, traveler's checks, a hidden money pack and anti-bacterial hand gel.

Clothes

Pack at least one change of clothes for the opposite type of weather you expect, such as a light sweater if you're traveling to a warm area or a rain jacket if you're going to a coastal town.

Medical Information

Always bring your health insurance information along for the odd chance that you need to see a doctor while you're away from home, and don't forget to keep emergency phone numbers in hand in case you need to contact somebody back home in a hurry.