How to Make a Travel Checklist

Using a travel checklist is a great way to be sure you don't forget anything when packing to travel! The list can be used when leaving for a trip, and also used when returning from a trip to be sure you don't leave belongings behind. Here's how to create a personalized travel checklist for you and your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. To start your list, think about everything you need when traveling and start to write it down. Make a separate list for everyone in your family. Using an spreadsheet or similar program, type the list in and leave several blank spaces. Save the list in your computer. This will be your working draft to get to the final checklist. The list must include a space to "check off" each item.

2. Print out the checklist and have each person on the list review their personal section. We have four people in our family so I created a section for each person, a separate section for Miscellaneous items, and a small section for "to do" items to be filled in while preparing for the trip.

3. Be extremely detailed on each person's list. Your family members lists may include items such as: pajamas, pants, tops, socks, underwear, shoes, belts, nylons/tights, dress clothes, teddy bear, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and the such. Every list will be unique in it's contents.

4. Add a section for personal care items including things such as: shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, eyeglass cleaner, etc. If traveling by plane, please check which personal care items the airline approves. This will avoid you tossing your razor into the trash when going through airport security.

5. The miscellaneous section includes items not unique to one person only. Such items as: lawn chairs, bug spray, sunscreen, medicine, camera, video recorder, snacks, and the like. This section of your list may change every single trip so be sure to leave a few blank spaces to write in items as they come to mind.

6. A "to do" section is great to include on your travel checklist. This section may list things such as: stop the mail and postpone newspaper delivery. Include telephone numbers for each "to do" item so they are right there in front of you when preparing to travel.

7. Save your personalized travel checklist in the computer and print it out each time you travel. Check items off as they are packed. When returning from your trip, you may want to re-check the times off as you pack to come home.

Resources

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[turtledove]

on 7/3/2009 My mom started me doing this when I went to summer camp. I left the page in my suitcase when it wasn't in use. (That was before home computers!) 5*

[shelc]

on 7/3/2009 Great tips for vacation planning! Thanks!