Check A Checklist: Got it! Check
WHAT? Check my checklist. At the same time, I am the last person who should be advising on making checklists. I am more of a mental checklist kind of guy. As I get older, although I find myself writing more things down. Am I preaching to the choir? Things like remembering your passport. Through the years, I would come across a checklist my wife had made and marvel at how organized she was. It’s funny how people’s traits rub off on you.
I am fully disclosing my desire to be a better-organized checklist maker. I cannot tell you how therapeutic it was to share that with you. Suppose this reinforces the fact that I am capable of change. The sage advice I am about to impart to you is based on observations and mistakes I have made in the past. See the post below about things that happen while traveling.
https://floridacruiseextension.com/love-or-hate-them-state-department-recommendations/
A Checklist: Check The “P” Word
The first thing I would mention is the “P” WORD. Yes, for your passport, look at the expiration date on it. Take note: When there are only six months left on your passport from the date you go on your trip abroad, GET A NEW ONE. I wanted to make sure you saw this. Travelers can be detained if they travel with six months remaining on their passports.
Yes, this could derail and spoil your dream trip you have been planning for the last year. Never mind the time spent at the embassy to fix the mess. I was unaware of this until a friend pointed it out to me. This especially applies to children’s passports.See below U.S.Passport Information
Check Checklist Children’s Expiration Dates Differ
Children’s passports are issued for five years, not ten years, like folks sixteen and older. I guess that appearances change rapidly as a child. Face, height, and weight are changing as we mature. Also, be aware of the new visa requirement. Look at country requirements before traveling to them. Another brilliant idea is checking the U.S. State Department website for the countries on your itinerary. Your findings may surprise you.” Know before you go” is the State Department’s mantra. This way, you can weigh out the risk-to-reward factors. See the below link to post with an example of State Department country information.
I recently wrote a blog post on this very subject. In the blog post “Go or No Go” featured on this site. I use the State Department information on Jamaica as an example. It is shocking; see for yourself. The travel information is constantly being updated. Another item for your checklist is to copy the address of your country’s embassy and put this with photocopies of your passport. Recording contact information and numbers on your credit cards can also be helpful. Keep this information separate from the rest of your travel items. This will be helpful if these items are lost or stolen. It is much better to take initiative than to be reactive.
A Checklist-The Devil is in the Details
While traveling to different ports each day, it is easy to lose track of essential items. You are out of your element. Establish new routines while on the go. Use the same pocket or stowed place daily for cash cards and I.D.I like the hang-around-your-neck RFID passport and money holders.
If you are traveling with more minor children, this will help you be organized in holding their documents. Everything is safe in one place. Another checklist item is to call your credit card company and tell them when and where you will use your cards. Otherwise, you will be restricted to cash only.
It is nice not to have to purchase currency—more than the credit company works the conversions than getting taken advantage of by currency exchange offices. When preparing for your trip, think of items you will need every day. Put those items on your checklist. Recently, I went to the Czech Republic and forgot a vital medication that I take every day. I spoke to the Concierge, and he had a doctor on call prescribed for me for seventy-five U.S. dollars. A pharmacy was around the corner, and I had the prescription filled. Problem solved.
Take Backup Items That May Be Lost Or Stolen
Think of things that you have spare. An extra pair of glasses, for example. Yes, those glasses you replaced for the new ones you got at Costco. Even if the prescription is a little weaker, it’s better than having no glasses. If you are traveling with someone, give them the extra pair to hold for you. You can do the same for them. Another idea is to have one bag you share and carry on the plane.
I recently met a couple on a train in Italy whose luggage was lost by the airline for three days. This couple owned a high-end men’s clothing store where the suits started at six thousand dollars. I can’t imagine them buying t-shirts and shorts to get by until their luggage materializes. Be like the Boy Scouts. Their motto is always to be prepared. Include these things on a checklist.
A Checklist-Pay now or Pay Later $
The needless waste of time, money, and grief could have been avoided without a good checklist. The checklist I should have made could have been reviewed while waiting for my airport ride. Many everyday items we use and are easily attained are sometimes taken for granted. Places you are visiting pay a premium for imported goods. This cost will be passed on to you for items you need and forgot, like sunscreen. The last thing you want to do is get sunburned and look like a crispy critter. Never mind the pain and damage to your skin.
You have skin allergies and need special soap. It may be exceedingly difficult to find while traveling to small island nations. The same goes for hair products. If you color your hair, you may need special shampoo and conditioner not supplied by the ship you are on. You get the general idea I am conveying. Some cruise lines allow you to bring a restricted number of beverages on board. This is worth taking advantage of to save money on that beverage package. I have spent this wonderful time with you, reminding myself to practice what I preach and become a better lists maker.
