As part of my current job, I need to spend time in foreign countries every now and again. They send me on short trips throughout Europe, the Middle-East and Africa, and I’m usually home three or four days after I left. What used to be a constant nightmare has quickly fallen into routine since I started doing this, and I’ve learned to pack and prepare on very short notice. I’d like to share with you a checklist of sorts that I go through in my mind when traveling, so that others who may be going on a quick trip away from home for a few days can have share my mental calm in that everything is going to be fine when they come back home.
First things first, we have a number of things we need to take care of before we leave our homes. We want them to be standing when we get back and in as good a shape as possible. Depending on the length of your trip, some of these are not applicable, but to generalize, one can say that any trip beyond 10 days should include all the things on this list:
- Make sure that somebody that you trust knows about your travel plans. They should have a copy of your itinerary and know which hotel or other location you’ll be staying at.
- Make sure a neighbor has a copy of your house key so that they can help deal with emergencies that may arise while you’re away.
- Cancel any newspaper deliveries unless you want a pile of papers waiting for you. Alternatively, tell a neighbor that he/she is free to help himself/herself to your papers while you’re gone.
- If this is your first trip in a long time or if you have a regular (not business) credit card, you may want to inform your credit card issuer(s) that you will be traveling abroad. If they start seeing unexpected charges from foreign countries, they may chose to suspend your account thinking that your card has been stolen.
- This one goes without saying, but make sure that any pets you have are properly taken care of while you’re gone.
- Adjust your thermostat and other heating or cooling devices so that you won’t be using needless electricity while you’re out.
- Spend a few hours clearing out the refrigerator and other food storage to avoid having spoiled food and mold awaiting you when you come home.
- Water your plants or ask a neighbor or friend to take care of them.
- Double-check all doors and windows to make sure that they are properly locked and secured.
- Unplug electrical devices, even if they’re turned off.
- Turn off the water and gas mains to your house so that there is no accidental leakage, drippage or broken pipes in your absence.
- Empty your garbage cans; especially the one in the kitchen.
That said and done, most of your concerns regarding having your house in one piece when you come home should be taken care of. How about the trip itself? What should you bring and how should you arrange your suitcases? What qualifies for carry-on luggage and what luggage needs to be checked in?
Firstly, let’s look at two things that need to be taken care of in advance; vaccination, passport and documentation. I was nearly kicked out of Tchad because I didn’t have my vaccination papers with me; but a bribe of $100 fixed most problems. In Cameroon, due to a miscommunication during the preparation of the trip, they held me for around 30 hours before kicking me out of the country due to a lack of proper visa documentation. Make sure you know everything relevant to these two questions and how they pertain to the country that you’re going to before going there. Americans get plenty of help from http://travel.state.gov/.
Next, let’s look at clothes. The first question to ask yourself is, of course, related to where you’re going. I doubt you’d pack a pair of shorts if you were trekking across the South Pole, and you would probably not pack your winter clothes for a trip to Uganda. Check the forecast for the time you’ll be there, but ensure that you have at least one set of clothing for “extreme conditions”. What this means varies from country to country, but generally this is rain, hail, snow, sand storms and strong winds. Check what may apply in the country you’re travelling to. Also, make sure that your dress is permitted by the religious or cultural institutions of the country. The Middle-East isn’t the only place where people are expected to wear particular types of clothing; I’ve seen people being denied entry to museums or cathedrals in Italy simply because they wore shorts and open sandals.
Generally, we can assume that you’ll need the following, except the clothes you’re wearing for the trip:
- 3 or 4 tops or shirts. Long-sleeved are to be preferred as they are more adaptable; you can simply roll up the sleeves in very warm climates.
- 2 pairs of trousers. Denim Jeans are difficult due to their bulk and weight; there are lighter fabrics to use. Find one that suits you.
- Sweater (for cold nights or evening wear)
- Swim wear (if relevant)
- Rain wear (because you never know)
- One pair of socks per 2 days you’re staying in the country (except if you have access to cleaning facilities, in which case you can reduce that amount)
- One pair of undergarments per 2 days (again, less if you can clean your clothes locally)
- Long underwear or pajamas pants for cold nights.
- Extra pair of shoes (depending on climate and reason for the trip this can vary between flip-flops and fine dress shoes). A good idea is also to bring extra shoe laces, just in case.
With clothes packed and ready, let’s look at hygiene. You’re guaranteed to want to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste; as well as any hygiene products you use on a daily basis in your home. This includes deodorant, shaving cream, your razors, and so on. Antiseptic fluid, band aids, head ache pills, sleeping pills (to negate jet lag) and similar might be a good idea to bring as well. Travelers to Africa should also bring their malaria medication with them. Unless you’re prepared to spend the majority of your time locked up on the toilet, medication against upset stomachs and diarrhea is recommended too. Travelers to warmer countries may want to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, mosquito nets or something similar. Also, it is always a good idea to bring spare tampons, condoms or any other intimate hygiene products.
Some interesting reading material, a notebook, a pen and an iPod will definitely allow time to pass more quickly while in the air or in transit; but make sure to keep your co-travellers if you are traveling with family or friends entertained as well.
While these lists are only suggestions, I believe that they should cover the very basics. A good idea before every single trip is to visualize yourself going through key stages from leaving the house to returning. Imagine yourself travelling to the airport (how do you get there?), checking in (do you have your ticket?), going through security (no liquids or sharp objects in the hand luggage?) and boarding the plane (passport?). See yourself landing and going through security again (vaccination proofs? passport? visa papers?) and travelling to the hotel or wherever you’re staying (taxi? friend picking you up? renting a car?). Follow this chain of thought until you’re safely back at home again, and stop at every step to see if you’ve packed everything you’ll need.
Over time, I’m sure frequent travelers develop lists like mine that they can use for their own needs. Use mine as a suggestion, not as a golden rule. In the end; you are best suited to decide your own needs.
