Traveler's Checklist / Resources

Traveler's Checklist

 

Prohibited carry-on items: http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items

Carry-on liquid restrictions: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/faa-regulations-carryon-luggage-liquid-restrictions-61320.html

 

Print this page and use it as a convenient checklist.

 

Important papers

You do not want to ruin your vacation by forgetting these important papers.

·         Passport if traveling abroad

·         Driver’s license or other photo identifications

·         Tickets (airplane, train pass, etc.)

·         Credit card

·         International driver’s license if traveling abroad

·         Address/phone contact list

·         Emergency information

·         Insurance card

Clothes

Even though you want to travel light, you want to have the option of selectively choosing what you wear depending on what you will be doing while traveling.

·         Underwear, socks, hosiery

·         Pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, blouses

·         Belts

·         Shoes (make sure that they are comfortable to wear)

·         Warm weather clothes (shorts, swimsuit, sandals)

·         Cold weather clothes (Jackets, coats, gloves)

Toiletries

Carry-on restrictions apply to shampoo, conditioner and other liquids, check with the TSA for specifics. Many items can be purchased at your destination, so bring only the items that are essential.

·         Personal hygiene items

·         Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

·         Soap/ shower gel

·         Shampoo and conditioner

·         Hair brush/comb

·         Deodorant

·         Lotion

·         Razor and shaving cream (Travel restrictions may prohibit bringing a razor in your carry on. Check with TSA.)

·         Hair dryer

 Miscellaneous items

·         Medications

·         Wallet/purse

·         Carry-on bag, luggage, backpack, etc.

·         Camera/ charging cable

·         Lap top computer/Ipad, Ipod

·         Cell phone

·         Guide books and maps

·         Watch

·         Sunglasses

Before you leave

·         Stop mail and newspaper deliveries

·         Ask someone to take care of your pets, plants and lawn

·         Do not leave perishables in the refrigerator and empty garbage

·         Lock all doors and windows

·         Make sure that you have credit card, tickets, passport, money, luggage and important papers

 

Handling Medications and Travel - Dr. Anthony Komaroff, Columnist

Daily Breeze, June 7, 2013

 

Dear Dr. K,

In a few months, my husband and I are taking our first trip abroad. We both have chronic medical conditions. How should we prepare for our trip?

 

Many people with medical conditions enjoy foreign travel. But your preparation will need to involve more than just reading some guidebooks.

 

First, check in with your doctor.  He or she may have specific concerns or advise for you. If you have diabetes, for example, your blood sugar kevel is affected not only by how much you eat, but by how much you exercise. And during vacations, both of these can change substantially.  So ask yourself what the impact on your eating and exercise is likely to be from the vacation you have planned.

 

Since you're traveling internationally, find out if you need vaccinations or preventive medications.  You can check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website (cdc.gov/travel), or ask your doctor. Try to get your shots four to six weeks before your trip, as some vaccinations need time to kick in.

 

If you take prescription medications, pack more than enough to last through your trip, in case your return gets delayed.  And carry your medications in your carry on bag, not in your checked luggage in case it gets lost. (The TSA makes an exception to the "no more than 3.4 ounces of liquids or gels" rule for prescription medications and necessary medical supplies.) That's what I've done ever since, 20 years ago, I spent the first two days of a trip trying to get replacement medicines in a foreign country because my luggage was lost.

 

Also, carry a list of your medications, with both the generic and brand names. And bring along a doctor's note if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device; you may need it when going through security checkpoints.

 

Get the name of a doctor or hospital at your destination. There are organizations on the Internet that maintain the names of English-speaking doctors with good reputations in many countries around the world.  They also identify trusted hospitals. One example is the International Association for Medical assistance to Travelers.

 

I can't personally vouch for the quality and integrity of the doctors and the hospitals linked to these organizations. I can say that many of the organizations have boards of directors populated doctors affiliated with major U.S. academic medical centers. And check with your insurance to see what you need to do in case of an emergency.

 

If you easily suffer from motion sickness, take medicine in your carry-on bag. Pack the following in your checked luggage:

• antidiarrheal medication, a laxative and an antacid;
• antihistamine and 1 percent hydrocortisone cream for mild allergic reactions;
• cold medicine;
• medications for pain relief or fever;
• antifungal and antibacterial ointments;
• lubricating eye drops;
• basic first-aid items (adhesive bandages, gauze, elastic bandage, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, cotton-tipped applicators).

 

With a little advance planning, you and your husband can enjoy a healthy and safe vacation.

 

-Dr. Komaroff is a physician and professor at Harvard Medical School.

  

Legal Guidelines & Restrictions For Pet Air Travel There are certain legal guidelines and restrictions for pet air travel. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) govern air travel for pets. The airlines themselves have different regulations; always contact your airline well in advance to review the particular procedures and requirements.  The best airlines generally have written rules for pet travel. These guidelines are evidence that the airline has given a good deal of thought to the safe transport of animals. Small pets often can be crated and taken on board the plane with you. Larger animals must stay in the cargo area. No matter what airline carrier you use, there are important guidelines to consider.
	1.  The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
	2.  The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
	3.  According to the ASPCA and many veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air travel. If you are concerned about your pet being over anxious during travel, then please discuss this with your veterinarian. Make sure that your pet’s nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate’s door or some other object.
	4..The pet should have all necessary health certificates and documentation.
	5.  The travel crate must meet the airline’s standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Mark the crate with “Live Animal — This Side Up” and include your name, address, and telephone number in case she gets lost or misplaced in transit. You also should include the name, address, and telephone number of your destination. New Regulations — Containers constructed after October 1, 2000 must meet the following requirements -- The door must be constructed of welded or cast metal of sufficient gauge or thickness to prevent the animal from bending or distorting the door. The door hinge and locking pins must engage the kennel by at least 1.5 cm (5/8") beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening where the pins are fitted.
	6.  Your pet may be more comfortable if you place an old towel, blanket, or toys in the crate.
	7. Book a nonstop flight and take temperatures into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when it’s warmer.
	8.  Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular breeds.
	9.  Do not feed your pet just before traveling due to the potential for an upset stomach during the flight. Give your pet frozen water or, if possible, some ice cubes that will melt slowly (and hopefully will not dump out during boarding).
	10.  Plan your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all airline regulations. Plan to check-in at the airport at least three hours before the flight departs. American Airlines Pet Shipping Services Delta Airlines Pet Travel Requirements United Airlines Pet Restrictions Alaska Airlines PetStreak