Your Ticklist of Things to do on the Day You Travel ...

By Neecey

Your Ticklist of Things to do on the Day You Travel ...

It’s easy to get so caught up in the excitement of your trip that you simply forget to do vital things. This can lead to all kinds of problems. The simple solution is to make a list of the things to do on the day you travel that will keep you focused no matter how much you want to jump for joy that you’re getting away.

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1

Consult the Weather Forecast and Check Traffic

Checking the weather forecast may at first glance be one of the odder things to do on the day you travel, but when you think about the havoc storms and floods can cause, you'll realize this is important. Road diversions due to fallen trees or local flooding can cost you your flight. It's also a good idea to check what the weather will be like at your intended destination. This will give you a chance to make last minute changes to the clothes you'll pack. Warm socks and a sweater, perhaps an umbrella and wellington boots are more appropriate than a bikini and flip-flops? What's the local traffic like - any road works that might cause hold-ups on the way to the airport?

2

Call the Airline/airport/train Station

Avoid long delays at the airport by phoning ahead to check your flight status. It's one of the essential things to do on the day you travel. If you're not flying, call the train station or coach tour operator to make sure your journey will start as scheduled and that there are no cancelations. You can usually download a travel line app for trains and buses and your airline will have its own app to give you flight-status alerts on your mobile device. You can also visit your airline or train operator's website to check.

3

Remember to Charge up Mobile Devices

As a sensible precaution, start recharging your mobile devices the evening before you're traveling. If you've used any of them prior to leaving your home, be sure to give their batteries a quick top up. For long-haul flight entertainment, download TV shows or movies while you still have a high-speed Internet connection available at home. Airports rarely provide you with good Internet speeds when you use their Wi-Fi links, which at any rate are only free for the first 30 minutes at most airports and quite expensive after that.

4

Make Your Home Secure

Unplug all electronic devices such as your computer, TV and electric cooker. This will protect them in the event of an electrical surge, prevent a spark setting fire to your home and lower your energy bill. Even when not in use, plug-in devices still use low levels of energy for which you must pay. Lock windows, patio and back doors; turn off the gas and water. Be sure to tell a neighbor you're off on holiday. Cancel regular milk, newspaper or magazine deliveries, if you're going away for a longer period.

5

Check Travel Documents and Cash

Thinking ahead is one of the things to do well in advance of the day of travel. Start by checking the expiration date of your passport or ID card; applying for a new one can take weeks and most destinations require a passport that is going to be valid for at least six months. Be sure to apply for visas where necessary. This can take weeks for some destinations. Get out enough cash to pay for the taxi or bus taking you to the airport and any refreshments you might buy prior to boarding the plane. Never pack your wallet with passport, travel documents and cash into checked luggage.

Famous Quotes

One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.

Albert Schweitzer
6

Check Email and Text Messages

Check for last-minute changes to your travel plans. Your airline or tour operator may have texted you or sent an email notification. Your hotel reservation may have been changed due to over-running building works, your flight might be re-routed to another destination because of strikes. Be sure you know where to pick up the key for your holiday villa or apartment - has the landlord changed instructions at the last moment? Do all of this at home, since airport Wi-Fi is pretty unreliable and costs quite a lot after the complimentary free period.

7

Medication, Pets and Refreshments

If you've got a pet, you'll need to arrange for its welfare during your absence well in advance. Pet hotels or a helpful neighbor, friend or family member can take care of your goldfish, pooch or kitty. You, on the other hand, will have to ensure your own welfare by packing all the necessary medication you need, one of the essential things to do on the day you travel. Be sure you'll have enough prescription medication to cover the entire trip and keep this in your carry-on bag with a document from your doctor confirming you legitimately need these drugs. Pack a snack and a bottle of mineral water for the journey.

These items on a ticklist should ensure your trip starts without a hitch. Have you got any stories of travel plans going seriously awry?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

My must haves when I travel include: headphones, extra phone charger, magazine/book, small lotion, chapstick, gum (for takeoff and landing), a snack, and a scarf (in case I get cold).

I always pack a change of clothing in my big handbag or small carryon case. Both top and pants must be of material that is crushable,wrinkle free . If I can't screw it up and no creases it's no good. Travel in a top and bottom that will interchange with the spare ones and you have four outfits. Very useful if luggage gets lost or delayed!

Can you make a list of thing you need to bring, luggage and carry on? It's my first time flying. I don't know what I'll need or what I can bring. I know there are certain restrictions.

I want to be your friend

Thanks everyone! I never thought about bringing something to read!

@Channce. Pack a small hand size bottle of hand wash. You touch so many things that hundreds of other travellers have touched it's handy to use on plane before eating etc. Some reading material,wear a jacket( much smarter ) an eyeshade is a must - for day or night travel as you can just relax wearing one. Some hard boiled sweets are useful . Biro and notepaper invaluable ! Bon voyage ,happy landings and enjoy yourself !

I'm going to tahoe on Wednesday. Thanks for the timely post.

Beryl Stokes hi there

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