Checklists for Airheads

(Checklists for Everything)

Barry K. Sweet

Ever left the house and forgotten to take something with you? Something essential or just something aggravating to have forgotten? Those days are over. Checklists for Airheads reminds you of everything. From simple day trips…to camping trips…to long vacations you will never forget anything essential again.

Tired of searching for semi-complete checklists scribbled on bits of scrap paper? Why not use the comprehensive checklist in which you can have total confidence. Not one thing will be forgotten when you use Checklists for Airheads. Your checklists will always be all in one place. No more searching around your house for a lost checklist.

Wouldn't it be great if the mentally draining chore of packing became somehow instantly mindless and effortless? With Checklists for Airheads there is "no thinking" just simply checking items off of a time tested list. It works!

Dedicated to my family and our love of adventure.

Copy. Paste. Print.

Index

1. Checklist for Day Trips
2. Checklist for Overnight Trips
3. Checklist for Packing & Traveling with only One Carry-on Bag
4. Checklist for Camping Trips
5. Checklist for Backpacking Trips
6. Checklist for Vacations
7. Checklist for Ski Trips
8. Checklist for River Rafting and Boat Trips
9. Checklist for Day Hikes
10. Checklist for Beach Trips
11. Checklist for Romantics

Addendum
Checklist for First Aid Kits
Checklist for Emergency Repair Kits

Checklist for End of the World Media Hypes

Checklist for Day Trips

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Call weather service
❐ Wear: cool clothes
❐ Take: dufflebag with warm clothes (or vice versa) and...
❐ Jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or caps
❐ Sunscreen
❐ Chapstick® lip balm
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, ice packs (doubles as inflamation pack), cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide toys till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (in daypack for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Extra shoes & socks for kids if rain (1 pair each)
❐ Sleepers or jammies (if coming home late)
❐ Kid toothbrushes, paste & pillows (if coming home late)

BABY STUFF
❐ Baby bag
❐ Bottle, bib, spoon
❐ Table seat
❐ Washcloth
❐ Diapers
❐ Babywipes® & Desitin®
❐ Potty chair
❐ Change of clothes
❐ Baby blanket
❐ Stroller, baby backpack, carrier and/or playpen
❐ Baby toys and stuffed animals

WINTER DUFFLEBAG
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Neck gaitors
❐ Snowpants
❐ Boots & Gaitors
❐ Snow toys, inner tubes, sliding discs

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Videocamera & memory
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Swim suits
❐ Swim bag (shampoo, combs, hairbands, towels)
❐ Pool toys, inflatable stuff, swim floaties
❐ Aqua socks® or river shoes
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Tennis racquets & balls
❐ Bikes & helmets
❐ Skates & rollerblades
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Lawn chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids for warm/cold travel beverages
❐ ______________________

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car, start and warm car
❐ Lists to do, take, return, buy, call, coupons

Checklist for Overnight Trips

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Call weather service
❐ Wear: cool clothes
❐ Take: dufflebag with warm clothes (or vice versa) and...
❐ Jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or caps
❐ Sunscreen
❐ Chapstick® lip balm
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & charger(s)
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, ice packs (doubles as inflamation pack), cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide toys till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (in daypack for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Extra shoes & socks for kids if rain (1 pair each)
❐ Homework due upon return
❐ Bedtime books
❐ Nightlight

WINTER DUFFLEBAG
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Neck gaitors
❐ Snowpants
❐ Gaitors
❐ Snow toys, inner tubes, sliding discs
❐ ______________________

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Videocamera & tape
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Swimsuits for Jacuzzi® & pool
❐ Swim bag (shampoo, combs, hairbands, towels)
❐ Pool toys, inflatable stuff, swim floaties
❐ Aqua socks® or river shoes
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Tennis racquets & balls
❐ Bikes & helmets
❐ Skates & rollerblades
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Lawn chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids for warm/cold travel beverages
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

OVERNIGHT
❐ Overnight bags filled with next day’s clothes and...
❐ Pajamas
❐ Bathrobe
❐ Slippers or booties
❐ Travel iron
❐ Mini-flashlight (with fresh or spare batteries)
❐ Bath kit
toothbrushes & toothpaste
shampoo (filled)
soap (new)
vitamins for all in small Ziplock®
antacid tabs in small Ziplock®
ibuprophen in small Ziplock®
❐ Last minute items reminder list (set beside luggage)
razor
blow dryer, curling iron, brushes, combs, sprays
cosmetics
contacts & solution
feminine hygiene products
contraceptives
cash
gift for hosts, host children and friends
waterproof bedsheet & reminder note for motel
cell phone & chargers
laptop & chargers

❐ Accessories (belts, ties, necklaces, earrings, jewelry)
❐ Stuff Dad usually forgets: underwear, socks, shoes, belt
❐ Sleeping bags
❐ Pillows
❐ Heating pad with extension cord or microwave beanbag
or leg wrap for leg aches
❐ Piano books
❐ French lessons (practice in car)
❐ Outdoor toys (trucks, bulldozers, etc.)
❐ ______________________

HOTEL & MOTEL BOOKING REMINDERS
❐ Non-smoking/smoking room
❐ King/Queen bed
❐ Rollaway or crib
❐ First floor
❐ Inside/outside hallway
❐ Pool hours (pool indoors/outdoors?)
❐ Pool temperature (80 degrees is warm)
❐ Request room by pool
❐ Have Jacuzzi®? (indoors/outdoors?)
❐ Refrigerator
❐ Connecting room
❐ Facilities scheduled to be closed during our dates?
❐ View options (water, bay, marina, beach, pool,
garden, standard room, larger room)

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car, start and warm car
❐ Lists to do, take, return, buy, call, coupons

FAST PACKING
❐ Wear: cool outfit
❐ In dufflebags take: warm outfit
❐ Socks & underwear
❐ Pajamas
❐ Bathrobe
❐ Slippers
❐ Bath kit & accessories
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Swim suits

PUT IN DAYPACKS:
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Sunglasses
❐ Chapstick® lip balm
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands
❐ Piggy bank money
❐ Gift for host kids
❐ Kid cameras
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Packing & Traveling with only One Carry-on Bag

In order to do this you must completely color coordinate your shirts, pants and socks so that you could close eyes, reach into your carry-on bag and pull out a perfect match every time. All items must be completely interchangeable creating many multiple possible combinations.

♦ Summer: 3 short sleeve shirts & 1 long sleeve shirt
Winter: 3 long sleeve shirts & 1 short sleeve shirt
♦ 2 pair pants
♦ 1 pair shorts
♦ 2 pair underwear
♦ 2 pair socks
♦ 1 pair shoes
♦ 1 sweater or sweatshirt
♦ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
♦ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
♦ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
♦ Bath kit
♦ Razor, blow dryer, curling iron, cosmetics, jewelry
combs, brushes, sprays, contacts, solution, feminine
hygiene products, contraceptives, etc.
♦ Accessories (necklaces, earrings)
♦ 1 belt
♦ Pajamas
♦ Sunglasses
♦ Sun hat
♦ ______________________
♦ ______________________
♦ ______________________

OPTIONAL
♦ Dress Jacket/Dress
♦ Tie/Jewelry
♦ Passport
♦ Leave most of your wallet’s contents at home
♦ Swim suit
♦ Slippers
♦ Bathrobe and slippers
♦ Hangers for washing/hanging out underwear &
socks every night.
♦ Umbrella or Raincoat
♦ Day pack
♦ Tevas® or zorries
♦ ______________________
♦ ______________________

BEFORE DEPARTURE
♦ Meal
♦ Bathroom break
♦ Check oil in car

Checklist for Camping Trips

PRE-TRIP
❐ Check school, work, church, sports calendar for conflicts
❐ Make campground reservations
❐ Tell someone at home your trip itinerary, route and when
you will return

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Wear: your favorite camping clothes
❐ Dufflebag filled with jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or caps
❐ Sunscreen
❐ Chapstick® lip balm
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, ice packs (doubles as inflamation pack), cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide toys till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (in daypack for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Extra shoes & socks for kids if rain (1 pair each)
❐ Homework due upon return
❐ Bedtime books
❐ Nightlight (if camping in trailer with hook-ups)

COLD WEATHER DUFFLEBAG
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Neck gaitors
❐ Snowpants
❐ Gaitors
❐ ______________________

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Videocamera & memory
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Swimsuits for hot springs
❐ Swim bag (shampoo, combs, hairbands, towels)
❐ Water toys, inflatable stuff, swim floaties
❐ Aqua socks® or river shoes
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Tennis racquets & balls
❐ Bikes & helmets
❐ Skates & rollerblades
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Lawn chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs, camp chairs
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Reading material
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids for warm/cold travel beverages
❐ Heating pad with extension cord or microwave beanbag
(if camping with hook-ups) or leg wrap for leg aches
❐ French lessons (practice in car)
❐ Portable table or card table & chairs
❐ Tarp to cover gear
❐ Rope
❐ Space heater (if camping in trailer with hook-ups)

SLEEPING
❐ Tent or Trailer
❐ Ground cloth
❐ Sleeping pads or air mattresses
❐ Sleeping bags
❐ Pillows
❐ ______________________
COOKING
❐ Camp stove
❐ Camp stove fuel
❐ Fuel funnel
❐ Cooking pots & pans
❐ Tea Kettle
❐ Coffee pot
❐ Charcoal grill
❐ Charcoal
❐ Lighter fluid
❐ Dutch Oven
❐ Aluminum foil
❐ Pot holders
❐ Cooking utensils (spatula turner, knives, forks, spoons,
corkscrew, bottle and can openers)
❐ Ice chest
❐ Day cooler
❐ Ziplock bags®
❐ Cutting board
❐ Cutting knife
❐ Water carriers, containers or jugs
❐ Water purification equipment or supplies
❐ Tarp for cooking area (for shade or rain)
❐ ______________________

DINING
❐ Plates, bowls and cups
❐ Paper plates & holders
❐ Paper cups
❐ Eating utensils (knife, fork, spoon)
❐ Paper towels
❐ Paper napkins
❐ Drink jug
❐ Camp tablecloth
❐ ______________________

FOOD
❐ Your favorite camping food (repack in Ziplocks®)
❐ Good snacks (be creative here)
❐ Marshmallows
❐ Graham crackers
❐ Hershey’s® Chocolate
❐ Condiments
❐ Cooking oil
❐ Butter/margarine
❐ Salt & pepper
❐ Coffee & Tea
❐ Sugar
❐ Powdered milk
❐ Spices
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

CLEAN UP
❐ Dish pan
❐ Dish towels
❐ Biodegradable liquid detergent
❐ Scouring pad
❐ Strainer/screen for filtering foodscraps from dishwater
❐ Bleach for sterilizing utensils
❐ Hand soap
❐ Laundry bag
❐ Clothesline
❐ Clothespins
❐ Whisk broom
❐ Ziplock® plastic bags for trash
❐ Porta-Potty®
❐ Toilet chemicals
❐ ______________________

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
❐ Coleman® Lantern
❐ Lantern fuel
❐ Mantles
❐ Electric lamp (if camping in trailer with hook-ups)
❐ Heavy duty extension cord (if camping with hook-ups)
❐ Flashlights or headlamps (adult & kid)
❐ Spare flashlight batteries & bulbs
❐ Candles
❐ Candle lantern
❐ Hatchet
❐ Saw
❐ Wood
❐ Paper or fire starter
❐ Matches
❐ Waterproof matches and lighter
❐ Marshmallow sticks
❐ Water bucket
❐ Fire extinguisher
❐ First Aid kit
❐ Sewing kit
❐ Topographical maps
❐ Compass & GPS
❐ Guidebook
❐ Swiss Army Knife®
❐ Fly swatter
❐ Bug spray
❐ Solar shower
❐ Board games (for rainy days)
❐ Books (kids & adults)
❐ Picture of Mama (for Dad & kids only trips)
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

CLOTHING
❐ Your favorite camping clothes
❐ Extra warm clothes, sweaters, sweatshirts, shoes & socks
❐ Hawaiian shirt
❐ Pajamas
❐ Bathrobe
❐ Slippers or booties
❐ Stuff Dad usually forgets: underwear, socks, shoes, belt
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

PERSONAL ITEMS
❐ Bath kit
toothbrushes & toothpaste
shampoo (filled)
soap (new)
vitamins for all in small Ziplock®
antacid tabs in small Ziplock®
ibuprophen in small Ziplock®
❐ Mini-flashlight (with fresh or spare batteries)
❐ Toilet paper in Ziplock®
❐ Trowel, U-Dig-It® or Pack it out waste bags
❐ Face/hand wash basin
❐ Mirror
❐ Towels & washcloths
❐ Last minute items reminder list (set beside luggage)
razor
blow dryer, curling iron, brushes, combs, sprays
cosmetics
contacts & solution
feminine hygiene products
contraceptives
cash
gift for hosts, host children and friends

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car, start and warm car
❐ Call weather service
❐ Call for State road conditions/construction
❐ Ice
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Backpacking Trips

PRE-TRIP
❐ Check school, work, church, sports calendar for conflicts
❐ Call to check permit requirements (fires permitted,
parking permits needed, office hours, where to pick
up permit)
❐ Order maps & guidebooks
❐ Break in new boots
❐ Clip toenails (to insure comfy boot fit)
❐ Insure that your gear works and replace or repair
❐ Buy and repackage food in collapsible containers
❐ Tell someone at home your trip itinerary, route and when
you will return
❐ Give extra car keys to trip companion
❐ Plan trip keeping the least experienced member of
your party in mind
❐ Remember hiking and especially jogging alone are
not advised in the backcountry
❐ Remember that you assume complete responsibility
for your own safety and that of your group while
hiking in the backcountry
❐ Take orienteering course
❐ Know symptoms and treatment for altitude sickness,
dehydration, lightning danger, lightning strikes,
hypothermia and frostbite
❐ Review maps for water sources
❐ Call weather service before departure (as weather
changes quickly)
❐ Call for trail conditions and snow depths
❐ Review your Leave No Trace® ethic with group
❐ Dehydrate & repackage food

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

HIKING
❐ Backpack
❐ Backpack Raincover
❐ Removable backpack side pockets (or fanny packs)

SLEEPING
❐ Tent, rain fly or bivy sack (with appropriate seasonal rating)
❐ Ground Cover
❐ Sleeping bag (with appropriate seasonal rating)
❐ Therm-a-rest® sleeping pad
❐ Crazy Creek Chair®
❐ Bivy sack (optional)

COOKING
❐ Water purification equipment or supplies
❐ Water bottles - 2 quarts (freeze water in hot country)
❐ Collapsible water carrier
❐ Stove
❐ Fuel
❐ Fuel funnel
❐ Cooking pots & pans (nesting set)
❐ Pot handle grip
❐ Portable grill
❐ Corkscrew, bottle and can openers
❐ Matches & lighter
❐ Candle lantern
❐ Mini can opener

DINING
❐ Plate, bowl and cup
❐ Eating utensils - knife, fork, spoon (mess kit)

FOOD
❐ Your favorite backpack food (repack in Ziplocks®)
❐ Condiments
❐ Spices
❐ Energy or candy bars
❐ Snacks
❐ Salt & pepper shaker
❐ Small coffee pot (optional)
❐ Tea bags
❐ Coffee
❐ Sugar container
❐ Cooking oil container
❐ Powdered milk container
❐ ______________________

CLEANUP
❐ Biodegradable soap
❐ Sponge/scouring pad
❐ Strainer/screen for filtering foodscraps from dishwater
❐ Ziplock® bags for trash
❐ Trash bags
❐ ______________________

OUTDOOR & EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
(THE FIRST TEN ARE THE TEN ESSENTIALS)
❐ Topo Map & Compass & GPS
❐ Flashlight or headlamp (with fresh batteries & spare bulb)
❐ Sun Gear (sunglasses UV & IR, sunscreen, sun hat)
❐ Extra food & water (a high energy bar per person)
❐ Waterproof matches or matches in waterproof container
❐ Pocketknife (with screwdriver, tweezers)
❐ First aid kit
❐ Nylon cord (at least 30 ft)
❐ Space blanket
❐ Whistle
❐ Candle (or other fire starter)
❐ Common sense
❐ Food bag for hanging food (do not use sleeping bag sack)
❐ Moleskin®
❐ Heat packs
❐ Sewing kit
❐ Tent repair kit
❐ Stove repair kit
❐ Therm-a-rest® repair kit

YOUR FAVORITE BACKPACKING CLOTHING LAYERS
(the following list is the minimum)
❐ Long underwear (top & bottom - polypropylene,
capilene, Thermax®, silk or wool/synthetic blend)
❐ 2 Short sleeve cotton t-shirts (one acts as pillowcase)
❐ Long sleeve turtleneck (polypro or synthetic)
❐ Long sleeve cotton/flannel shirt
❐ Long sleeve wool shirt
❐ Wool sweater (cold weather backpacking)
❐ Pile jacket (Polypropylene, Synchilla®, Capilene)
❐ Pile or wool pants
❐ Vest (Thinsulate®, pile or down)(doubles as pillow)
❐ Cotton pants (rugged but roomy)
❐ Hiking shorts
❐ Wind gear (top & bottom - not waterproof)
❐ Storm gear (top & bottom - waterproof)
❐ Jacket/parka (down or fiberfill)
❐ Sock liners
❐ Socks (polypropylene, wool or wool blend)
❐ Extra Socks (1 pair polypro, wool or wool blend)
❐ Apres socks
❐ Snow sealed hiking boots
❐ Camp shoes, booties or zorries
❐ Water shoes or Tevas®
❐ Gaitors (in snow or sand country)
❐ Pile or wool cap (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Swim suit
❐ Knee brace
❐ Hawaiian shirt

PERSONAL ITEMS TO PACK IN DAY/FANNY PACK
❐ Bath kit (toothbrush, paste, comb, biodegradable
soap, washcloth, shampoo, floss, contacts, solution
feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, etc.)
❐ Toilet paper in Ziplock®
❐ Trowel, U-Dig-It® or Pack it out waste bags
❐ Washcloth
❐ Flashlight or headlamp (with fresh batteries & spare bulb)
❐ Pocketknife (with screwdriver, tweezers)
❐ Notepad & pen
❐ Protein drink mix in packet or container
❐ Waterbottle
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or cap with bandana
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Trip theme music or readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ ______________________

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Binoculars
❐ Reading material
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Swim suit (or running shorts for swim & quick dry)
❐ Daypack or fanny pack
❐ Zipper stuff bags & straps
❐ Global Positioning System
❐ Altimeter
❐ Hiking stick
❐ Firepan or firefoil
❐ Fire blanket
❐ Pillowcase or backpacking pillow
❐ Thermometer
❐ ______________________

WINTER EQUIPMENT
❐ Avalanche training
❐ Avalanche beacons and refresher training
❐ Skis, boots, poles (preferably telescopic probes)
❐ Avalanche probe poles
❐ Ski skins/wax kit
❐ Snowshoes & poles
❐ Ice ax and crampons
❐ Ice tools
❐ Insulated water bottle
❐ Snow shovel
❐ Snow saw
❐ Ski/snowshoe repair kit
❐ Ski tip (metal or plastic)
❐ ______________________

YOUR FAVORITE COLD WEATHER/WINTER CLOTHES
(remember turtlenecks, sweaters, sweats)
❐ Snowpants/Overpants (preferably with side zipper)
❐ Hiking socks and liners
❐ Apres socks
❐ Double boots, overboots or plastic boots
❐ Gaitors
❐ Neck Gaitor
❐ Goggles (Ultraviolet & Infrared protected)
❐ Head Gaitor, hat, pile/wool cap or ear muffs
❐ Face mask or balaclava
❐ Mitts/gloves (consider two pair)
❐ Jackets
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

SURVIVAL KIT
❐ Wire saw
❐ Tarp
❐ Fishing tackle (3 hooks, 2 flies, 10 yds. of line, 2 sinkers)
❐ Three ft. of surgical tubing (drinking tube, sling shot
tourniquet, belt)
❐ Tissue in Ziplock®
❐ Aluminum foil
❐ Iodine water purification tablets
❐ Metal cup
❐ Sunglasses or goggles (UV & IR protected)
❐ Fiber reinforced tape
❐ Snare wire #3

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets (only if essential)
❐ Stuffed animals (on top of backpack)
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide in car till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (in daypack for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Extra shoes & socks for kids if rain (1 pair each)
❐ Homework due upon return

BABY STUFF
❐ Baby bag contents
❐ Bottle, bib, spoon
❐ Washcloth
❐ Diapers
❐ Babywipes® & Desitin®
❐ Changes of clothes
❐ Baby blanket (only if essential)
❐ Baby toys and stuffed animals (small & light only)

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car, start and warm car
❐ Call weather service
❐ Call for State road conditions/construction
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Vacations

PRE-TRIP
❐ Plan 1 full week to pack or 2 full nights
❐ Update and print this list
❐ Begin to pack non-essentials 1 week ahead. Use checklist.
❐ Check school, work, church, sports calendar for conflicts
❐ Together set a date for your trip and request time off
well in advance (the earlier the better for availability,
pricing and having extra time to refine thoughtful
trip surprises). Be sure to plan in an extra day at the
end of the trip to unpack. Plan departure to avoid
cities at rush hour
❐ Write or call for tourist info (toll free numbers are in
front of Rand McNally® Road Atlas)
❐ Put area info into accordion folder by area w/highlighter
❐ Buy or check out guide books from the library
❐ Check Internet for hotel photos (choose atmosphere!)
❐ Write or call for hotel photo brochures
❐ Make DO NOT OPEN folder for family surprises
❐ Separately give each child some money in secret
with the special instruction that they can look for
and buy something special for their brother or sister
while on the trip (one way to encourage
thoughtfulness and generosity) ($40 NYC)
❐ Order airplane tickets early for best prices
   ❐ Order kid’s meal for airplane trip
❐ Ask for window seats (all in one full row)
❐ DIA Door to gate 2 hrs. With Canopy Parking 2.5 hrs.
❐ Make 3 photocopies of trip itinerary and flight info
(including names addresses and phone numbers of
lodging places) to leave with the person watching
your house, the person who will pick you up at
airport, and a significant friend or family member
❐ Rent mini-van (this will end perpetual frustrating
vacation hours of trying to puzzle piece luggage into
a car trunk
❐ Verify that your family Auto Insurance will cover
your rental vehicle in all States on your itinerary
❐ Make list of emergency contacts at home and put
this list in your luggage
❐ Ask wealthy Endomorphs for restaurant suggestions
Friends, who grew up there, Ludlum, Hazlitt
❐ Highlight restaurants & attractions on map w/notes
❐ Call ahead for attraction hours & find out if any rides
   will be closed during time you will be there (this
helps to avoid disappointment). Also ask if any
special ticketed events will be occurring during time
you will be there
❐ Arrange someone to water plants, care for pets, etc.
Give them house key, warm house on return
❐ Photocopy contents of your wallet. Put in luggage
Take receipts out of wallet
❐ Carry local phone numbers/hosts in wallet
   (Cell, home, work - give to all).
❐ Have everyone start taking daily vitamins one week
before trip to strengthen immune systems and
minimize chances of getting sick on vacation
❐ Buy film (Kodachrome® for greens & blues
   (Ektachrome® for reds, golds and oranges)
❐ Computer label addresses for postcards for friends,
family, coworkers and boss
❐ Buy extra camera batteries
❐ Special camera lenses
❐ Buy Videotape(s)
❐ Buy Dramamine® motion sickness tablets
❐ Cold/cough remedies (just in case...)
❐ Take corkscrew, bottle and can openers
❐ Pack emergency box of Kraft® macaroni & cheese
and package of Top Ramen
❐ Car litter bag
❐ 3 Safeway bags (sandy shoes, wet swim suits, carrying ice)
❐ Put luggage keys on your keyring
❐ Name, address, phone numbers on luggage & daypacks
❐ Phone numbers of those you hope to contact on trip
❐ Fill out card at Post Office to hold mail
❐ Buy postcard stamps
❐ Call newspaper to stop delivery
❐ Get traveler’s checks &cash from bank
❐ Change for tips: Valet parking - $2 to $5
   Bell service - .50 a bag
   Housekeeping - $2 a day (on arrival for extra care)
   Room service - 15% (careful...often included in bill)
   Securing sold out tickets - $10 to $20
❐ Cottage cheese container for mixing tuna (mayo packets)
❐ Plastic bowls, utensils, napkins
❐ Blue ice
❐ Ziplocks for exposed film in suitcase (not bathroom bag)
Bring ziplocks from home so melting ice doesn’t go all over ice
chest. Bring baggies from home.
❐ ______________________

PLANNING SUGGESTIONS
❐ One day on (activities). One day off (leisure).
❐ Three days minimum at one hotel (otherwise you are
always packing, unpacking and moving)
❐ Plan half day activities only (otherwise you get under
the same time pressure that you went on vacation to
escape) Schedule some off time/down time.
❐ Note for Dads: plan to leave hotel no earlier than
10am. This will keep you from getting frustrated
and if you get out earlier... you’ll be delighted.
❐ Live experiences first day. Videotape on return day.
❐ NYC 4 suitcases and a daypack for family of 4
❐ Daypack contents (camera, binoculars, travel toys, cassettes/cd’s,
paper & pencil. Car trash bag)
❐ ______________________

HOTEL & MOTEL BOOKING REMINDERS
❐ Non-smoking/smoking room
❐ King/Queen bed
❐ Rollaway or crib
❐ First floor
❐ Inside hallway
❐ Pool hours (pool indoors/outdoors?)
❐ Pool temperature (80 degrees is warm)
❐ Request room by pool.
❐ Have Jacuzzi®? (indoors/outdoors?) (min age restrictions?)
❐ Refrigerator (request)
❐ Connecting room
❐ Facilities scheduled to be closed during our dates?
❐ View options (water, bay, marina, beach, pool,
garden, standard or larger room, castle view (Disney®)
❐ Ask if valet & bell service are available (this adds
a wonderful and memorable touch to a vacation once in a while)

ITEMS TO PACK
❐ Maps, road atlas (or tear out pages).
❐ Photos of family to show friends (Tahiti, etc.)
❐ Empty daypacks for day outings
❐ Empty dufflebag for bringing home trip purchases
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or caps
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm (check SPF)
❐ Kleenex® Tissue packets
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin, (mini aspirin
paks, children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, dramamine, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Laundry bag
❐ Trip theme music (look at itinerary, make list, books & CD’s)
❐ Books/CD’s on tape
❐ Thematic gifts & surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Host gifts
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, ice packs (doubles as inflamation pack), cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide toys till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Extra shoes & socks for kids if rain (1 pair each)
❐ Homework due upon return.
❐ Bedtime books
❐ Nightlight
❐ Whistles for crowded attractions

BABY STUFF
❐ Baby bag
❐ Bottle, bib, spoon
❐ Table seat
❐ Washcloth
❐ Diapers
❐ Babywipes®
❐ Desitin®
❐ Potty chair
❐ Change of clothes
❐ Baby blanket
❐ Stroller, baby backpack, carrier and/or playpen
❐ Baby toys and stuffed animals

WINTER DUFFLEBAG
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Neck gaitors
❐ Snowpants
❐ Boots & Gaitors
❐ Snow toys, inner tubes, sliding discs
❐ Hand warmers

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film (and felt pen for labeling exposed film)
❐ Videocamera & tape(s)
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Pool toys, inflatable stuff, swim floaties, goggles
❐ Aqua socks® or river shoes
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Tennis racquets & balls
❐ Bikes & helmets
❐ Skates, rollerblades and helmets
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, boots, waders
❐ Lawn chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids filled with warm/cold beverages
❐ Sleeping bags
❐ Pillows
❐ Heating pad with extension cord or microwave
beanbag or leg wrap for leg aches
❐ Piano books
❐ French lessons (practice in car)
❐ Trumpet mouthpiece (for practice)
❐ Discman (check batteries)
❐ Outdoor toys (trucks, bulldozers etc.)
❐ Special money from tooth fairy if losses are possible.
❐ Coffee and other pain pills.
❐ ______________________

YOUR FAVORITE VACATION CLOTHES
(the following list is the minimum)
❐ Luggage filled with...
❐ Summer: 3 short sleeve shirts & 1 long sleeve shirt
Winter: 3 long sleeve shirts & 1 short sleeve shirt
❐ 2 pair pants
❐ 2 pair shorts
❐ 2 pair underwear
❐ 2 pair socks
❐ 2 - 3 pair of shoes (tennis, dress, Tevas®, snow)
❐ 2 sweaters or sweatshirts
❐ Hawaiian shirt
❐ Accessories (belts, ties, necklaces, earrings, jewelry)
❐ Jacket
❐ Rain jacket or umbrella
❐ 1 carry on bathroom bag (for 4)
❐ 1 carry on clothes bag (for each)
❐ From the clothes you’ve selected above....choose
your “day of departure” travel clothes and place them
beside your carry-on bathroom bag.
❐ Jungle shade hat or ball cap
❐ ______________________

NIGHT BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Gas in car
❐ Check oil in car
❐ Carry-on bathroom bag filled with...
❐ Travel tickets/itinerary
❐ Address and phone of first night destination
❐ Bath kit
toothbrushes & toothpaste
shampoo (filled)
soap (new)
vitamins for all in small Ziplock®
antacid tabs in small Ziplock®
ibuprophen in small Ziplock®
shower nasal sprayer
❐ Mini-flashlight (with fresh or spare batteries)
❐ Travel iron
❐ Fingernail clippers to rental car keyring
❐ Apres swim stuff (shampoo, combs, hairbands)
❐ Leisure reading
❐ Stain remover or Fels Naptha®
❐ Carmex®
❐ Handwarmers
❐ Determine separate and distinctive places in
your carry-on bathroom bag for unexposed and
exposed film/videotapes. Inform the family
of these different locations.
❐ Carry-on clothes bag filled with...
❐ Pajamas
❐ Slippers or booties
❐ Swimsuits for Jacuzzi® & pool
❐ Change of clothes for all (in case luggage gets lost...)
❐ Place beside Carry-on bathroom bags...
❐ Extra set of keys for person dropping you off at airport
❐ Day of departure travel clothes
❐ Last minute items reminder list:
razor
blow dryer, curling iron, brushes, combs, sprays
cosmetics
earrings, necklaces
contacts & solution
feminine hygiene products
contraceptives
cash
gift for hosts, host children and friends
waterproof bedsheet & reminder note for motel
❐ Call your extended family to let them know you’re leaving
❐ Call airline to confirm flight times
❐ Call for State road conditions/construction
❐ Run dishwasher

DAY OF DEPARTURE
❐ Put extra set of keys in ignition of your car and use
them that day (leave these with the person dropping
you off at airport)
❐ Take your keys with you in your pocket (you may
be glad you have them when it comes time to unlock
your luggage at your destination)
❐ Take “before vacation” photo (pull car out)
❐ Consider drinking some Gatorade® before plane
travel as this offsets dehydration which commonly
occurs on airplanes
❐ Travel tickets in carry-on bathroom bag or daypack
(double-check). Photo ID for everyone 18 and over.
❐ Lock your luggage and put keys safely in your pocket
❐ Car Mugs
❐ Car water bottles

READY THE HOUSE FOR DEPARTURE
❐ Empty the dishwasher
❐ Insure stove and oven off
❐ Empty fridge
❐ Put bread in freezer
❐ Unplug T.V./Stereo
❐ Unplug computer equipment
❐ Turn stereo off
❐ Water plants
❐ Clean toilet bowls (important!)
❐ Pull window coverings
❐ Close off rooms that don’t need heat or A/C
❐ Empty trash/Recycling
❐ Run garbage disposal
❐ Lock doors (garage too)
❐ Set timer for house lights
❐ Empty waterfall
❐ Check pool chemicals
❐ Check mail and e-mail
❐ Call Cubline
❐ Unplug clocks
❐ Sprat shower for mildew
❐ Regulate house temperature
❐ Leave water dripping in winter
❐ Pull screen door shut so as not to tempt wind

JUST BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Leave Office keyring
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Start and warm car
❐ Review this page with everyone in the car on the way to airport

AT THE AIRPORT
❐ Write down the row & number where you park at airport
(or get card with this info from shuttle bus driver)
❐ Give extra set of keys to the person dropping you off
❐ ______________________

UPON DAY OF ARRIVAL
❐ Request rental vehicle with low mileage (no intrepid)
❐ Get 2 sets of keys, cassette & CD player
❐ Fingernail clippers on key ring
❐ Rent mini-van?
❐ Inspect car for damage
❐ Adjust mirrors
❐ Write down license # in wallet
❐ Paperwork in glove compartment
❐ CassettesCD’s Knife fork, spoon in glove compartment
❐ Install car litter bag
❐ Go to grocery store and buy a styrofoam ice chest,
plastic utensils, paper plates, cups, cereal in small
boxes & milk (eating breakfast in your room will
save you a fortune in money and time). Also buy
some fun snacks for everyone. Variety pak chips/bread sticks
Buy and keep in rental car: paper towels, paper bowls, plastic
knife, fork, spoon.
❐ Mac & Cheese & Ramen in emergency food bag in trunk
❐ Remind of unexposed and exposed film locations
❐ Set clocks/watches 15 minutes ahead
❐ Call amusement park for: rides closed/hours/special ticketed
events.
❐ Call front desk for calling card fees, 800# fees
LD 1st min_______ LD additional minutes____________
❐ Put this list in bath kit
❐ Sports bag in trunk (hats, binoculars)
❐ Check concierge for activities/special events

DAILY REMINDERS
❐ Remember priorities: Have fun vs. see everything.
(just say no... to type A vacations)
❐ Plan a leisurely “no rush” morning prep time. Two
hours appears to be about right. 1 1/2 hrs. to get
ready/eat in room and 1/2 hr. to travel and arrive
inside the attraction (e.g. if you want to be inside the
attraction at 9:00 A.M. then alarm must be set for
7:00 A.M.)
❐ Always give “leave the room times” as opposed to
“be at the attraction times” so everyone will have a
figurable time frame (e.g. “we need to leave the room
at 8:30”)
❐ Check rear view mirrors before backing or changing
lanes (remember an accident can wreck a vacation)
❐ Remind family “be ready to get out when the van
stops” (shoes on, planning finished etc....you’ll
save hours by doing this)
❐ Look at postcards for things to see & photo ideas
❐ Ask locals/staff persons for “tips” and things to see
❐ Initiate bathroom breaks at every opportunity (if you
don’t... they will come at inopportunity
❐ Read signs 1st. Ask questions 2nd.
❐ When attending outdoor performances try to choose
seats with your back to the sun to relieve squinting
❐ Buy thank you gifts for pet feeders & plant waterers
at home
❐ Fill in traveler’s checks on tracking slips as you go
❐ If you have two cell phones or walkie talkies and
early and late risers...The early risers can go on ahead
with cell phone or walkie talkies turned on. The late
risers can come later and call to find location of early
risers on the other unit. This option eliminates the
traditional toe-tapping waiting at some designated
place for some undesignated amount of time
❐ When changing hotels, use valet & bell service if
available (this adds a memorable touch to a
vacation... in the end, it doesn’t cost THAT much
and it makes you feel rich for a change). If you do
not use this option then get a map of the grounds
and circle the self-parking lot closest to your room)
❐ Call Cubline
❐ Note daily clothing items that everyone is wearing
❐ Walkie talkie day?
❐ Ask locals (with map) for good parking
❐ Write pronunciation of words/names
❐ 2 pads of paper/pencils 1. House 2. Car
❐ Line RFR→ Who’s in front/behind you
❐ Plan for B time alone
❐ Swimsuits/towels in car every am
❐ Taking sports bag?
❐ Cottage cheese container, tuna, mayo?
Schedule some time off and down time for all
❐ Micromonitor lunch at noon, dinner at 5pm. No exceptions.
❐ Indoor stuff on rainy days, Outdoor stuff on sunny days
❐ Out
❐ Assign daily meeting place
❐ Walk slow.
❐ Hold hands.
❐ Breathe deep.
❐ Release tension.
❐ Surrender to beauty.
❐ Screw deadlines.
❐ Change for tips: Valet parking - $2 to $5
   Bell service - .50 a bag
   Housekeeping - $2 a day (on arrival for extra care)
   Room service - 15% (careful...often included in bill)
   Securing sold out tickets - $10 to $20
   Taxi -
❐ Plan half day activities only (otherwise you get under
the same time pressure that you went on vacation to
escape)
❐ Note for Dads: plan to leave hotel no earlier than
10am. This will keep you from getting frustrated
and if you get out earlier... you’ll be delighted.
❐ ______________________

MEALS OUT
❐ Economy: buy one kid meal and have kids split it
❐ Economy: light eaters can eat appetizer
❐ Request lids for kid drinks to avoid wet clothes disasters
❐ You can request low or non-fat milk at restaurants

ALTERNATE KID MEALS YOU CAN REQUEST AT A RESTAURANT WHEN A MENU BOMBS
❐ PBJ
❐ Tuna sandwich
❐ BLT
❐ Bologna sandwich
❐ Spaghetti
❐ Ravioli
❐ Emergency rations: when all else fails...ask cooks
if they would prepare Top Ramen® or Kraft®
macaroni & cheese if you provided it.

EVENING REMINDERS
❐ Recharge videocamera & cell phones.
❐ Set out breakfast cereal, spoons and bowls
❐ Set out vitamins
❐ Set rough plan of next day’s places, meals, maps
❐ Write in journals
❐ Write postcards
❐ Fill ice chest with ice
❐ Fill waterbottles

LAST NIGHT OF TRIP (before returning home)
❐ Set clock ahead 1 hour. Steal everyone’s watches.
This will interject an extra hour into what is usually
a very hectic, panic, rush of a day. It adds a nice
finishing touch memory of a relaxing ending to a
vacation
❐ Fingernail clippers off key ring
❐ Be 1st at airport and immediately ask for bump

AFTER VACATION
❐ Take “after vacation” picture
❐ Begin planning next trip
❐ Thank you notes to hosts

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
❐ Guidebooks
❐ Maps
❐ Language interpretation dictionary
❐ If child(ren) are traveling with only on parent, get
signed permission note from non-present parent
granting permission for present parent to be traveling
internationally with child(ren). The times have
required some countries to be on the lookout for
abduction cases. Entry into certain countries has
been denied some lacking this simple note of
permission
❐ Leave most of your wallet’s contents at home.
❐ Get passport from safe deposit box or order passport
❐ 2 photocopies of your passport (put one in your
luggage and carry the other with you at all times
❐ Take extra passport photos
❐ Get Visa
❐ Get Permits
❐ Make list of serial #s of your expensive equipment
and make a copy of it for your insurance company.
Leave one at home. Take the other with you
❐ Get vaccinations well in advance
❐ Medications: for diarrhea (just in case...)
❐ Medications: antibiotics (just in case...if your Dr.
will prescribe them...)
❐ Personal medical records (vaccinations, prescriptions)
❐ Make list of emergency contacts in foreign countries
(get list from your family and friends) and put this
list in your luggage
❐ Get foreign currency travelers checks and cash
❐ Buy “around the neck” carrier for money & passport
❐ Solar pocket calculator
❐ Voltage converters and outlet adapters
❐ Formal clothes
❐ Buy American gifts for hosts (and unknown friends-to-be)

INTERNATIONAL ESSENTIALS FOR STUDENTS
❐ Student I.D.
❐ International student I.D.
❐ Youth hostel card
❐ Sanitary sleeping sack required at youth hostels

Checklist for Ski Trips

PRE-TRIP
❐ Check school, work, church, sports calendar for conflicts
❐ Condo/Ski area questions:
How far to ski area from condo?
Washer/dryer in condo?
Condo on first floor?
How many feet vertical drop?
What price for children & adult passes?
Ski down or walk up to lift?
❐ Clip toenails for comfy boot fit

BASIC ITEMS (lay these out in order)
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Goggles
❐ Face mask
❐ Head Gaitor or ear muffs
❐ Neck Gaitor
❐ Knee brace/heel lift
❐ Overpants, bibs or snowsuit
❐ Ski socks
❐ Apres socks
❐ Sneakers
❐ Jackets
❐ Mitts/gloves
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm or Blistex® (check SPF)
❐ Quarters for lockers
❐ Heat packs
❐ Surprise fun snacks
❐ Mini water bottles
❐ Tylenol® / Ibuprophen (adult & kid)
❐ Rubber band
❐ Small nice plastic shopping bag
❐ Checkbook
❐ Medications, allergy kits
❐ Dufflebag for locker
❐ Skis, boots, poles

YOUR FAVORITE SKI CLOTHES
(remember turtlenecks, sweaters, sweats, hawaiian shirt)
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

OPTIONAL
❐ Lunch
❐ Extra pair of shoes & socks for all
(leave in car for ride home or put in locker bag if desired)

REMINDERS
❐ Swimsuits, corkscrew, wine, plastic fluted glasses,
and booties for Jacuzzi® and apres ski activities.
Paper plates for minimum hassle meals.

TO WEAR ON SKI DAY
❐ Sunscreen (put on)
❐ Knee brace/ heal lift
❐ Your favorite ski clothes
❐ Overpants, bibs or snowsuit
❐ Ski socks
❐ Sneakers for driver
❐ Ski boots for passengers
❐ Neck Gaitor
❐ Cap, head gaitor or ear muffs
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies® or goggles

IN JACKET POCKETS...
❐ Driver’s license, credit card and cash (rubber banded)
❐ Quarters for lockers
❐ Car keys
❐ Chapstick® or Blistex®
❐ Heat packs
❐ Surprise fun snacks
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

WITH JACKET...
❐ Cap/hat
❐ Mitts/gloves

IN DUFFLEBAG FOR LOCKER...
❐ Wallet
❐ Checkbook
❐ Apres socks
❐ Mini water bottles (close tight)
❐ Tylenol® / Ibuprophen (adult & kid)
❐ Lunch (optional)
❐ Small nice plastic shopping bag filled with:
❐ Goggles
❐ Face masks
❐ Sunscreen
❐ Medications, allergy kit, etc.
❐ ______________________

MANDATORY DAILY BATHROOM BREAKS
❐ Before leaving for ski area in morning.
❐ Lunchtime
❐ Before leaving for condo/home in afternoon.

Checklist for River Rafting & Boat Trips

PRE-TRIP
❐ Check school, work, church, sports calendar for conflicts
❐ Get river permit
❐ Study guidebook

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Dufflebag filled with jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or cap with bandana
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm (check SPF)
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Swim bag (shampoo, combs, hairbands, towels)
❐ Swim floaties
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

BABY STUFF
❐ Baby bag
❐ Bottle, bib, spoon
❐ Washcloth
❐ Diapers
❐ Babywipes® & Desitin®
❐ Change of clothes
❐ Baby blanket
❐ Baby toys and stuffed animals

COLD WEATHER DUFFLEBAG
❐ Pile cap or ear muffs (“if your feet are cold put a hat on”)
❐ Mittens or gloves
❐ Neck gaitors
❐ ______________________

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Videocamera & tape
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Lawn chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs, camp chairs
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Reading material
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids for warm/cold travel beverages
❐ French lessons (practice in car)

RIVER DAYTRIP BOAT EQUIPMENT
❐ Raft or boat
❐ Frame & straps
❐ Paddles
❐ Blades
❐ Manual Pump
❐ Electric Pump
❐ Bow-stern line
❐ Bail bucket
❐ Straps & bags
❐ Pulleys & prussiks
❐ Throw bags
❐ Dry bags
❐ Tarp to cover gear

SLEEPING
❐ Tent
❐ Ground cloth
❐ Sleeping pads or air mattresses
❐ Sleeping bags
❐ Pillows

COOKING
❐ Camp stove
❐ Camp stove fuel
❐ Fuel funnel
❐ Cooking pots & pans
❐ Tea Kettle
❐ Coffee pot
❐ Charcoal grill
❐ Charcoal
❐ Lighter fluid
❐ Dutch Oven
❐ Aluminum foil
❐ Pot holders
❐ Cooking utensils (spatula turner, knives, forks, spoons,
corkscrew, bottle and can openers)
❐ Ice chest
❐ Day cooler
❐ Ziplock bags®
❐ Cutting board
❐ Cutting knife
❐ Water carriers, containers or jugs
❐ Water purification equipment or supplies
❐ Portable table
❐ Tarp for cooking area (for shade or rain)

DINING
❐ Plates, bowls and cups
❐ Paper plates & holders
❐ Paper cups
❐ Eating utensils (knife, fork, spoon)
❐ Paper towels
❐ Paper napkins
❐ Drink jug
❐ Camp tablecloth

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
❐ Coleman® Lantern
❐ Lantern fuel
❐ Mantles
❐ Flashlights or headlamps (adult & kid)
❐ Spare flashlight batteries & bulbs
❐ Candles
❐ Candle lantern
❐ Hatchet
❐ Saw
❐ Wood
❐ Paper or fire starter
❐ Matches
❐ Waterproof matches and lighter
❐ Marshmallow sticks
❐ Water bucket
❐ Fire extinguisher
❐ First Aid kit
❐ Sewing kit
❐ Topographical maps (waterproof case)
❐ Compass & GPS
❐ Guidebook
❐ Swiss Army Knife®
❐ Fly swatter
❐ Bug spray
❐ Solar shower
❐ Board games (for rainy days)
❐ Books (kids & adults)
❐ Picture of Mama (for Dad & kids only trips)
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm

CLOTHING
❐ Wear: your favorite river clothes
❐ Swimsuit or shorts
❐ T-shirt
❐ River shoes, aquasocks, Tevas® or booties
❐ Camp shoes & socks
❐ Sun hat or cap and bandana
❐ Hawaiian shirt
❐ Vest
❐ Pile pants
❐ Pile jacket
❐ Down or fiberfill jacket
❐ Splash pants
❐ Splash jacket
❐ Life Jackets
❐ Helmets
❐ Leather gloves
❐ Wet suit
❐ Wet suit booties

PERSONAL ITEMS
❐ Bath kit (toothbrush, paste, comb, biodegradable
soap, washcloth, shampoo, floss, contacts, solution
feminine hygiene products, contraceptives, etc.)
❐ Toilet paper in Ziplock®
❐ Trowel, U-Dig-It® or Pack it out waste bags
❐ Urine bottle
❐ Washcloth

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
❐ Boat Repair kit (patching materials, repair tools etc.)
❐ First aid kit
❐ Rescue rope
❐ Whistle
❐ Signal mirror
❐ Needle & thread
❐ Lighter
❐ Nylon rope
❐ Wire
❐ Leatherman tool®
❐ Duct tape
❐ Fiber reinforced tape
❐ Duct tape

KAYAK TRIPS
❐ Kayak
❐ Paddle
❐ Spare collapsible paddle
❐ Flotation bags
❐ Boat skirt

OAR BOAT TRIPS
❐ Boat
❐ Oars
❐ Oar stops
❐ Oar locks
❐ Pins & clips

SAILING TRIPS
❐ Sailing mug

YACHT TRIPS
❐ Champagne & glasses

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Call weather service
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car
❐ Ice
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Day Hikes

PRE-TRIP
❐ Tell someone at home your trip itinerary, route and when
you will return
❐ Put on sunscreen (check SPF)

BASICS
❐ Daypack or fanny pack
❐ Med kit
❐ Water Bottle
❐ Sunglasses
❐ Sun hat
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Map & compass
❐ Gortex jacket & pants
❐ G.I. can opener
❐ Ibuprophen
❐ Medical assists (knee, ankle, elbow brace etc.)
❐ Allergy kit (bee stings, asthma inhaler etc.)
❐ Toilet paper
❐ Cell phone(s) and recharger(s)
❐ Washcloth (to dry feet after mandatory soak in stream)
❐ Extra socks (for after mandatory soak in stream)
❐ Candles
❐ Waterproof matches and lighter
❐ Lunch, snacks, chocolate, candy, chips
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

OPTIONAL
❐ Flyfishing rod & reel
❐ ______________________

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Call weather service
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car

Checklist for Beach Trips

PRE-TRIP
❐ Get Tide chart

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Call weather service
❐ Wear: cool clothes
❐ Take: dufflebag with warm clothes (or vice versa) and...
❐ Jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or cap with bandana
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm (check SPF)
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Swim suits
❐ Swim bag (shampoo, combs, hairbands, towels)
❐ Zorries, thongs, flip flops, Tevas®
❐ Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
❐ Water toys, inflatable stuff, swim floaties
❐ Beach chairs, hammocks, lounge chairs
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s)
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, ice packs (doubles as inflamation pack), cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

KID STUFF
❐ Kid brushes, combs, hairbands, barrettes
❐ Kid blankets
❐ Stuffed animals
❐ Car toys (check batteries - hide toys till necessary)
❐ Piggy bank money (in daypack for freedom & limits)
❐ Trip theme music for kids (look at itinerary)
❐ Kid daypacks
❐ Kid cameras
❐ Snacks (grahams, saltines, Ritz®, Goldfish®)
❐ Sleepers or jammies (if coming home late)
❐ Kid toothbrushes, paste & pillows (if coming home late)

SPECIAL EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Videocamera & tape
❐ Washcloth (for use prior to camera or videocamera)
❐ Aqua socks® or river shoes
❐ Sports bag (frisbee, kites, bubbles, ball, bat, rocket)
❐ Bikes & helmets
❐ Skates or rollerblades
❐ Fishing rods, tackle, vest, bait, license, waders, boots
❐ Picnic blanket
❐ Guitar
❐ Binoculars
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Insect repellent
❐ Watch or cell phone with alarm
❐ Rain jackets or umbrellas
❐ Car mugs with lids for warm/cold travel beverages
❐ ______________________

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car
❐ Call weather service
❐ Ice
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Romantics

❐ Wine/Champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers
❐ Blanket
❐ Picnic basket
❐ Tuxedo
❐ Extravagance and elegance in every plan
❐ Sport dining in beyond unique places (outdoors with
table chairs, white linen tablecloth, candles, wine...
❐ Hors d’ oeuvres
❐ Moonlit strolls
❐ Readings
❐ Candlelit everything (baths, dining, hot tub, pool)
❐ Learn French
❐ Plan full moon events (tip: moon comes up at approx.
the same time the sun hits the horizon two days before
each full moon. Look in newspaper for time of
sunset...but don’t give away the secret until it appears...)
❐ Plan some events a year or two in advance (this
allows an incredible eye for detailed touch to emerge)
❐ Hide surprises to be found at some unexpected and
spontaneous time
❐ Note on windshield
❐ Plan a surprise vacation
❐ Dress up and do something really special. $200 minimum.
❐ Surprise fun snacks
❐ On last night of vacation: set clock ahead 1 hour. Steal
everyone’s watches. This will interject an extra hour
into what is usually a very hectic, panic, rush of a day. It
adds a nice finishing touch memory of a relaxing ending
to a vacation.
❐ Plan in theme music, readings, gifts or surprises into
every event (look at itinerary & place names for clues)
❐ Buy lingerie
❐ Special unexpected lunch
❐ Arrange for childcare and special night out
❐ Go out to dinner somewhere that has valet parking
❐ Surprise night away at a fancy hotel (do both valet & bell service)
❐ Lunch in Paris (for wealthy only)
❐ Horse-drawn carriage
❐ Sleigh ride
❐ Natural hot springs
❐ Take spouse out solely to buy new dress/tie
❐ Take spouse out solely for their favorite dinner
❐ Arrange for horseriding on the beach
❐ Sunrise walk on the beach
❐ Sunset walk on the beach
❐ Picnic blanket picnic
❐ Kite flying
❐ Look at “for the person who is never bored list”
❐ Give spouse $100 gift of high risk stock
❐ Throw a surprise party for your spouse
❐ Buy lingerie
❐ Plan a fantasy weekend away
❐ Hide some $ in your kids rooms to be discovered unexpectedly
❐ Travel & Bride magazines looking for exclusive travel locations
❐ Limousine
❐ Safari
❐ Gondola ride (water)
❐ Gondola ride (ski area) to Dinner
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Addendum

Checklist for First Aid Kit

❐ First Aid book
❐ Alcohol pads
❐ Iodine
❐ Gauze roll
❐ Gauze pads
❐ Adhesive tape
❐ Band Aids®
❐ Butterfly bandages
❐ Triangular bandages
❐ Safety pins
❐ Ace® bandage
❐ Tweezers
❐ Needle
❐ Aspirin, Tylenol®, Ibuprophen
❐ Whistle
❐ Signal mirror
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Telephone coins
❐ Emergency money
❐ Bee sting kit (if appropriate)
❐ Snake bite kit (if appropriate)
❐ Antacid tablets
❐ First aid cream
❐ Moleskin®
❐ Sunburn Lotion
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Checklist for Emergency Repair Kit

❐ Needle & thread
❐ Lighter
❐ Nylon rope
❐ Wire
❐ Leatherman® tool
❐ Duct tape
❐ Fiber reinforced tape
❐ Duct tape
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

Checklist for End of the World Media Hypes

❐ Gas vehicles
❐ Buy propane heater
❐ Buy Coleman® fuel
❐ Fill gas grill with propane
❐ Firewood
❐ Fill water jugs
❐ Stock food
❐ Buy water purifier
❐ Buy large freezer
❐ Buy extra propane tank and fill them
❐ Get cash
❐ Charcoal
❐ Lighter fluid
❐ Newspaper
❐ Paper plates cups, towels
❐ Batteries recharge old, buy new
❐ Candles
❐ Matches & lighter
❐ Medications/prescriptions
❐ Heat packs
❐ Space blanket
❐ Leisure reading
❐ Hawaiian shirt
❐ Sunglasses
❐ Beach hat
❐ Champagne & glasses
❐ Lawn & lounge chairs
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, cups, napkins, knife
❐ Pile or wool caps
❐ Blankets
❐ Fishing tackle (3 hooks, 2 flies, 10 yds. of line, 2 sinkers)
❐ Snare wire #3
❐ Rifle/shells
❐ Wire saw
❐ Tarp
❐ Three ft. of surgical tubing (drinking tube, sling shot, belt
tourniquet)
❐ Tissue in Ziplock®
❐ Aluminum foil
❐ Water purification equipment or iodine tablets
❐ Metal cup
❐ Fiber reinforced tape
❐ Duct tape
❐ Charge AM/FM radio batteries
❐ Checklist for camping trips
❐ ______________________

BASIC ITEMS
❐ Call weather service
❐ Wear: warm clothes
❐ Take: dufflebag with cool clothes and...
❐ Jackets
❐ 2 day packs or fanny packs filled with...
❐ Waterbottles
❐ Glasses or contact lenses
❐ Sunglasses (check UV & IR)with Chums® or Croakies®
❐ Sun hats or cap with bandana
❐ Sunscreen (check SPF)
❐ Chapstick® lip balm (check SPF)
❐ Kleenex® Tissue
❐ Medications: prescriptions, daily meds, aspirin,
children’s Tylenol®, vitamins, cold/cough, antacids
❐ Allergy kit: bee sting, asthma, etc.
❐ Medical assists: knee brace, ankle brace, elbow brace, etc.
❐ Checkbook (full of checks)
❐ Cash
❐ Cell phone(s) & recharger(s). Charge up on Dec. 31st
❐ Walkie talkies or two-way radios with new or charged batteries (for cell tower free zones)
❐ Trip theme music & readings (look at itinerary)
❐ Thematic gifts and surprises for all (look at itinerary)
❐ Day cooler with lunch, drinks, ice, cups, napkins, knife
❐ ______________________

YOUR FAVORITE END OF THE WORLD CLOTHING LAYERS
(the following list is the minimum)
❐ Long underwear (top & bottom - polypropylene,
capilene, Thermax®, silk or wool/synthetic blend).
❐ 2 Short sleeve cotton t-shirts (one acts as pillowcase)
❐ Long sleeve turtleneck (polypro or synthetic)
❐ Long sleeve cotton/flannel shirt
❐ Long sleeve wool shirt
❐ Wool sweater (cold weather backpacking)
❐ Pile jacket (polypropylene, Synchilla®, Capilene)
❐ Pile or wool pants
❐ Vest (Thinsulate®, pile or down)(doubles as pillow)
❐ Cotton pants (rugged but roomy)
❐ Hiking shorts
❐ Wind gear (top & bottom - not waterproof)
❐ Storm gear (top & bottom - waterproof)
❐ Jacket/parka (down or fiberfill)
❐ Sock liners
❐ Socks (polypropylene, wool or wool blend)
❐ Extra Socks (1 pair polypro, wool or wool blend)
❐ Apres socks
❐ Snow sealed hiking boots
❐ Camp shoes, booties or zorries
❐ Swim suit
❐ Knee brace

SPECIAL END OF THE WORLD EVENTS
❐ Wine/champagne
❐ Glasses
❐ Corkscrew
❐ Flowers

OPTIONAL
❐ Camera & film
❐ Video Camera & Tape
❐ Dress Jacket/Dress
❐ Tie/Jewelry
❐ Tuxedo/evening gown
❐ Accessories (belts, ties, necklaces, earrings, jewelry)

THE TEN ESSENTIALS
❐ Topo Map & Compass & GPS(?)
❐ Flashlight or headlamp (with fresh batteries & spare bulb)
❐ Sun Gear (sunglasses UV & IR, sunscreen, sun hat)
❐ Extra food & water (a high energy bar per person)
❐ Waterproof matches or matches in waterproof container
❐ Pocketknife (with screwdriver, tweezers)
❐ First aid kit
❐ Nylon cord (at least 30 ft)
❐ Space blanket
❐ Whistle
❐ Candle (or other fire starter)
❐ Common sense

FIRST AID KIT
❐ First Aid book
❐ Alcohol pads
❐ Iodine
❐ Gauze roll
❐ Gauze pads
❐ Adhesive tape
❐ Band Aids®
❐ Butterfly bandages
❐ Triangular bandages
❐ Safety pins
❐ Ace® bandage
❐ Tweezers
❐ Needle
❐ Aspirin, Tylenol®, Ibuprophen
❐ Whistle
❐ Signal mirror
❐ Pencil & paper
❐ Telephone coins
❐ Emergency money
❐ Bee sting kit (if appropriate)
❐ Snake bite kit (if appropriate)
❐ Antacid tablets
❐ First aid cream
❐ Moleskin®
❐ Sunburn Lotion

EMERGENCY REPAIR KIT
❐ Needle & thread
❐ Lighter
❐ Nylon rope
❐ Wire
❐ Leatherman® tool
❐ Duct tape
❐ Fiber reinforced tape
❐ Duct tape
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________
❐ ______________________

BEFORE DEPARTURE
❐ Call weather service
❐ Meal
❐ Bathroom break
❐ Check oil in car
❐ Pray.

Photo by Glenn Carsten Peters

Creative Problem SolvingBarry SweetJune 1, 2018Lists, BooksComment