Luggage packing checklist

Errands to run before your travels

o    Check the validity of your travel papers and your passport
o    Check whether any new vaccines are needed and have these done if necessary
o    Check the validity of your credit/debit card and make sure to memorize your pin well
o    Exchange currencies if required
o    Pick a travel guide
o    Obtain a valid travel health insurance that is applicable abroad and will remain valid for the entire duration of your stay  

At home before leaving

o    Turn off all electronic appliances in and around the house.
o    Empty the refrigerator
o    If applicable, leave a message on your answering machine to inform people that you will be out
o    Park your car inside a garage or secure location if you own one
o    If you do own a car, make sure it is locked and all electronic functions are switched off
o    Depending on your circumstances you may want to consider giving your keys to friends or neighbors so they can take care of your plants, pets, etc.
o    Turn the heating down or off depending on the season and for how long you will be out
o    Wash the dishes and take the trash out
o    Close all windows and lock the door(s)
o    Turn off all lights and set the automated light and blind settings (if applicable)  

Planning your journey before leaving home

o    Ask friends or neighbors to empty your mailbox and give them your mailbox key (depending on your relationship with them)
o    If you have pets, do not forget to leave behind food and instructions about how your pet needs to be fed and cleaned
o    Inform yourself about currency exchange rates
o    Read about what the climate will be like where you are headed
o    Make paper copies of important travel documents, such as your passport, your ID, your driver's license (if applicable) and your vaccination papers
o    Put all of your valuables in a safe location
o    Pay any outstanding bills
o    Change the time on your alarm or switch it off depending on your needs  

Bathroom bag items

o    Soap
o    Shampoo
o    Shower gel
o    Tooth brush and dental floss
o    Toothpaste and mouth wash
o    Brush or comb
o    Razor
o    Shaving foam
o    Deodorant
o    Perfume
o    Contact lenses
o    Care products for contact lenses
o    Glasses and glasses case
o    Sunscreen
o    After-Sun lotion
o    Facial moisturizing creme
o    Body moisturizing creme
o    Hand creme
o    Hair gel and spray
o    Nail care set
o    Lip balm
o    Cotton buds and cotton facial pads
o    Hair clips and hair bands
o    Nail polish and nail polish remover
o    Tampons and underwear pads
o    Make up utensils
o    Tissues and wet wipes
o    Wash cloth
o    Towels
o    Indoor slippers  

First aid kit

o    Individual medicines (Pills, Heart medication, insulin, etc.)
o    Medications that is required for the location you are traveling to if required
o    Vaccination papers, blood donor papers and organ donor papers
o    Pain killers
o    Cough and throat soothing drops and bonbons
o    Pills against travel sickness
o    Disinfectant wipes
o    Burn, wound, healing salve
o    Thermometer for fevers
o    Hot water bottle
o    Mosquito and other insect repellent
o    Nasal spray and inhaler
o    Plasters for wounds and blisters
o    Allergy tablets  

Clothing

  o    Underwear
o    Socks
o    Tights
o    tank tops and bras
o    Shirts and blouses
o    T-shirts
o    Jumpers and hoodies
o    Long trousers or shorts
o    Skirts
o    Belt

o    Dresses
o    Coats and cardigans
o    Water resistant rain coat
o    Gloves, hat and scarf if necessary
o    Shoes, boots and trainers where required
o    Insoles
o    Handbags
o    Pajamas and nightwear
o    Shower and washing gown
o    Towels
o    Sports wear
o    Evening and formal wear
o    Clothes brush and shoe polish
o    Jewelry
o    Watch and an alarm clock if needed  

Hobbies

o    Instrument
o    Travel diary
o    Drawing/sketch book
o    Fishing gear
o    Walking and hiking stick
o    Photography and Video equipment as well as all relevant charging cables
o    Head phones, batteries, memory card and external hard drive
o    Altimeter
o    Playing cards
o    Dice and board games
o    Address book or post card collection book  

For the language course

o    Pencil, pen, eraser and sharpener
o    Paper and one or several note books
o    A reliable dictionary or language app  

Beach & Sun

o    Goggles and a snorkel
o    Beach towel
o    Bathing trunks, bathing suit or bikini
o    Hat or cap to shield you from the sun
o    Sun glasses
o    Sand castle and beach toys
o    Floating plastic boat or inflatable mattress
o    Ball and frisbee
o    Water flippers and your diving license
o    Beach bag
o    Sandals  

Useful things to have during your journey

o    Mobile phone
o    Alarm clock
o    Chargers for all electronic devices
o    Charger plug adapters depending on the location you are visiting
o    Cleaning utensils
o    Sewing set
o    Addresses
o    Scissors
o    Music (on your phone, mp3 player, headphones and portable speakers)
o    Hair dryer
o    Books to read whilst traveling
o    Portable laundry washing liquid (if required)
o    Washing pegs
o    Paper and other surfaces to write on
o    Pocket knife and corkscrew
o    Business cards  

Hand luggage

There must not be more than 100 ml of fluid inside each bottle or container! All items that contain liquid must be sealed inside a transparent resealable bag. Do not pack spray bottles into your hand luggage!

o    Camera
o    Headphones
o    Food and drinks
o    Sun glasses and regular glasses
o    Personal phone number for baggage recovery
o    Important medication (such as those against travel sickness or emergencies)
o    Chewing gum
o    Portable dictionary or language guide
o    Books
o    Neck pillow(s)  

Very important!

o    Money (cash)
o    Credit or debit cards
o    Personal ID(s)
o    VISA (where applicable)
o    Driver's license (needs to be valid internationally)
o    Health insurance card/papers
o    House key(s)
o    Place copies of your ID inside your luggage (where it is visible to others)
o    Tan or bank safety pin generator (for online banking)
o    Airplane and train tickets
o    Travel documents (hotel, ferry and reservations)
o    Emergency telephone numbers