Comments on: Travel List: What To Do Before You Leave For Vacation

By: WellHeeled

WellHeeled — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:06:35 +0000

Yes I did use Magical Express! It was great – we arrived in Orlando VERY early in the morning, so we got the whole bus to ourselves. It was like having a private car picking us up.

By: dajolt

dajolt — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 06:18:17 +0000

If you fly internationally, buy a prepaid phone card for your mobile phone (on ebay).

Scan all travel documents, passports and credit cards and email the scanned files to and online email account where you could access them if you lose them.

If you take your laptop: Backup all important files and leave the backup at home. Keep local copies of web sites you need on your travel, because you will not always have internet when you need it most. I use Mozilla Firefox with the Scrapbook-plugin for this.

Regarding the cash: I'd feel naked travelling with only $50 in cash.

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:48:10 +0000

I always print directions to the hotel and any where else we are trying to go from the hotel. Minimally, I have the address handy.

By: Tina

Tina — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:39:38 +0000

I like giving my house a good cleaning before I go. I love coming home to a nice, clean apartment that I can relax in after a long train ride or flight.

By: margo

margo — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:03:17 +0000

Add these:
Run the dishwasher with the last load of dishes.
Have 2 credit cards if you are touring a place known for pickpocketing (one on your body, another in your purse for convenience).
Unplug appliances that are energy vampires (or turn off the power strips).

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:01:44 +0000

Along with the taking out of trash, I would like to add CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE. We were gone for over a week, and last night, as we ravaged the nearly-empty fridge for things to eat, I realized that I hadn't thrown away the already-not-so-great produce before we left. Moldy zucchini? Check! Liquefied green onion? Check! Carrot mush? Check Check Check!!! That was a gross little surprise to come home to. Nothing like a fridge that is empty save for a few moldy veggies!

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:25:35 +0000

A disney specific essential – Are you using magical express ? Dont forgry the book let they send you in the mail or to put the special tag on any check luggage. If you have the ticket from the booklet you can skip the check in desk and head straight to the bus line

By: Athena Creamer

Athena Creamer — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:26:39 +0000

Be forewarned that if you pack or try to take a cell phone charger on an airplane, it may disappear (be confiscated) without explanation. It costs a great deal to replace them.
Very nice column and well thought out list, too.

By: L.A. Daze

L.A. Daze — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:42:16 +0000

I'd just like to add: make sure your suitcases aren't overweight, and that all the locks work!

My suitcase was overweight by 3kg (i've never ever had issues with this, but I had a really grouchy rep check me in). I wanted to transfer those 3 kg to my carry-on, except the lock on my suitcase broke and wouldn't open. So I ended up paying $120 in overweight fees. I was mad because technically i'm allowed TWO suitcases weighing up to 25 kg each, so if I only have one suitcase that's 3 kg overweight, what's the freaking difference!!

Anyways, have an amazing time at Disney World!

By: Investing Newbie

Investing Newbie — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:31:59 +0000

Ah, contacting the credit card companies is actually a smart idea. I'll keep that in mind.

Actually depending on where you live, you should probably not keep the lights off. Maybe keeping one light on, or having a timer attached to a lamp to just turn the lights on and off. It will give the perception that someone is home so that your house isn't a target for theft!

Or maybe that's my parents being overly-cautious again.

By: Bucksome

Bucksome — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:52:08 +0000

Love the comment about CSI.

Our household list includes putting a vacation hold on the newspaper (I know we're old school; still read a physical paper).

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:37:43 +0000

Thanks for the post! I am packing as we speak to visit my dad in Las Vegas tomorrow (I live in Chicago). I would have forgotten my cell phone charger if it wasn't for your post. Thanks!

By: The Asian Pear

The Asian Pear — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:35:16 +0000

I was also gonna suggest the copy as well… But also leave a copy with a family member or friend. If anything happens, you can ask them to email or fax a copy to you.

I also call my credit card companies (for the cards I'm taking) to tell them I will be travelling and to where. This way they don't freeze my account thinking it's because my credit card is stolen.

Don't forget to double check all stoves and stuff is turned off (not sure about you but I get neurotic if I don't do a double check – JUST in case)

Have fun!

By: Jenn @ Paying Myself

Jenn @ Paying Myself — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:41:54 +0000

I always make a photocopy of my passport and other ID and any travel insurance paperwork and I take them with me in case anything happens to my originals.

Enjoy your trip! I can't wait to hear about your adventures!