Ultimate vacation checklist: Packing, planning and more

You're about to set off on the vacation of a lifetime when you realize you haven't renewed your passport. Or you show up at the airport three hours before your flight, but you've left your passport on your desk at home.

When planning a vacation, details can fall through the cracks and may even derail your trip. With an ultimate vacation checklist, you'll be ready for your next adventure and less likely to forget the little things that make a big difference.

From important travel documents to a change of clothing, there are some things you must bring on every trip. Other items, such as a swimsuit, are only must-haves if you're going somewhere with access to a pool or body of water. To help you bring what you need, follow a vacation packing list. Make adjustments to the list based on your destination, time of year of your trip and length of travel.

Essential documents

You can't get on a plane without some form of identification, and you'll probably need other documents at some point during your travels. Along with bringing physical copies of your must-have documents, keep a backup copy of the following on your phone:

☐ Driver's license or ID
☐ Boarding pass and flight information
☐ Passport
☐ Visa (if required)
☐ International driving permit (if you plan to drive in another country)
☐ Emergency contact list
☐ Health insurance card or information
☐ Prescription medication information

Leave a copy of your travel itinerary and copies of essential documents with a family member or friend back home just in case you run into difficulties on your trip.

Clothing and toiletries

Technically, you could buy all new clothing at your destination. But it's often easier to bring items you already have. Your destination and the season will determine whether you bring lightweight, summer clothes or bulky but warm winter garments.

☐ Shoes
☐ Swimsuit and flip-flops (if you are headed on a beach vacation)
☐ Coat
☐ A week's worth of clothing, socks and underwear (you can always do laundry if your trip is longer)
☐ Sleepwear
☐ Hat
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Spare glasses
☐ Umbrella or raincoat
☐ Travel-sized toiletries (less than 100 ml and in a clear plastic bag if you're packing in carry-on luggage)
☐ Toothbrush
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Hairbrush/comb
☐ Nail clippers and nail file
☐ First aid kit
☐ Prescription and over-the-counter medications
☐ Electronics, entertainment and odds and ends

Whether you're a physical book or e-reader type of person or prefer to watch movies on your phone or laptop, you'll need something to keep yourself entertained while on the go.

☐ Cellphone charger and accessories
☐ Camera and memory card
☐ Books, e-reader or magazines
☐ Laptop and charger
☐ Converters and adapters (if traveling outside of the U.S.)
☐ Ear plugs
☐ Eye mask
☐ Water bottle
☐ Phrasebook (if you don't speak the language)
☐ Snacks

Don't forget about your finances while prepping for vacation.

1. Plan ahead for bills

Make sure any bills due during your trip are paid ahead of time. That way, you'll have less stress while you're supposed to be relaxing. This could also be a good opportunity to set up automatic bill payments for your debit and credit cards so you'll never have to worry about missing a payment again.

2. Bring both cash and credit cards

Debit and credit cards let you make secure transactions, particularly while traveling abroad. However, some purchases may need to be cash-only — such as at a local marketplace — so have both cash and cards on hand. Some credit cards charge foreign transaction fees, so check for penalties before using them while abroad.

Remember, money and cards can easily get lost or stolen, so keep extra cash and a back-up card locked in your hotel safe. It's also a smart idea to limit how much cash you carry at any given time. Leave excess money and other valuables in the hotel safe, too.

3. Get foreign currency if needed

If you're traveling abroad, you might have to exchange your U.S. dollars for the local currency. You can usually access a country's legal tender by withdrawing from a local ATM once you're there (foreign money also makes for a cool souvenir).

Remember to make a few large withdrawals rather than making many smaller ones. This will limit what you pay in foreign transaction fees, and the excess can be locked up in the hotel safe until you need it.

4. Use mobile or online banking

You can still monitor your accounts while on vacation by using mobile or online banking. If you're new to these features, you can download your bank's mobile app to your smartphone or tablet before you leave so you can easily access your account information while away. You can also log on to online banking from your laptop (if you packed one). Remember, wireless data charges may apply, especially if you're traveling internationally.

• Research currency exchange rates. Depending on the exchange rate, your dollars may not go as far as you want while traveling. Find out the current exchange rate and research options for getting the best rate possible, such as using your credit or debit card.

• Make a budget. How much can you comfortably spend on your trip?

• Create a budget before you book anything and make sure to give yourself plenty of wiggle room.

• Learn local tipping etiquette. Tipping or not tipping depends on where you are. Since tipping culture varies widely around the globe, find out what the typical amount is, if any, before you go.

• Book lodging and car rental confirmations. Book where you're going to stay and a car rental if you're doing that, then double- and triple-check that you've got the right dates and rooms.

• Book a pet sitter. If you're leaving your animal companion behind, make sure someone will be around to keep them fed and happy. You can have a live-in or drop-in sitter, or bring your pet to a kennel or pet hotel.

• Pause your mail: Contact the U.S. postal service and put your mail on hold for the duration of your vacation. This way, it doesn't pile up in your mailbox while you're away.

• Make weather back-up plans: Don't let rain or other bad weather put a damper on your vacation. Have a back-up plan and plenty of rainy-day activities up your sleeve.

Consider travel insurance: Illness, weather events and other factors can postpone or cancel your trip. With travel insurance, you can get reimbursed if you have to cancel part (or all) of your vacation.

Making a travel checklist and checking it two, three or even four times will get you ready for your next voyage and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Need a little assistance saving for your trip? Citizens Savings Tracker™¹ can help you get financially ready for your vacation. Before, during and after travel, rely on Citizens mobile and online banking to access your accounts.

Going on vacation requires a lot of planning. But don’t forget to do these simple financial tasks before and during your trip so your finances won’t interrupt your much-earned time off — and you can let the good times roll, hassle free!

Check on your accounts anywhere and anytime by downloading our mobile app at the App Store or on Google Play.