Checklists for a Better Trip

If you are like me, then you forget things, especially when you are running out the door to go on vacation or a road trip.  Oh, you will remember it, a day or two later when you are 5,00 miles away.

You might as well accept that reality and learn to make an use a planning checklist, packing checklist and a "last minute checklist".

• Planning checklist - This is to ensure you get reservations in time to lock down your key destinations, activities and accommodations.
  See this page for the planning checklist
  
• Packing checklist - Big things and little, if your missing a lighter for your camp stove, a tarp to cover your tent, or other key items, your trip won't be fun!
  
  • Packing checklist as a Word doc
  • Packing checklist as a RTF (Word) doc
  • Packing checklist as a TXT file.
    
• Last minute checklist - from turning off the AC, taking out the trash to making sure you haven't locked the cat in the basement, don't forget this checklist.
  Click here to download a TXT file of Last minute the Checklist
• Sea Base Checklists:

Examples

Here they are. You can down load them open them in your word processor and adapt them to your own needs.

Last minute checklist

(click here to download a TXT file of the Checklist).

• Is the mail placed on hold?
• Newspapers put on hold?
• Are the following in the car?
  • wallet or purse,
  • cellphone,
  • laptop and / or iPad,
  • chargers,
  • Any needed NPS passes, vouchers, coupons, reservation receipts, tickets or season pass
• Is all trash taken out?
• Lights turned off?
• A/C or Heat turned down or off?
• Windows and doors locked?
• Check pets' food, water, litter and location of pets, make sure internal doors are open. (or taken to pet sitter or kennel)
• Check webcams are turned on.
• Security or alarms turned on

Packing checklist

Here is a sample packing and planning checklist you can download and edit to adapt to your needs.

• Packing checklist as a Word doc
• Packing checklist as a RTF (Word) doc
• Packing checklist as a TXT file.

Sample Packing Checklist

Last minute cold foods to pack in the cooler

·         Frozen hamburgers

·         Frozen cooked chicken

·         Milk

·         eggs

Foods

·         Snacks for kids

·         Dry foods like breakfast cereal

·         No fridge lunch foods like Jam, peanut butter, bread

·         Seasonings, sweeteners

My Clothes

·         Eye glasses or contacts (in car, if you need them)

·         Shorts, socks, undies, etc.

Spouse’s clothes

·         Yeah.  Better let them pack their own

Child 1  Clothes

·         Shorts

·         Shirts

·         Underwear

·         Socks

·         Swim suit

Child 2  Clothes

·         Shorts

·         Socks, underwear

·         Shirts

·         Underwear

·         Swim suit

Camp gear

·         Tent

·         Rain fly

·         Ground tarp and cover tarp

·         Paracord and bunge cords

·         sleeping bags

·         inflatable pillows

·         Bear spray (Yellowstone and Montana)

Cook gear box

·         Fry pan, large pot and small pot

·         1 sharp knife and a small cutting board

·         Aluminum foil

·         Spatula, large spoon

·         Ziploc bags and containers

·         Disposable paper Plates and cutlery

·         Cups

·         Dish sponge and small dish soap

·         A half dozen laundry soap pods, in case you need to stop to do laundry somewhere.

Medical

·         Dramaine or other motion sickness stuff

·         Small first aid kit

·         Instant read thermometer

·         Medicines for any family members that need them

Electronics

·         Nintendos 3DS, iPads or tablets and their chargers and cartridges Things to keep the kids busy on the long drive days.

·         GPS

·         Laptop if needed for work

·         Camera or Camcorder

·         Battery changers

·         Cell phone charger

Miscellaneous

·         A couple umbrellas and lightweight rain ponchos