What am I forgetting!!

[BugsyMaroon]

We are about to go on a long haul holiday and I am writing my lift of what to do and sort before we go.

I just feel there is something I am missing. What is it! (Or any helpful suggestions to add!)

So far on my list i have;

• travel insurance sorted
• tickets booked
• airport transfer booked
• hotel booked
• dietary meals booked for plane
• visas sorted
• medication either packed or ordered
• cattery booked
• cats medication packed
• cats vaccines up to date
• long-lasting fish food for ponds sorted
• combination lock for garden gate to be bought and code given to gardeners (to be done)
• list drawn up of everything that needs to be checked / locked / turned off
• mail 'keep safe' sorted
• packing list written
• packing (to be done).

I am working right up to the late evening before we go and am absolutely convinced I am going to forget something essential! It's going to be something obvious as well i am sure...

Little things, but footfile, nail scissors(can be useful for other things and a mini sewing kit. Always take them, someone always needs something.

Check bank accounts for available funds for DDs & SOs due while you are away. Ensure payments to CCs are in place.
Failure to do so can result in huge bank charges. (Ask me how I know.)

Download e-books for the 'plane - can't guarantee they'll be enough in-flight films you want to watch on all the flights.

Are your passports in date?

Oh Lord. Good point.

Passports thankfully in date.

E-books a very good shout, particularly for DS1.

[writes more bullet points in notebook]

Suncream / insect repellent? Last minute clothes you forgot you needed? Are all the suitcases in good condition? Suitcase locks? Right size cabin bags?

AirTags for luggage, complete change of clothes for everyone including mini toiletries in hand luggage in case cases go missing, travel adapters and 4 way gang in case not enough plug sockets? Portable charger for plane

Documents printed off too? I always print off my travel insurance and any car hire docs just incase internet access shit and can’t view easily online.

Check for any tourist fees? We’re going away later this year and there is a tourist fee in the destination.

Download plenty of stuff on Netflix to iPads so we can watch on plane without internet access.

Check in early online.

Also you got foreign currency sorted? Driving license and credit card to take just in case?

Earplugs
paracetomol/ibuprofen
plasters and compeed blister plasters for when your new sandals rub
Enough pants assuming that everyone sh*ts themselves 4 times a day…(or is that just me? 😂)
Wet wipes (see above)
antibac hand gel

Chargers and cable
Make copies or scan passport/visa and keep them electronically in case they are lost
Keep emergency numbers of bank account and credit card handy
Data plan for your phone in case wifi is not possible

E sim for data - likely to be cheaper than your own provider.

Prescription sunglasses. Emergency clip-ons from Walmart are Not A Good Look.

If self catering, sandwich bags and clips, and laundry leaves (much easier than tablets).

Slippers/ slipper socks in case of hard floors and fierce aircon (depends where you’re going).

Important documents saved to your phone, not the cloud.

AAah this is all brilliant- thank you!

There is quite alot here I had not thought of so very grateful to you all!

Just read another thread about forgetting to take HRT on holiday. It might not be relevant here though.

Have you checked if you need vaccinations or anti malarials? Bug spray?

And yes to e sim, might be better to get in country but do your research. If going outside of “the west” check to see local payment methods - we found lots of places in India didn’t take credit cards but you could pay via your phone on paytm which of course we didn’t have, know for next time

Last year when we went to Crete I managed to forget to pack any underwear at all for DS1.

That was fun. We were miles from anywhere and no independent transport.

Vaccinations all good. Bug spray a good shout!

if you are a Vinted seller put your account into holiday mode!

Love this 🤣 nothing worse than a parcel to post when your off on holibobs 🤣

Huh. Oddly enough I realised yesterday i had forgotten to send a present to a goddaughter for her birthday which occurs the day before we get home. I contacted her mum and said would money in a card be okay this time (she's 11) but her mother said she'd prefer a proper gift. So I either have to source and send this weekend (she lives in the US) or send when on holidays. [facepalm]

All the suggestions were brilliant, thank you. There were more than a few i had never considered. DH is clearing all his credit cards this weekend in preparation and making sure funds are in all the accounts which DDs and Sos come out of. DS1 has downloaded (uploaded?) 3 books on his kindle. I've checked data and roaming for my phone and written out contact details for the cattery.

Can I suggest in future you do all this in a spreadsheet as then you can update after your holiday and it's available next time. Also easy to cut and paste for different types of trips.

I have lists refined over time with sub sections for beach, hiking, winter etc and also separated into planning and 'what to take' sections.

Sometimes you have to notify banks you will be out of the country to enable card use check with your provider

Flying long haul about 30 years ago.

About 5 hours in, DM slowly turns to me and says "I forgot to pack".

She was delighted though as she got to buy herself a LOT of new clothes when we landed.