This includes your prescription medications and any over-the-counter medications that you use frequently. You may be able to purchase ibuprofen where you're going, but it may cost twice as much or not be as available as you're used to. Always bring a copy of your insurance card in case you have to see a doctor, go to the hospital or get your medications refilled unexpectedly.
It doesn't hurt to have a copy of your immunization records either, especially if you're traveling outside the United States.
A list of phone numbers is necessary when traveling. These numbers should include your family members, bank, neighbors, children or individuals that your children are staying with, school, daycare or after-school programs that your children attend, the police in the your hometown and someone you can call in the event that you run into financial troubles. To make it easier, program all of these numbers into your cell phone ahead of time, but carry a paper backup and leave it in your hotel room.
You should obviously carry money with you, but having several different forms, and putting it in several different places, is the key. You should have some cash on hand and in your hotel room, traveler's checks (you can often secure these in a safe in your room or behind the hotel counter) and some credit cards. It may be better to place your cash in your pockets rather than your purse or wallet, since these items may be stolen more easily.
Don't leave home without a copy of your itinerary, airplane tickets, confirmation numbers and phone numbers to call in the event of a problem. Don't forget your passport, driver's license and Social Security card. Specific travel destinations may call for different forms of identification. Be sure to grab any discount cards, like AARP or AAA.
There's nothing worse than landing in Hawaii with a dead cell phone and realizing that you've forgotten the charger. Make sure you have charging equipment for all of your peripherals, including cell phones, laptops and cameras. Don't forget extra batteries. Better yet, buy a travel adapter that will charge everything.
