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Pre-Departure Essentials
Before you leave home, make sure you have the following documents and details prepared:
- Passport (make sure it's not expired)
- Local currency for your destination
- Driver’s license and international driving permit if needed
- Credit cards and ATM cards, along with emergency cash
- RFID passport holder like the Secrid Vintage Slim Wallet to protect your documents
- Medical documents and emergency contacts
- Printed flight tickets and hotel confirmations
- Copies of important documents (stored at home and online)
- Travel insurance and vaccination records
- Travel guidebooks or language apps
- Travel map or downloaded offline navigation
Home Checklist Before You Depart
Ensure your home is secure and responsibilities are covered:
- Hold your mail and cancel deliveries
- Arrange care for pets, plants, and lawn
- Prepay any necessary bills
- Leave keys and your itinerary with a friend or neighbour
- Turn off appliances and the water heater
- Clean out the fridge and take out the garbage
- Lock all doors and windows
- Inform your security company if applicable
Travel Essentials to Pack
Choosing the right luggage and travel gear makes all the difference. Here’s what to pack:
- A durable carry-on suitcase
- A versatile travel backpack
- Lightweight and layerable travel clothing
- Compact umbrella and rain gear
- Travel shoes or sandals are suitable for walking
- A Patagonia Black Hole Pack 25L for day trips
- TSA-approved locks
- A travel journal and pen
- Compact camera or smartphone with a charger
- Hat, sunglasses, and swimwear
Toiletries and Personal Care
Keep it light and airport-compliant:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Small deodorant and travel-size lotion
- Razor and shaving kit
- Shampoo and conditioner in 100ml bottles
- Personal prescriptions in original containers
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Quality Goodr Sun Glasses
- Lip balm and hand sanitizer
- Compact travel towel and laundry soap
- Basic first-aid kit and contraceptives
- Small cosmetic mirror and comb
- Hair styling tools like a foldable dryer or straightener
Carry-On Essentials for Flights
Keep these items within reach during travel:
- Passport and travel itinerary
- Travel wallet for organizing documents and cards
- Reading materials or an e-reader
- Travel snacks (check customs rules)
- Eye mask, neck pillow, and earplugs
- Wet wipes and tissues
- Compression socks and a small change of clothes
- An empty water bottle to fill post-security
- Over-the-counter pain relief
- Pen for customs forms
- Headphones or earbuds
- A blanket scarf or shawl for chilly flights
Tech and Travel Accessories
Don’t forget your travel tech:
- Portable charger and USB cords
- Flashlight or mini headlamp
- Universal travel adapter for international outlets
- Packing cubes and organizer pouches
- Sewing kit and tweezers (checked luggage only)
Know Your Airline's Carry-On Rules
Most airlines allow:
One carry-on bag (e.g., suitcase or duffel)
One personal item (e.g., purse or backpack)
Air Canada limits carry-ons to 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (21.5 in x 15.5 in x 9 in)
WestJet has slightly smaller limits are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
Personal items must fit under the seat, maxing out at 41 cm x 33 cm x 15 cm (16 in. x 13 in. x 6 in.). Liquids must be 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
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