A checklist for the vacation

Vacation organization

Finally, the time has come again: the vacation is just around the corner! You would also like to pack your suitcase and leave from one day to the next? Often it is not that easy. Before departure, a few things have to be clarified and taken care of. This checklist should help you to start your vacation relaxed!

Observe entry regulations

If you are traveling abroad, it is worth taking a look at the current list of the RKI – here you will find all the information about which countries are currently considered risk, high incidence or virus variant areas. On the page of the Foreign Office, you can then read the respective entry requirements for the individual country. In many countries, even within the EU, you must currently register the entry in advance online.

Then, of course, there are some things that need to be done in advance. For trips to distant countries you usually need a visa and may need to refresh some vaccinations. In general, a travel cancellation insurance and an international health insurance are recommended.

What currency is available at your destination? Of course you can pay by credit card almost everywhere, but it is often worthwhile to have some money exchanged in advance.

Depending on how long you are traveling and whether you have pets, they would have to be accommodated elsewhere or you could ask a neighbor or friend if he can come over from time to time to feed the fish or water the plants. Remember to give him a front door key and if your car stays at home, also the car key in case that needs to be moved.

Before the trip

Pet accommodation
Find someone to take care of apartment, plants, etc. & show him or her everything
Empty refrigerator, use up food or give it away
Unplug and check to make sure all appliances are off
Turn off water
Take out garbage
Turn on answering machine, set up call forwarding if necessary.
For long trips: Have mail forwarded

Formalities

Identity card/passport/children’s identity cards (all still valid?)
Visa (if required)
International health insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Driving license (internationally valid?)
Vehicle registration document, if you are traveling with your own car
Vaccination certificate
Cash (in the currency of the country)
Credit card, EC card
vacation documents: confirmation for booked accommodation, vehicles and transport, flight ticket
important telephone numbers and addresses for emergencies, card blocking etc.
travel guide
road map
navigation system

Clothes (depending on the number of travel days & number of people)

underwear
Socks
Tops
T-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Sweaters
Jacket
Shorts
Long pants
Dresses
Skirts
Shoes
Swimwear
possibly bathrobe
Bathing shoes or flip flops
sun hat, cap
sportswear
Sleeping clothes
beach towel
Sunglasses
Jewelry
Bag or sack for dirty clothes

Cosmetics/washing kit

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Facial cleanser
Facial care
Shampoo, Conditioner & Shower Gel
Shaver
Sun Cream
Après-Sun Lotion
Body lotion
Lip Care
Deodorant, Perfume
Makeup
Brush
hair dryer, curling iron, straightener
hair clips, hair ties
Nail polish + remover
Glasses, contact lenses + accessories
Contraceptives
Periods utensils
Nail scissors, nail file
Tissues

Medication:

Painkillers
Remedies for diarrhea, constipation, stomach problems
Travel tablets against nausea
Ointment for wounds
Disinfectant spray
Insect repellent spray
Nasal spray
Eye drops
Individual medicines

Technology

Cell phone
Charger
Camera
Memory cards
Charger
Laptop
Charger
Socket adapter
Headphones (+special headphones for airplane)
Power Bank

Game/fun/other

Handbag, beach bag, backpack for trips/activities
Books, newspapers
notebook, pad + pens
Diving goggles, snorkel and flippers
Travel detergent
Travel kit Sewing kit
hiking equipment, sports equipment
board games, card game
sleeping mask
Earplugs
Chewing gum or sweets (for pressure compensation in the plane)
Support stockings (for long flights)
Neck pillow
Small blanket
Thick socks
Scarf
Refillable water bottle

For the apartment

Bed sheet
Comforter cover
Towels
Dishwashing sponge
Washing-up liquid
Tea towel
Toilet paper
garbage bag
soap
Kitchen roll
cool bag, cool packs
Possibly own pillow

Hand luggage

When traveling by plane, it is good to have all important documents in your hand luggage. A waterproof document bag is a good idea here, so that everything can be stowed safely and securely. The most important cosmetics and medicines also have their place in the hand luggage. Here it is only necessary to adhere to the prescribed package sizes. It is also advisable to pack a spare outfit in your hand luggage in case your suitcase gets lost.

Traveling with a pet

If you want to take your favorite pet with you on vacation, there are a few questions that need to be answered: Are animals allowed in the accommodation? What about the transport company? The best is a written permission from the tour operator. Depending on the destination and route, the animals must be chipped and vaccinated. For many animals, the long journey is not recommended. So instead of flying to the Caribbean with the dog, a hiking vacation is better suited.

Traveling with children

Even when vacationing with children, some things should be given special attention.

Children’s entertainment for the trip
Food for the trip
Wet wipes
UV swimsuit / shirt
Towel poncho
Sunscreen
(sand) toys
Bathing shoes
Sun hat
Reusable swim diaper
Beach shell, sunscreen for the beach
For (small) children: baby food, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, diapers, child seat.