What's on your traveler's checklist?

So.. I thought I should start off my series of travel related posts by talking about some tips.. Also because probably it’s the easiest to get off the list … :D Writing about one of my trips would definitely require some emotional investment and I don’t think I am in the mood right now..

So largely my recommendations (or should I say thoughts) are bucketed into two broad categories.. The Travel Kit and the To-Do's (or must do's) for travel

So.. Lets begin with the travel kit - what should I carry with me and what should I leave behind.. My suggestion - pack only as much as you can carry on your own.. don’t expect porters and trolley carts everywhere you go.. In a lot of places you may need to carry your own bag(s).. So pack only what you can manage.. At a bare minimum your kit should include the following:

1. Comfortable dresses and shoes - I already envision some raised eyebrows on this one (really.. Is this something U follow?) ok.. Pack stuff based on where you are going, the weather at that point of time and the activities you plan to indulge in.. One pair of jeans, a light sweater / cardigan, one pair of flats and / or sneakers is a definite must.. Carry a couple of spare tees.. You never know when you may need them ;)
2. Smart Phone - is a must! In all of my trips this has been my support to either search for directions, look for food options, tweet / FB to my friends and in some cases even take some awesome cool photographs!
3. Camera - if you are someone who loves traveling or believes that every moment of your life must be captured.. Invest in a good camera! I am no great photographer but I would like to have a good camera so that the "Auto" function compensates for my lack in photography skills and saves the day by capturing life's most memorable moments..
4. Sunscreen - must have especially if you are traveling during the summer season. Recommended SPF 30 - 50
5. Shades - again - a must have esp. if you are traveling in the hot periods.. Not only do they protect your eyes, they also make you look cool B-)
6. Medicine Kit - bare minimum analgesics, band-aids and a medicinal spray for any sprains/twists
7. Power Adapters - Life saver when you are traveling internationally. Today you get multi country adapters that let you carry one single multi country adapter vs. several different ones (highly recommended)

Some to-dos (or must dos) as I would like to call them:

1. Research the place that you are visiting - understand what the culture is like, what the people are like.. Look up the places that you want to go to.. The  travel options that will take you there .. I believe it is very essential to do a thorough research of the place before you visit it just so that you are prepared and know what to expect.. Sites like tripadvisor or viator offer some great reviews and there is no dearth of opinions on the internet today!
2. International Credit Card - for all emergency purposes ensure you have an (active) international credit card on you.. Preferably a Visa or a Mastercard since not all places accept an AMEX
3. FOREX - make sure you get some money in the local currency (applicable if you are traveling internationally) before you get to your destination.. At best, carry money in small denominations.. If you would like to carry huge amounts, travelers cheques are recommended..
4. SIM Card - a MUST! I cannot emphasize on how important this is especially when you are traveling internationally.. Get one in the airport as soon as your land .. Today 9/10 airports have kiosks with telecom companies trying to sell their services..  Would recommend a prepaid card with data .. Ideal for a short term visit and easy to get
5. Driving License / IDP - If you plan to drive in the foreign country, make sure you have a valid IDP or that your current license lets you drive in that country. Most importantly. Look up the driving rules and familiarize yourself with the driving procedures in that country
6. Pot Noodles / Ready to eat food - very useful for my vegetarian friends esp those who are very particular about where / what / how they eat (do not look at me - I am very flexible….. Now…..) Pot Noodles or Granola Bars are very easy to carry and help salvage hunger!

Those were my two broad categories (simple, isnt it?).. A couple of last important things:

1. Tell someone / anyone where you are going! Its very nice to have those secret escapades (I do them too) but please at least tell one person (who is not traveling with you) about your plans.. Always better to be safe than sorry! :)
2. Check the validity of your passport and visa before you travel.. Some visas are valid only as long the passport they are stamped on are valid (ex: for Malaysia) and some stamped on an old passport are valid even on the new ones as long the visa itself is valid.. So make sure you double check..

Hope this was helpful! I know this has always worked for me.. If there are additional items that any of you believe should belong here.. Go ahead and let me know!!