It makes sense to have a checklist so that you don’t suddenly remember something that you forgot to bring, or something that you forgot to do, just as you get seated on the airplane. We have put together a list that should be useful in helping you remember most of the things that you need to do, then you won’t have to worry about having forgotten something once you’ve left home and are on your way.
A very useful idea from other travellers is to purchase a clear-plastic containers and, about a week before your travel date, start putting items that you need to take with you in it. Then, when it’s time to leave, simply transfer the items to your carry-on bag, purse or suitcase.
Check with your accommodations manager before you leave to see if they supply hair dryers as you won’t want to travel with any bulky items that you don’t have to.
Please send us an e-mail (info@thecaymanislands.ky) to suggest items that might be missing from this list and you may download a PDF copy. of it so that you can print it and use it for checking off items at home.
Things to pack:
- Wallet, purse, credit cards, cash
- Passport & driver’s licence
- Medical insurance card
- Itinerary, airline ticket, hotel/condo reservation confirmation number
- Map and directions to hotel/condo, if renting a car
- Cell phone and charger
- Laptop, iPad, etc. and power adapters
- Digital camera, charger, batteries, extra memory card, USB cable, etc.
- House keys and car keys
- Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and lens cleaner
- Prescriptions and other medications
- Sunscreen and sunburn lotion
- Basic medical supplies: Band Aids, antibiotic and bug-bite creams/ointments, thermometer, Tylenol, etc.
- Travel size hand sanitizer
- Vacation clothing and shoes (swimwear, sandals, etc.)
- Snacks and reading material for the flight
Please remember to tighten the lids on any bottles of liquids or lotions (shampoo, sunscreen, mouthwash, etc.) and seal them all in Ziploc bags before putting them in your suitcase.
For Babies:
- Baby sunscreen
- Fever medication & thermometer
- Diapers & lotions
- Baby wipes, the biodegradable ones if possible
- Stroller, car seat
- Baby formula, specialty food, bibs, spoon
- Ziploc-type plastic bags for dirty diapers
- Crib/bed absorbency pads
- Pacifiers
- Blankets
- Toys
Things to do (1 week before you leave):
- Make arrangements for pet and indoor plant care
- Top-up prescriptions and medication
- Replenish toiletries kit
- Replace expired sunscreen as most SPF lotions lose potency over time
- Unless you have automatic bill payment, pay any bills that will come due while you are away
- Notify your credit card company to expect charges from your vacation destination
- Notify neighbours of your vacation plans and leave contact numbers for emergencies
- Notify alarm company of your travel plans and provide alternate contact number
- Put some lights/lamps on timers or arrange with neighbours to turn on/off daily
- Arrange with neighbours to collect incoming mail and newspapers, or suspend service
- Arrange for the lawn to be mowed if you’ll be away for more than 2 weeks
- Print electronic tickets, itinerary, etc.
Things to do (1 day before you leave):
- Mow lawn
- Turn off garden hose/tap (Pressurized hoses can burst if exposed to the sun.)
- Empty perishables from refrigerator
- Give trusted neighbour a key to your house
- Empty all trash containers
- Confirm that you have everything on your “Things to Pack” list ready
- Arrange/confirm ride to airport
Things to do (The day you leave):
- Turn up, down or off, air-conditioning/heat
- Turn off water heater
- Turn off gas supply line to house
- Turn off water supply to house if no-one will be coming inside to water plants or feed pets
- Unplug sensitive equipment like TVs, computers, and other electronics
- Lock all windows and doors and then double-check them
- Arm/activate alarm system
Of course everything on this list won’t apply equally to everyone and you may think of other things that we’ve not included. Please feel free to suggest other items to include by sending us an e-mail (info@thecaymanislands.ky).
Cayman Travel Guide 