Heading down South or up North? I love being able to go away and, for me, I prefer heading down South, especially during the winter months. Even the flight is exciting for me and I think it’s amazing having all that weight in the sky.
I created my vacation checklist many years ago, and I wish to share it with you. It covers personal or business travel and some items may apply, such as dry food and there is some room to add more.
I am familiar with the Toronto Airport and have flown out of the Buffalo Airport since the price can be better.
At the Pearson Toronto Airport, there is a convenience of water stations before boarding the plane and I usually carry an empty water bottle with me to fill up just before boarding the plane. After going through security, there are places to enjoy a snack, meal or coffee or even purchase last-minute items. However not all places are open 24 hours. I like there are ATM’s just in case we need a little extra cash. We usually fly in the morning and enjoy going for breakfast at one of the restaurants.
I like to bring a carry-on with me just in case the airline loses my suitcase. Last year that happened to our flight, ironically for all the people that paid extra for upgrades.
During the bus ride to our resort, these people were furious and expressed all the things they were going to miss having right away. We offered what we could and found out they were able to purchase items at the resort, but items like bathing suits were scarce.
Many of these people received their suitcase a few days later or not at all, until they were home. For a couple that travelled together, one received their suitcase and the other did not. Some people had a suitcase GPS tracking device and were able to track it, sitting in Montreal.
In my carry-on, I bring the essentials I know I will want, especially my bathing suit. If you have important medication, place it in your handbag or carry-on. In some cases, we’ll swap some clothing in each other’s suitcase in case only one disappears.
It’s a good idea to check your flight information for all the requirements, rules and restrictions at all airports on the way there and on the way back.
Here are a few examples that may apply;
- Metal nail files and tweezers etc. may not be allowed in your carry-on, but may be in your suitcase
- Batteries and electronic devices may only be allowed in your carry-on, not your suitcase
- Liquids in your carry-on are limited to 100ml in a clear bag at a certain size
- No liquid drinks through security, no contraband
- Extra charges for extra weight of your suitcase and certain sizes for hand baggage and carry-on
- Paperwork requirements
Also, good to check the place where you’re staying whether it’s a Hotel, Motel, Resort etc. to find out what they provide before packing it. Usually they will provide items such as toiletries, coffee, tea, and coffee machines.
I want to share some of the situations we’ve experienced or seen:
- Missing the bus to the airport, could have been from staying up so late the night before. 😉 This resulted in extra costs having to travel to the city for an ATM and then pay for a taxi/cab.
- Being at the airport to head home and forgetting the important documents at the resort. It may have resulted in a divorce 😉 I felt bad for the couple, they rushed into the queue at the airport to be near the front and found out one of them had to pay for a Taxi/Cab back to the resort.
- New passport required; due to the cut-off period for expiry, some countries require an expiry date beyond 3 months. Also rejected flight or re-entry into a country due to a water-logged passport. The passport scans ok at the airport, but the destination would not accept any damage to it since it may not scan properly or the country has a different scanning system. We found out the significance of a pristine passport.
- Loss of Wi-Fi at the airport, resulting in no access to some documents. Downloading the documents beforehand onto your smartphone may work. If travelling with another, possibly share it.
- Smartphone is not fully charged and they rely on that for some important documents. If travelling alone, perhaps bring a paper copy.
- Missing the meeting at the resort with the airline representative, thereby missing the opportunity to purchase a spot in the VIP lounge for approximately $30. Some airlines offer this at the airport upon returning home, which provides comfortable seating in an air-conditioned room, some food or drink and first entry onto the plane. Some people enjoy this option and some don’t care.
- Opting out of any insurance such as medical, cancellation etc. Some destinations may require you to have these in place before you visit. Some people uncovered hefty medical bills.
Luckily, most problems were solved, but it can be costly or stressful.
I truly wish that you have a fabulous vacation and enjoy the excitement and memories that will last a lifetime.
Sheila E Golding