Essential Packing List: 5 Things You Need Before Your Trip

Many travelers underestimate the importance of a packing list. If you’re planning on flying from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport or another airport, you’ll need one.

No matter if you plan to travel within the United States or abroad, you need to be able to bring all your necessary items with you.

What You Need For Your Essential Packing List

We’ve listed everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip. We’ll also show you an essential packing list for all your needs.

As with all things travel, you need to stay safe from COVID-19, so that means:

• Make sure you sanitize your belongings
• Bring masks and gloves with you on your trip
• Continue to keep your 6 feet in distance from other travelers

1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current

The most important thing you’ll need in your packing list before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true.

Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip. 

That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal.

2. Call Your Financial Institution

The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious.

Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:

• Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
• JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
• Citibank:  1 (800) 374-9700
• PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
• Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000

3. Withdraw Some Cash

It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do. 

No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States.

If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees.

Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed.

4. Complete These Home To-Dos

Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:

• Water the plants
• Turn off the air conditioner or heater
• Turn the porch light on
• Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
• Set your email to auto-respond

5. Get Travel Insurance

If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips.

Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there.

Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave:

Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.

More Articles Like This:

Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist

• How to Travel For Less On Your Next Trip
• How To Get A Cheap flight Out Of Hartsfield Airport
• Strategies That Work: How To Save On Travel