Cabo 2014

Some countries requires that your passport has at least 6 months validity left.

Reconfirm your flights as there may be airline schedule changes. Your return flight must be reconfirmed at your destination directly with the airline 3 days prior to your departure.

Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number. Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.

Remember to keep a close eye on the passport copy - it's a great asset if you lose the original, but can also be used to steal your identity if it gets into the wrong hands.
If you have a web based e-mail platform, e-mailing yourself scans/copies of important documents and passport info is a great alternative to hard-copies. It's easier to access, less likely to be stolen, and guaranteed to always be on hand.

You may need a photo to obtain passes, permits, etc.

In case all your money, or all your gear, is lost or stolen.

Memorize PIN codes to credit cards so that you can use them with ATM machines to get cash.

Where pickpockets are a problem, carry your wallet in your front trousers pocket.

Use ziplock plastic bags for any items that could leak or possibly break in transit.

It's pretty amazing how much you can put into a backpack if you do a good job. By using rubber-bands, squeeze clothes down to a minimal size.

Take a pair with pockets - doubles as a swimsuit for men.

Easily stolen, so don't bring anything too valuable.

Ditch the bulky bath towel. There's only one way to go when traveling - microfiber travel towels. They dry quickly, are soft, incredibly absorbent, and roll up to take virtually no space.

Must be pretty sturdy. Glass may not be a good idea for some journeys.

Also handy for pulling out splinters

Ask your doctor to provide you with a letter for any prescription medications that you are taking with you. Keep medicine in original containers, if possible.

If you require prescription lenses in your glasses, take a spare pair of glasses with you. There is nothing worse than having your glasses break or losing them on holiday and having no spare pair to fall back on.

For international travel: consider unlocking your cell phone SIM card so you can use your phone there (purchase a local SIM in your destination).

With this adapter you and a friend can both listen to your music player at the same time

Great for the beach. The mesh allows you to dump everything into the bag and then just rinse it all with running water.

A small, cheap and easy to use protection weapon. Illegal in some countries.

To avoid last minute gift-shopping make a list of all of the people you want to get gifts for.