Tools in This Collection
Travel Packing Checklist
Carry-on and checked bag essentials for any trip type
Road Trip Checklist
Vehicle prep, supplies, and navigation for any road trip
Camping Gear Checklist
Shelter, sleep, kitchen, clothing, and safety for camping trips
Car Maintenance Checklist
Track service intervals and upcoming maintenance needs
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
72-hour household kit and emergency plan essentials
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Shelter-in-place and evacuation checklists with storm timing
Tax Document Checklist
Gather all needed documents before filing your tax return
Travel and Outdoor Preparation
The most common pattern with travel and outdoor preparation is starting too late — and discovering what you forgot after you arrive. These checklists capture the full preparation sequence for each situation, organized by timing so you know what to do now versus closer to the departure date.
International Travel Packing
The Travel Packing Checklist covers carry-on essentials for international trips: passport (check expiration — many countries require 6 months validity beyond your travel dates), travel adapter for your destination's plug type, any prescription medications in original labeled containers, travel insurance documentation, and copies of key documents stored separately from originals. A complete change of clothes in the carry-on prevents delays from checked bag problems.
Road Trips
The Road Trip Checklist covers vehicle preparation (tire pressure, oil level, wipers, emergency kit), navigation (downloaded offline maps as backup), entertainment and snacks for the drive, and roadside emergency supplies (jumper cables, reflective triangles, phone charger). Vehicle checks should happen the day before departure, not the morning of.
Camping and Outdoor Adventures
The Camping Gear Checklist covers shelter (tent with footprint, stakes, guylines), sleep system (sleeping bag rated for expected lows, sleeping pad for insulation), kitchen (stove, fuel, cookware, utensils, food storage), clothing (layering system, rain gear), and safety (first aid kit, navigation, emergency signaling). The most commonly forgotten camping items are: tent stakes, a can opener, toilet paper, and a headlamp with fresh batteries.
Emergency Preparedness
The Emergency Preparedness Checklist covers the FEMA-recommended 72-hour household kit: one gallon of water per person per day (minimum 3 gallons per person), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, a week's supply of any prescription medications, copies of important documents in a waterproof container, and cash. The Hurricane Preparedness Checklist extends this for shelter-in-place and evacuation scenarios with timing relative to storm arrival. The Car Maintenance Checklist tracks service intervals and upcoming maintenance needs. The Tax Document Checklist ensures all needed documents are gathered before starting your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important carry-on items for international travel?
Passport and all travel documents, phone and charger, any prescription medications (in original labeled containers), a change of clothes (in case checked bags are delayed), travel adapter, downloaded offline maps, and copies of key documents stored separately. Never check your passport, medications, or valuables. Airlines' carry-on size limits are typically 22x14x9 inches for US carriers.
What should go in a 72-hour emergency kit?
FEMA recommends: one gallon of water per person per day (minimum 3 gallons per person total), non-perishable food for 3 days, a manual can opener, flashlight with extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a first aid kit, a week of prescription medications, copies of important documents in a waterproof container, and cash. The Emergency Preparedness Checklist covers all of these plus shelter-in-place versus evacuation scenarios.
What vehicle checks should I do before a road trip?
Check tire pressure (including the spare), oil level, coolant level, windshield washer fluid, wiper blade condition, and all lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals). Verify your emergency kit has jumper cables, reflective triangles, and a charged phone charger. Do these checks the day before departure, not the morning of, so you have time to address any issues.