Lists, Lists, and More Lists

Growing up, there were always lists upon lists floating around the house. Shopping lists, our lists of chores to be done, etc., etc., etc. My mom always used pencil, instructing us to do the same as we crossed out the items one by one. This allowed for the computer punch card, or piece of paper to be reused day after day.

I hated those lists! Along with homework, they were what stood between me and going out to play.

When I arrived at adulthood, however, there was a return of the lists. Not only in my job (most especially ICU nursing) but also in my personal life. With the framework firmly set I find familiarity, if not comfort, in crossing items off my lists.

Only now there appeared in electronic format: on my palm pilot, Outlook tasks, or myPhone reminders. This was much better! Yeah. Much better.

It comes in handy for tasks such as trip preparation…

The box checking exercise that followed the information meeting, for those of us heading to Dharamsala for the teacher training, was just the starting point to my obsession. Not surprisingly, word got out about my preparation efforts. I was asked by Jenn, our fearless leader, if I wouldn’t mind sharing my lists with the group.

So, here it is… Preparing to travel items:

• Obtain Visa or Passport as appropriate
• Get any needed Immunizations and/or medications (anti-malarial, motion sickness) needed
• If appropriate, begin prepping body with Probiotics, Vitamins, etc.
• Notify bank and credit card companies of the dates you will be traveling internationally and insure that you have PINs for any cards you plan to use. Note: I have not confirmed, but I was told by a colleague that some countries only accept 4-digit PINs.
• If you plan to use your phone during your travels, see about adding a plan that will at least discount the roaming rates and allow for text or data roaming should you plan to use this.
• Let your neighbors know when you will be away to insure that your home-sweet-home is safe while you are away. Arrange for a house/dog sitter if appropriate.
• Consider placing a hold on your mail. In these parts, this is easily done online.

If you have kids (especially if you are a single parent like me):

• Be sure to leave a signed note authorizing caregivers to sign for medical and/or dental treatment should the need arise. List the names and phone numbers of your physician and dentist. Include your insurance carriers and list out medical record numbers if appropriate. Also, be sure to include information about allergies to foods or medications, medical diagnoses, and current medications.
• Provide a list, or calendar, of activities with times and dates. Arrange for rides if needed.
• In addition to your cell number, provide a list of your hotels, and flights so (1) they can have an alternate way of contacting you and (2) know not to worry if you don’t respond when inflight.
• List other people to contact for help or in case of an emergency.

Packing:

• Passport & Visa
• Credit cards, ID, immunization card, travel insurance card
• Flight itinerary for confirmation codes and hotel numbers
• Consider carrying print out of important contacts (i.e. parents, bank customer service, US embassy) in case phone is looses charge or it’s rightful owner
• Phone or calling card
• Camera, battery charger, and memory cards
• Yoga mat and props (i.e. strap or block, zafu cushion)
• An apple for the teacher. I mean, hard cheese for our teacher/host in Dharamsala.
• Books, iPad or Kindle
• Yoga apparel: tops, pants, long-sleeve coverup for early morning meditation
• Touristy clothing: pants, shirts, jackets, shoes, socks, undergarmets
• Running or hiking? Shorts (sweats for India), Vibrams, jogbra, GPS
• Jammies or thermals
• OTC, Rx Medications, etc.:
  • Rx prescriptions (i.e. EpiPen) in original containers with physician note or stamped list if possible.
  • Bug repellant (also consider spraying clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen (use unscented if you don’t want to attract mosquitos)
  • Anti-Everything (i.e. nausea, diarrheal, infective, malarial)
  • Small packs of laundry detergent (packing light means washing)
  • Flat sink stopper (for washing clothes in sink)
  • Shampoo, soap
  • Water purification tablets (?)
  • Broad-spectrum Antibiotic
  • Powerbars & meal replacement shakes

Note: Airlines have both size and weight limitations for both checked and carry-on luggage. Check the your specific airline’s website for current policies.