Top 10 Things NOT to Forget (to bring) on Your Next Unforgettable Trip

It's 2 a.m., and you're putting the finishing touches on your packing. At this point, your flight leaves in six hours; your suitcases bulge at the corners; and you're just not sure you've packed the right stuff.

Certain packing lists obviously vary depending upon a traveller's vacation destination and mode of transport. After logging many miles in cars, trains, planes, ships, and buses, I've developed a core list of essentials that I always bring with me, regardless of where I'm going and what I'm doing on my trip.

Having a written list with items that one checks off is a critical part of being a happy traveler (both as you're preparing to leave AND as you're in the actual traveling process).

1. Documentation - passport, visas, driver's license, detailed travel info (preferably all combined onto a ONE PAGE list).

2. Money - credit cards, debit cards, and cash. See related hub: http://laurelbrunvoll.hubpages.com/hub/How-Much-Money-Should-You-Bring-on-Your-Next-Big-Trip

3. First Aid / Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medicines - travel-size first aid kits are sold in many stores; and cold/sore throat/headache/upset stomach medicines are excellent choices to bring with you. Also, a travel-size roll of toilet paper is a must!

4. Bags - tote bag, backpack, large/medium/small plastic bags (perfect for wet or dirty clothes), and ziplock bags of varying sizes.

5. Reusable plastic bottle/thermos - keep empty for going through airport security and fill up where and when you need it (water fountains, restaurants, hotels).

6. Cleaning solutions - laundry helpers, soap, and shampoo/conditioner. Buy a few small bottles of hand sanitizers that can be used and thrown away as you go (add some hand sanitizing wipes too).

7. Chargers (cell phone, laptop, tablet, camera, ipod or mp3 player). Consider investing in a rapid charger for both your phone and for your camera. Bring an extra set of chargers and batteries for every item--it is inevitable that something will be lost or forgotten along the way.

8. Communication - phone (explore phone extension plans for your cell phone before you go), emergency contact list, and business or personal cards.

9. Travel size blanket and towel - you just never know when you might need them.

10. Chocolate (and a protein bar or two) - Again, while on travel you will need to be flexible, if things don't go according to plan. Having a boost of lovely sugar and a quick meal on hand is worth its weight in gold so you can keep smiling!