Things NOT to Forget on Your Trip

If you are traveling to the UK, my first suggestion to you about packing is DON’T PANIC if you forget something. Nine times out of ten, it’s not necessary or you can pick it up while you’re overseas. So, if you want to keep the amount of liquids down in your bag, just remember that you can buy them overseas. Forgot a sweater? There are stores in country where you can buy (or rent!) almost anything. When I go hiking in the Lake District, for instance, I rent my poles and boots. This saves me from carrying a lot of extra weight.

However, there are some things you should always remember. This article discusses those.

Your Passport

If you forget your passport, you’re not flying. Period. However, if you lose your passport while on your trip, don’t panic. Follow these directions.

In case of a lost passport, you should also have packed the following. There are additional reports and documents, but you won’t have to pack those.

Passport photo
ID (driver’s license, expired passport, etc.)
Evidence of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, photocopy of your missing passport)
Travel Itinerary (airline/train tickets)

Insurance Documentation

Whether it’s trip insurance or health insurance that shows overseas coverage, make sure you have the documents with you. Bring your insurance card if you have one. Note that in the UK, even if you’re a visitor, emergency medical facilities are free. However, other things may not be. Check before you go that you have insurance that a) covers pre-existing conditions and b) covers your health, your rental car, etc. the way you think it does. Don’t be caught short!

Prescription Medications

Bring your medications in their original bottles. I suggest also bringing the written prescription from your doctor and keeping it in a safe place so that if something is lost, you have a valid prescription to take to the pharmacy.

Prescription glasses

You may want to bring a spare pair or even your prescription in case you lose them on your trip.

Money

Typically, I bring a debit card and a credit card and have very little cash on me.

Remember to call your credit card company and bank to let them know you’ll be out of country. Otherwise, they may shut down your credit card!
Money exchanges at airports and train stations tend to cost more than those in town. Try to do your conversion in the city.
Try to get a credit card that does not have a transaction fee. Also, there are bank cards that refund your ATM fees (not the conversion fee – just the ATM fee). You might look into those.

Chargers/Power Converter-Adapter

You may be able to find these overseas, but it’s always better to have what you need when you need it. I know you don’t want the power to run out in your GPS when you’re in the middle of nowhere! Note that in GB, your car’s adapter will work just fine for your phone/GPS if you have a rental car. However, when in your room you will need both a converter AND an adapter. Two pieces (unless you can find one that comes in an all-in-one combination).