Household Chores:

• Do Laundry
• Pay bills
• Set sprinkler/light/radio timers

Pack:

• Update contact info on luggage (include inside with contact info at destination)
• Check destination weather
• Clean out wallet (remove library card, extra cards)
• Pack and then remove half of contents (pack light!)
• Take photo of contents and luggage (for lost luggage)
• Send luggage via Luggage Delivery Service                 

Notify:

• Home Alarm Company
• Neighbors

Confirm:

• Hotel/Car/Entertainment Reservations

Obtain:

• Cash for trip/small amount of foreign currency

• Clean House
• Remove perishables from fridge
• Water plants             
• Charge cell phone, iPod, Computer, camera, etc.
• Change outgoing message or forward email and phone
• 24 hours before flight: Check-in online if possible

Household:

• Run garbage disposal
• Take out trash
• Make bed
• Adjust thermostat
• Shut windows
• Draw blinds/curtains
• Unplug power surge sensitive equipment
• Confirm stove, oven, iron, space heaters are shut off
• Set home alarm
• Move trashcans
• Lock doors
• Close garage door

Check , Double Check, and then Triple Check !  Everyone has along (visually confirm!):

• Passports
• Medications
• Extra prescriptions for medication and eyeglasses

1. Contact Local Police and File Lost/Stolen Passport Report
2. Contact nearest Embassy/Consulates General
3. Provide the following to obtain replacement passport:
   • Police Report of lost/stolen passport
   • Proof of US citizenship

                                     - copy of certified birth certificate (obtain here)

                                     - expired US passport

• Proof of identification from state or government

                                     - drivers license

                                     - government or military photo ID

• 2 identical recent passport photos
• Passport Application Form DS-11 http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html
• Lost/Stolen Passport Form DS-64 http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds64/ds64_845.htm
• Proof of departure if require passport in less than 2 weeks

Consider obtaining the following and store/transport in safe place in case of lost/stolen passport:

1. Complete (but do not sign) Form DS-11 (Passport Application)
2. Complete sections of Form DS-64 (Lost/Stolen Passport Form) which ask for lost/stolen passport numbers and information
3. Attach two identical recent passport photos
4. Store this information in a manila envelope separate from passport.
5. Consider scanning these documents into secure site for easy retrieval

1. Call ahead to confirm infant photos are taken. Some places are not equipped/willing to do infant photos.
2. Avoid busy times (and being rushed) if possible. Employees are less patient if busy.
3. Consider naptime.  A tired infant is going to be less cooperative.
4. Place a solid white sheet/blanket behind infant in car seat or drape adult with sheet and hold infant in adult’s lap. No print or color.
5. One adult should stand behind photographer (and interact with child) to encourage child to look straight ahead. Eyes must be open and looking straight ahead.
6. It’s not necessary for photo to be complimentary or for child to smile.
7. No evidence of any other person/object (hands, pacifier) is allowed in photo.
8. If traveling within 6 months, purchase two extra photos  (in case of lost/stolen passport when abroad). Carry separate from actual passport.
9. Apply as early as possible for infant passport in case photo is not accepted and must be retaken.
10. Consider asking if it is acceptable to add infant’s thumbprint to the signature line. Some custom officials have mentioned this is a good idea and proves identity.

Consider the practical side of life with a child. Diapers, food, nap, play.  Adapt this to life in a foreign country.  Remember that millions of parents have raised children all over the world!

1. Plan itinerary with children in mind. SIMPLIFYConsider apartment rental or verify hotel is child friendlyAllow children to play at parks and play areas (acknowledge their needs)
2. Do not count on toddlers walking for extended periods
   • Bring sturdy but lightweight stroller (Maclaren Quest)
   • Use Ergo Baby Carrier (great for toddlers AND your back!)
3. Seek out pizzerias or casual eating establishments
4. Acknowledge jet lag in kids and plan accordingly
   • Using Ergo Baby/stroller to sightsee when child sleeps
5. Stay in center of city so it’s easy to return to hotel/apartment for rest, supplies, etc.
6. Understand trains depart on time, board quickly and keep family together
7. Stick to basics with food for picky eaters – bread, cheese, meat, yogurt, milk
8. Pack extra supplies (diapers, food) to cover the first 24 hours at destination; locate market and note store hours as soon as you arrive.
9. Realize that markets/pharmacies are NOT open 24 hours!
10. Pack necessary over-the-counter medication for infants/children to cover fever, pain, etc.
11. Increase the ratio! Consider traveling with another family/grandparent so you can take turns with adult activities or an irritable child.
12. Interact with locals – many are parents and can help if you need something.
13. Teach children words such as please, thank you, goodbye, and hello in foreign language.  Consider preschool classes at local cultural centers.
14. Limit trip to two main cities and base out of them for stability.
15. Become familiar with numbers to call in case of emergency (911 doesn’t work!)