Before making vacation plans this summer, be sure that you have everything packed and all your documents ready to go. It sounds boring, but when you’re planning a trip (especially one overseas) you will be thankful you had the foresight to take care of it all.
File and Organize
Have several blank manilla folders ready and group like documents together. If it helps you, use different-colored labels to distinguish one group from the other. Some documentation you want ready includes:
Cards for health insurance Miami and any credit cards associated with a VEBA or Cobra account.
Passports and proof of identification. Keep these on your person while you’re in transit; losing them would be chaotic.
Itineraries and plane tickets for your flight.
Packing and the TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has standards for what is and is not allowed on a flight. Check the list the day prior to your departure in case of any sudden changes, but be sure to follow the rules, including prohibited items like:
Liquids over 3.4 ounces (toothpaste, mouthwash, baby oil, etc)
Tools
Sharp objects (knives, scissors, box cutter…)
Readiness prevents disaster, so be as prepared as you can be ahead of your trip. It’s hard to anticipate everything, but at least you can rest assured that you did everything you could to prepare.