Departing for Spain

It's been months of anticipation and today is finally the day.  We'll shortly head to New York to catch our flight at JFK Airport to Madrid Barajas Airport.  I think we both need this vacation and we can't wait to just get in the air.

We finished our packing last night, which is always a little bit of an adventure.  So, some tips for fellow travelers:

• Make a list before hand of what you want to pack for your trip.  The earlier you do this the better.  That way, when you think of something you need to bring, put it on your list.  When the day comes to travel, you'll have more peace of mind knowing you won't leave anything important behind.
• Remember to bring your iPod charger.  Otherwise you'll be music-less for much of your trip, especially the plane ride home.
• Remember your headphones.  What's worse than being on the plane, pulling out your iPod and then realizing you can't listen to it?
• If travelling internationally, remember a power converter.  You'll need one that both allows your devices to plug into sockets of different countries, and also one that'll ensure you're using the right current (otherwise you'll destroy your equipment).  Click here to see the varying socket types and voltages of countries around the world.
• Weigh your suitcase before leaving.  Otherwise you may have to pay extra to take your luggage on the plane if it goes above your airline's policy.
• Don't forget your Driver's License!
• Don't forget your Passport if travelling internationally
• Also, make sure you make a copy of your passport in case you lose it
• You should also e-mail yourself a scan of your passport to an address you can access online
• Remember your International Driver's Permit if going abroad
• Remember sunscreen if you're goingn to a sunny locale
• Print off any maps for Google that you may need
• Make sure you have the address and phone number of the hotel you're going to
• Take all hotel, airline, train, car rental, etc. reservations/confirmations
• Call your credit card companies and banks to make sure your card is ready to use in the country you're visiting
• Unplug your electrical devices at home.  Even if these devices aren't turned on, most devices today draw "phantom power" when not in use.  By unplugging these devices, you'll be saving on your electric bill.
• Leave that DVR plugged in though if you have shows you need recorded while away!