Packing checklist for your U.S. vacation

Here is a checklist to help you make sure you don't forget to do or pack anything before leaving for your American vacation.

To print this checklist, just click on "print this checklist" at the bottom of the page.

Before you go...

Check your passport expiry dates
Check the validity and limit on your credit card (for example, to pay the deposit for your car rental)
Notify your bank that you are going to the United States (to prevent your card from being blocked)
Confirm your flight times 24 to 48 hours prior to departure on the airline's website (schedules can change without notice)
Purchase travel insurance (medical, cancellation, luggage and civil liability)
Make a photocopy of official documents (passports, driver's license, etc.)
Make arrangements for your pets
Have your mail held
Empty the fridge
Unplug electrical appliances
Lock all windows and doors
Shut the water main
Turn down the heat in every room
Fully charge the batteries of your phone, camera, video camera, tablet etc. 
Ask someone to visit your house once a week (to water the plants, etc.)

Documents

Your Passport
Your ESTA authorization
Proof of insurance (medical + luggage + civil liability)
Valid driver's license and international license
Credit/debit cards
Cash (American dollars)
Exchange vouchers and booking reservations (where applicable)
Plane tickets (round-trip)
Phone numbers and addresses of friends/loved ones (for postcards)
Health booklet (or vaccination booklet)
Person to contact in case of emergency (contact info)
Travel guide / Book to read
Pens

Car Rental

Possess a driver's license, a credit card (or a deferred debit card), and a passport in the name of the main driver
 Print the Authentik voucher
Read the included insurance coverage (Note: the rental company will offer you additional insurance, which you can decline at any time)
Conduct an interior and exterior vehicle inspection before departure

RV Rental

Possess a driver's license, a credit card (or a deferred debit card), and a passport in the name of the main driver
Print the Authentik voucher
Whenever possible, complete your online check-in (Refer to our page dedicated to our motorhome suppliers)
Schedule the pick-up time for your RV (Refer to your voucher)
Conduct an interior and exterior vehicle inspection before departure

Road Trip

Ensure that you have reserved access to national parks (If you are staying overnight in the park, it is not necessary to reserve your access)
Conduct the online lottery for the Angel's Landing and The Wave hikes
Download our Authentik app
Plan for a SIM card or international phone plan
Plan a good playlist

Toiletries

Clothing

Underwear
Socks
Cool clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, dresses, etc.)
Warm clothing (jeans, pants, sweatshirts, etc.)
Shoes / Sandals
Warm sweater (polar fleece or wool)
Raincoat / Windcheater
Sun hat / Tuque
Scarf
Pyjamas
Swimsuit / Towels

Accessories

Suitcase with wheels
Backpack (for day trips)
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Converter / Adapter (electric)
Camera + charger
Video camera + charger
Tripod / Selfie stick
Memory card
Mobile phone + charger
Ziploc bags (to protect electronics)
Garbage bags (dirty clothing)
Music / Playlist
Hairdryer
Travel pillow and ear plugs (airplane)
Snacks
Child's car seat
Diaper bag for infants (diapers, changing mat, wipes, cream, bottles, toys, etc.)

First aid kit

Moleskin for blisters
Disinfectant
Adhesive bandages
Thermometer
Motion sickness medication
Anti-Diarrheal medication
Aloe gel or afterburn for sunburn

In your carry-on

Passports
ESTA travel authorization
Wallet (driver's license, debit/credit cards, American dollars, etc.)
Proof of travel insurance
Exchange vouchers (where applicable)
Plane ticket
Travel guide / Book to read
Pen
Snacks / Water bottle
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Deodorant
Tampons / Sanitary napkins
Facial tissues
Aspirin (or other pain medication)
Personal medications
Sweater (polar fleece or wool)
Camera / Video camera
Mobile phone

Print this checklist

Similar topics
 

• Passport and formalities for entering the U.S.
• Ideas for road trips by car
• What clothes should I bring?
• When should I visit the U.S.?
• Travel insurance for the U.S.

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