So...you think you've got a solid packing list drafted for your upcoming vacation? That's great, but for a truly organized trip, below are some handy extras you may want to consider, just in case. Now, I know this may sound pretty anal-retentive (I'm a list person), and you have to be flexible when traveling because 'shit happens,' but better to be prepared than not. Hope you find this helpful!

Prep list: 30-60-90 days ahead

• Ensure you have a Passport and I highly recommend getting TSA PreCheck/Global Entry too
• Get travel insurance; also confirm what your credit card and current medical insurance already cover
• Things to buy: bare necessities only--there's so much you can buy in Europe
• Vaccinations to get (check https://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/travel/index.html to see what you need based on where you're going) 
• Call your bank/s and credit card/s if traveling internationally
• Book your lodging, book your tours (but allow some free time!)
• Print all vouchers and tickets to pdf, back up to a cloud (e.g., Google Drive)
• Reach out to your hotels or hosts to confirm all is good, that you don't need to bring your own linens, pillow, etc. Also, let them know when you'll be arriving.
• Stop your mail (or plan to have someone check it for you)
• Check with your mobile carrier to see what coverage you already have or what you need
• Find a pet sitter
• Scotchgard your backpack (and shoes too, depending on the material)

Create a detailed itinerary: Where you need to be and when (flights, tours, trains)

Create a not-so-detailed itinerary: Something to share w/friends and family back home before you leave.

If you're planning to use a backpack: Do a packing dry run and prepare your body for that weight.
Sarah Murdoch, a tour guide who works for Rick Steves, recommends a max of 16 lbs for a woman's backpack--hence the need to pack light. That said, you need to be strategic about what you bring.

• First of all, arm yourself with a luggage scale--they aren't expensive. Then, lay all your planned items out on a bed, pack them up into your backpack, and weigh. You may need to remove a few items to stay within a weight that works for you.
• Next, and I have rarely seen this on travel sites, but you need to get used to having all that extra weight on your back. Even if you aren't carrying it around all the time (just when changing cities), it will reduce the potential for pain. Personally, after my first actual luggage dry run, I've been filling my backpack up with random crap around my apartment to get to the desired weight. Then, I just walk around my neighborhood...a couple of miles a week. 

Do you have any unique travel suggestions based on your own experience? Share them below!

A note to Southwest Airlines: It's not me, it's you.

I used to be a dedicated Southwest Airlines passenger. Refused to book a flight on any other airline. I loved the fun staff, how they sometimes joke over the intercom system and their general fun demeanor. However, I've been flying back and forth between Portland and Chicago a lot over the past few months, and having gotten sick of going to Midway (short runway with frequent hard landings, crappy restaurants and distance to my company's office), I decided to try the non-stop flight to O'Hare.

The difference between Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines is night and day--and the prices often aren't very different for flights to Chicago. Here's why I like Alaska more:

• More legroom
• Food: Actual food (I don't care if I have to pay for it, it's great)
• I heart the fruit and cheese platter! Tip: They run out of these fast, so download the Alaska app and reserve your fruit and cheese platter 2 weeks before your trip--no joke!
• They also have a hot food option that varies based on destination
• Starbucks coffee
• Better wine and beer options; more local NW brands
• Easier to get to MVP status

Southwest:

• Cramped, and I'm a petite person
• Food: Carby snacks. (I'm sorry, but Wheat Thins don't hold me over for a 3-4 hour flight, and it's a pain to have to find a restaurant to grab a bite right when you land.)
• Sure you can bring your own food, but it's messy and I loathe smelling others' nasty takeout in such a confined space.
• And why the frick are you serving Fritos now? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE FRITOS, but they smell like ass. May as well hand out CornNuts too.
• Random, generic coffee (crappy hotel grade)
• Basic booze offerings--nothing special
• Takes forever to get to MVP status. And see my previous post re: their Rapid Rewards Shopping website. Sad.

All in all, I've become a loyal Alaska customer because comfort matters when you travel as much as I do.