Traveling is exciting, but it can also be very hectic. There are all kinds of things that you need to remember. Some of them, if you forget them, are not the end of the world. Others, however, can ruin your whole trip! The more prepared you are, the less stressed out you will be on the day that your travel. You want to make your plans plenty of time in advance, and leave enough time to check and double check everything. It helps to be organized, and to make a last minute travel checklist. Here are some of the things you will definitely want to include on that list.

Make Sure You Have All of Your Documents

This is one of the most important aspects of preparing for travel. If you are traveling internationally, you will need to have a passport. Passports take several weeks for processing, so applying for one is something you will have done several weeks, if not months, prior to traveling. By the last minute, your passport will have arrived, and you will need to make sure you have it in a safe place, prepared to take with you. If you are not traveling internationally, you will still need identification at the airport, train station, or simply to carry with you in the car. You also need to make sure you have any tickets, guidebooks, or travel directions.

Check the Weather Forecast and Pack Accordingly

Even if you checked the forecast before, you should check again at the last minute. You do not want to be caught in three days of rain with no boots or rainwear. Likewise, you do not want to arrive to 90 degree weather with only long pants and sweatshirts.

Make Sure You Have the Correct Items in the Correct Luggage

This is especially important when you are flying. If you have liquids, or other items that may not be allowed in your carry on, make sure that you stow them in luggage you plan to check. If you have books, electronic devices, or other items that you want to use in-flight, make sure they are in your carry-on luggage and are accessible.

Confirm Your Reservations

The last thing you want is to arrive at your hotel and find that your credit card was declined or that your room has been given away. Confirm all of your arrangements to avoid nasty surprises.

Compile a List of Emergency Contacts

You should bring a list of important phone numbers, including a few contacts at home, the numbers of any hotels where you will be staying, and, if traveling internationally, your country's embassy. Make a couple of copies of this list, and put one in your wallet and one in each item of luggage. This way, if you lose one, you will have a good chance of having one left. If you cell phone dies or is unusable, this list will be indispensable.

Bring Cash With You

Even if you intend to use a credit or debit card for the bulk of your spending, you will want to bring some cash while traveling. You may not be able to use a card in the airport or train station, or on board. Chances are, there will be a few incidental items that you will want to purchase, and having cash will ensure that you can do so.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

There is nothing worse than traveling when you are feeling exhausted or under the weather. Make sure you take care of your body, so that you are feeling healthy and rested on your travel day.

These are important things to remember when making your last minute travel checklist. You will probably come up with other things to include, pertaining to your specific plans. Remember, planning ahead will save you all kinds of trouble, and will make your trip much more enjoyable!