Am I forgetting anything?

That question is regularly asked here. Here's a recent lengthy discussion thread on exactly that subject

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/28301/first-trip-to-italyam-i-forgetting-anything.html

Here's another

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=14655

And here's Rick's packing checklist

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

Don't forget the thing that's on the top of your list, and you probably skip over it-passports.

You have forgotten to send me my tickets,,LOL

Have a wonderful time, and remember, as long as you have your Passport , a Credit card and your ATM card,, you will be fine,,anything else is replaceable.

set the hot water heater on "vacation", turn off the water to the house, put a light on a timer to simulate someone turning on and off the light at night. Tell your neighbors your plans and how to contact you if there is an emergency at your house. Some recommend letting your local law enforcement in on your plans so they can keep an eye on your place. Turn off the A/C? or set the thermostat higher? Hold the paper.

All things we do.

Don't forget to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Thanks for all the replies. Can't turn the water off, though, our dog is staying home and he needs to drink. Same with air conditioning. He's being taken care of by friends and so the house will be watched. I will talk to my neighbors next door, never thought of that.

Kathleen, be sure to turn off the hose to your washing machine! Also, unplug everything, especially computers and tv sets, in case of thunderstorms - unless you're leaving a tv on for the dog.

My suggestion would be to make a copy of the front and backs of your credit cards and ATM card you are taking with you. Also color copy of your passport....just in case any are lost of stolen.

Also, write down the phone numbers (for overseas only) to the credit card companies in case they are lost or stolen. The numbers for calling outside the US and within the US are different.

Put those copies and numbers in a very secure place perferably a money belt. Guard them as you would the actual cards.

Perhaps it's just me, Kathleen, but there's a pretty good chance that you will forget SOMETHING. At a certain point, let it go, roll with it, and focus on the moment rather than the preparation. I find the sooner I begin to make that mental transition, the more enjoyable the journey over is and the less anxiety about the trip I experience.

I always reconfirm everything, no matter where we go. I make folder with trip insurance and copies of all hotel/car/tour reservations/receipts to take along for proof. I typed up all credit card and debit card numbers, along with their international phone numbers, as well as other important numbers, addresses, and info. Then I reduced the font to very small size, printed, and cut out to keep in my money belt in case of need. We only took about $200 U.S. Gave copy of itinerary and hotel info to family members. Left copy of passport with family who could fax if necessary. Developed a yahoo email account and put family and friends into a group for one mass email from time to time. Emailed them all before to let them know to watch for this new address. Made my list and checked it twice, or more. :-)
Wow. Have a great trip! What kind of cruise? River?

Yes, it's a Rhine a Flame Cruise on the 4th of July. I think that will be the highlight of the trip! Thanks for the ideas, everyone. I think I will type up all my cc numbers just in case. Was thinking of writing them in my little address/itinerary book but what if it turns up missing?

Some of my suggestions:

Photocopy your flight itinerary and any hotel info, place a copy on the top of everyone's luggage just in case (God forbid) your luggage goes missing, it's easier for them to track you down.

I assume you know that most credit cards, with the exception of Capital One, charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on all purchases, don't be surprised how these can add up when you get your bill.

Leave a copy of your passport, credit card info and anything else relevant with someone you trust back at home.

Fill a small plastic bottle with laundry detergent, never know when you have to do a little washing in the sink.

I also pack some Ziploc baggies, you never know.

What about putting your newspaper on hold, if applicable.

Agree with the amount of US cash to bring, make sure it's in reasonable denominations, $20s or $10s.

I like to go to Oanda.com and print off a currency converter cheat sheet, stick in my wallet, makes it easier than calculating in my head. Remember, you're on Euros now.

Perhaps if you have some sort of trinket(s)/food that are special in your area to bring some as thank you gifts. Don't go overboard, there will be restrictions on food/drink you're allowed to bring in and don't lie with customs, I almost got busted once for not being forthcoming about food I was bringing into Australia. Of course you might find something along your travels that would be nice gifts too, it's the thought that counts and I'm thinking of your sweet lady in Rothenburg.

My most important advice, don't be a stereotypical "American tourist". Be polite, don't be loud or obnoxious, make the effort with the locals, even as little as knowing Hello/Goodbye, Thank You, etc, in German goes a long way, especially with the mixed feelings in the world about us.

Have a great trip!