Medicine

Don't even think about going on vacation without carrying enough medication to see you through. Your pharmacist will probably be willing to give you an early refill to last until your return. Even if it's a prescription that you only require once in a while, it's still a good idea to have it filled before you leave home.

Within the United States, state laws determine if and how prescriptions can be transferred to another state. Find out what laws are in effect for your home state and your destination state as well as any states you'll be passing through. If you are part of a healthcare pharmacy plan, consult your representative to determine what you should do if your medications are lost and you need an emergency refill while out of town.

When traveling abroad, remember that a pharmacist in another country may not be willing to fill the prescription written by a doctor from your home country. And in Europe, despite the growing bond among European Union (EU) members, pharmacists in one EU country may not honor a prescription originating from a different EU country.

Don't forget to pack your over-the-counter medications. Their equivalent may be difficult to find abroad.

Bedding

Don't ruin a vacation with a poor night's sleep. Ask the property/manager about the hardness or softness of the bed. Of course, the two of you may disagree over what constitutes a good bed but at least you can be forewarned about a bed that's too soft or too hard for your particular taste. In that case, don't forget to pack your favorite sleep aid. Several manufacturers have simple bedding designed to offer back support or to cushion you that is placed atop the mattress. Instead of lugging bedding through the airport, why not arrange to have it shipped to your destination?

Toiletries

Yes, it's a global economy, but don't be so sure your favorite toothpaste is stocked at the local market. Don't forget your favorite shampoo, lotion, shaving cream, depilatory, feminine hygiene products, and soap. If you enjoy experiencing new things, it can be fun to sample the local version of basic toiletries, but if your preferred product is unique or offers medicinal benefits, don't risk finding a substitute.

Electrical

Don't be the one who plunges your entire apartment building into darkness by trying to operate an electrical device plugged into an incompatible outlet.

The American household current is rated at 110 volts. The European current is 220 volts. Plugging an American device into a European socket can result in a melted appliance and angry neighbors.You'll need a power converter. It will safely transform 220 volts to 110. However, you also need to pay attention to the wattage that the power converter can handle. The total wattage used by the appliance(s) has to be less than the maximum that can be managed by the converter. A perfect example of a common device with a huge appetite for wattage is the portable hair dryer. You will also need a plug adapter. Electrical sockets around the world differ. Don't expect the sockets in your rental property to be standardized like the ones in a major tourist hotel. Some manufacturers produce an adapter with a variety of interchangeable plugs suitable for use in most countries.