How to Avoid Vacation Disaster

Make a packing list at least a week in advance and review it every day
Keep it on the fridge and add things to it as you think of them. By starting a week ahead of time, you will start to subconsciously think about things you will need on your trip, and as you're going through your daily routines, you will remember certain things you might forget just sitting down at the table and trying to crank out a list.

Begin packing at least two days prior to your trip
When the time comes to leave, you will get on the road a lot quicker because all you'll have to do is throw your bags in your vehicle and leave. There will be some things you will not be able to pack at the last minute, usually toiletries and other things that a hotel can provide anyway should you forget.

Don't pack to capacity
You never know what you will pick up on your trip, so always leave extra room. My wife and I learned this the hard way when our vehicle was filled to capacity and in the middle of the trip, we realized our daughter's car seat was too small for her to comfortably sleep in. We had to purchase a bigger car seat on our vacation, and we didn't have room for the old one to fit in the trunk. After about 30 minutes of unloading and reloading the car and rearranging everything, we finally crammed it in the trunk. Barely. Lesson learned: always leave some space!

Bring camping items, even if you're not camping.
No, I don't mean your backpack and a tent. But do bring things you would want if you were camping out in your car. Bottled water, non-perishable, ready-to-eat snacks and meals, a flashlight and batteries, twine, and a pocketknife. If you end up having to deal with a flat tire on a dark road at night, especially if you're stuck out there a while, these items will make your life much easier.

Carry Fix-A-Flat
If you are unfortunate enough to get a flat and are not within arms reach of a repair shop -- or worse, you're in the ghetto and want to get out -- a can of flat-tire fixer will save the day. You just pump the liquid goop into the tire and it temporarily seals the leak and inflates the tire. This stuff has saved my bacon more than once.

Bring a cell phone for emergencies
If you're going on vacation to unplug, do not take this as a requirement to have your phone turned on and on your personal at all times. You just need a phone for emergencies, and it doesn't even have to be your phone. You can purchase a throwaway phone for about $15 and keep it in your car just for emergencies. I recommend having a phone that you can dial any number on (and not just 911; you'll see why in a second).

Have phone numbers for roadside assistance and addresses for local hospitals
If you're a member of an auto club or any organization that provides roadside assistance, have their numbers handy at all times. Also, look up the hospitals in your travel area and keep the addresses and phone numbers in your vehicle. If somebody gets food poisoning from eating at that five star restaurant that your coworker told you was sogood, you don't want to be hunting for a phone book.

Have a GPS
I believe the invention of the GPS alone has eliminated the majority of arguments that occur between trip-mates. It also has made sightseeing a lot more pleasant because you can free your mind from the nagging question, "How do we get back?" If you don't have a GPS, get one. It is one of the best investments you will ever make and will pay for itself in saved miles and less stress.

Bring cash
If your credit/debit card numbers happen to get swiped while you're on vacation and you suddenly have no way to pay for anything with plastic, cash will be your friend. Even if your identity remains intact, many local merchants will only accept cash, or will surcharge you for using a credit card. Cash is quick, easy, and anonymous. (And most vending machines still don't take credit cards.)

Protect yourself with personal self-defense items
Make sure you check the laws in your travel area, but bring the highest level of protection you're comfortable with. If you own a handgun and know how to use it, it is the best form of protection. However, a taser, mace, or even pepper spray is better than nothing. Exercise vigilance and be on alert, especially at night. Just the fact that you are alert, aware, and prepared will often keep a potential predator from bothering you.