From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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Hopefully, the packing list below will help you remember all you need to stuff in your bags: Money and Documents; Toiletries and Health Items; Beach Gear; Theme Park Gear; Baby Gear; and more.

--to print out sections of this packing list: block what you want; right-click; select Print; click Selection.

Packing List: Money and Documents

• cash
• credit cards
• debit/ATM cards (make sure these work in the country you're visiting)
• travelers' checks if needed
• picture id
• passport if required, for adults and children
• if children are leaving the country and both birth parents are not present, a document authorizing their trip might be required. (Read more.)
• a photocopy of your picture ID, packed separately, just in case your ID is lost or stolen
• membership cards: AAA; Disney Club; etc.
• calling card or special phone number for long distance phone calls (-some phone services have such products for out-of-country travel)
• health insurance documents
• travel insurance documents
• drivers' license if you'll be driving on the trip
• vaccination documents if needed for foreign countries
• address/phone book

-- and all the trip documents:

• itinerary
• airplane tickets, or confirmation number for e-ticket
• car reservation number
• any coupons for hotels, car rental, etc.
• directions to hotel(s)

Packing List: toiletries & personal care

• tooth paste, toothbrushes, dental floss (packed together, in a ziplock bag)
• shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, etc.
• shaving gear
• contact lenses paraphernalia
• glasses
• reading glasses
• sunglasses
• skin cream, makeup
• nail clippers
• tweezers
• foot powder
• lip balm
• ear plugs
• sleep aids

Health Items

• bandaids
• children's fever medicine, cold medicine, etc.
• allergy kit, if needed
• blister kit (see Theme Park gear, below)
• feminine hygiene products
• prescription medicines
• birth control
• vitamins

"Miscellaneous" Packing List:

• cell phone & battery
• camera and batteries (and film, if needed)
• camcorder or digital recorder
• batteries or rechargers for all the above
• notebook/journal
• guidebooks--buy the best! It's a small investment, compared to the cost of your vacation.
• ziploc bags (that actually zip.) Use for toiletries, wet swimsuits, crayons, etc.
• maps
• binoculars
• flashlight & batteries
• needle and thread
• handy to have: "personal radios": two-way walkie-talkies, useful if your group splits up
• nightlight if this will help your child
• alarm clock
• plastic food containers: fill with snacks such as raisins to eat on the plane; later, bring one to restaurants in case your kids won't eat their food (though they' be hungry ten minutes later...)
• -cereal! Save money and time by eating cereal in your room for breakfast. Buy fresh milk, or use powdered; don't forget the plastic spoons.
• wet wipes, for cleaning hands, faces, etc. There's even a special brand for removing stains from clothes.

Packing List: On the Plane

--update: for security reasons, many of these items may not be allowed on planes; check latest rules for carry-on bags--

• stuff to amuse the kids
• snacks and drinks
• any medication that might be needed, (e.g., for ear pain on planes)
• lip balm, skin lotion-- planes are dry habitats!

For Car Trips:

• stuff to amuse the kids
• snacks and drinks
• motion sickness preventatives
• handy to have: a cooler for drinks; plastic cups

Packing List: beach gear

• swimsuits (two)
• sandals
• aqua shoes
• swim goggles
• face masks, snorkels
• waterproof disposable camera
• sunhats
• sunglasses
• lip balm with sunscreen
• ear plugs if your child needs them when swimming

Rain Gear

• umbrellas or ponchos for theme parks
• raincoat, rain-pants for outdoors vacations
• appropriate footwear
• extra socks

Outdoors Gear

• insect repellant
• Afterbite, for insect bites
• allergy medicine if needed
• good shoes for hiking
• layers of clothes, especially fleece
• socks that will "wick" (draw moisture away from the skin)
• blister kit (below)
• wool hat and gloves for chilly weather

continue to Packing Lists - page 2: Theme Park Gear, Baby Gear, Clothes--