Hopefully, the packing list below will help you remember all the things you need to stuff into your luggage: 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, picture id and other id if needed. (If kids are leaving the country with only one birth parent, a document authorizing their travel might be needed-- read more.)
- a photocopy of your picture ID, packed separately, just in case your ID is lost or stolen. (And leave a copy with someone not traveling, too.)
- 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; international driver's license if required
- vaccination documents if needed for foreign countries
- address/phone book
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)
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
Plane travelers: remember, you're restricted in the amount of liquids, gels, etc. they can bring on planes; however there are exceptions for baby formula, baby food, medications -- see What Can I Bring On the Plane? and pack the rest of your toiletries in your checked luggage.
Health Items
- bandaids
- children's fever medicine, cold medicine, etc.
- allergy kit, if needed
- blister kit: moleskin for blisters, elastic tape to go over the moleskin, scissors, bandaids
- feminine hygiene products
- prescription medicines
- birth control
- vitamins
- health boosters such as Airborne
-cell phone
iPod(s) or other music players
-digital camera and memory card
-video recorder
-laptop, netbook, iPad, Kindle...
-GPS
-for all the above: batteries, chargers, cords!
"Miscellaneous" Extras:
- 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: nightlight if this will help your child
- alarm clock (if your cell phone isn't your 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.
Extras for On the Plane
--check rules for carry-on luggage limiting liquids, gels, etc., and exemptions for meds and baby needs--
To keep kids happy on plane trips, bring along:
- stuff to amuse the kids
- iPods or iPads
- magazines or books
- snacks and drinks
- any medication that might be needed, (e.g., for ear pain on planes)
- lip balm, skin lotion-- planes are dry habitats!
Extras, For Car Trips:
- stuff to amuse the kids
- snacks and drinks
- motion sickness preventatives
- handy to have: a cooler for drinks; plastic cups
- swimsuits (two, per person)
- sandals
- aqua shoes
- swim goggles
- face masks, snorkels
- beach toys
- waterproof disposable camera
- sunhats
- sunglasses
- lip balm with sunscreen
- ear plugs if your child needs them when swimming
Rain Gear
- umbrellas or ponchos (especially handy 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--
