Packing Tips

~’Cause I’m leavin’ on a jet plane 
Don’t know when I’ll be back again…

Items to pack (in addition to basic clothing essentials) –

  • Baby wipes (can be used by adult for hygiene)
  • Hand sanitizer or wipes
  • Packets of Woolite for handwashing
  • “Shout-Out” wipes for stains
  • Spare zip-top bags in varying sizes such as quart and gallon.
  • Tissue packets
  • Extra TSA approved lock for luggage, in case your lock is lost or breaks.
  • Hand-held luggage scale
  • Notepad, pens, addresses for postcards, and a highlighter.
  • Sewing kit
  • Bonine for motion sickness.  (Less drowsy than Dramamine).
  • Vitamins
  • Probiotic pills.  We have found these very useful for use when traveling in developing countries.
  • Health insurance information
  • Insect Repellent
  • Small flashlight
  • Headlamps (depending on travel location).
  • Tote bag for souvenirs (to be hand carried).
  • Gum or candy to suck on for the ears during take-off and landing.
  • Favorite snacks.  Airport food can be expensive
  • Surprises for children (books, puzzles, stickers, coloring, etc.)
  • Compression socks for long flights.  Sold for around $30-$40.
  • Cardigan for chilly airplane cabin, or to be used as a makeshift pillow during the flight.

Travel Tips –

  • Keep small bags ready to go with bandaids, shaving cream, razor, etc. Replace travel essentials such as q-tips, cotton balls, etc., so they are ready to go for the next trip.
  • Pack some clothes in your companion’s luggage in the event of lost luggage.
  • Use a TSA lock for your luggage. Inspectors can open with a key opposed to breaking your lock.

Reminders–

  • Pack valuables in carry-on bags only.
  • Place all travel documents or medications in your check-in bag.
  • For carry-on bags all liquids must be in 3-oz or smaller containers and fit within a single quart-size zip-top bag.  For details, see https://www.tsa/gov/travel
  • Prepare for lost luggage.  Pack an extra clothes/underwear in a carry-on bag.  

Websites we use that cater to specialty travel items –

Eagle Creek Packing Bags –

These bags are great for organizing clothes, toiletries, swimwear, clean/dirty clothes, shoes, or electronics. They are also great for carrying snacks. They come in a variety of colors and sizes; are easy to clean; and fit well together in a suitcase. They also also have a convenient handle for lifting.

Example: Our family of four loves the cube bag set. These compact, lightweight bags keep your clothes contained. We each use a different color which is great for keeping everything organized and separated when sharing luggage. To see and learn more about their packing system visit  http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packing-organizers-view-all/l/330

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Additional Tips depending on travel location – 

  • If traveling to Africa, bring a statement of air purchase for proof.
  • If traveling to South America with children, bring along their original birth certificate, in addition to their passport.
  • Check with your airline to see what specific luggage and weight requirements are for both checked and carry on bags.

Documents/Misc Equipment –

  • Passport/Drivers License
  • Travel Documents
  • Travel Insurance Papers
  • Cruise Documents
  • Vaccine record when traveling to countries requiring proof of vaccination.
  • Camera/Video Charger
  • Phone Charger
  • Plug Adaptors – Below is a helpful website for determining what type of adaptor you’ll need. http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/

Travel Suggestions –

  • Reading Materials – It’s fun to read about the location you will be traveling to.  A website that we use that caters to travel books, informational books, and maps is https://www.longitudebooks.com/
  • At the end of each day ask those in your party what their favorite thing was about the day.
  • Keep a journal of basic notes about the trip to jog your memory when you get home.   

Before you leave home checklist –

  • Mail
  • Newspaper
  • Garbage
  • Water plants
  • Scheduled all bills
  • Postcard list
  • Pet care
  • House plants
  • Set timer switch for lights while away

*If you have any good travel tips, please let us know.  We would like to hear from you.  We will include that travel tip on our blog.  Identification by first name and last initial only.