Packing List – To get you started

Sometimes when I get ready for a trip, I aways feel like I am forgetting something. Usually I miss something that I end up buying and it costs me an arm an a leg. Here is a “getting started” packing list to help you not forget – and not get taken on your next trip.

Packing List

Money, documents

• credit and debit cards
• picture id
• passport or other id if needed. (If kids are leaving the country with only one birth parent, a document authorizing their travel might be needed.
• health insurance documents
• travel insurance documents
• vaccination documents, if needed
• membership cards: AAA; Disney Club; etc.
• airplane Tickets or confirmation number
• car reservation number
• coupons for hotels, Car Rental, etc.
• directions to hotel(s)
• itinerary
• address book

For planes and cars

• stuff to amuse the kids
• snacks and drinks
• any medication that might be needed
• tweezers
• ear plugs
• foot powder
• lip balm
• ear plugs
• sleep aids
• bandaids
• moleskin for blisters, elastic tape, scissors
• children’s medicine for fever, colds, etc.
• allergy kit, if needed
• feminine hygiene products
• prescription medicines
• birth control
• vitamins

Beachgear

• swimsuits (two per person)
• sandals
• aqua shoes
• goggles, face masks, snorkels
• waterproof disposable camera
• hats
• sunglasses
• lip balm with sunscreen

Outdoors gear

• insect repellant
• afterbite, for insect bites
• good shoes for hiking
• layers of clothes, especially fleece
• socks that will “wick” (draw moisture away from the skin)
• blister kit: i.e. moleskin, elastic tape, scissors, bandaids
• wool hat and gloves if the weather is chilly
• rain gear

Theme park gear

• blister kit
• good footwear. Some people recommend socks and sneakers, but in hot Orlando we wear sandals, period.
• hats, sunscreens, lip balm
• bandana, to soak with water for a cool-down
• frozen juice packs, if you have a fridge
• water bottle
• water spritzer/fan gadgets– usually available at Orlando Walmarts for $5; or buy the expensive theme park versions.
• umbrella or poncho, if thunderstorms are expected
• camera, film, camcorder, etc.
• lots of snacks

Baby Gear

• diapers, including lots for the plane trip in case you miss a connection
• diaper rash cream
• changing pad
• ziploc bag for soiled clothes
• baby wipes
• receiving blankets (lightweight and soft)
• waterproof sheet
• car seat
• stroller
• backpack
• front-style baby carriers
• lots of clothes, even for the plane ride, and a change of clothes for yourself on the plane, just in case.
• formula, juice
• bottles, nipples, bottle caps
• sippy cup
• snacks
• pacifiers if needed
• bibs
• baby food, spoons, bowl with lid
• lots of amusements

technology

• cell phone (could work as a travel alarm too)
• cell phone charger
• digital camera – extra media
• camera and lots of film
• batteries for camera(s)
• digital recorder/camcorder, and batteries
• “personal radios”: two-way walkie-talkies

miscellaneous

• notebook/journal
• guidebooks– buy the best! It’s a small investment.
• maps
• binoculars
• flashlight
• batteries
• needle, thread
• nightlight
• travel alarm clock
• calculator for foreign currency
• ziploc bags that actually zip: for toiletries, crayons, wet swimsuits…
• plastic food containers: pack with snacks to eat on the plane; later, bring to restaurants for those occasions when your kids won’t eat their food (but will be hungry 15 minutes later…)
• cereal! Save money and, more important, TIME, by having breakfast in your room. Powdered milk can be used in a pinch. Bring plastic spoons.
• wet wipes
• special wet-wipes for removing stains from clothes.

As for clothes: “traveling light” is great advice; I just don’t find it applies to travel with kids. You’re already carrying so much stuff, why scrimp on clothes? I prefer to bring enough that I never have to waste time doing laundry. But the choice is yours!

Tips: very useful for boys are pants that become shorts when the bottom parts zips off

• bring lots of t-shirts including a few oldies that can be thrown away
• even in a hot climate, bring a jacket or sweater: air-conditioned restaurants can get cold.

Now you are ready for your next great adventure – relax!