Packing Tips

Travel Bags

• Wheeled duffel bag(s)
• Children's backpack(s)
• Adult backpack(s)
• Wheeled carry-on tote
• Extra collapsible tote bag(s)

Travel Essentials/Organizers

• Passport/money carrier
• Back seat organizers (car travel)
• Compression plastic bags
• Packing cubes
• Garbage bags
• Inexpensive zip top bags
• Travel watch/alarm
• Rainwear

Family Essentials

• Diapers
• Car seats (check each state's requirements)
• Window sunscreen
• Umbrella Stroller
• Convertible stroller/backpack
• Collapsible crib
• Blanket/pillow
• Pacifier
• Cell phone/charger
• Walkie-talkies( or 2 cell phones)
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Night Light
• Electrical Outlet covers
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Easy-care, easy-wear clothing

Pre-Departure

Be sure to make photocopies of all documentation. Take one copy with you & leave one copy family or friends at home:

• Passport & visa
• Extra passport photos
• Personal identification
• Phone number of pediatrician
• Health documentation
• Traveler's checks
• Credit cards
• Small amount of local currency
• ATM card
• Emergency information
• Trip cancellation/medical insurance
• Transportation tickets
• Address labels/personal organizer
• Hotel reservations
• International driver's license
• Only keys needed upon return home
• Guidebooks, maps
• Language books

Food

• Water bottles with water, not juice
• Healthy snacks (not greasy chips)
• Picnic supplies
• Slippy cups, plastic bowls
• Pre-moistened towelettes

Toys

• CD player/headphones/batteries
• Inflatable globe
• Colored pencils (crayons can melt)
• Bubbles (fun at any age)
• New toy

Toiletries

• Comb/brush
• Toothbrush/paste
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Soap-personal and laundry
• Skin care lotions/creams
• Make-up/mirror
• Manicure articles
• Shampoo
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Towel/washcloth
• Nalgene bottles
• Shaving cream
• Blow dryer/curling iron

Medication

• Be sure to consult your personal physician for help in planning your family's travel medication needs. Keep medication locked-up. Especially when traveling with children.
• Personal medication/prescriptions
• Aspirin/pain reliever
• Cold medicine
• Diarrhea/laxative medicine
• Extra pair of glasses/contact lens
• Contact lens preparation'
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Sunburn relief
• Jet lag remedy
• Motion sickness remedy
• Personal hygiene items
• Water purification system
• Vitamins

Basics

• Travel combination locks
• Neon I.D. tags/luggage straps
• Travel protection
• Travel footwear
• Visor or brimmed hat
• Camera/film/batteries
• Video camera, tapes
• Reading material
• Pre-addressed mailing labels
• Travel journal
• Travel alarm clock
• Swimsuit/sarong
• Binoculars

Maintenance Items

• Flashlight/extra batteries
• Stain stick remover
• Multi-purpose soap
• Sink stopper
• Inflatable hangers
• Travel laundry line
• Mesh bag for dirty laundry
• Tissues
• Duct Tape
• Mini-sewing-repair kit

Additional items

• Neck pillow/eyeshades/ear plugs
• Travel umbrella
• Solar calculator
• Photos from home
• Waterproof one-time use camera
• Short wave radio
• Sleep sack
• Emergency blanket (for warmth)
• Small tape recorder
• Collapsible cup

Easy-to-Pack Gifts

• Playing cards
• Frisbee
• Bandanna
• Hat/scarf