The ultimate A-Z packing list for travelers heading for vacation

Every successful vacation starts with a packing list and luggage that’s right for the trip. By drawing up a packing list, you can prepare ahead of time and have the confidence of knowing you are unlikely to leave anything important behind. Having a vacation packing list will allow you to stay organized, and hopefully prevent you from packing items that you don’t need on vacation or are too heavy to carry.

I recommend that couples divide their vacation packing list into three categories: His, Hers, and Ours. If you’re going on a trip of any length, you may find that having three suitcases - his, hers, and ours - and a carry-on with mutual valuables - is the way to go.

Top Tips for Packing - What to Take

Clothing

- Choose clothes appropriate for the climate. If you are going somewhere warm and leaving a cold climate consider leaving a set of warm clothes in the car if you are leaving it at the airport, or with friends if you are being collected.

- Stick with one basic colour scheme preferably a dark one which won’t show marks and wrinkles so much.

- Make clothing items do double duty, men’s shorts can be double as swimming trunks, a woman’s tankini top can be an evening top. A shirt can layer over a dress in place of a jacket.

- Take multiple thinner items which can be layered instead of one bulky heavier piece. Thermal underwear is fantastic for cooler climates.

- A sarong can be the most useful item you take doubling as a skirt, dress, shawl, beach towel, top sheet and a tablecloth. You can even use it as a bag in a pinch!

- Shoes are always difficult: heavy and bulky. Try to wear your heaviest/bulkiest pair on the plane. I try to limit myself to 3 pairs: a pair comfortable for walking extended distances, a pair of sandals or flip flops and a dresser pair for evening!

Other Items

- A travel alarm if you don’t have the function on a watch or cellphone that you are taking with you.

- Prescription medicines and a copy of the prescription in case you loose your bags. If you need glasses to see make sure you have a back up: an old pair, contacts or prescription sunglasses.

- Toiletries: take a minimum. If you are only going on a short trip take sample sizes or buy small containers and decant some to take with you. If, however, you are traveling for a long time then don’t take 6 months supply - you can buy almost anything anywhere these days.

- Liquid soap and shampoo can be used interchangeably - you don’t need both. You can buy solid shave soap which is lot more compact than carrying a shaving foam aerosol.

- If flying don’t take brand new bottles of liquid - the liquid will expand slightly as the lower pressures on the plane and leak - use each bottle once to avoid this problem. Creams and aerosols are OK.

- Make sure your toiletries bag is actually waterproof - a surprising number aren’t and bottles do break.

- Credit cards -preferably two in case one is lost or broken or eaten by the ATM.

- Details of your insurance policy. Important phone numbers or email addresses of medical specialists, family, work, anyone you may need to contact if something occurs to delay your return.

What Not to Pack!

- Anything you are taking “just in case”. If you happen to get a last minute invite to the Queen’s Garden Party in England ladies will need a hat - take the opportunity to go shopping!

- A cellphone unless you know it work at your destination and you know what the roaming charges are.

- Anything electronic unless you are sure you can plug them in / charge them at your destination.

- Anything you are sentimentally attached to or is particularly jewellery - you may have it stolen but far more likely you may just misplace it or leave it behind.

How to Pack your Bags

- Before you start lay everything out on a spare bed or other space so that you can see it all. Now might be a good time to reassess what you actually need to take!

- Start collecting items a few days early - particularly if you are taking out of season clothing this is easy to do. If you are taking items you are regularly wearing it will remind you to add them to the pile as you launder them and to stop you accidentally wearing them before departure! Remember that what you are wearing on departure day is included in the pile too!

Tips for Packing a Backpack

- To get the correct weight distribution heavier items should be near your back and higher in the pack.

- Use plastic bags or packing cubes to keep similar items together.

- Pack electronic and breakables near the centre padding them with clothing. Putting small items inside socks can work.

Packing a suitcase

- Place heaviest items at the bottom, especially for pull along bags this adds stability.

- Pack fragile items towards the centre.

- Fold similar clothes together e.g. all trousers, all shirts folded together to minimise creasing and pack efficiently

What to Carry on the Aircraft

- Check what is provided by the airline before taking a lot of stuff on board. Many international airlines, particularly Asian carriers, provide an enormous number of TV channels, movies and audio options, even in coach class. There is no point bringing the DVD player or Ipod on board with them! Others typically American carriers and budget airlines provide nothing, but entertainment can be hired for a reasonable fee -which might save you carrying a DVD player all trip just to entertain the kids for the return flight!

- Also check for food and drinks service - same applies - its struggle not to over-eat on airlines such as Singapore Air, Cathy Pacific and Thai

- Be cautious of bringing food on flights into Australia and New Zealand, there are substantial fines for importing banned items, even inadvertently, they take their agriculture industry seriously there.

- Carry on sufficient clothing in case your luggage goes AWOL for 24 hours. If you are going to a beach location or a hotel with a pool you might want to include your swimsuit as well

- Carry on essential prescription medicines and their prescriptions, spare glasses if you need them. A book or two in case of delays.

- If you are taking a laptop you will need to carry it on Also make sure that you can power it up if you are requested to do by security. If you have a camera or video I carry those on two just to protect them from damage or theft

Other Tips before Leaving Home

- Arrange for mail to be held or collected by neighbours. Let your neighbours know if you are going to be away.

- Inform your insurance company you are going to be away - you can void your policy if you leave the house unoccupied without telling them.

- Think about any bills that may come due while you are away and make arrangements - you don’ want to come home to discover the power has been cut off!

- Check the fridge / kitchen for perishables and dispose of them. Take the garbage out!

- Clean- there is nothing worse that coming back to a dirty house - especially if you are already depressed about coming home! Even better arrange for cleaning service while you are away!

- Arrange for suspension of services you are paying for but won’t be using: pay-TV, broadband Internet and the 2 obvious ones.

- Consider your home’s security - consider a timer to turn lights on/off, ask neighbors to park their car in your drive, use your washing line. Arrange for a security patrol. Inform your security monitoring company that you will be away. Leave an emergency contact number with key people.

Media

- Cellphone and charger (compare prices)
- Digital camera (compare prices), batteries, memory cards, manual
- iPod (compare prices) /MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers
- Camera case
- Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book
- Journal/notebook and pen
- Maps and directions
- Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs
- Reading material
- Travel guide(s)
- Underwater camera (compare prices)
- Medical

Antibiotic cream

- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Band-Aids
- Birth control
- Bug repellent
- Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream
- Extra pair of eyeglasses
- For cruisers: Sea-sickness bands or pills (compare prices)
- Lubricant (compare prices)
- Pain reliever
- Prescription medicines

Money & Documents

- Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail
- Auto insurance card
- Business cards
- Cash
- Copy of marriage license
- Copy of medical history, if necessary
- Copy of vacation packing list
- Driver’s license/international driver’s license
- Emergency numbers and embassy address
- Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards
- Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
- Passports and visas, if necessary
- Photo ID
- Pre-paid phone card
- Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate)
- Vaccination certificates, if required
- Vouchers/coupons/tickets
- Your itinerary
- Miscellaneous/Extras

Anti-bacterial wipes
- Bubble bath
- Binoculars
- Currency converter
- Duct tape
- Keys
- Krazy Glue
- Lint roller
- Luggage locks approved by TSA (compare prices)
- Massage oil
- Plastic Zip-Loc bags
- Playing cards
- Q-Tips
- Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles)
- Sunscreen/SPF
- Sunglasses
- Travel alarm clock
- Travel candles
- Umbrella
- Zip ties (vendor’s site)

Menswear

- Athletic shoes (vendor’s site)
- Belts
- Boxers / Briefs
- Casual shirts
- Dress shoes
- Hat
- Oxford shirts
- Pants
- Pajamas / Robe
- Sandals
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sports jacket
- Swim wear
- Tie
- T-shirts / Undershirts
- Workout clothes
- Men’s Toiletries
- Comb / Brush
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Lip balm
- Rogaine (compare prices) , if necessary
- Shaving kit / Shaving Cream
- Shampoo / Conditioner / Styling Products
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash

Women’s Clothing and Accessories

- Bathing suit
- Bras
- Panties and/or thongs
- Lingerie
- Costume jewelry — earrings, necklace, bracelets
- Fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return)
- Dress
- Heels
- Pareo/sarong/big scarf
- Robe
- Sandals
- Shorts/Capris
- Skirt
- Slacks
- Slip/Bodyslimmer/Spanx (compare prices)
- Sneakers (vendor’s site) or walking shoes
- Socks
- Stylish shirt
- Sweater
- Straw/wide-brimmed hat
- Tank/halter/sleeveless tops
- Workout clothes
- Sundries
- Baby powder
- Blow dryer/straightening iron
- Comb/Brush
- Cosmetic case/makeup bag
- Deodorant
- Depilatory
- Eye Shadow
- Lipsticks
- Blush
- Mascara
- Makeup remover
- Facial cleanser
- Moisturizer/SPF
- Tampons
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Shampoo/conditioner/styling products
- Scrunchies
- Tweezers

A vacation packing list is especially important when you’re traveling to a new place for the first time.

While most items left behind can be secured elsewhere, you may not have the time or budget to shop for them on your vacation.

It’s unlikely you’ll need everything on this A-to-Z packing list, but I’ve tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help you get organized. Obviously, the same vacation destination may not call for both a bathing suit and gloves or mittens…but you never know. It may occur to you that I’ve left jeans off the list. In tropical climates, they’re too hot to wear. In Europe, they’re too informal. But if you’re going to some place casual, pack a pair. Good luck, and happy packing.

In the worst-case scenario, your luggage disappears. Forever. But if you have a copy of your vacation packing list on you - or leave a packing list with a trusted friend or family member while on vacation, you’ll have a complete record of any loss.

Book your vacations from Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations

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Choosing Holiday Accessories

By: Sami Fab

In deciding what you really need to take on holiday my tip is:

Firstly you must be realistic.

If you are only going away for a long weekend, then you are not likely to need to take much accessories with you. Similarly, if you are staying at a fairly large hotel chain, many of your needs will be provided. So there is no need to ‘double up’.

Secondly try to travel as light as possible.

In order to achieve the desired minimum accessories, ask yourself what you may need, as opposed to what you could do with. This way you’ll manage to cut out many unnecessary gadgets, thus saving weight.

Try and find out as much as you can about your destination, and the kind of activities that you may take up. In this way you’ll become aware of such important information such as the temperature- you’ll be able to pack suitable clothes.

Similarly, if all you’re planning to do is to sightsee from the tour bus, then you’ll not need to take with you the heavy hiking boots! If you are going on a city holiday, you’ll need the following:

1. A sturdy suitcase of suitable size for your belongings. Remember to allow extra space in your suitcase for your return journey for items such as presents. A sturdy suitcase is a must, because baggage handlers are not generally known for their gentle touch!

2. Appropriate clothing for your destinations. For city holidays, don’t forget the all- important comfortable walking shoes.

3. If the climate at your destination is changeable, take a raincoat or an umbrella with you.

4. Do take your favorite toiletries with you. When you are miles away from home, it is not always easy to buy your favorite toothpaste. This is particularly important if you suffer from allergic reaction to some toiletries.

5. If you use an electric razor, find out whether you need an appropriate adaptor.

6. If you are on medications, ensure that you take enough with you for your entire stay.

7. If you use prescription glasses, consider taking a spare set, in case of an accident.

8. If you are staying in an hotel, you’ll not need to take items such as towels, alarm clock, and radio.

Finally, remember the three most important items: ticket, passport, and credit card. Unless you are traveling to remote places and cities, anything that you may have forgotten can always be bought once you arrive there.

Author Resource:-> Traveling light is great but how do you get top deals, the best value and most fun from your travels? Answers here: Best Vacation Travel Guides And Tips at www.Travel-Hotel-Beach-Vacations.com

Article From Articles Beyond Better

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By: Adrian Adams

Whether you travel for business or pleasure, how you pack is an important part of the adventure. Often, our shirts come out wrinkled, items are forgotten, or toiletries have spilled out. Keep reading for great tips on packing that you can use next time you travel.

If you’re going to be anywhere for more than a day or two, pack layers. Despite the weather reports, you don’t always know what the temperature’s going to be like and an extra sweater can come in handy on a cold desert night.

Next, pack light. You want to be prepared, but not weighed down. One of the most important things any seasoned traveler will tell you is that you should always pack half of what you think you’ll need. Remember, if you do wind up facing an absolute emergency, you can always buy any needed items. For most trips, one pair of pants, a skirt (for women) that doubles for day and night, a pair of jeans, a shirt (for men), maybe a swimsuit and a few tops are all you’re going to need.

Before you begin packing, spread everything that you want to bring out on the bed first. This lets you look at it all in one place and quickly ascertain whether any important item has been forgotten. It’s also going to let you develop a game plan for your packing strategy.

Folded shirts or blouses should go at the bottom of a suitcase, and pants and skirts may be stacked on top. Shoes, if not in a separate compartment, should be wrapped in plastic bags and placed around the outside of the case. Socks and underwear can be neatly stored in mesh bags or even clear, plastic baggies. This lets you easily separate your packed items and stops you from having to wrestle with 8 pairs of loose socks just to get to your shirts.

For your toiletries, try to use travel sizes and wrap absolutely everything in plastic baggies. You do not want a toiletry spill on all your clothes. If you wear makeup, take only the bare necessities and opt for a clear carry-case that will let you quickly see what you packed. Remember, you can often depend on hotels to stock basic supplies like shampoo and conditioner. If you have a favorite brand, consider transferring it to a travel-size container.

Finally, if you’re a frequent traveler, keep a half-packed bag always handy. In it, you can store your passport, frequent flyer cards, a travel toiletries bag, socks, and underwear. That way, next time you have to pack, you only have to worry about your clothes.

Author Resource:-> Please visit YTB Travel Network Canada - Home Page and World Ventures Travel - New World Ventures/Traverus Page

Article From Articles Beyond Better

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By: Kathryn Lively

With today’s heightened security in airports, it is perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with you when you travel. You want to be certain everything you packed for your business trip or vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in some of their luggage.

It is important, therefore, to know what to keep with you at all times when you travel, and how to pack a case that must be loaded into a plane’s cargo until you arrive at your destination. In the event your luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep the most important items with you at all times.

Identification: Your passport, your driver’s license, any and all picture ID cards should remain on your person. When you pass through airport security you will be required to have identification ready for inspection, and it is important that is stays with you and is not packed away in a case that won’t be readily at your disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using a passport, be sure to make copies of the identification page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, and keep extra copies with you in different places so you will have one ready if needed.

Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you, in the event of a medical emergency or accident (especially if you are renting a car for your trip).

Money: This includes paper, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you might not think it necessary to carry traveler’s checks, but they are good to have if you are going abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign ATMs might not accept American bank cards, same with certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of paper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is good to have also for immediate money exchange once you reach your destination.

It always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a crowd.

Itinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically or overseas, you want to appear confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you need to be, seek assistance at the first information booth immediately.

Clothing: Consider the trip, the places you plan to visit and the length of your absence from home. How many changes of clothing are necessary, and what types of clothing can you expect to wear? Sometimes, you might find you have packed too much for a trip, resulting in wrinkled clothing upon arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many formal items for a trip that didn’t require it.

Before you open your suitcase, determine exactly what is on the itinerary. Consult weather reports for your destination and, if possible, research attractions and restaurants for any dress requirements. If you are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you might find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check with your hotel in advance, too, to determine what laundry services are available or nearby. You may be able to pack half as much if you have such access.

Accessories: Do you really need to pack an iron? Can you live a few weeks without your laptop? Despite the gadgetry designed to make our lives easier, it is not difficult to find that too many gadgets on a short trip will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as hotels evolve even the “economy” accommodations offer enough amenities so travelers need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, and other home necessities are made available, though it is always a good idea to check with your hotel to see what is offered and what is not. For those traveling overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, make sure you have the proper adapters so the plugs will fit.

Personal Grooming: When we forget things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles at the hotel are a blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough to suit your needs. Does this mean you should pack economy size bottles of everything? While the large bottles are nice, they are not always necessary for a trip, and sometimes those bottles can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the risk of damage, and opening your suitcase to find every outfit soaked with mouthwash and smelling minty fresh.

Determine what essentials you need to pack - shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, etc. - and pack in a suitcase with a separate compartment. Medium size plastic bottles, no more than ten fluid ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the bottles are not completely filled, in the event of temperature changes in cargo that may cause the plastic to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an extra plastic bag to help ensure protection from leaks.

Knowing what to pack and how much is beneficial to your enjoying a vacation. The less encumbered you are by luggage, the less worry of damage, theft, or loss.

Kathryn Lively writes for journeyPod, luxury travel site and podcast.

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