Packing

Packing Checklist

PASSPORT!!! – Have it with you!!! Keep it Safe!!!

TRAVELER JOURNAL – your little white binder

CREDIT/ATM CARD, MONEY YOU EXCHANGED

NAME TAGS ON ALL LUGGAGE: make them bright & easy to spot

CARRY ON TO INCLUDE: Anything you can’t live without for a day

TOILETRIES – All liquids 3oz. or less in a small baggie on top…

      soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, contact stuff, your beauty stuff

MEDICATIONS/MINI FIRST AID KIT – pain reliever, prescriptions (in original container), allergy medicine, motion sickness medicine, antibiotic, etc. 

CAMERA – Extra memory card, charger or batteries, (film?)

STUFF – glasses, sunglasses, MP3, chargers/cords, books, cards (for layovers), etc.

ALL VALUABLES – don’t pack anything in your suitcase that might be stolen – bring it with you! (Cash especially)

ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES – including underwear (just in case suitcase is delayed or lost)

MUNCHIES – water bottle, snacks, gum…..

       SUITCASE – Label inside and out. Tuck a copy of the itinerary inside.

CLOTHING FOR HOT & COOL WEATHER: long pants (1-2), long sleeved shirt (1), shorts (2), short sleeved shirts (6), jacket (1), umbrella?, (choose lightweight - fast drying!)

COMFORTABLE SHOES: with socks - break in well before we leave!!!

UNDERWEAR: at least 6 pair

ONE DRESSIER OUTFIT: for the theatre (shoes to match?)

BELTS, SWIMMING SUIT, HAT

PERSONALS: shampoo, soap, deodorant, makeup, feminine hygiene, replacement meds
CONVERTER/ADAPTORS & CHARGERS – if you bring any electronics you will need these!

PLASTIC BAG FOR WET ITEMS (or plasticized section in luggage) 

LAUNDRY DETERGENT (close securely), CLOTHES LINE, SINK STOPPER

GUM & SNACKS

FANNY PACK/BACK PACK: purses & wallets are easier to snatch. You could make your carry-on your back pack… just transfer everything to your suitcase once you get to the hotel then put your day items in the pack.

PACK LIGHT! You must carry what you take & leave room for souvenirs!

ON TIME TO THE AIRPORT (Absolutely 2½ - 3 hours prior)

Packing Guidelines

o    MONEY - cards and cash where only you can get at them and on your body all the time

o    ONE - Suitcase, duffel or backpack (24” or smaller)

o    ONE  - Carry on – bring everything you can’t live without in your backpack.  If your luggage is lost you’ll want documents, money/cards, toiletries, personals, medications and one outfit with you.

o    PACK LIGHT – You’ll carry what you bring!  (Pack a few days early then walk around the block a few times.  It will make you want to leave things home!)

o    RETHINK BLOW DRYERS & OTHER HAIR EQUIPMENT – They take up space, can be heavy, and the wattage is often too high even with a converter.

o    BRING small packets of Kleenex to carry with you. Some public toilets don’t have toilet paper and some will charge you for it!

o    DRESS MODESTLY when going to the Vatican & other churches.  You will not be allowed in St. Peter’s or other religious buildings if knees and shoulders are showing.  Wear long pants and shirts with a sleeve. (Girls, you can wear a skirt that goes below the knee.)

o    DRESS INCONSPICUOUSLY – Animosity is a problem in some countries right now.  To avoid problems don’t take fancy, flashy, colorful clothes that stand out as American.  Europeans usually wear dark colors.

o    HEAVY things should be packed in the bottom of your suitcase.  Stuff your shoes (w/socks, underwear, jewelry,…) so they don’t waste space.

o    SUITCASES are scanned and searched at the airport.  Keep your most valuable things with you.  Only TSA locks are allowed on cases during the flights.

o   PACK AND LOCK – everyday before you leave the hotel!!! Housekeeping is notorious for sticky fingers and management is usually not very helpful about it.