Did you think to pack ...?

You are all excited just thinking about your upcoming vacation – until it comes to packing.  The basics are easy (ID, weather appropriate clothes, medicines, electronics, toiletries) but what are you missing?  Here are a few suggestions of things that will make your travels easier.

A light weight backpack or q tote bag that folds into a pouch is great for a day  touofring, going to the beach or bringing home those special souvenirs. Be sure to take an insulated bottle that will fit into a side pocket or down in your bag.

For all the electronics you packed, make sure you have the correct charging devices.  Don’t count on having USB ports or even multiple wall plugs available.  Take a multi-plug device, preferably one that has some USB ports.  If you travel with equipment like a CPAP machine which needs to be plugged in close to your bed then take an extension cord also.  While batteries aren’t needed in most newer devices, if you are traveling with kids toys, cameras or hearing aids you want to make sure you have a supply of the batteries for those. 

A portable charger is a must have if you plan to be out taking lots of photos.  You can get small ones that clip to your bag for a quick charge or ones or bigger, heavier ones that will fully charge multiple devices at the same time.  If you are traveling somewhere remote, like camping or on a safari, then you may want to look into a solar powered charger.

Nightlights are great to have but you won’t always have a convenient outlet in which to plug it.  A great alternative is flameless tealight candles because you can set them safely wherever you choose.

When traveling out of the US you should take along a travel converter/adapter to convert local voltage to that required by your device and to adapt your device’s plug to the available outlet.  Foreign currency can be easily obtained at (preferably bank) ATMs in your destination so you do not need to get it before your trip.

Sunscreen and a hat are important when going anywhere in the summer.  But “reef-friendly” sunscreen is imperative if you plan to snorkel, dive or swim with dolphins, stingrays or pigs.

On a cruise or a trip to a resort in Mexico or the Caribbean you will want to have small bills for tips.  Local currency isn’t necessary as they are happy with US dollars.  The problem comes in trying to convert larger bills to $1 and $5 bills.  Try to estimate what you will need and then get 20% more in small bills for drivers, bellmen, bartenders, servers, room stewards, etc.

If you would like more extensive packing lists and tips you can find them in the Already Booked section.