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Obviously what you pack is highly dependent on where you are going and what your activities will be. But there are somethings you take regardless of the destination. Like underwear. Listed below are my must haves (in addition to what you think you should take):
All Weather
- Carry on size Suitcase: Investing in a high-quality suitcase is important. I finally purchased a Briggs and Riley carry on size spinner and it’s amazing how much it can fit. Although it’s expensive, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, which is worth the investment. It’s better to buy one good quality suitcase than several cheaper ones that add up to the same price.
- Large Suitcase: It’s also important to have a large, lightweight suitcase for traveling. If the suitcase is heavy from the start, it limits the amount of items you can bring back. I’m currently using a Travelpro, which is affordable and helps me save money on baggage fees.
- Travel cubes: Whether you are sharing your luggage with your child, you are going on a vacation with multiple climates, or you just want to be organized, they come in handy. I like ones for my shoes, a variety of sized ones and larger ones if I am sharing my suitcase with one of my kids. There are also compression packing cubes that I have not tried yet, but seem very useful. And if you are like my husband and have clothes you don’t want wrinkled, these garment folders might help. He also prefers these shoe holders.
- Bathing suit: Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you can’t go swimming or warm up in a hot tub! Just make sure your hotel has facilities. I like this one so I don’t have to worry about sun protection as much.
- Travel Purse: Don’t wear a money belt. If you need something from a money belt, you have to get under your clothing and do you really want that hassle? There are far better alternatives to securing your passport and money. I suggest a cross body bag that is theft proof, like this one from Travelon because it is small, light and easy to keep clean and looking new.
- Medicine: Always always always travel with the proper medicines: Pepto Bismol, Dramamine, Tylenol and Imodium.
- Bug Repellant: They are not all created equal. My go to is all natural Badger Balm. While it is a little greasy, it actually works. I was on a trip once, covered in repellent that had DEET, and was bitten 30 times on my right hand alone. You can only cover up so much. Also, if you have sensitive skin, DEET can be very irritating. I recently used a lemon/eucalyptus scented spray that was also semi effective and didn’t bother my skin.
Warm Weather
- Lightweight rain coat – I love this one because it is compact and the lightest I have found when it is hot out.
- One warm outfit if it gets cold – sometimes the weather does weird things. And sometimes hotel rooms are really cold. It is best to be prepared! Bring a light sweatsuit or something. I had a friend meet me in Tanzania and she didn’t bring anything warm since the weather would be hot. Except it isn’t always warm in the morning!!
- Fans – You can never have too many. I have a small one, one that hangs around my neck and a slightly larger one that I use at night.
Cold Weather
- Heavy jacket: My family loves Spyder for our cold weather brands. I have one like this and it is SO warm.
- Fleece lined pants: These are my favorite (even though one of the pocket zippers broke right away). I cannot express how comfortable they are for me.
- One cooler outfit for warm weather because you never know, even if it is just light pants or shorts and a t shirt. The weather is full of surprises!
Wherever your plans take you, being well prepared is so important. Have fun!
