Our Packing Recommendations
We get asked all the time by our clients about what they should pack for their upcoming trip that we helped plan for them. Of course, our recommendations vary depending on the type of trip they are going on but we figured it was time to share some of those tips with you!
Many of these items are shared in our “Travel Tips” document that we give to clients and some items we give as client thank you gifts for booking their travel with us. However, there are other items that we have found helpful during our own travels. Let us know what you think and if there is anything you think we should add. Clicking on the images below will take you to the item on Amazon. You can also access our list on Amazon which we will update periodically.
Sometimes, it is handy to bring your own travel mug. Get one that is insulated and lightweight. That way you can put a tea bag in it and fill it with hot water when you get on the airplane and use it at your destination to keep ice water chilled when you are at the beach.
Bringing a scarf has multiple uses! If you are going to a cooler destination, then bring one that is cashmere or a thicker cotton. You can use it on the plane as a blanket and it will keep you warm at your destination. If you are going to a warm destination, pick a lightweight and very large scarf (sometimes referred to as a sarong or pareo) so you can use it as a scarf when the plane gets cold and then use it as a swim suit cover up when you get to your destination.
I have started using packing cubes and love them! It is a great way to pack more in your suitcase and it makes unpacking easy too. I usually put items of one type (socks/underwear, shirts, dresses, etc.) in each cube so I know exactly where everything is. I have heard of others who pack the cubes by outfit so do whatever works best for you.
Some people need to bring vitamins, supplements or medicine with them on their travels. We recommend keeping prescription medications in their original container and only enough for the duration of your trip. Just ask your pharmacy to reprint your medication labels and bring those if you are not bringing the original containers.
We like the pill containers that you can separate by day so if you are out and about, you can still take your medicine. Another use for these pill containers (like the one in the middle) is to use them for storing jewelry. The small compartments will keep earrings and necklaces from getting tangled up together.
This one might be a given but don’t forget that if you want to pack light, put your favorite hair products and lotions in smaller containers. We like the silicone ones and you can change the pre-made label depending on what is inside.
You should always bring an extra bag that is easy to pack but can unfold into an extra carry on bag. You need something lightweight and sturdy. I like the option in the middle and it is a lot cheaper than having to buy an extra bag while on vacation. Also, it might be a good idea to throw in some extra portable shopping bags that you can toss in your purse. Some places in the world no longer provide plastic bags. These bags are also great for tossing your dirty clothes/shoes in when you are done with your trip and are ready to head home.
Another suggested item in our “Travel Tips” list is earplugs. They are small and easy to pack and the ones above are reusable. You never know what sounds (birds, construction, cars, rain) might keep you awake at your destination and they come in handy if you want to sleep on the plane. Also, we found this clever phone stand so it can free up your hands if you are reading a book or watching a movie on it. Last but not least is a portable battery for your phone or other mobile device. Poor WIFI or service always drains my battery so it is great to have one handy.
Some people like to travel with a neck pillow so they can sleep on the plane easier. The first item isn’t really a pillow but more like a neck wrap that is supposed to support your head/neck better when sleeping upright. The next item is a memory foam pillow with earplugs and eye mask. The last one is a self inflating pillow. Pick the one that suits your needs best!
Are you heading somewhere it might rain? Why not pack a super small travel umbrella or a poncho. They are easy to throw in a bag and you will be thankful to have one when you need it. I am also putting on this list Ziploc bags as they have multiple uses. I put all my toiletries in them so, in case something leaks, it doesn’t ruin the rest of my clothing. They are also great for a wet swimsuit or anything wet/dirty that you don’t want to deal with until you get home.
This is a question we get so often! Do I need an adapter/converter for the country I am traveling to. We always have an answer for our clients but it is nice to be able to share our favorite items with you too. The first one is an adapter which allows you to plug in your electronic item into the weird looking plugs that you find elsewhere in the world. It covers 150 countries so you only need this one little adapter. The second item has all the adapters too PLUS it also converts the voltage for your device. We also love that you can charge up to 7 devices and provides 3 plugs because sometimes it is very hard to find enough plugs for all our electronics.
People usually pack sunscreen when they are going on a beach vacation but sometimes they ask us if they should buy it at home or at the destination. I have done it both ways and find that I spend less money when I buy it here but you also have to watch the ingredients too. Many countries are now asking people to use “reef safe” sunscreen so it will protect the sea life and coral. If you don’t bring your own “reef safe” sunscreen, you will have to buy it before you go on that snorkeling tour. The first two are highly rated and recommended “reef safe” sunscreens and the last one is recommended by my friend’s skin doctor as she was treated for skin cancer.
Here are some more handy items when you are going to those beachy destinations. Pack a waterproof cell phone bag so you can protect your phone from sand and take it in the water with you to take photos. Also, protect your head with a collapsible, easy to pack hat and some beach destinations are much more enjoyable if you bring some water shoes.
If you are going to a tropical destination, you might want to bring some bug spray with you. There are two options above for the sprays. One has DEET and the other has natural ingredients. If you don’t want to spray yourself, get some of the patches which go on clothing, chairs, strollers and more.
Another essential item for beach vacations is a great beach tote bag. We like the first one because you can see where everything is and sand goes right through the mesh so no more bringing half the beach back to the hotel with you. The others we liked the style with the first one having a zipper top and the other having pockets on the outside for water bottles. Another bonus of bringing a beach tote with you is that it works as an extra carry on bag!
One of our travel agents swears by these scarves that keep you cool when you are traveling to a very warm and hot destination. We also have clients of a certain generation that deal with hot flashes so we have heard that it helps with that too.
Sorry guys but we have to put some girl stuff on here. We are 80% female at our company and this was bound to happen. I actually just read about this deodorant that came highly recommended from several other super-travelers. Waterproof and prescription strength? Sounds good to me. Again, these are items we suggest when you travel to a hot and muggy climate or there will be a lot of walking involved. The next two items are anti-chafing balms which prevent sore spots and blisters. Each product has slightly different ingredients and there are more ‘guy-friendly’ versions of this product too.
Finally, it isn’t always all about beach and warm weather destinations for our clients so, here are some ideas for when you are traveling somewhere cooler but you don’t want to pack your super heavy and warm winter jacket. Why not try one of these jackets that are lightweight and hardly take up any space?
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