Packing List.
Men’s Clothing.
Ladies’ Clothing.
Non-Clothing.
PACKING BONUS !!!
PACKING LIST – Clothing.
In fact, you will find a list for men and one for women, since no “perfect” record will cover everyone.
As a result, this is a blueprint, not a law chiseled in stone. In general, though, this list should be 97% of what you need.
(BACK TO TOP)
Men’s.
- Five long-sleeve shirts. Non-wrinkling, breathable material for warmer climates, and thicker for cooler.
- Two pair convertible long pants with zip-off legs. Of course, if you are only in cold weather, just long pants.
- One belt, neutral color.
- Five pairs of underwear.
- One pair of walking shoes (day) – In like manner, a great pair of athletic walking shoes work fine.
- Five pairs of socks.
- One sensible pair of evening shoes.
- One sweater or similar. Specifically for layering and a change of look.
- One water and wind-resistant jacket. A jacket with a hood is even better. Also, lightweight for easy packing.
Optional. (and if space permits).
- A tie to jazz up your look at night.
- One swimsuit – ONLY if you will definitely use it. Quick-drying material. Another option, use your shorts.
- Sleepwear – light and packs up small. If you plan to work out, athletic gear might serve two purposes.
- One polo shirt (weather permitting) or a rugby shirt for colder areas.
- One pair of Khakis – Most people do not wear shorts as often as Americans. Jeans take much longer to dry.
- A list of all clothing for easier packing on the road.
Ladies.
- Five long-sleeve Blouses. Non-wrinkling, breathable material for warmer climates, thicker for cooler.
- Two pairs of pants (daytime casual, evening a little dressier) washable and blended for fewer wrinkles.
- 1-2 skirts (should cover knees and be wrinkle-resistant).
- 1 -2 light-weight cardigans or vests. Specifically for layering and a change of look.
- One belt, neutral color that goes with everything.
- Five pair underwear (quick drying such as silk, lace, or micro-fibers).
- One additional bra.
- Four pairs of socks (blend).
- One pair of walking shoes (day). – In like manner, a great pair of athletic walking shoes work fine.
- One sensible pair of evening shoes. – LEAVE THE STILETTOS AT HOME.
- A list of all clothing for easier packing on the road.
Optional. (and if space permits).
- A scarf to jazz up your look at night.
- One swimsuit – ONLY if you will definitely use it. Quick-drying material.
- Sleepwear – light, and packs up small. If you plan to work out, athletic gear might serve two purposes.
- One pair of Capri shorts. Of course, if you are only in cold weather, another pair of long pants.
- One Hat.
Additional for ladies.
- One washcloth – Many hotels no longer provide them.
- Feminine hygiene products – only what you need, keep the clunky boxes at home.
- Pills you may need for cramps, infections, birth control. It’s just better/ easier to bring your own.
NON-CLOTHING.
Toiletries – Some people overpack for fear that toothpaste does not exist in any other country. In like manner, deodorant, shampoo, and other toiletries. Three ounces (the allowable amount in carry-on) should be enough to get you to your hotel or cruise ship.
In general, at 3-star or higher accommodations, they often have soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion as amenities. If not, a drug store is nearby.
The better hotels often have additional amenities including razors, sewing kits, and other essentials if you ask.
More upscale hotels and all cruise ships have various shops geared for the needs of the traveler. Once again, NOT what you “might” need but what are the bare necessities you “do” need.
Also, you and your traveling partner do not both need to pack an X-large box of everything. Share. One small can of band-aids will probably cover four people for a week. Make a list.
Packing list exceptions:
- Dramamine (or Marezine). Important to know, you take this one hour before you think you need it. Get ahead of it!
- Band-Aids. – Certainly for cuts and scratches. Also for the blisters as a result of you not believing me to break new shoes in before leaving home.
- A small tube of antibiotic cream or wipes. YOU do want to KILL everything before it can get worse.
- Small Vaseline.
- Small baby powder or Gold Bond.
- Tide Stick or stain wipes.
- Hand sanitizer – 3oz bottle or wipes with sanitizer.
- A small package of tissues – for runny noses as well as backup toilet paper.
- Tweezers – hundreds of uses.
- Sunscreen.
- Over-the-counter pain reliever / anti-inflammatory. Unless you are a postman walking all day, you’re going to meet some muscles you haven’t heard from lately. NO, walking to the snack machine and back does NOT count.
- Over the counter medications (non-liquid form when possible) for colds, indigestion or diarrhea. (Especially if you know you are prone to these and there is the one you know works).
Separately, pack a list of everything you have packed. Take this record out when you are packing on the road, and it will quickly help you remember something missing. For example, underwear you put in a drawer.
Here is a surprise BONUS !!!
Surprisingly, the packing list above (if you follow it) will fit into (drum roll) a carry-on bag.
THE SILENCE HURTS MY EARS…
Quick, take a deep breath. In reality, I probably should have prefaced that with you partaking in a tequila shot, sorry.
Currently, the maximum dimensions for carry-on bags on American carriers are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels.
This bag is the largest carry-on US airlines allow. (At least at the time of this writing. If they figure out how to squeeze a revenue seat into the overhead, that may change).
On the positive side, that means on International flights; EVERYTHING stays with you.
On the negative side, no more checking AND waiting for luggage with tourists.
Please note, some of the smaller planes have small or no overheads and require you to check it. Have a little purse/manbag for passports, medicine, and other “does not leave my person” items. A list of what is in the big case is not a bad idea either.
But imagine after an 8+ hour flight, A) ALL your luggage is there. B) You whisk through the chaos directly to your transportation and leave the airport behind. You’re welcome!
Only Fools Suffer.
Honestly, the only thing worse than suffering is suffering on vacation.
Therefore, there is NOTHING heroic about ignoring aches, pains, and any other non-normal symptoms.
It is dumb not to listen to your body at home.
When traveling this is downright STUPID!!
To clarify, yes, I did say STUPID.
It seems this is the only way to get this point across as IMPORTANT.
I would prefer you to have “a problem” with my words, then “a problem” in a non-English speaking hospital.
Why am I soo mean? Because when I say it politely, I end up leaving guests behind who did not think I was serious.
To repeat, a visit to a pharmacy or physician will ALWAYS be less expensive than a hospital visit. Or worse, cutting your trip short.
At the first sign, take action. Suffering on vacation is the worst.
I meant to pack my _______ pills. That’s why we have a packing list.