Don’t Leave Home Without Packing:

• Copies of passport(s), ID(s) and credit card(s)

• Copies of prescriptions for medicines/glasses

• Contacts/addresses

• Good walking shoes

• Ziploc bags (various sizes)

• Pocket flashlight

• Swiss army knife (in checked bags)

• Spare batteries for camera and any other electronics

• Chargers and adapters for electronics/cameras

• Scissors & tweezers (in checked bags)

• Band aids

• Optional: Spot remover, binoculars, mini sewing kit, mini first aid kit

Essentials to Take on Every Flight:

• Medications and toiletries: prescriptions, moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer/wipes, tissues

• Food/snax (beverages after you get through security), vitamins, supplements

• Entertainment: reading, listening

• Creature comforts: sweater, sox, jacket, wrap

• Important paperwork and credit cards: passport, currency, tickets, itineraries, etc.

• Optional: ear plugs, headphones and eye mask

Depending on Your Destination: 

• Sun screen

• Insect repellant

• Acidophilus capsules: “friendly” bacteria that help prevent traveler’s diarrhea

• Lomotil or Imodium D: quick relief from Montezuma’s revenge

• Sea/car sickness meds – the natural alternative would be ginger capsules

• A shawl or scarf (for places of worship)

Packing like a pro is also about what you do NOT bring with you!

Unnecessary items or belongings that will make you an obvious tourist target, should be left at home:

• Expensive jewelry/watches

• Expensive designer luggage

• Hair dryers

• Full size lotions, shampoos, creams, etc.

• Fanny packs

• Crocs

• All white sneakers

• Super short shorts and mini-skirts

• Skimpy anything

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What would you never leave home without? Or are you an Over-packer? Please share!