Packing Tips

What to pack and prepare? Here is a sample list to get you started…

In the Car

  • Antifreeze
  • Driving directions
  • Ice scraper
  • Jumper cables
  • Keys
  • Maps
  • Motor oil
  • Pillow and blanket
  • Spare tire or donut
  • Windshield wiper fluid 

Before You Leave Home

  • Stop newspaper delivery
  • Set up an email autoresponder (unless you plan to be connected)
  • Arrange for care of pets, lawn, and plants
  • Pre-pay your bills
  • Empty refrigerator of items that will expire
  • Adjust heater or air conditioner
  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Set up timed light system
  • Store valuables in a safe place
  • Leave house key and trip itinerary with a trusted relative or friend
  • Check-in online for flights within the 24-hour period prior to departure
  • Confirm status of flights before leaving for the airport
     

Comfort

  • Travel pillow, eye mask, ear plugs and travel blanket
  • Books, magazines and cards
  • Guide books, travel guides, maps and language guides

Important Documents and Necessities

  • Contact info for credit card companies
  • Credit and ATM cards
  • Cruise documents
  • Driver's license and photocopy E-tickets
  • Hotel reservations
  • Insurance information
  • Medical and vaccination records
  • Membership cards (CAA, frequent flier)
  • Money belt/pouch
  • Passport, visa(s) and photocopies
  • Traveler's cheques

Personal Items and Hygiene

  • Body lotion
  • Clothesline
  • Cologne/perfume  
  • Conditioner
  • Contact lenses and solution
  • Cosmetics
  • Cotton swabs
  • Curling iron/hair straightener
  • Deodorant  
  • Eye drops
  • Face wash
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Floss
  • Glasses
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hair care products
  • Hair dryer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip balm
  • Moist towelettes
  • Mouthwash
  • Nail clippers
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Tissues/paper towels
  • Toiletry bag
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Towel/wash cloth
  • Universal sink stopper
  • Woolite packets 

Gadgets

  • Smart phone and charger
  • Camera, GoPro, and spare memory card
  • Noise cancelling headphones or earbuds
  • Laptop and accessories
  • Converters and adaptor plugs

Miscellaneous

  • Address book
  • Cooler
  • Chewing gum
  • Corkscrew
  • Drinks
  • Double-sided/duct tope
  • Highlighters
  • Journal
  • Pen(s)
  • Plastic bags
  • Sewing kit
  • Snacks
  • Swiss army knife

Clothing and Accessories

  • Lightweight clothing that can be layered
  • Sweater or fleece
  • T-shirts and tank tops
  • Pants and shorts
  • Dresses or skirts (for anything formal)
  • Suit, sports jacket and dress shirt with or without tie (for anything formal)
  • Rain jacket or umbrella
  • Socks and underwear
  • Comfortable walking shoes, flip flops and dress shoes
  • Sunglasses and case
  • Jewelry (be cautious about where you wear the expensive items)
  • Hat or sun visor, scarf or bandana
  • Bathing suits
     

Medications and Health

  • Allergy pills
  • Anti-itch cream
  • Bandages
  • Cold medicine
  • Contraceptives
  • First-aid kit
  • Herbal supplements
  • Malaria tablets
  • Motion sickness remedies
  • Nausea and diarrhea remedies
  • Pain relievers
  • Prescriptions
  • Sleep medications
  • Vitamins
  • Water purification method 

Family

  • Baby food
  • Baby powder
  • Baby shampoo
  • Bibs
  • Birth certificate
  • Bottles/sippy cup
  • Car seat
  • CD's/DVD's
  • Changing pad
  • Child's toilet seat
  • Children's books
  • Children's pain reliever
  • Colouring books
  • Crayons/markers
  • Diapers
  • Doll
  • Extra clothes
  • Food/snacks
  • Formula or juice
  • Highchair
  • Infant carrier
  • Kid-friendly camera
  • Nursing pads
  • Pacifiers
  • Playing cards
  • Portable crib
  • Portable DVD player
  • Portable playpen
  • Stroller
  • Stuffed animals
  • Sun hat
  • Swim diapers
  • Toys
  • Travel games
  • Waterproof sheets
  • Video games
  • Wipes

On the Plane

  • Books or magazines
  • Earplugs
  • Eye mask
  • Inflatable pillow 
  • Quart-size bag for liquids/gels
  • Travel blanket
  • TSA-approved luggage locks

Beach, Camping and Outdoors

  • Air mattress
  • Beach bag
  • Beach towel
  • Binoculars
  • Camping stove/fuel
  • Can opener
  • Compass/GPS
  • Cutlery/dishes
  • Flashlight
  • Insect repellent
  • Lighter
  • Shortwave radio
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Tent
  • Trekking poles
  • Umbrella
  • Water bottle

Travel often. Travel well. Travel without worry.