Some people are naturally gifted organizers who never pack too much or too little....then there's the rest of us, who need just a little help in figuring out what to bring and what to leave behind.   Fortunately, we have someone on our staff who is one of those naturally gifted people we all hate....err, I mean envy... and she helped us come up with this basic packing list.  Don't forget to check our Packing Tips page for even more advice!

And remember to check the Current Airline Travel Requirements - (what you can & can't pack in your carry on bag)

In Your Carry On Bag:

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Passport/visas/driver's license
• Credit cards (take only those you'll need)
• Hotel & transfers reservation fax confirmations
• American Express Traveler's Cheque Card or Traveler's Cheques
• Photocopies of all of the above, plus a photocopy of related medical and/or trip insurance coverage and prescriptions (leave the copies in the room safe or the hotel's main safe if there isn't one in your room)
• Phone numbers for your credit card companies (in case your cards are lost or stolen)
• Prescription medicine (in the original bottle) AND the prescription for the medication
• Contraception
• Light sweater (for the plane, which can get cold)
• If you have space, a swimsuit, change of clothes, and pajamas in case your luggage gets lost or delayed
• And....if you simply must take valuable jewelry, wear it or take it in your carry-on, don't put it in any luggage to be checked

HER things to pack

• 1 pair lightweight slacks or khakis (for casual evenings that may be chillier than days)
• 1 lightweight jacket or shawl
• 1 nice sundress
• 1 little black dress
• 1 nice cardigan-style sweater (for chilly restaurants)
• 4 casual shirts (T-shirts, tank tops, short-sleeve button-downs, etc.)
• 2 pairs shorts (not too short - daisy dukes or hot pants are not appropriate for most places)
• 2 swimsuits (bikini for the beach, one-piece for water sports)
• 1 swimsuit cover-up (pareos work great and can double as a shawl in the evenings)
• 1 pair comfortable walking shoes/sandals (you may wind up walking a bit if you go sightseeing)
• 1 pair evening shoes/sandals
• 1 evening purse
• Extra socks and underwear
• Bras (don't forget a strapless one if you've packed a top or dress that needs it)
• Accessories (scarves and jewelry to "stretch" your wardrobe)

HIS things to pack

• 1 pair lightweight slacks or khakis (jeans are too heavy for a tropical climate)
• 1 pair nice slacks
• 1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
• 4 casual shirts (T-shirts or short-sleeve button-downs)
• 2 pairs shorts
• 2 lightweight polo or button-down short-sleeve shirts (avoid dark colors)
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 pair comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• 1 pair nice, but not dress, shoes - even black sneakers can look good with slacks & a sport coat
• Extra socks and underwear

For Both of you:

• Camera (disposable cameras are much more expensive at vacation spots - consider an Underwater Camera if you love to dive or snorkel)
• Extra film or memory for digital cameras
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Paperback books (you can leave them in the hotel library once you've read them)
• A canvas beach bag or lightweight daypack (you'll want something big enough to hold a bottle of water, your camera & sunscreen, etc.)
• A money belt, neck pouch or fanny pack to hold cash, credit cards, etc. - be sure to wear it in the front
• Guidebook (but you may not need the whole book - you can just tear out pages for only what you're interested in)
• Electrical converter/adapter (only if going outside of the US and taking items like a computer, hairdryer, curling iron, battery charger for a camcorder, etc.)

Basic Toiletries

(Remember - use travel-sized containers whenever possible)
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Cosmetics
• Make-up remover
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Comb/brush
• Hair gel/spray
• Nail file/clippers/emory file
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Contact lens and re-wetting solution, storage case
• Hair accessories - clips, headbands, etc.
• Buy or pack a small first-aid kit that contains:
  * Insect repellent (and anti-itch cream for the bugs that break through)
  * Band-Aids
  * Aspirin
  * Antacid
  * Antihistamine
  * Diarrhea medicine
  * Motion sickness medicine
  * Aloe vera
  * Tampons/pads (besides the expense, they can be hard to find outside the US)
  (check out the Travel Rescue Kit from Magellan's - it's what I use)

Optional Items:

(Many hotels provide these, but check to be sure)
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body lotion
• Hair dryer
• Shower cap
• Alarm clock

Convenient Extras

• Extra pair of glasses/contacts, asthma inhaler, and the like
• Ziploc bags (all sizes; use for packing wet swimsuits or protecting camera and film when it rains)
• Earplugs
• Sewing kit
• Shout Wipes (instant stain-treater towelettes)
• Anti-bacterial liquid or lotion
• Visine
• 1 pair old sneakers or Keds that can get wet or ruined (if you're traveling to the tropics)
• 1 pair workout sneakers and 2-3 workout outfits if you plan on visiting the resort's gym or jogging on the beach
• Compact Umbrella or rain ponchos

Very Important - Leave these items with family or close friends before you go:

• Your itinerary and hotel phone numbers
• Photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and traveler's check receipts
• A sealed copy of your wills, life insurance-policy numbers, and pertinent financial info

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