goferfan512

Hi everyone,

I leave for a 2 week European vacation this Sat. and while I tried my best to write a comprehensive packing list, I keep finding things I need to add to it. In order to make sure I don't forget anything (I HATE to waste time tracking down stores to purchase items I forgot) Does anyone have any copies of their packing lists to share OR list off a few "don't forget to pack this..." items?

If it helps, I will be going to Salzburg, Florence, Rome, Amsterdam and Munich--combination of trains and planes.

Thanks!
Carrie

suze

Carrie-
If you "google" packing lists you can find all kinds of resources and websites dedicated to specifically this question. Rick Steves has a good basic one.

My only don't forgets are:
passport
money/ATM/credit card
prescription glasses/sunglasses
prescription meds
airline ticket confirmation
hotel confirmation

I don't write or use lists for this myself, but rather start packing a couple weeks ahead of time, keeping my stuff for the trip in a separate place as I get is assembled and organized. I've never forgotten anything important... so far ;-)

suze

hello again~ You might want to post your question over in the Lounge forum &/or the European forum.

The "Smart Travel Tips" is a new branch here on Fodor's and so far has not developed much of a readership, as you'll not from the (lack of) replies to your question

GreenDragon

This is my list for our 3 week Scotland trip coming up:

Packing list for Scotland

Carryon:
Electronics:
Digital Camera
Passport
Batteries
Picture ID
Extra memory cards
Pounds
30G memory storage
Credit Cards
Camera case
Bra Pouch
Video camera
Itinerary
Battery re-charger
Airline Tickets
Auto converter
Brush
Blank Mini-DVs
Notebook
Set of plug converter and adaptor
Business Cards
Quart baggie with 3 oz bottles of liquids
Jewelry
GPS

Trip materials:
Trip book (includes plane res, car res, trip ins, B&B res)
Map of Scotland
Map of Edinburgh
Ferry Tickets
Car rental reservation
Copy of credit cards and passport, and non-1-800 contact numbers
Coupons
One outfit, including underwear

For the plane:
Earplugs
Water
Neck Pillow
Snacks
Book
Melatonin
************************************************** ****
Checked luggage:
Clothing:
7 outfits – mix n match
Sleeping outfit
Socks
Good walking shoes
Hair bands
Sweater

Toiletries in ziplocs:
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Razor
Deodorant
Perfume
Make-up

Other Stuff:
Extra collapsible duffel for stuff I buy
************************************************** ****
Wearing the day of travel:
COMFORTABLE slacks and top
Shawl for cuddling in the cold plane
COMFORTABLE Sandals (a little dressier than the walking shoes)

toedtoes

My basic packing list is as follows:

Wear:
pants
top
jacket
walking shoes
large scarf

Wallet/Purse:
Passport
Driver License
ATM
Credit Card
AAA Card
Health Insurance
Auto Insurance Card
Frequent flyer/sleeper cards

Carry On:
Camera equipment (takes up most of the room for me)
at least memory cards, battery,
charger
Travel Pocket (small plastic pouch that holds itinerary, tickets, reservation confirmations, directions, etc.)
iPod w/charger and transmitter
Cell Phone w/charger
Jewelry
Quart baggie w/contacts and perfume
Book
Snacks

If I expect to arrive late at night, I'll add pajamas and an extra pair of undies (in case my luggage doesn't arrive and stores are closed).

Checked:
2-3 pairs of pants
3-5 tops
enough undies (bras & panties) for the trip
socks (amount depends on where I'm going)
pajamas
second pair of shoes (third if necessary) - usually slightly dressier
second jacket or sweater if necessary
shampoo
conditioner
hair gel
comb
face wash
body wash
razor
toothbrush
toothpaste
saline solution
make up
rain poncho (little plastic one)
maps and guidebooks as needed

ShelliDawn

GreenDragon,

Perhaps I should know what a "bra pouch" is (being someone who wears them), but I don't. I don't know what an "auto converter" is either.

Please enlighten me.

GreenDragon

A bra pouch is a zippered cloth pouch that has a little velcro attachment. it is big enough to hold a passport, cash and credit cards, and slips into the bra. Better than a money belt, especially for those well-endowed

I got mine here: http://cydneyblu.stores.yahoo.net/secretbrapouch.html

An auto converter is an electrical strip that plugs into a car (auto) lighter.

goferfan512

Thanks for the ideas so far! When I tried searching other areas for "packing" the topics centered around bag sizes or bringing certain items when I really wanted to see others' packing lists for ideas.

djkbooks

I have a checklist in outline format I've perfected over the years.

I agree - I just hate shopping for q-tips when I have thousands at home.

At the top of my list are things to do just before leaving home (hold mail, turn off water, etc.).

Mine is ridiculously detailed.

Pocket Items (Motrin, contact lens drops, etc.)

Tote Bag on the Plane Items

Toiletries

Etc., etc.

I use a program called ThoughtManager, which also syncs with my PDA.

It's terrific for all sorts of outline lists - I start a new one each time I start planning a new trip.

I make a copy and detail items as I pack them for each new trip. If your luggage ever goes missing, that list would be really handy.

ShelliDawn

GreenDragon,

Thanks for the answers. I was thinking a bra pouch would be something you put the bra in, not put in the bra. Now it makes much more sense.

suze

If you Google, don't use "packing" rather put in "packing lists"... not that everyone's ideas here aren't great too!

Merseyheart

I've discovered a great little gadget that makes carrying water a lot easier. It's called the LiquiClip.

http://www.liquiclip.com


It's now on my packing list.

fmpden

I don't think you can pack effective without a list. After each trip we evaluate each item on the list and make the list for the next trip. We have refined our list and packing to about 20 lbs each which makes life easy on the road. Now it takes us less than two hours to pack with a very hard and fast rule -- If it is not on the list it goes go. The "Just in Case" items can kill you. Contact me off line for our list/

suze

Why don't you please post your list here for everyone to see?

ellenem

One way I make packing less of a trial: I have three prepared toiletries kits that are in my suitcase all the time.

Kit 1 is bare bones for an overnight, probably at the home of family. All I need is a toothbrush, deodorant, face moisturizer, and a comb since I'm sure my family will have whatever else I need or could get by on for one night. All items are travel size and in a little zippered bag slightly larger than a deck of cards.

Kit 2 is for a weekend away, and so adds in toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, Qtips, sample size vials of perfume, body moisturizer, very small bar of soap, emery board. This all fits in a zippered bag about 6 in by 3 in by 3 in.

Kit 3 contains all of the above, with most items in slightly larger but still not full-size containers, hair gel, face soap, body soap, sunblock, Woolite, nail file, tweezers, razor, folding scissors, moleskin, band-aids, aspirin/ibuprophen, earplugs, sewing kit, shoe buffing cloth. This all fits in a zippered bag about 8 in by 5 in by 3 in.

I refill the containers when I return from a trip, while I remember what might be getting low. When I'm packing for the next trip, I just remove the two kits that I don't need.

I also keep the following items packed in my suitcase:
Isotoner ballerina slippers
down travel pillow
travel alarm clock
extra eyeglasses
airplane kit: inflatable neck pillow, breath mints, ear plugs, one dental pick, wet naps, airplane headphones

JaneB

GreenDragon, RE: BraPouch
I looked at the web site and have a question-- how do you get your credit card or money out when you need it without "stripping"??
Jane

nolimitonfunDOTcom

JaneB, I wondered that too...perhaps you just look like you have an "itch"? I think I'll order one anyway. I just got the Rick Steves Silk Money Belt on Amazon.com and this will complete my "emsemble".

P.S. I love everybody's packing lists - while I'm pretty organized, I sure don't want to be sleepless the night before a big trip wracking my brain trying to go over everything I should rememebr to bring. I think I'll print these out & keep 'em handy! Debra

toedtoes

I believe you're not supposed to get into things like the bra pouch in public. They are meant as a "hiding place" for your valuables, not as a purse. You should put what you need for the day in your wallet or purse, and put the rest in your bra pouch. That way if you lose your purse, etc., you only lose a little bit.

GreenDragon

What toedtoes said

CuriousTraveler2

I use microsoft OneNote 2007 to organize my lists. I can put check boxes next to items so that I can check them off and uncheck them later to re-set without having to re-copy it like on paper. I'm going to post my full list, for me and my husband, for our upcoming round the world summer/winter trip. His clothes I won't post thought since they are like mine minus things like bras and skirts obviously. I've found packing for all seasons in under 20 lbs to be challenging, so any comments are welcome. Also, we're going to some pretty remote places and so there's a lot of emergency gear, I suggest less for smaller trips. Disclaimer: I am in a medical field and am comfortable handling needles/suture - please don't use these things yourself if you're uncomfortable, but you may provide them in hospitals with less than sanitary conditions in an extreme emergency. Okay, prepare for a very long list.

Equipment:
Day bag
Camera, Extra Batteries
Flashlight, Headlamps
Memory cards
Leatherman multitool
Global phone
Universal adaptor
Ipod & Charger
Video camera, Binoculars
2 sleeping bags, travel Pillows (2)
Pack Towels (2)
GPS
Rechargable Battery Charger
small iPod docking station/radio
Mosquito Net
Oroikaso Travel plates
Stuff Sacks to keep clothes dry
Travel Games, Journal
Clothes Line/laundry soap
extra Zip Lock Bags
Sunglasses
Nalgene, Thermos
Steripen
Books to Read
Travel Guitar
Extra Duffel

Toiletries:
Contact solution, Extra contacts
Toothpaste, Toothbrush w/ case
Glasses w/ case, Sunglasses
Suntan lotion, Face lotion
Face wash, Shampoo, Conditioner
Body wash, loofah
Purell hand sanitizer
Bug Spray
Birth control, vitamins

First Aid:
Band aids large, med, sm
Bandage, patch
Ace bandage, Splint/brace
Suture x 3, Needles and syringes
Iodine pads
Knuckle strips
Blister mole skin
Medical tape
Iodine tablets
Bandage scissors, Hemostat, Forceps
Benadryl cream
Benadryl pills
Advil
Sudafed
Dayquil, Nyquil
Anti-fungal cream

Clothes - women's
Bathing suit, Bandanas, Hat, Sarong
1 pair Jeans, 1 Black Pants
3 Tank Tops
2 pair shorts, 1 pair capris
2 pair quick dry hiking pants
3 Quick Dry shirts
3 Long Sleeve Shirts
2 Pullovers, Fleece Jacket
3 dressy shirts
3 T-Shirts
2 Dresses
2 Skirts
3 Bras, 1 performance
12 Socks
15 Pair Underwear
sweatshirt, Vest
Winter Jacket
Shower Shoes
Walking Shoes
nice Sandals
1 Pair High Heels
Sneakers/mud shoes