We start off our travel tips section with our suggested packing list.  This has lots of stuff to check on, but we do not want to leave anything at home that we might need.  You should adjust the list to suit your needs.  At least you will have a place to start your packing.  There will be additional items that are specific to certain destinations i.e. Euros are needed in Europe instead of dollars.

MUST HAVE ITEMS:

(  )    Air Line Tickets

(  )    Hotel Voucher or Confirmation

(  )    Passport and Copy of Passport hidden away

(  )    Wallet and/or Purse

(  )    Cash in small bills for tips and snacks

(  )   Travelers Checks (if you use them)

(  )   Visa Cash Card (more later)

(  )   Travel Itinerary

(  )    Emergency Telephone Numbers

(  )    Medical Information

(  )    Copies of Prescriptions

GENERAL LIST:

(  )    First Aid Kit

(  )    Sunscreen (2 to 3 strengths for different parts)

(  )    Travel Alarm Clock

(  )    Zip Closure Plastic Bags (many uses)

(  )    Reading Materials 

(  )    Sun Glasses

(  )    Prescription Glasses

(  )    Pen and Paper

(  )    Travel Cards (like Business Cards, but for fun)

(  )    Snacks for Airplane ride

(  )    Camera with extra film or extra memory card

(  )    Binoculars

(  )    Music CD's or DVD's

(  )    Tea Light Candles or Regular Candles

(  )    BIG Insulated Mug (for drink, coffee or beer)

(  )    Super Glue and/or Silicone Seal

(  )    Night Light for Bathroom

(  )    Water Shoes for walking on beach and in ocean

(  )    Beach Bag

(  )    Hat for Sun Protection

(  )    Bracelets for Room Key

(  )    Can/Bottle Opener

(  )    Lounge Chair Towels (personalized)

(  )    Light Bulbs to replace the low wattage ones

MEDICAL NEEDS:

(  )    Medications

(  )    Copies of Prescriptions

(  )    Aspirin

(  )    Favorite Hangover Remedy

(  )    Lotion for Sunburn

SPORTS EQUIPMENT:

(  )    Adult Toys and Toy Cleaner

(  )    Lubricant

(  )    Temporary Tattoos

(  )    Condoms

(  )    Batteries (packed outside the toys)

(  )    Extra Batteries (they are expensive at resort)

CLOTHES FOR HER:

(  )    Dresses

(  )    Blouses/Tops

(  )    Skirts

(  )    Shorts

(  )    Slacks

(  )    Stockings (regular and sexy)

(  )    Nylons

(  )    Lingerie

(  )    Costumes

(  )    Swim Suits

(  )    Cover-Ups/Wraps

(  )    Shoes/Sandals/Flip Flops

(  )    Jewelry

(  )    Accessories

(  )    Accessories

(  )    Hat/Cap/Visor/Scrunches

(  )    Bra/Panties (for travel only)

CLOTHES FOR HIM:

(  )    Shirts/T-Shirts

(  )    Trousers

(  )    Shorts

(  )    Underwear

(  )    Swim Suit

(  )    Hat/Cap

(  )    Shoes/Sandals/Flip Flops

(  )    Suits and Ties (only if you like wearing them)

(  )    Costumes

(  )    Jewelry

TOILETRIES:

(  )    Cosmetics

(  )    Tooth Brush

(  )    Tooth Paste

(  )    Favorite Bar Soap for Bathing

(  )    Laundry Soap/Woolite for quick clean ups

(  )    Spot Remover

(  )    Needles and Thread

(  )    Q-Tips

(  )    Safety Pins

(  )    Shaving Supplies

(  )    Shampoo

(  )    Conditioner

(  )    Deodorant

(  )    Comb/Brush

(  )    Curling Iron

(  )    Hair Dryer if not supplied by resort

(  )    Baby Oil Gel

(  )    Avon Skin So Soft (to repel no see ums)

(  )    Insert Repellant

SUGGESTIONS:

1.    When packing, put half his and half hers in each suitcase in case one suitcase does not arrive.  Then each of you will have some clothes until the errant suitcase arrives.

2.    Carry half or more of your medications in your carry on luggage.

3.    Buy some water bottles after you clear security to carry onto the plane.  Even though water is available from the crew, they may not come back as often as you would like.

4.    Take real food or ample snacks onto the plane for consumption during the flight.  Food and snacks are seldom furnished by the airlines anymore or they are available for sale at inflated prices.

5.    For those of you who like to shop or buy things to bring back home, you should consider taking an extra suitcase for the additional "stuff" that you will bring home.  We pack a smaller suitcase inside a larger one on the trip to the destination.  Patti even stuffs things between the smaller and larger luggage pieces.

6.    We almost always buy more booze than is normally allowed.  We declare it on the customs form and put the liquor boxes on top of the cart when we go through customs.  They have never asked us to pay an additional tariff.  If we had been charged, it would be an additional 10% of what we paid for the booze--still a deal!

7.    If you are going to Mexico and have a sensitive stomach, we suggest that you carry Imodium or a generic of the same medicine to stop Montezuma's revenge.  Patti and I start drinking the water at the airport when we arrive.  If we have a problem, it is always short lived.

8.    When you are traveling to Europe, you need to have a Visa Travel Card or an equivalent ATM card from someone to use at the ATM's for Euro withdrawal.  Your pin number for your card must be four (4) digits and no more.

8a.    American dollars are NOT accepted anywhere in Europe.  You cannot exchange dollars for Euros easily.  French banks are your best bet in a pinch.  You MUST take Euros or be able to withdraw Euros to buy or pay for things.

8b.    Your standard credit cards are accepted most everywhere.  MasterCard and Visa are the main cards with American Express a distant third.  If you are driving on the toll roads, your credit card can be used to pay the toll and is faster than using cash.