12 Packing List Essentials

This is a list going beyond the obvious of shirts and shoes. I want to cover items you may not think about and why you need them.  This is cruised focused; however, I feel many items on this list can crossover to other forms of travel as well. Especially if you travel internationally.

When on a trip, we tend to think about the fun we will have and overlook the possibility of things going wrong. Though not often, it’s still a good idea to be prepared in the unlikely event you get lost or miss getting back in time and miss the cruise ship. Maybe you get hurt on a tour or someone steals your belongings. In this post, I’ll cover the items I feel you need to have with you on your vacation.

Now onto your daily packing suggestions:

1.       Daily Ship Program:

or take a picture of the program to have with you. This is important because it shows the time you need to be back on the ship. Also, in case you get lost, the program has the address of the port your ship is docked at and the phone number.

The address is very important if you’re at a destination that has multiple ports. For instance, if you take a taxi and tell them to take you to the cruise port, they might take you to the wrong port by accident.

2.       Driver’s License: or some form of government issued ID. For instance, if you end up needing medical assistance, you’ll likely need to have more than just your ship card with you. Cruise lines often tell you daily what paperwork/identification you need to carry on you while in port. If unsure you’re welcome to ask at guest services.

3.       Picture of your passport: I encourage my clients to have both paper and digital copies of everything. This can be helpful if something gets lost/forgotten. For instance, a picture of your passport doesn’t replace your passport, but having the information may help you if a replacement is needed.

4.       Cash in small bills:

or a debit card to take out local currency (check if your card charges foreign transaction fees). You may want a little local currency for things like tips or a taxi, if they don’t accept US cash. I’ve seen people carry large bills and then have issues paying for things, as large bills are often not accepted.

5.       Travel Insurance Information: just like the ship program, it’s a good idea to have your travel insurance information with you in case you need medical assistance. Your insurance forms have the support phone number in case something happens.

6.       Credit card without foreign transaction fees: if you haven’t traveled internationally before, this might not be on your radar. Not all credit cards waive foreign transaction fees. Check with your credit card company to ensure you won’t get charged fees by making international purchases. Some credit cards charge $25 per foreign transaction! That can add up quick and no one wants that surprise bill, when they return home.

7.       Currency convertor app: this is handy to have on your phone, so you can check the prices of things to see if you’re actually getting a deal or being overcharged. You may think you’re getting a good price in a gift shop, or street vendor etc only to return home and figure out you were actually over charged.  Also good for those of us who aren’t the best at math.

8.       External phone charger: for some of us this might be the most important item. Many of us use our cell phones for pictures and many other things while out exploring for the day. No one wants to be halfway through their day and have a dead cell phone unable to capture all the memories.

9.       Secure bag: this one might seem obvious, but with how I’ve seen people carry their belongings, I feel it should be mentioned. Pick pocketing happens often, so I suggest having a bag that latches well. Keep in mind zippers can be easy to open from the back.

10.   Medications:

items often forgotten are things like allergy meds, or something to help with sea sickness. Also, if you take medications, it’s a good idea to take a picture of your prescription just in case yours gets misplaced.

11.   Bug spray: most of us remember sunscreen, but we tend to forget bug spray.  Especially if you live somewhere where it’s not often needed. If you’re taking a tour in a forest (horseback riding or ziplining), I recommend taking bug spray with you.

12.   Water bottle: not all places have safe drinking water and by taking some with you every day, you know at least you have some to get you through.

Bonus Tip (from Client Dee): magnets and clothes pins - the walls of cruise cabins are often magnetic. You can use magnetic hooks, for instance, to have extra hanging space. The bathrooms often have a retractable clothes line, which is handy for drying swim suits or clothes you’ve washed by hand.

This might seem like a lot of items to carry with you every day, but most are small and won’t take up much space at all. Better to be prepared than not; especially, if traveling in a foreign country.

I would love to hear from you. Let me know, in the comments, what is something you can’t leave home without?

Bianca Ramos - Travel Advisor

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