Tuesday, October 5, 2010

My packing list for 7 days in Cozumel, Mexico

Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
Passport/visas/driver's license
Credit cards (take only those you'll need)
Hotel/theater reservation fax confirmations
Traveler's checks
Photocopies of all of the above, plus a photocopy of related medical and/or trip insurance coverage and prescriptions (to leave the copies in the room safe or the hotel's main safe if there isn't one in my room)
Phone numbers for your credit card companies (in case my cards are lost or stolen)
Prescription medicine (in the original bottle)
Contraception
Light sweater (for the plane, which can get cold)


My things to pack (this is enough for a week - I adjust for a different duration if needed, and for destination, activities, season):

1 pair jeans or khakis (for casual evenings that may be chillier than days)
1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
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
5 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 (for sightseeing)
1 pair evening shoes/sandals
1 evening purse
Extra socks and underwear
Bras
Accessories (scarves and jewelry to "stretch" my wardrobe)

Paul's things to pack (again, adjust for trip duration, destination, activities, season):

1 pair jeans or khakis
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 polo or button-down short-sleeve shirts
2 swimsuits
1 pair comfortable walking shoes or sandals
1 pair nice shoes - even black sneakers can look good with slack & a sportcoat
Extra socks and underwear

For both of us:

Camera
Extra memory for digital cameras
Sunscreen and lip balm
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Paperback books
A canvas beach bag or lightweight daypack (something big enough to hold a bottle of water, camera & sunscreen, etc.)
A small money belt or fanny pack to hold cash, credit cards, etc.
Electrical converter/adapter
Camera battery charger
Phone charger

Basic Toiletries (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.
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)
* Shampoo and conditioner
* Body lotion
* Shower cap
* Alarm clock

Convenient Extras (nice to have, but not necessary):

Extra pair of glasses/contacts
Ziploc bags (all sizes; use for packing wet swimsuits or protecting camera and film when it rains)
Visine
1 pair old sneakers or Keds that can get wet or ruined (if you're traveling to the tropics)
Compact umbrella or rain ponchos

And of course this will all fit inside a carry-on size suitcase (with wheels) and a personal shoulder bag so it eliminates check in and possibly a lost luggage.

1 comment:

Christy said...

Love how your list "to pack" is 2x longer than Paul's. haha =)