Welcome to Packing Checklist! Whether you're packing for an overnight trip or a multi-month excursion, we have a packing checklist to help you plan and prepare for your travels.
We couldn’t agree more with this great video from DisneyParks – other than to rephrase that to a Walt Disney World Resort, rather than just a resort hotel.
The Fort Wilderness Resort cabins and campground are a particular favorite with all the same amenities and benefits of the other resorts.
Too, the experience with resort cast members cannot be beat. They truly make every guest feel like royalty, and the complimentary transportation to each park, water park, Downtown Disney, other resorts, and attractions are worth a mint in the amount of stress relieved when you don’t have to worry about driving or parking at all during your Walt Disney World vacation.
By the very nature of these self-contained floating cities, your packing checklist is going to include some destination and event-specific items. For cool or cold climate cruises, you may find yourself making room for winter coats, sweaters, and ear muffs as well as the swim suits you’ll still use in the heated pools.
Your Cool or Cold Climate Cruise Packing Checklist is broken into categories for you below. You can also download the printable PDF version by clicking here, or by visiting the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.
Documentation and Currency
Driver’s License
Auto insurance card
Medical insurance card
Passport
Immunization records/vaccination certificate
Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
Parking documentation
Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
Per our chatty porch swingers over at Belly Acres, Alabama, this is a very unique, very cool, totally customizable souvenir you can get ONLY on a Disney cruise.
Did you know that if you take pillow cases and a pen(s) with you on a Disney cruise, that you can leave them with the cast (Guest Services) to collect autographs? …truly a most AWESOME souvenir.
Some guests request just the autographs of princes on one and just the autographs of princesses on the other.
You can request the autographs of just a specific cast of characters, too. If you want a pair of Toy Story Pillow Cases, feel free to ask.
This service is provided by cast members during down time that may be available during the cruise. Near the end of your cruise, simply check with guest services regarding the availability of your pillow cases.
These very personal and unique souvenirs deserve a reserved spot in your luggage and on your packing checklist.
Many of these specialty items (many Disney-themed) aren’t mentioned much on other packing checklists as they CAN be bought on or during the Disney Cruise. For veteran Disney travelers, though, or cruisers on a budget, prepacking these items for a Disney Cruise is an absolute given.
While you’re making that packing checklist, you may want to add some iPhone apps to download before you go. Family travel apps can certainly ease your efforts on your journey and entertain parents and kids alike.
One of the best ways to ease your mind during a long road trip is to use the GPS on your iPhone to map out your route, follow along on the screen, and look ahead for amenities at upcoming exits. Navigon is one of several iPhone and iPad apps for GPS directions, among other extremely useful features for finding your way around during your trip and once you reach your destination.
Whether you’re home, on the road, or at your destination, you’ll want to check the weather. Current temperature and conditions are just the beginning for The Weather Channel app.
Streaming video of radar images are incredibly useful as you can SEE where the rain, snow, or hooks are relative to your current location.
The Kindle reader app lets you read ebooks purchased from the Amazon store. Best sellers, how to books, and juvenile works are all available for individual reading on during the trip. The family can even enjoy the ebooks together if someone wants to read aloud.
As one mother recently stated, “Having your child laugh out loud while they are reading to themselves is just awesome!” It’s pretty darned cool to listen to them practice reading aloud, too.
If reading on the road isn’t appealing for your family, Audible audiobooks may be a better option. Audible audiobooks are available for download…no discs or tapes required.
Abridged and Unabridged versions are available for adults, children, or the whole family. Juvenile fiction read by a talented narrator can pass the time on your trip and keep the whole family entertained for miles.
If the kids really prefer to watch movies in the car, downloads and DVDs are both options. One of the more interesting options appears with RedBox vending machines, and the iPhone app that leads you directly to them.
Rather than packing dozens of movies that rattle around and get in the way, you can rent one or two movies from a RedBox vending machine at the beginning of your trip. When you’re done with the movie, just use the RedBox app to locate a nearby RedBox to return the movie and rent another.
Similarly, use the app to find a RedBox once you reach your destination and you won’t have to worry about returning the disc during your trip.
Rather than putting DVDs on your packing checklist, there’s an app for that.
’tis the season to find a good book. Whether it’s a long flight or road trip to Grandma’s house, or just a long stay when you’ll want to sneak a few hours of peaceful reading, if you’re a reader at all, you’ll want at least one good book for the trip. Thanks to smartphones, eReaders, and audible, you could even carry dozens.
In case you’re stuck for ideas, here are 4 we recommend for your packing checklist during the holidays. Affiliate links to Amazon are provided if you want to purchase these immediately online.
Even one of the books should keep you mesmerized for a while. All three may take longer than your trip. If you prefer to just pick one, start with the first, The Autobiography of Santa Claus. The story is pretty much what it sounds like… an “autobiographical” account of Santa’s magical, yet Christian-based life…as “told” to Jeff Guinn, the author. ;-) It’s actually really good. Stories of Santa meeting and interacting with famous historical characters is just a hoot. …great comic relief as Santa struggles to spread his gifts year after year. …and you won’t believe who figured out how to make reindeer fly. :-)
Yeah, there are multiple books in the series, and the audio versions by Jim Dale just can’t be beat. If you’ve never read them, or you have read them, but would like to experience the incredible audio versions, start with the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The unabridged run time is a little over 8 hours, so you can estimate how many of the books you’d like to attempt during your holiday travels.
Though these are not Christmas stories, the holiday season always occurs in each book. It’s definitely a great tone for holiday travel and adventure.
A short little read for a Grisham novel, but quite engaging. During all the chaos of the holiday season, a Caribbean vacation sure does hold appeal. The struggle between taking stubborn control verses following tradition…and the massive number of holiday expectations… make for an incredibly fun little book. It’s a story you can enjoy just for what it is, or you can draw layers of meaning each step of the way. It’s a definite holiday favorite.
Certainly not a holiday romp, but Gods in Alabama is the ultimate road trip book. Forced by the past rearing its ugly head, Arlene has to go back home to her southern family of “characters.” Add the facts that Arlene is lily white, her boyfriend is African American, AND the mystery surrounding the high school quarterback (“god,” date-rapist, and corpse) and you’ve got one heck of a journey.
Regardless of your holiday reading choices, don’t forget a book, ebook, or audiobook on your packing checklist. For other items you might want to remember, check the Packing Checklist Downloads page.
Whether you’re travelling by car, train, air, or boat/ship, motion sickness can strike at any time. You may want to include motion sickness treatment on your packing checklist.
Motion sickness may pass quickly, or even cease when the motion stops, but what if it’s a long trip, and the motion sickness doesn’t go away?
Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, or even vomiting or diarrhea. Luckily, for you and your trip, there are actually several motion sickness treatment alternatives.
Motion Sickness Pressure Bands / Bracelets
Motion sickness wrist bands work by acupressure as a drug-free alternative to treat nausea. Many prefer motion sickness wrist bands because they are reusable.
As a non-ingestible solution, there are no concerns about drowsiness or other side effects. As such, the wrist bands are a good alternative for children and pregnant women.
Medication
If drugs are an option, the old standby,Dramamine (dimenhydrinate), and other brands of motion sickness medication such as Bonine (meclizine) or Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are available over the counter. Pills (tablets or capsules), chewables, and patches are all conveniently available for your needs. There are even motion sickness meds for dogs.
Be careful to follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding use and dosage as drowsiness is a common side effect. Consult your doctor (or vet) for clinical advice.
Ginger
Various forms of ginger root are commonly used to treat nausea and gastric issues. If you prefer a natural motion sickness treatment alternative that is ingestible (rather than pressure bands), multiple ginger products are available including gum, candy, tea, or pills/capsules.
Other Motion Sickness Advice
If you know that you or a member of your party is prone to motion sickness, you may take precautions such as eating light before traveling and including saltine crackers on your packing checklist. If the problem is more serious, you may want to purchase a pressure band, medication, or ginger product. These products CAN also be used before the onset of symptoms.
By the very nature of these self-contained floating cities that dock in multiple countries, your packing checklist is going to include some
destination and event-specific items. In general, you may find yourself making room for snorkeling gear and/or winter coats.
Your Cruise Packing Checklist is broken into categories for you below. You can also download the printable PDF version by clicking here, or by visiting the PackingChecklist.net Downloads page.
Documentation and Currency
Driver’s License
Auto insurance card
Medical insurance card
Passport
Immunization records/vaccination certificate
Hotel and/or transportation tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
Parking documentation
Cruise tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts
Shore excursion tickets, confirmation numbers, receipts, and contact information
Dining reservation confirmation information
Spa reservation confirmation numbers or receipts
Cash
Roll of quarters
Credit Card
Phone card
Personal
Wallet, purse, fanny pack, beach bag, tote, or backpack
Water resistant or waterproof wrist watch
Jewelry
Electronics
Electrical plug adapter and converter
Power strip/extension cord
Travel alarm clock
MP3/Media player and headphones
Mobile phone and charging cable
Laptop and charging cable
Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
Underwater camera
Toiletries
Specific/specialty shampoo
Specific/specialty conditioner
Specific/specialty soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Q-tips
Hair products
Curling iron
Comb/Brush
Razors
Shaving cream
Deodorant
Cologne/Perfume
Make-up
Travel sized nail care kit
Sun block
Lip balm
Insect repellant
Sun tanning lotion
Moisturizing lotion
Prescription medications
Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
Over the counter medications (light first aid kit plus motion sickness medicine)
Don’t bother with baggage locks unless you buy specific TSA recognized baggage locks that can be opened by screening personnel with a master key. If you use a standard lock, they’re going to have to break it to check your bags.
If, like me, you are less worried about proper personnel getting into baggage, but more worried about the zippers coming apart and losing items, try using twist ties or re-usable zip ties. These will keep your luggage secure from inadvertent openings, yet allow airport screeners to do their jobs.
Carry On or Checked Baggage
Carrying-on fewer items can also save you and your fellow passengers a great deal of fuss on the plane. (Since more people are trying to avoid checked baggage fees, larger – sometimes excessively large items – and multiple items are taking up all the over head storage compartment room before everyone can even board the plane. If you’re one of the multiple big bag travelers, consider lack of space for yourself and others. Smaller bags allow more room for your fellow passengers and help you find sufficient space for your own carry-on items if you board the plane late.
Verify ID on Documentation
Before your flight, you may also want to check how your name is shown on your photo ID and that of your traveling companions/family. This should match the wa
y the name is shown on flight reservations. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is enforcing stricter security about photo ID and boarding passes matching.
For a multi-day golf trip, your packing checklist should factor in the number of days you’ll be on your trip, the number of holes you plan to play, and when or if you plan to have laundry processed during your trip. If you have laundry done during the trip, you won’t have to pack nearly as much, but if the trip is for 4-5 days or less, you may decide to forego laundry service and just pack everything you’ll need for the trip.
Golfing Items
Casual or confident golfers may prefer to leave expensive equipment at home, rent equipment and avoid personal loss or damage. Golfers comfortable with their personal equipment, however, will want to pack all the necessities and preferred/favorite items. See the Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist below or on the Downloads page along with the Golf Bag Packing Checklist for a comprehensive list of golfing items.
Weather-specific Gear
During the week and days leading up to your golf trip, check weather.com or local online weather providers to help with your packing checklist. Depending on the length of your trip and the geographic span, you may need to pack for multiple weather conditions including rain gear, moisture wicking clothing, or jackets/sweaters.
Personal Items
Your personal items include the necessary travel documents for your trip. Do NOT forget your wallet/purse, cash, credit card, driver’s license, passport (for international destinations), and all confirmation numbers, tickets, receipts, tee-times, and contact information for courses, resorts, dining, and transportation.
Personal Electronics
The personal electronics on your packing checklist may be as short as a basic wrist watch (to make sure you don’t miss your tee-time), or as extensive as phones, cameras, laptops, and all associated electrical chargers and batteries. You may even enjoy golfing gadgets such as rangefinders and GPS devices, but check with the courses on your itinerary. Not all gadgets and devices are allowed on specific courses.
Toiletries
Unless your trip is over 4-5 days, plan to pack travel-sized toiletry items. Even if your trip doesn’t include air travel, the lighter baggage is always beneficial. Resorts and hotels provide many basic items such as soap, shampoo, and lotion, but if you have brand preferences, you should pack them for your trip. Even in highly populated areas, searching for a store that carries your preferred brands of toiletries can take a lot of time and trouble during your vacation.
Clothing
The number of clothing items on your packing checklist will depend on the length of your trip, the number of holes you plan to play, and whether or not you plan to use laundry services. Certainly, plan daily and nightly clothing for each day of your trip. Count the rounds you plan to play and pack complete outfits accordingly. (Remember to factor in sweat, rain, snow, etc. You may change clothes multiple times during each day.) Pack clothing appropriate for the course dress codes, and pack special clothing as needed for dining and other evening events.
Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist
A comprehensive Multi-day Golf Trip Packing Checklist is included below as well as a downloadable and printable version on the Downloads Page. Whether you’re taking a long weekend to one special resort/course, or you’re planning an extensive trek through every single Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail course in the state of Alabama, you need to choose your preferred travelling style and adjust your packing checklist accordingly. You can pack light and plan to purchase or rent items as needed, or pack extensively trying to remember anything you might need. Either way, packing checklists are for the beginning and end of your trip. During your trip, enjoy the game.
Large Golfing Items
Golf Bag
Golf Clubs
Golf Shoes (2 pair)
Small Golfing Items
Golf Balls
Tees
Coins or Markers
Golf Glove
Extra Spikes
Spike Tool
Pocket Knife/Divot Tool
Towel
Water Bottle
Optional Golfing Items
Heavy duty golf travel bag/case (for air travel or shipping)
Drawstring Bag for personal items/valuables (wallet, keys, cell phone, watch, etc.)
A Sharpie Marker or Golf Ball Marker
Pencil or Pen
Pad of paper
Wrenches needed for specific clubs
Stroke Counter
Compact First Aid Kit
Medications
Alcohol Wipes
Band-aids
Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Hat, Cap, or Visor
Sunglasses
Range Finder/Distance Finder
Extra Golf Gloves
Extra Towels (one dry, one damp/moist)
Ball Retriever
Energy Drinks/Water
Healthy/Energy Snack (Fruit, Nuts, Trail Mix, Energy Bars, etc.)
Club Bonnets
Weather Specific Items
Club/Bag Rain Bonnet
Rain Gear (rain clothes, poncho, umbrella, etc.)
Sweater
Jacket
Extra Socks
Personal Items
Wallet/Purse
Keys
Cash
Credit Card
Driver’s License/ID
Passport (as needed)
Immunization Records (as needed)
Relevant Membership Cards
Auto Insurance Card
Medical Insurance Card
Business Cards
Confirmation Numbers, Reservation Numbers, Tickets, Receipts, Tee Times, and Contact Information for all relevant hotel, resort, club, course, dining, and transportation arrangements
GPS or Maps to courses/itinerary
Personal Electronics
Electrical plug adapter and converter (as needed)
Power strip/extension cord
Travel alarm clock
Wrist watch
Mobile phone and charging cable
Laptop and charging cable
Camera, batteries, charging cable, extra memory cards or film
Toiletries
Specific/specialty shampoo
Specific/specialty conditioner
Specific/specialty soap
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Q-tips
Hair products
Curling iron
Comb/Brush
Razors
Shaving cream
Deodorant
Cologne/Perfume
Make-up
Travel sized nail care kit
Sun tanning lotion
Moisturizing lotion
Prescription medications
Glasses, contacts, sunglasses, case, and cleaning supplies
