From Susan Breslow Sardone,
Your Guide to Honeymoons / Romantic Travel.
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Every successful vacation starts with a packing list and luggage that's right for the trip. By drawing up a packing list, you can prepare ahead of time and have the confidence of knowing you are unlikely to leave anything important behind. Having a vacation packing list will allow you to stay organized, and hopefully prevent you from packing items that you don't need on vacation or are too heavy to carry.

I recommend that couples divide their vacation packing list into three categories: His, Hers, and Ours. If you're going on a trip of any length, you may find that having three suitcases — his, hers, and ours — and a carry-on with mutual valuables — is the way to go.

OUR VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS

Media

• Cellphone and charger (compare prices)
• Digital camera (compare prices), batteries, memory cards, manual
• iPod (compare prices) /MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers
• Camera case
• Foreign-language dictionary or phrase book
• Journal/notebook and pen
• Maps and directions
• Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs
• Reading material
• Travel guide(s)
• Underwater camera (compare prices)

Medical

• Antibiotic cream
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Band-Aids
• Birth control
• Bug repellent
• Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream
• Extra pair of eyeglasses
• For cruisers: Sea-sickness bands or pills (compare prices)
• Lubricant (compare prices)
• Pain reliever
• Prescription medicines

Money & Documents

• Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail
• Auto insurance card
• Business cards
• Cash
• Copy of marriage license
• Copy of medical history, if necessary
• Copy of vacation packing list
• Driver's license/international driver's license
• Emergency numbers and embassy address
• Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards
• Paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Passports and visas, if necessary
• Photo ID
• Pre-paid phone card
• Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate)
• Vaccination certificates, if required
• Vouchers/coupons/tickets
• Your itinerary

Miscellaneous/Extras

• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Bubble bath
• Binoculars
• Currency converter
• Duct tape
• Keys
• Krazy Glue
• Lint roller
• Luggage locks approved by TSA (compare prices)
• Massage oil
• Plastic Zip-Loc bags
• Playing cards
• Q-Tips
• Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles)
• Sunscreen/SPF
• Sunglasses
• Travel alarm clock
• Travel candles
• Umbrella
• Zip ties (vendor's site)

HIS VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS

Menswear

• Athletic shoes (vendor's site)
• Belts
• Boxers / Briefs
• Casual shirts
• Dress shoes
• Hat
• Oxford shirts
• Pants
• Pajamas / Robe
• Sandals
• Shirts
• Shorts
• Sports jacket
• Swim wear
• Tie
• T-shirts / Undershirts
• Workout clothes

Men's Toiletries

• Comb / Brush
• Deodorant
• Floss
• Lip balm
• Rogaine (compare prices) , if necessary
• Shaving kit / Shaving Cream
• Shampoo / Conditioner / Styling Products
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash

HER VACATION PACKING LIST ITEMS

Women's Clothing and Accessories

• Bathing suit
• Bras
• Panties and/or thongs
• Lingerie
• Costume jewelry -- earrings, necklace, bracelets
• Fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return)
• Dress
• Heels
• Pareo/sarong/big scarf
• Robe
• Sandals
• Shorts/Capris
• Skirt
• Slacks
• Slip/Bodyslimmer/Spanx (compare prices)
• Sneakers (vendor's site) or walking shoes
• Socks
• Stylish shirt
• Sweater
• Straw/wide-brimmed hat
• Tank/halter/sleeveless tops
• Workout clothes

Sundries

• [Acne control product[/link]
• Baby powder
• Blow dryer/straightening iron
• Comb/Brush
• Cosmetic case/makeup bag
• Deodorant
• Depilatory
• [Eyeliner
• Eye Shadow
• Lipsticks
• Blush
• Mascara
• Makeup remover
• Facial cleanser
• Moisturizer/SPF
• Tampons
• Toothbrush/toothpaste/mouthwash
• Dental floss
• Shampoo/conditioner/styling products
• Scrunchies
• Tweezers

A vacation packing list is especially important when you're traveling to a new place for the first time. While most items left behind can be secured elsewhere, you may not have the time or budget to shop for them on your vacation.

It's unlikely you'll need everything on this A-to-Z packing list, but I've tried to make it as comprehensive as possible to help you get organized. Obviously, the same vacation destination may not call for both a bathing suit and gloves or mittens...but you never know. It may occur to you that I've left jeans off the list. In tropical climates, they're too hot to wear. In Europe, they're too informal. But if you're going to some place casual, pack a pair. Good luck, and happy packing.

In the worst-case scenario, your luggage disappears. Forever. But if you have a copy of your vacation packing list on you — or leave a packing list with a trusted friend or family member while on vacation, you'll have a complete record of any loss.

More tips for packing for your vacation:
Buy the Right Luggage

Plan Ahead for a Great Getaway

Advice on Vacation Packing

Vacation Budget Worksheet

Event Finder

Passports & Visas