I'm often asked by clients what I suggest they bring with them on vacation so I've created 'The Ultimate Packing List' for them to use in preparation for their trip.

PASSPORT

Room freshener/candle-just in case Fabric sheets to keep the static cling away and to keep clothes smelling fresh in tropical climates

Zip loc bags for wet suits on the way home

Beach Bag

Book/magazines

Money/ Credit Cards-Discover is not widely accepted/Amex often  has surcharge Mastercard or Visa are the best credit cards for foreign travel Travel checks-ATM Beach towels-all inclusive hotels provide beach towels

Sunglasses

Belt

Shoes/socks

Flip Flops/Sandals

Night light

Toys/water wings/goggle

mask/snorkel

Bottles

Formula

Crayons and coloring book

Puzzle books

Playing cards

Batteries/chargers/memory cards for phones and cameras Camera/video camera/laptop

Sewing kit/safety pins

Costume jewelry- always leave your precious jewelry home

Address book for postcards/or pre print labels –must use foreign postage when traveling outside the US

 

It is a good idea to photocopy all passports, identification and credit cards – front and back, leave a copy at home and take one with you.

Credit card number Phone number on back of card Name of issuing bank Name on card Name on Passport Passport Number Date if issue and expiration of passport

 

Medications Always bring at least 2 days extra in the event of unforeseen circumstances

Birth control-or not 

Blood pressure

Cholesterol

Pain meds

Insulin

All of your prescription drugs

 

Vitamins Aspirin/ibuprophen/naproxen

Pepto tablets – Tums/Rolaids/Pepcid

Cold and sinus tablets

Anti-Motion sickness

Neosporin

Band-aids; various sizes Ace bandage or knee brace

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Diapers and wipes/swim ups/desinex

Purell  Hand Sanitizer

Toiletries Razor Shaving gel

Toothpaste Toothbrush – be sure to dampen with bottle water and rinse in bottle water – Never use tap water!

Floss

Aftershave/Cologne/perfume-small or samples

Brush/Comb Curling/flat Iron

Hair accessories-scrunchie/bands/barrettes

Hairspray Mousse/Gel/Styling products

Feminine Hygiene Products

Contacts/Solution Eye drops

Lip Balm with sunscreen

Deodorant

Makeup – mascara, foundation, eyeliner, blush, eye shadow, lip gloss, bronzer, powder Makeup brushes Moisturizer Aloe Kleenex

 

Tipping Guidelines At all inclusive resorts – some resorts strictly prohibit gratuities. These are only guidelines; if you receive exceptional service, tip more. Maid Tip daily as maids change $2-3 Turndown Maid $2-3

Buffets $2 per person at all inclusive resorts

Ala Carte $3-5 per person depending on type of dining experience at all inclusive resorts

Bar $1-2 per drink round or $5- per day per person if you spend the day at the bar

Bellman/Luggage handlers $1 per bag or 5- $10 for 3-4 pieces  heavy luggage or stairs

Spa/Salon 15% – 20%

Tour Guide $5-10 per person  depending on length and quality of tour

Bus/Driver $2 -5 per person depending on length of trip

Taxi Drivers Always negotiate the price before ever even getting into the car!