I start a packing list on my phone and add items as I think of them. Helps get me excited for the trip and reduces the anxiety of “I’ve gotta remember…” List is shared with DH because I refuse to be the only adult in charge. (This in itself is a tip. Don’t add a manchild to your vacation responsibilities. It’s your getaway too.)

In the same vein, we post a sheet of paper on the inside of the front door for the 3-4 make-or break items/to-dos that MUST be handled before we can leave or can’t be packed until that morning (passports, my glasses, DD’s lovey…). Invaluable when the Uber is coming at 4:30 a.m.

I pack a nightlight for the bathroom, a multiport charger and a trash bag for dirty clothes (and wet swimsuits, if we swim before leaving).

Clean sheets on the bed, half gallon of milk in the freezer. (Move to fridge when you arrive home and you’ve got cereal and coffee/tea handled for the next morning.)

I tell our neighbors we’re going away and invite them to park a car in our driveway. Helps make the house look lived-in.

I warn DCs ahead of time about challenges — jet lag, long lines, days when we will have to rush. They can roll with the punches if you explain that the pain will be temporary and/or have ice cream or a playground at the end.

Learn and use the local words for hello/please/thank you/do you speak English/excuse me.

Hotel bellhops can take and store bags before your room is ready/after you check out. And there’s usually a bathroom where you can change clothes if you need to.

Anonymous wrote:I bring my oldest pair of tennis shoes to leave behind. it frees up some good space in the suitcase for things picked up.

But then you’re wearing a ratty pair of shoes around

- Saved a ton of money on car rentals by using AutoSlash
- Save travel info to TripIt app: transportation, accommodations, even activities. Free version works great.
- Try to have something in the freezer/pantry for an easy meal when we return without having to go to the store.
- Local chocolate bars, candies, etc. make great gifts.
- Read a book set wherever you’re traveling to.

I bring my oldest pair of tennis shoes to leave behind. it frees up some good space in the suitcase for things picked up.

Anonymous wrote:I identify my three most important things and double check them every time I move. I do not waste my energy trying to double check everything I own. My three most important things might be my passport, cell phone, and wallet. If I have those three things I can overcome any other travel issues. If I lose one of those it becomes very difficult very quickly.

We’ve also drilled this into our kids so we don’t leave their most beloved stuffy or their favorite whatever behind.

I love this song by Adam Sandler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9N6_Tj9u2U

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

What's wrong with food tours and pasta making classes?

Ima guess you're one of these people who sneer at "tourists" and call yourself a "traveler?"

We did a food tour/pizza making class in Italy and it was gimmicky but fun and we still talk about it several years later.

We did this in Leon with my girlfriends and we are still talking how hot was French chef. It is fun light activities with a bottle of wine, so why not?

It’s Lyon, not Leon (which is in Spain).

When you get up and are walking away, turn around and look back. From anywhere, make sure you're not leaving anything behind.

Anonymous wrote:Bring a pair of underwear, a tshirt, and socks in your carryon in case you get stranded over night. I also bring a small pack of wipes and a plastic bag for trash or, worst case scenario, a kid throwing up on me.

+1 to all of this, plus a bathing suit/flip flops if you're going anywhere warm.

Also, I go to the grocery the day before we leave for eggs, milk, etc., so it's there when we get back. We rarely go on a trip long enough that stuff like that would go bad.

Do a trip with cousins or friends. New people add energy and can make a trip unexpectedly fun and adventurous.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Avoid any type of gimmicky activities that pose as educational experiences. I include in this category food tours, pasta making classes, any staged activities in which the locals fight each other (Mexican wresting, Thai boxing, Japanese sumo, Bolivian chola wrestling, etc), chopstick making classes, and so many more. What a waste.

What's wrong with food tours and pasta making classes?

Ima guess you're one of these people who sneer at "tourists" and call yourself a "traveler?"

We did a food tour/pizza making class in Italy and it was gimmicky but fun and we still talk about it several years later.

We did this in Leon with my girlfriends and we are still talking how hot was French chef. It is fun light activities with a bottle of wine, so why not?

Anonymous wrote:As an add on to all the medicine people suggest, I always bring Vitamin C packs so that if I feel like I'm getting sick, that will boost my immune system.

Activated charcoal too

Anonymous wrote:I'm a carryon traveler.

Before longer trips, I often set aside the socks and underwear that are getting worn, toothbrush and mascara that need replacing, etc. Take them on the trip and just toss by the end.

Same! While all my friends are shopping for new clothes for their trips, I usually bring something that I am ready to donate, I wear it once on the trip and toss it without warrying to wash it. And in exchange, I always buy some local brand clothes as my souvenir.

If I travel overseas, I don't bring many toiletries but stop at the local drug store/chemist and purchase something local. There are some great shampoos/soaps/lotions overseas!

I identify my three most important things and double check them every time I move. I do not waste my energy trying to double check everything I own. My three most important things might be my passport, cell phone, and wallet. If I have those three things I can overcome any other travel issues. If I lose one of those it becomes very difficult very quickly.

We’ve also drilled this into our kids so we don’t leave their most beloved stuffy or their favorite whatever behind.

As an add on to all the medicine people suggest, I always bring Vitamin C packs so that if I feel like I'm getting sick, that will boost my immune system.