TOP 10 THINGS TO PACK!

April 18, 2020

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If you are like me you overpack when you travel. I always have the best of intentions when packing to strictly only take what I really need. Here are the top 10 ten things you need to pack!

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Twenty years from now

You will be more disappointed

By the things you didn’t do

Than by the ones you did do.

So, throw of the bow lines.

Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sail.

Explore.

Dream.

Discover.
~Mark Twain

1st THINGS 1st – 2 ESSENTIAL ITEMS YOU’LL NEED TO CRUISE

If you are like me you overpack when you travel. I always take a carry-on piece of luggage when flying – filled with one change of clothes, swim suit, toiletries, and PJs. Can you tell I’ve had my luggage go missing before? Usually, I check one large case and struggle to keep the weight under the requisite pounds allowed by the travel company (too many shoes, I’m sure!) This super lightweight suitcase can help solve those problems! Plus it comes in 6 different colors for easy identification on a luggage carousel.

Don’t forget your CRUISE SHIP ID TAG HOLDERS, if you are cruising! Before we get to my TOP 10 LIST, here are my ESSENTIAL FAVORITE picks for LUGGAGE & CRUISE SHIP ID TAG HOLDERS! Right now you can buy CRUISE SHIP ID TAG HOLDERS the luggage and a digital hanging luggage scale for slightly over $300.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW AND PURCHASE:

SAMSONITE WINFIELD LUGGAGE

This 2 PIECE SET contains: 20″ Carry On (meets carry on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 28″ Spinner (maximize your Packing power and the ideal checked bag for longer trips). It has a WARRANTY: 10 Year Limited Warranty: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure that their products meet stringent standards, This bag comes with a 10 Year Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

CRUISE SHIP ID TAG HOLDERS are also essential equipment to have ON your luggage prior to embarkation on a cruise! Don’t make the mistake of forgetting this item properly affixed to your luggage!

Top 10 things you need to pack when heading out on your next INSPIRATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURE.

While the above are preferences for what you MIGHT consider while traveling…Below is a list of items to ALWAYS consider when traveling. Nothing is more frustrating than when you are well on your way through your vacation only to discover that you have neglected to remember obvious items that you wish you had brought along!

1) PASSPORTS

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PASSPORT BELT

Don’t leave home without it. Don’t lose it while traveling either. Have a plan in place for where you are going to keep it securely when you don’t need it, and how you plan to easily access it when traveling through airport security checks while remaining to keep it in a secure location. My husband wears this PASSPORT TRAVEL BELT.

It is worth using the room safe to lock it up when it is not on your body. Do not ever leave it in any way accessible at your accommodations while traveling. You are “so up a crick without a paddle” if you lose this document while traveling! ALSO, don’t forget to research the currency type for your travel destination and go to your local bank to exchange US currency for that currency prior to departure (at least some starter cash until you can locate an exchange place there.)

2) POLYESTER RAYON FABRIC

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POLY RAYON FABRIC

This fabric is essential when packing (it doesn’t wrinkle!) Need I say more? I always throw in a sundress or two with polyester/rayon blend fabric…For dress up or dress down, it will always look fabulous and no wrinkles ever (unless rayon gets wet!) Oh, and did I mention you don’t even have to fold it in your luggage…no worries!

ANRABESS Women’s Casual Loose Sundress Long Dress Sleeveless Split Maxi Dresses Summer Beach Dress with Pockets. CLICK THE LINK TO PURCHASE…

I love to pull on a loose comfy sundress for dinner, over dry beach clothes, or mid-morning shopping! Even if it is wadded up in the luggage…pull it out and you’ll instantly look fabulous!

3) SUNGLASSES

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Oakley Women’s Sunglasses

Oakley Women’s She’s Unstoppable Tortoise polarized sunglasses provide just that right flair of flirty confidence to provide you with vacation fun! Approx. $120

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Oakley Men’s Sunglasses

Luxurious sunglasses can make you feel decadent on vacation! Oakley sunglasses for men or women are a special treat! These Men’s Oakley Holbrook Team USA are about $200.

YES! I have gone on vacation before and spent the entire time complaining because I forgot my prescription sunglasses in my car back in the airport parking lot. Ugh! I have also had the wrong sunglasses with me…you know the prescription that helps you see in the distance when driving on a bright sunny day…well not so good for trying to read a book while lying in the sun!

EYEGUARD 3 Pack Unisex Classic of Style Sunglasses Readers Outdoor Reading Glasses for Men and Women 1.50- Not Bifocals. CLICK THE LINK TO PURCHASE…

Did you know that you can pick up a $12-$15 pair of “readers” of various strengths that are fashionable tinted sunglasses just for that occasion. Who knew? Made for men or women! From inexpensive to expensive depending on your taste and flair for fashion their are so many sunglasses to pick from!

4) PLUG CONVERTER

(Euro travel) Okay, so when traveling out of the country, beware that you might need to research the electricity situation prior to departure! You might need a converter to protect your electronics and to have the ability to use them! Converters have anti-static protection, surge prevention, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and short-circuit protection. They are about $10-$30 each. Gotta have one!

European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 4 AC Outlets 3 USB Ports, US to Most of Europe Euro EU Italy Spain France Iceland Germany Greece Portugal Charger Adaptor, Type C. CLICK THE LINK TO PURCHASE…

On cruises ships this is a must have outlet plug! Limited electrical plugs are available in the rooms, so this turns one plug into many plugs, safely!

Cruise Essentials,6 Ft Power Strip with 3 Outlets and 4 USB Ports(1 USB C), Non Surge Protector for Cruise Ship, Travel, Home Office, ETL Listed, White. CLICK ON THE LINK TO PURCHASE…

Several choices are available for converter plugs depending on your travel situation. Browse your many choices here:

5) DRESS FOR DINNER CLOTHES

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DRESS FOR DINNER

LOVE dressing for dinner on vacation (especially cruises). It is fun to get dressed up and look your best! When we look great…we feel great! We flirt with our husbands more and enjoy the moments deeper! Make memories!

PRETTYGARDEN Women’s One Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress 2023 Summer Cutout Slit Wrap Party Cocktail Midi Dresses. CLICK THE LINK TO PURCHASE…

Celebrate with dressing for dinner! Take lots of photos, you look amazing! Try to choose polyester for no wrinkles! Pick separates if you want too! (You can reuse pieces of outfits to mix and match for other nights.)

6) SUNSCREEN & SNORKEL GEAR

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SNORKEL GEAR

Basic snorkel gear found on Amazon.com works great! Last trip we outfitted our entire crew with this gear! I recommend longer fins with an adjustable heel strap. Notice the mask allows for a panoramic view. This can become important to see peripherally!

Don’t forget a snorkel waterproof wallet for storing your valuables while you are out in the ocean! No one wants to stay back to watch out for valuables while everyone else is snorkeling. Wear a waterproof wallet around your waist or under your swim shorts men!

Gotta have the sunscreen! Make sure you have your favorite brand of SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50 (if near the equator) and SPF 100 if you have a child like I do with the fairest skin! Five minutes in sunshine near the equator and he is LOBSTER red and miserable. Once you are burned, it is no fun. Stay ahead of the BURN! Who wants more wrinkles anyways…

Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15, Immediate Glow & Dries Fast, Broad Spectrum, Water Resistant, Non-Greasy, Oxybenzone Free, Cruelty Free, 6 Ounce. CLICK TO PURCHASE…

There are the cutest PACKABLE sun hats too, if you are not into having sunscreen smudged in your eyes!

FURTALK Womens Beach Sun Straw Hat UV UPF50 Travel Foldable Brim Summer UV Hat. CLICK TO PURCHASE…

7)

Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea

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(I discovered CLARK sandals many years ago.) They are the best arch protection on the market! They slip on and off easily, and they are very fashionable. Be good to your feet and only buy the best support, even in sandals!

8) CHARGE CORDS/PORTABLE CHARGERS

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Anchor Charger

Okay, who’s arrived at their destination only to realize that you have forgotten your charge cord? You didn’t miss that you forgot it, until you need it right? I always travel with a portable charger that has several USB charging ports. A good portable power charger can last up to 3-5 days before it will need to be recharged. One of those essential items! When traveling sometimes our phone’s WI-FI is constantly trying to connect to signal…battery drain! BE PREPARED!

9) NEUTRAL COLOR PAIR OF SASSY SHOES

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CLARKS HEELED SANDALS

(can go with several outfits). I have a go-to pair of neutral colored sassy heeled sandals that actually have great support and are super comfortable.

I can wear these with virtually any outfit in the suitcase. Having slimmed down shoe needs frees up packing space and weight of luggage. I LOVE CLARKS HEELED SANDALS. Check them out!

10) BASIC SWIMSUITS/COVER-UPS or SARONGS and SHORTS w/CUTE TOPS

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SWIMWEAR COVER UP

Finish packing the remainder of your clothing. Who knows what the guaranteed weather will be…have options for neutral colored tops (long sleeve, short sleeve, tanks) and a light weight sweater that is khaki or cream that could be thrown on with any outfit if a cooler breeze from the ocean picks up while watching that sunset.

Jar of Love Women’s Beach Dress Bikini Beachwear Coverups Casual Vacation Short Summer Halter Dresses. CLICK TO PURCHASE…

If you LOVE bright tops…be sure to pack white/neutral jeans to make outfits easy to pick. Light and airy clothing in bright colors sure do pop on your sun kissed skin from sunshine vacation locations!

I hope my list of TOP 10 things you need to pack when heading out on your next INSPIRATIONAL TRAVEL ADVENTURE was helpful! Leave a reply below telling me what your TOP 10 THINGS TO PACK included that mine did not! I’d love to hear from you!

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Inspirationally Yours,

Barbara

BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/

About Me

A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.

WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com

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