Vacation Guide, Packing Lists & Travel Tips
A collection of travel tips, recommended essentials, and helpful products to help you prepare for and enjoy your trip!
GENERAL TRAVEL CHECKLIST & TIPS
Passport or REAL IDTravel insuranceFlight, train, rental car, hotel ConfirmationsCredit/debit cardsEmergency contact informationCopies of important documentsCash and Local currency (if needed)
Comfortable everyday outfitsEvening, Dinner wear
Walking shoes, extra shoes
Beach shoes, Dress up shoesLightweight jacket or sweaterWeather-appropriate layersSleepwear
Swimsuit, Coverup, towelsUndergarments and socksSunglasses and hatRain jacket or compact umbrellaToothbrush and toothpasteShampoo and conditionerDeodorantSkincare essentials
Feminine, Personal itemsSunscreen, Lip balmHairbrush or comb
Glasses, Contacts, and extrasJewelry, Acccessories, Hair Accessories
Makeup & Hair SuppliesPain relievers, Stomach upsetAllergy medicationVitamins and supplements
Selfie Stick
SmartphoneCharger and cables
Fast-Charging Type C CordsPortable power bank - Portable Power BankHeadphones or earbudsTravel adapterCamera or GoPro E-reader or tabletBackpack or daypackPersonal Neck Fan
Reusable water bottleTravel wallet - hidden beltPacking cubes or Vacuum bagsLuggage tagsReusable shopping bagSnacks for travel daysRFID-blocking wallet or fanny packAirTags -Smart Tags - luggage trackerNeck pillow, Eye maskTravel blanketLaundry bagsZiplocs of all sizesHand sanitizerBasic first-aid kit
Purse-size wipes
Under-dress anti chafing shortsReusable Water Bottle
Travel Umbrella, ponchos, etc
Bungee Cords, Carabiner Clips
- *** TRAVEL TIPS ***
- See below for current Passport & REAL ID information!
- Purchase travel insurance for larger, costly, or international trips. Accidents, injury, medical emergencies, and death can be very expensive if you are not properly prepared! And, it all happens! (Not to mention the other inconveniences, like lost luggage, flight or weather delays, illness, missed ship, etc.)
- Research weather, local customs, and transportation options.
- Carry a backup credit card and separate credit cards and cash between luggage pieces and on your person, just in case one item gets lost/stolen.
- Keep ALL documents backed up digitally.
- Have photos of your Passport in case the original is lost/stolen. This will help expedite your replacement. Email them to yourself. Have at least one printed with you in your luggage.
- Have Emergency Contact and relatives' phone numbers on PAPER and placed in each piece of luggage. (You might not know these numbers if your phone is lost or in an emergency situation!) Use Air Tags to track important pieces of luggage or in your purse, etc. You can also put an air tag on your child - in their clothing, tied to their shoe, etc. IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG! Keep ESSENTIALS in Your Carry-On!.Prescription and neccesary medications! One outfit, Sweater, Emergency numbers. Phone charger. Gum & snacks. (Print a list of prescriptions from the pharmacy website if you are carrying them in your own pill containers, like daily organizers.) Print your itinerary with confirmation numbers and email a copy to yourself. Print any tickets that require a physical ticket. TRAVELING WITH A MINOR - Whenever one parent (or a nonparent) is traveling with the child and the other parent is not, it is imperative that you bring a **signed and notarized letter** from the other parent stating you have permission to travel with the child. Also, you should carry the birth certificate, as well as, if possible, a photo ID and/or passport for the child. It does NOT matter if you're married! (Letter should state: Where, Flight info, Dates, with Whom, Medical Release, Child's Passport #) REAL ID - Travel Rules - ALL adults aged 18 and older need a REAL ID—or an acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport—to board domestic flights. SEE HERE FOR CURRENT REAL ID INFO
- PASSPORT - You need a valid U.S. passport for almost all international air, land, and sea travel when leaving or re-entering the United States. SEE HERE FOR CURRENT PASSPORT INFO FAQ's General Rule: Most nations require your passport to remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
- Air Travel: A valid U.S. passport book is required for ALL international flights when departing or returning to the U.S.
- Land and Sea Travel: Entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda requires a WHTI-compliant document (such as a U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card like NEXUS/SENTRI, or an Enhanced Driver's License).
- * We highly recommend a PASSPORT BOOK for ALL travel outside of the 48 contiguous states!!!
- BEWARE OF Common Documentation Problems!!!
- - NAME MISPELLINGS - Verify correct names and spellings on Airline Tickets. They MUST match your ID, Passport!!!
- - LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT - keep a digital copy for easy expediting.
- - PASSPORT EXPIRATION DATE not long enough. --> 6 months after return date.
- - MISSING OR INCORRECT ID OR DOCUMENTS - Verify you have the correct ID, Passport, required Visas, etc.
- - CHANGES BEYOND YOUR CONTROL - Verify your entry requirements, and then verify again!
Cruise Essentials
Cruise-approved non-surge power strip or USB hub
Waterproof Passport Fanny Pack
Hidden Anti-theft Flat Fanny Pack
Portable power bankCamera
Wireless Blutooth EarPhones
Towel Clips
Snorkeling Gear
Lanyard for cruise card
Beach Bag
Quick-dry Towel
Personal Neck Fan
Backpack
Beach Hat
Reusable water bottleWaterproof phone pouchLanyard for cruise cardMagnetic hooks for cabin storageBinoculars
OTC Medications cold, stomach, allergy, Dramamine, pain, etc. (Cruise meds are expensive or hard to find!)
Flip Flops
Water Shoes
Sunglasses
Swim Clover ups
Reusable water bottle
Universal European Travel Adapter (this gives you an extra cruise outlet!)
Travel With Kids Essentials
Road Trip Things to Do
Tablet or children's device
Tablet holders for airplane seatsNoise-canceling headphones
Blutooth Wireless EarphonesPortable chargerCharging cablesDownloaded movies, games, and booksColoring books and crayonsSmall toys and travel games
Reusable water bottlesSpill-proof snack containers
First-aid and medication essentials
Children's medicationsThermometer
Hats and sunglasses
SunscreenInsect repellentHand sanitizerTissues and wet wipes
Backpack for each childTravel pillow and blanketComfort item (favorite stuffed animal or blanket)Change of clothes in carry-onPlastic bags for dirty clothesDisinfecting wipes
Stroller organizerWaterproof bags for wet clothes
ZIPLOCS!
Travel strollerKids' ride-on suitcasesPacking cubes for familiesPortable sound machinesStroller fansReusable activity booksKids' headphones
Europe Essentials
Hidden Anti-theft Fanny Pack
RFID-blocking wallet or passport holderPortable charger/power bankUniversal European travel adapter European Travel Plug Adapter with 3 USB Ports
Charging cables
Fast-charging Type C CordsCamera
Personal Neck FanNoise-canceling headphonesComfortable walking shoes
Reusable water bottleLuggage locks
Waterproof Fanny PackPacking cubes or Vacuum BagsNeck pillows
Purse-size tissue
Purse-size wet wipes
front/back backpack or daypackReusable water bottleSunglasses
Sun ParasolTravel umbrella
Weatherproof jacket
Light sweater or veil for cathedrals/churches
If you have any of the following circumstances, please advise us immediately so that we can ensure your travel plans will not be affected…
Pregnancy – if anyone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant (or will be more than 20 weeks along at the time of travel, especially cruises.)
Children – Whenever one parent is traveling with the child and the other parent is not, it is imperative that you bring a **signed and notarized letter** from the other parent stating you have permission to travel with the child. Also you should carry the birth certificate, as well as, if possible, a photo ID and/or passport for the child. It does NOT matter if you're married!
Felonies, Drug Convictions, Sex Offender registry, or DUI issues Convicted felons face entry bans or restrictions in 38 countries worldwide, with strict automatic bans in 16 nations and discretionary entry denials in 22 others.Arrests, whether convicted or not, that may have not been cleared from your record. • Canada: Inadmissible for felonies; entry requires a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), Criminal Rehabilitation (after 5 years), or Deemed Rehabilitation (after 10 years). Even DUIs can trigger inadmissibility.• Japan: Bars entry for individuals with a prison sentence of 1 year or more, or any drug-related offenses.• United Kingdom: Refuses entry for custodial sentences of 12+ months (or 23+ months under specific immigration rules) or non-custodial offenses within 12 months, barring strong compassionate grounds.• Australia: Fails applicants on character tests for cumulative sentences of 12+ months.• New Zealand: Ineligible for sentences of 5+ years ever, or 12+ months within the last 10 years.• China, Israel, and Argentina: Enforce strict entry restrictions or visa denials for criminal records.An additional 22 nations do not always run routine criminal background checks for short tourist stays, but reserve the right to deny entry or deport travelers if a felony record is discovered or disclosed: • Brazil• Mexico• South Korea• Turkey• United Arab Emirates (UAE)• Additional destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and parts of the Caribbean (such as the Bahamas, which bars U.S. nationals under community supervision). Europe (Schengen Area): For short tourist visits, standard Schengen visa applications or border checks do not universally ask for a criminal record declaration. However, long-stay visas, work permits, or residency applications typically require a police clearance certificate, which will expose past convictions.Latin America, Caribbean, and parts of Africa: Generally more lenient for short-term tourism, though entry still depends on standard passport validity and visa rules rather than routine criminal history sweeps. According to a consensus among users on Reddit, countries like Peru, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Belize, and South Africa are frequently noted as more accessible, though individual entry laws still apply. Unpaid or behind Child Support Obligations - Please be advised that a situation such as owing back child support or outstanding warrants, for example, which prevents you from obtaining a passport, can (and likely will) result in arrest at the port upon arrival from a cruise!!
These, and other similar circumstances, may affect your travel on cruise ships or with entry to other countries (even if you already have a passport!).
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
If you have questions about your particular circumstance, we can assist you in finding the correct information in regards to your travels. For criminal issues, we recommned an attorney to assist possibly getting you permission to enter.
As always, your information will be kept confidential.
Pregnancy – if anyone is pregnant or planning to become pregnant (or will be more than 20 weeks along at the time of travel, especially cruises.)
Children – Whenever one parent is traveling with the child and the other parent is not, it is imperative that you bring a **signed and notarized letter** from the other parent stating you have permission to travel with the child. Also you should carry the birth certificate, as well as, if possible, a photo ID and/or passport for the child. It does NOT matter if you're married!
Felonies, Drug Convictions, Sex Offender registry, or DUI issues Convicted felons face entry bans or restrictions in 38 countries worldwide, with strict automatic bans in 16 nations and discretionary entry denials in 22 others.Arrests, whether convicted or not, that may have not been cleared from your record. • Canada: Inadmissible for felonies; entry requires a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), Criminal Rehabilitation (after 5 years), or Deemed Rehabilitation (after 10 years). Even DUIs can trigger inadmissibility.• Japan: Bars entry for individuals with a prison sentence of 1 year or more, or any drug-related offenses.• United Kingdom: Refuses entry for custodial sentences of 12+ months (or 23+ months under specific immigration rules) or non-custodial offenses within 12 months, barring strong compassionate grounds.• Australia: Fails applicants on character tests for cumulative sentences of 12+ months.• New Zealand: Ineligible for sentences of 5+ years ever, or 12+ months within the last 10 years.• China, Israel, and Argentina: Enforce strict entry restrictions or visa denials for criminal records.An additional 22 nations do not always run routine criminal background checks for short tourist stays, but reserve the right to deny entry or deport travelers if a felony record is discovered or disclosed: • Brazil• Mexico• South Korea• Turkey• United Arab Emirates (UAE)• Additional destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, and parts of the Caribbean (such as the Bahamas, which bars U.S. nationals under community supervision). Europe (Schengen Area): For short tourist visits, standard Schengen visa applications or border checks do not universally ask for a criminal record declaration. However, long-stay visas, work permits, or residency applications typically require a police clearance certificate, which will expose past convictions.Latin America, Caribbean, and parts of Africa: Generally more lenient for short-term tourism, though entry still depends on standard passport validity and visa rules rather than routine criminal history sweeps. According to a consensus among users on Reddit, countries like Peru, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Belize, and South Africa are frequently noted as more accessible, though individual entry laws still apply. Unpaid or behind Child Support Obligations - Please be advised that a situation such as owing back child support or outstanding warrants, for example, which prevents you from obtaining a passport, can (and likely will) result in arrest at the port upon arrival from a cruise!!
These, and other similar circumstances, may affect your travel on cruise ships or with entry to other countries (even if you already have a passport!).
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
If you have questions about your particular circumstance, we can assist you in finding the correct information in regards to your travels. For criminal issues, we recommned an attorney to assist possibly getting you permission to enter.
As always, your information will be kept confidential.