Packing List
Finding a packing list specific to your needs, for your destination with the weather you will experience, and the sites you will see, is difficult if not impossible to find. Your best bet is to write your own packing list. So let's get to it.
We want to fill these 6 categories:
Clothes ∙ Accessories ∙ Utilities
Gear ∙ Entertainment ∙ Documents
First check the weather. This does not have to be daily specific in the beginning. Right before departure, during the final pack, check again for specifics. For now, high and low averages, as well as the average precipitation, is enough.
Next, have a summary of your itinerary handy, to go through.
Finally, know the dress code. Does the cruise ship or resort have a dress code? Are there special events like a concert, wedding, meeting, formal dinner, religious site visit or golf tee time, that require special attire?
- What do I want to wear on the way there and the way home? Consider comfort, temperature and fashion when deciding. You can be cute and comfy at the same time.
- How many formal/dressy outfits do I need? How do I need to dress for dinner or nighttime entertainment?
- Can I consolidate and reuse? Can I wear several tops with the same 1-2 pairs of pants for dinner? Can I mix & match tops, pants, skirts & shorts? Will I spend most of the day in my swimsuit, so 1 pair of shorts will cover several days? Will I have the time and facility to wash clothes?
- What do I need for the weather? Do I need layers or rain gear? Will it sweltering heat and I will want to shower and change clothes mid-day? Will it be cool in the morning or evening? Will I get dirty?
- What items are destination or event specific? Head covers, masks, hikers, tennis outfits, work out clothes
- What do I use day-to-day? What will be provided there? (e.g., hairdryer, shampoo, umbrella)
- Will I be able to buy anything in destination I may have forgotten? What is better to buy upon arrival rather than take along? (e.g., diapers, liquor)
- Can I rent any of my gear in destination? (e.g., snorkel, walking stick, golf clubs)
- Can I order something online and have it shipped to my destination to avoid bringing it along? (European flat iron, heating pad, bassinet)