Packing Tips
A senior trip is going to take you to exotic and exciting new destinations, which means you might be without the everyday conveniences that are always within your reach. Therefore, when you decide to pack for your senior trip you need to make sure you have the essentials that will make your experience an enjoyable one.
The most important thing you can do after getting your suitcases from the attic and dusting them off is to make sure they are still in good, sturdy, travel condition. Make sure your luggage is labeled with your name, address and telephone number in case it gets lost.
Listed below are some general items to pack no matter what retirement destination you visit. Keep in mind to always pack light, as one of the best parts of traveling is picking up souvenirs to bring home!
Carry-On Luggage
Always pack your most important items in your carry-on luggage so they won’t get out of your sight!
- Your passport, travel itineraries and other important documents
- Travel guides and maps of the country you are visiting
- Calling cards and/or cell phone along with a list of important phone numbers (family members, emergency contacts, doctors)
- Any valuables such as jewelry, a laptop, credit cards, check book, cash, traveler’s checks, camera, etc.
- A change of clothes and a toothbrush (just in case your larger luggage gets lost)
Clothing
The type of clothing you pack will depend largely on the country that you visit, so dress accordingly. As previously mentioned, one key to packing is to pack light. You can always buy more when you get there! Lugging around a heavy suitcase is no fun, and can especially be grueling when you are commuting from airport to cab to hotel to hotel room.
Here is a basis of the typical clothing you will want to pack when going on your senior trip:
- 1 warm coat/jacket
- 10 shirts (mixture of t-shirts, sweaters, blouses)
- 1 nice suit/dress outfit for special events
- 2 pairs of pants
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of sweat pants
- 1 belt
- 1 bathing suit
- 10 pairs of socks and underwear
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- 1 pair of sandals/flip-flops
- 1 comfortable pair of sneakers
Toiletries
Most toiletries can be purchased overseas, so pack only the name brand items that you think will be hard to get abroad. Medications and necessary items should be packed in your carry on. However, if your medication is in a liquid form you might need to call ahead to the airport to discuss your travel on options.
Here is a list of the toiletry basics you will most likely want to pack for your senior trips:
- Comb/brush
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Glasses/contact lenses (with contact solution and carry case)
- Any personal medication
- Shampoo/conditioner
- A small personal hairdryer
Miscellaneous
There are always random items that you should bring that will help you when you explore your retirement destination! Some can be for fun, others for required maintenance and safety that might go overlooked when packing.
- Sun glasses
- Umbrella
- Travel alarm clock
- Journal
- Flashlight
- Bug spray
- Extra batteries
- Language dictionary
- Personal sewing kit
Purchasing a backpack at your hotels gift shop or at the airport is always a good idea. Back packs offer a convenient way to carry your items when traveling around a city or country.
