What do you take on a trip no matter what?

@AmbiePam (104130)
United States
August 16, 2025 11:36am CST
I prefer not to fly, but we are next month so I’m sure I’ll deal with it. My sister made a list of things for me to remember to take, but I’m still packing as light as I can. I mostly just want to keep as much energy as possible, and not get sick. Nobody wants to ruin anyone’s time. What do you guys suggest?
22 people like this
26 responses
@moffittjc (125924)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Aug
Don't forget your phone charger! LOL
3 people like this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
Thanks for the reminder. I don’t want to forget that!
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
@moffittjc And I DID pay for the wifi on the cruise. I’m not going to be sleepless with nothing to entertain me but a snoring niece. Don’t get me wrong, I love the snoring niece, but that’s not going to help me pass the time. Lol
2 people like this
@moffittjc (125924)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Aug
@AmbiePam As long as I have my phone, charger, and wallet, I can deal with anything else I forget. lol
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (124994)
• United States
16 Aug
I've never been great at packing light. I typically will wear shirts/shorts 2x or more to go out to dinner as long as I didn't sweat through or spill on them. I bring the usual toiletries that I use each day. I never stressed much when we were in CZM because there was a Walmart-type store (Chedraui) right across the street so if I needed more sunscreen, toothpaste, etc. it was easy to get.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
My sister couldn’t understand why I’d wear the same outfit for dinner in a week, but if it’s not dirty, that saves me some much needed room in my suitcase.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
@NJChicaa I read about a guy who was fined an exorbitant amount for bringing in a banana. Hopefully, they leave me alone about my medications. Unfortunately, they give my sister and BIL fits about my nephews medically prescribed food. I told her I didn’t mind being the jerk to get it on the plane, but she said my BIL has that covered. It’s legally allowed, and they check ahead of time, but every single time they give them terrible trouble when they try to board with it (even fits in the overhead). Even if it’s too cold to be in the outside pool, I’m getting in the indoor. I want to see if it would be worth joining the Y next summer; even though the Y’s pool is outdoor. It might be good for me.
2 people like this
@sallypup (66283)
• Centralia, Washington
16 Aug
@AmbiePam Do people still dress up for dinner?? Go you on joining the Y. For sure get in that pool. You will be amazed at much easier it is to move in the water.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (38536)
• Toccoa, Georgia
17 Aug
Few clothes I know that I will wear, make up bag, my phone, my charger are the main things I take.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
I want to make sure I take a mouthguard too… can you imagine if I broke a tooth on vacation?
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (38536)
• Toccoa, Georgia
17 Aug
@AmbiePam oh my, that's a good idea. I never thought about that happening.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (89738)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Aug
Haven't been anywhere in ages but perhaps this can help
Packing mishaps range from minor (forgetting a swimsuit) to disastrous (forgetting a passport). Our ultimate packing list can help you pack well every time.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
Hey, thanks so much!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (89738)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
16 Aug
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (203074)
• United States
17 Aug
What takes up a whole tote bag for me are toiletries/pharmaceuticals. I have to have my mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, dental floss, medications, etc. When we used to travel to the Keys, I couldn't wear my clothes more than once due to the heat and humidity.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
Oh yeah, the heat and humidity….
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (203074)
• United States
17 Aug
@AmbiePam We always have to do laundry when we're traveling, which I hate!!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49574)
17 Aug
Bring things that mix and match to wear if possible--two or more tops that can go with different pants, etc. I always take a jacket or a cardigan or something--you never know. Tuck in a few plastic bags for wet bathing suits, things that need laundered, etc. Medicine for nausea, and over-the-counter meds you may need. Immodium for just in case you or someone in your group eats something that just doesn't agree with them--it's saved more than one kid on trips I took!
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
Imodium is a good call!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (49574)
17 Aug
@AmbiePam Like I said, you just never know for sure...oh, and add a few band-aids as well, Amber!
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (35954)
• Petaluma, California
16 Aug
I'm afraid that the last trip I took was several years ago (like 1986) so I'm afraid I wouldn't know.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
17 Aug
@xstitcher That’s a good one! I have the Kindle app on my phone so I’ll be reading if I can’t sleep at night.
@xstitcher (35954)
• Petaluma, California
17 Aug
If I were to go on a trip (and yes, I've been thinking about this since I last commented) I'd be sure and bring a book or two !
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54791)
• Canada
16 Aug
I agree, pack light, and pack smart. Remember the essentials that you need to keep yourself healthy, and it will not matter what you are wearing for clothing because you will be making memories and wearing a huge smile. I know that Amyra will help you to relax, as you will be sharing accommodations with her, and relaxing is the best frame of mind to be in to remain pain-free.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
Amyra is the best person to have around to relax…my dad too. My sister is a little high strung, but maybe with my dad around she’ll be more relaxed too.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54791)
• Canada
16 Aug
@AmbiePam Yes, Amyra sounds like she has a gentle soul, and I am sure that she will be a wonderful travelling companion. Your sister will likely busy herself with meeting others.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (160026)
• United States
16 Aug
I always make sure I have anti-allergy meds and pain pills, just in case. I take at least one outfit for each day of travel and several extra pair of underwear and socks. There are small bottles of shampoo and toothpaste you're allowed to carry on a plane at Walmart. Think about packing some light snacks. You and Amyra might get hungry in the middle of the night and won't want to leave your room just for snacks. Check with Amyra and see what she's packing, just in case. I always asked Pretty what she was taking and made sure she had enough clothing and some snacks in her bag, too.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
Yes, Walmart is definitely on my list for plane approved bottles of shampoo and such. Walmart is great for that. My sister keeps telling me won’t need snacks, but I beg to differ, and like you said, we don’t want to leave the room for snacks. Thanks for the advice!
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (160026)
• United States
16 Aug
@AmbiePam You're very welcome.
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (14471)
• Ireland
16 Aug
@ambiepam My wife has a list of ‘must haves’ for any trip. Hot water bottle, very bulky fluffy dressing gown (robe), ear plugs. All these go and even going somewhere very hot the hot water bottle takes priority.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
That’s at least one thing I know I won’t need.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44131)
• United States
16 Aug
To me, simple toiletries matter as much as the clothes I take. I pack small bottles to weigh less to carry and double up on combos of outfits.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
Yeah, I need to remember to get the small bottles they allow on the plane.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (66283)
• Centralia, Washington
16 Aug
Pain pills and some kind of writing equipment.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
Those are some good things!
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (21122)
• United States
19 Aug
I always take my pills, and pads (if the trip is that time of the month). But I usually don't pack light. For my trip in November, I keep adding things I would like to take which is frustrating.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
19 Aug
I hate when I keep thinking of things to bring.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (92443)
• Bangalore, India
16 Aug
I will not miss the basic medicines just in case we catch some sickness. It's not fun to fall sick when travelling. I carry my insulin without missing it.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (104130)
• United States
16 Aug
I am going to be very careful in not forgetting my medications.
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@arunima25 (92443)
• Bangalore, India
16 Aug
@AmbiePam That's the first thing that I pack. I learnt it as a young mom while traveling with my daughters. Now, it has become a habit.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (484839)
• Italy
17 Aug
Pack light, only bring what you really need, do not forget your medications. Bring things that you can mix and match, t-shirts, light pants, comfortable shoes.
1 person likes this
• United States
18 Aug
I always overpack but the things I would not want to be without is my medications, toiletries etc. As for clothes I don't mind repeating an outfit or two.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (363803)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug
Shoes are heavy items. Now I try to just take maybe two pairs. Once you get to my age no one expects you to have fancy shoes so that makes it easier.
1 person likes this
@Traceyjayne (5747)
• United Kingdom
17 Aug
Take toiletries .. .mix and match with tops with shirts or skirts.
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@sw8sincere (6041)
• Philippines
17 Aug
That’s a good mindset.. packing light really does make traveling less stressful.
1 person likes this
@jnrdutton (3372)
• United States
18 Aug
A good book,the clothes I need, and a toothbrush are essentials I'd take, I rarely take major trips though (where I'll be gone for a while)
1 person likes this