What do you take on a trip no matter what?

@AmbiePam (101706)
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?
18 people like this
21 responses
@NJChicaa (124310)
• 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 (101706)
• United States
23h
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 (101706)
• United States
23h
@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.
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@sallypup (65612)
• Centralia, Washington
22h
@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.
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@moffittjc (125330)
• Gainesville, Florida
1h
Don't forget your phone charger! LOL
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
1h
Thanks for the reminder. I don’t want to forget that!
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
1h
@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
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@moffittjc (125330)
• Gainesville, Florida
1h
@AmbiePam As long as I have my phone, charger, and wallet, I can deal with anything else I forget. lol
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@xstitcher (35200)
• Petaluma, California
20h
I'm afraid that the last trip I took was several years ago (like 1986) so I'm afraid I wouldn't know.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
17h
@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 (35200)
• Petaluma, California
18h
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
@RasmaSandra (88026)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19h
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.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
19h
Hey, thanks so much!
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@RasmaSandra (88026)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19h
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@LindaOHio (198021)
• United States
9h
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 (101706)
• United States
8h
Oh yeah, the heat and humidity….
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@LindaOHio (198021)
• United States
7h
@AmbiePam We always have to do laundry when we're traveling, which I hate!!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (47316)
16h
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 (101706)
• United States
16h
Imodium is a good call!
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@MarieCoyle (47316)
14h
@AmbiePam Like I said, you just never know for sure...oh, and add a few band-aids as well, Amber!
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (54394)
• Canada
21h
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.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
20h
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.
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@Juliaacv (54394)
• Canada
20h
@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
@LadyDuck (481777)
• Italy
1h
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
@DaddyEvil (156858)
• United States
23h
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 (101706)
• United States
23h
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!
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@DaddyEvil (156858)
• United States
23h
@AmbiePam You're very welcome.
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@xFiacre (14141)
• Ireland
20h
@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.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
20h
That’s at least one thing I know I won’t need.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (44013)
• 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.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
16 Aug
Yeah, I need to remember to get the small bottles they allow on the plane.
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@sallypup (65612)
• Centralia, Washington
22h
Pain pills and some kind of writing equipment.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
22h
Those are some good things!
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@sw8sincere (5985)
• Philippines
16h
That’s a good mindset.. packing light really does make traveling less stressful.
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@arunima25 (92027)
• Bangalore, India
23h
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.
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@AmbiePam (101706)
• United States
23h
I am going to be very careful in not forgetting my medications.
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@arunima25 (92027)
• Bangalore, India
23h
@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.
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@GardenGerty (165387)
• United States
16h
I try to pack things that mix and match and maybe one sweater or jacket. With that you have plenty of "outfits". I have never been on a cruise. Most of the time I take too much of whatever I take on any trip.
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@allknowing (151790)
• India
18h
Don;t forget your medicines,and don't forget to look at the list your sister has given you
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• Philippines
18h
Not in the mood of travelling lately. Good luck with the trip.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77905)
• United States
14h
I have to take my medication with me, both the prescription and the over-the-counter stuff (not that I can’t run into Walmart and buy a bottle of Tylenol, but WHY when I have two full bottles at home?). It’s much different when you’re flying, but on my trip I had a bin about the size of a bedpan with shorts and t-shirts in it, a smaller bin with underwear, and a bag to throw my dirty laundry in, along with a bottle of detergent so I could wash the clothes. I always recommend Zicam or some generic type of zinc to help prevent/reduce colds.
@JudyEv (361012)
• Rockingham, Australia
16h
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
• United States
22h
OTC meds
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