There is nothing more fun than going on holiday and especially honeymoon and nothing worse than packing… I am the pits at this, I am always in a hurry and normally just throw in my whole cupboard, well all the bits I like of course, and lets not forget the shoes, at least ten pairs and I am only going for three days, but with me there is always the just in case pair of pants, the what if I feel like pair of shoes, the second jacket, the jersey the scarf for in case of inclement weather, the sarong, the costume, the towel, my own pillow and well I can go on…

That is how it should not be done…

I found this list as detailed below and it is a fabulous and organized way to ensure that you are prepared ahead of time. I know it will help me in future and wanted to share it with you…

1) Prepare a list… this ensures that you have everything you need without your luggage being too heavy and in the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing you will have a full account of your losses.

2) Divide your luggage into his, hers and ours – three suitcases and one carry bag for mutual valuables.

3) The list provided is comprehensive and depending on where you are traveling to you may not require all the items, this is just a guideline.

Here is the list:

Media: Cellphone; Digital camera; batteries & manual; iPod / Discman/ MP3 player & batteries; mini-speakers; disposable underwater camera; foreign-language dictionary or phrasebook; journal/note-book and pen; maps and directions; mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs; reading material; travel guide(s).

Medical: antibiotic cream; anti-diarrhea medication; band-Aids; birth control; bug repellent; cortisone/anti-itch cream, for cruisers: sea-sickness bands or pills; pain reliever; prescription medicines.

Money & Documents: Addresses for sending postcards/e-mail; auto insurance card; business cards; cash; copy of marriage license; copy of medical history, if necessary; copy of vacation packing list; driver’s license/inter-national driver’s license; emergency numbers and embassy address; frequent flyer/frequent guest cards; paper airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation; passports and visas, if necessary; photo ID, prepaid phone card; travelers checks and receipt (keep separate); vaccination certificates, if required; vouchers/ coupons/ tickets and your itinerary.

Miscellaneous: Anti-bacterial wipes; Bubble bath; Crazy Glue; Currency converter; Keys & Luggage locks; Plastic Zip-Loc bags; Playing cards; Sports gear (tennis rackets, golf clubs, swim goggles); Sunscreen/SPF; Sunglasses, Reading glasses, Contact lenses; Umbrella .

His vacation list: Menswear – Athletic shoes; belts; boxers/underpants; socks; Casual shirts; Dress shoes; Hat; shirts; Pants; Pajamas/Robe; Sandals; Shirts; Shorts; Sports jacket; Swim trunks; Tie;
T-shirts; Workout clothes.

Men’s Toiletries: Comb / Brush; Deodorant; Floss; Lip balm; Shaving kit; Shaving Cream; Shampoo/Conditioner; Styling Products; toothbrush; toothpaste; mouthwash; nail clippers.

Her vacation list: W omens Clothing and Accessories – Bathing suit and sarongs; bras; panties /thongs; Lingerie/sleep shirt; Costume jewelery: earrings, neck-lace, bracelets; fake diamond engagement ring (leave the real one in a safety-deposit box till you return); Dress; Heels; robe; Sandals; Short/ Capri’s; Skirt; Slacks; Slip/ Body slimmer; Sneakers; socks; Stylish shirt; Sweater; Straw/wide-brimmed hat; Tank/halter/sleeveless tops; Thongs; Workout clothes.

Her sundries & toiletries: Baby powder; Blow dryer/straightening iron; Comb/ Brush; Deodorant; Eyeliner; Eye shadow; Lipsticks; Blush; mascara; make up remover; facial cleanser; moisturiser, spf sun block, tampons; toothbrush/tooth-paste/mouthwash; dental floss; Shampoo/ conditioner/styling products; scrunchies and hair ties, tweezers.

Okay…lets get packing!