Never been on vacation. Don't know where to start. Here are some helpful tips.

Suggestions below and worth considering: (now airlines are restricting baggage and charging for extra or baggage)

Write down any phone numbers you may need while you are away – family, travel agent, etc.

 

If taking traveler’s cheques, record the serial numbers of the traveler’s cheques and keep them in a location

separate from your traveler’s cheques.

 

Write down your passport number, or other travel documentation, or better still, make a copy of the front page.

This can be very helpful if you lose any of your documentation and have to get it replaced.

 

Write down policy numbers and contact info for any

travel/medical insurance plans you have.

 

A good idea if you have access to your e-mail when away from home is to e-mail this information to yourself, so you’ll be able to access it from anywhere.

 

Clean out your wallet before you go – you won’t need your Sears card or your Costco card, 5 credit cards, or any number of other cards you normally carry in your wallet. Leave them at home in a safe place.

 

Leave your good jewelry at home.

 

Luggage – identify your luggage with a sticker or brightly colored ribbon. Make sure there is a luggage tag on it with your name and contact information. Also a good idea to put this information inside your luggage, as well and the name of the hotel you’re staying at.

 

NOTE: Before you start packing, check with your airline to see what items are allowed in your carry-on luggage, and size and weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. (i.e. there are restrictions/bans in place on liquids, creams, gels, etc. in carry-on luggage.)

Pack anything that might leak in zip lock bags

Most important – before you leave for the airport make sure you have all your travel documentation and money. Small bills for tipping (U.S. $1’s)

 

 

What should I pack for the Caribbean?

 

Below are some suggestions on what to take on your trip:

Prescription medications (carry medications in original labeled containers in carry-on luggage)
Stomach remedies such as Pepto-Bismol, Tums, Gravel, Imodium
First aid - polysporin, band aids, tube of hydrocortisone cream (for sand fleas)

For the sun - Sun block, Lip balm with SPF, Aloe gel, body butter
Air freshener
Insect repellent with DEET
Shampoos, Conditioners, Body wash, Body lotions, shaving kit, deodorant
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Your favorite soap and bath accessories
Thermal cup for the beach
Clorox wipes/hand sanitizer
Needle and thread
Hairdryer and travel iron if your hotel does not have them.
Clothing and Accessories
Bathing suits and wraps
Beach Bag
Beach shoes
Sun hats, sunglasses
Sweater (just in case)
Pair of long pants for men, required in some restaurants
Camera
Batteries

Polarized plug adapter
Facecloths – some hotels do not have them (mostly in Europe)
Books, magazines
Snack food, such as chips, pretzels, peanuts

Dollar store ponchos

Once you’re finished packing, go through your suitcase and take out half of the clothing you packed? Remember, the more you take, the more you’ll have to wash and put away when you get home. Not to mention weight limits.

Go with the attitude this is your vacation and nothing is going to spoil it. Do not expect the Dominican Republic to be like home. This is why you travel to get away from home and its trials and tribulations.

Sometimes things don’t get fixed as fast as you would like, water pressure may be a bit low, or you may find the language hard to understand.

Enjoy! You will find yourself wanting to visit again.

Don't know what to pack for your first cruise. Below are some suggestions for women and men.

7 night Caribbean Cruise
For Women

Two bathing suits (one if you don't plan to actually get wet)
A cover-up
Three pairs of shorts
Five tops
Two sun dresses or casual skirt or pants outfit
Two formal outfits
Two or three nice but less formal dresses or outfits
Dress shoes
Accessories
A light sweater or jacket (for evening deck strolls)
Pajamas
One pair of sandals (that can be worn with dresses
One pair of walking shoes or rubber-soled sandals
Two pairs of nylons
Under ware
Gym clothes or sneakers if you plan to exercise
A sun hat
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Sun Glasses
Camera and film or extra memory for digital
Toiletries
Bug spray or wipes
Hair dryer (most ships have those, so check)
Curling Iron
Make-up
A good novel

7 Night Caribbean Cruise
For Men

Two bathing suits (one if you don't plan to get wet)
Two pairs of shorts
Four polo shirts or T-shirts
Two pairs of light weight slacks (one pair can be jeans)
One pair of walking shoes
Gym clothes and sneakers, if you plan to exercise
Two or three nice but less formal dresses or outfits
Pajamas
Under ware
One pair of sandals
Dress shoes
Tux or dark business suite (shirts, ties, cuff links, cummerbund and accessories)
Two belts, one dressy and one casual
Accessories
A sports coat
Two or three pairs of dressy slacks
A light suit (optional)
A hat
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Sun Glasses
Camera and film or extra memory for digital
Toiletries
Bug spray or wipes
Hair dryer (most ships have those, so check)
A good novel


Cruising to Alaska? Below are some packing suggestions.

Suggestive layering advisable
Don't forget your bathing suite (Jacuzzi)
Binoculars
Two pairs of sneakers (just in case one gets wet)
Warm up suite
Water repellent coat
Three light sweaters
Water repellent gloves