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OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:12:11 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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I would like real feedback. I am plenty open to criticism. Please don't just tell me get rid of half - tell me what needs to be left home. The good news is my parents and my husband and I are flying separately - less luggage weight issues. Also, and probably not likely, please tell me if I'm leaving something out.
Keep in mind before judging, that we will be inland for 3.5 days. Riviera – 4.5 days (OK – already signs of OCD with the decimals).
CLOTHING
wide brimmed hat
3-4 pairs wicking socks (for inland – not the coast)
1-2 pairs travel underwear + 1 -2 pairs regular pair underwear
2 bathing suits
1 long-sleeve swim shirt
1 pair swim tights
1 Coolmax sleeveless top (found this for $5.99)
1-2 longsleeve non-cotton moisture wicking shirts (inland) + 1-2 short sleeve shirts (coast)
1 pair nylon/polyester long pants that zip into shorts
one dressy outfit w/ shoes
1 pair water shoes
1 sweater or pullover (synthetic fleece is great)
1 poncho
comfortable sandals
Penguin high tech fabrics hand-washing detergent for sticky synthetic travel clothing
PERSONAL CARE/HYGIENE
small containers of personal toiletries
biodegradable sunscreen (lips and eyes too)
1 reflective parasol from Coolibar (for whole family to use – trade off)
1 body glide stick
Oil of Olay anti-puff eye gel
glasses (second pair if possible)
Kleenex
1 roll TP (I'll buy this when I get there)
Anti-static laundy balls with points to rub feet (I already had these!)
sunglasses
mini spray fan with batteries
baby powder or cornstarch
eye glass wipes in little packages (no sand scratches)
after sun gel
Instant face cleaning cloths
bandaids for blisters
FOR THE RENTAL CAR
battery operated fan with batteries
2-3 large sheets (to wrap people in, soak with water, and fan in an emergency, although they’ll probably smother me in one if I’m bad) Sheets are also good for beach blanket.
first aid kit
ice cooler
Freezable Cool packs for cooler
car battery recharger (I already had this)
Fodor’s book
PRACTICAL
only enough snacks to feed us to for 1 night + a few food bars for snacks on the go
Airline confirmation
lots of $1 bills (people often won’t make change for you)
Passport
pesos to dollars converter chart
driver’s license
photo copies of ALL important documents (travel ins. card, regular ins. card, passport, driver’s license, etc.)
credit card numbers and their phone numbers (so you can cancel them if they’re stolen)
List of important Spanish phrases
MEDICAL/SAFETY
travel safety doorknob locks ( I already had this – It was a gift OK!)
smoke detector with batteries
flash light with batteries
my CPR “quick card” (given to me after my certification – quick reminder of compression/breath ratio)
list of important emergency numbers for Mexico
cell phone
rehydrating powder (like pedialyte in a powder)
a few OTC drugs we use regularly at (TUMS, etc.)
prescription medications, extra prescription medications stored separately, photocopies of written prescriptions
Immodium AD
Pepto Bismol
inhaler/ epi-pen/ snorkel first aid kit (vinegar, meat powder, old credit card, etc.)
30% DEET bug spray (inland)
Sawyers Permethrin clothing wash (for inland)
malaria pills (inland)
very small cooler to hold ice, my combustible meds., and condoms – although what better place to conceive ! (can’t leave in a hot car)
travel insurance card
home medical insurance card
Sea Safe
blood pressure machine (I already had this and my family will need it traveling with me)! – Mom has elevated BP.
antibacterial wipes
antibacterial bathroom cleaner
instant hand sanitizer
Listerine for brushing teeth and disinfecting toothbrush
toilet seat covers
Cool packs for cooler
OTHER
watersafe float box
ear plugs for noisy hotels
zip lock bags
garbage bags
stick-on room deodorizer
1 large tote or backpack
prescription snorkeling mask
binoculars
digital travel alarm clock with batteries
cording and clothespins to dry stuff
CD’s
boom box
personal CD player with batteries
Phase 10 (the coolest card game ever! – I know, I’m a super nerd)
camera with film and batteries
noodles
This is now an FAQ.
Zorro
< Message edited by Admin -- 8/6/2007 8:43:23 AM >
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:18:46 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Oh, and remember I've got a decent size rental car to store stuff in. I won't have to lug it into the hotels.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:23:49 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Thanks. Exactly the kind of feeback I was looking for.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:25:03 PM
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ScubaBum
Posts: 10546
Joined: 4/2/2006
From: ..the Deep End of the Ocean
Status: offline
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yilis - Don;t forget - Whatever you take down there - you gotta bring back...
unless you sell the stuff you didn't use...we have done that...
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:27:00 PM
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kimba
Posts: 392
Joined: 9/27/2005
Status: offline
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Leave the CDs and boom box at home. And the personal cd player. If you had an Ipod I'd say go ahead, but that is all too much to carry.
I've never taken any anti-bacterial stuff with me. If you are staying in hotels you won't need it.
You reallllllly don't need that smoke detector. Most of the hotels down there are made out of cement block and plaster. Not extrememly flammable.
Battery operated fan - is not going to keep you cool. Your car will probably have air conditioning. Your rooms will probably have a ceiling fan.
Car battery recharger???? Just flag down the green men.
Take 1 roll of TP with you.
How many bathing suits can you wear at one time? Take one.
Did you realize that it is actually hotter inland than at the beach? You can live the whole two weeks in a tank top, shorts and sandals.
I don't know how nylon/polyester wears in the heat. I tend to take all cotton and linen.
You definitely don't need a sweater.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:30:03 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Thanks Kimba. The reason for the longsleeve shirts and long pants inland is mosquitoes - malaria and dengue fever are very real risks there. I know people who have had malaria - and I do not want to go through what they did.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:30:51 PM
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ScubaBum
Posts: 10546
Joined: 4/2/2006
From: ..the Deep End of the Ocean
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: yilishabai
Oh, and remember I've got a decent size rental car to store stuff in. I won't have to lug it into the hotels.
I don't know if I would leave a lot of stuff in a rental car.....Are you sure you need all that stuff?
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:31:54 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Why not Scuba? Theft? - and I am not worried about that. Just want to be informed.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:33:56 PM
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ScubaBum
Posts: 10546
Joined: 4/2/2006
From: ..the Deep End of the Ocean
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: yilishabai
Why not Scuba? Theft? - and I am not worried about that. Just want to be informed.
well...I don't want to be an alarmist...
I don't leave nada in a rental car...even the trunk...
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:34:56 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Why?
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:35:28 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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What I mean is - I don't care if it's stolen really.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:36:58 PM
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kimba
Posts: 392
Joined: 9/27/2005
Status: offline
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Maybe I'm spoiled. I didn't see one mosquito down there. And they usually seek me out because they know I'm very sensitive to them.
Yeah, I wouldn't leave stuff in the car. Maybe it's because of where I usually live, but leaving stuff in the car is asking for trouble.
I would go through some of the photo albums here on this site, and maybe others that you can find on the internet and see how other people are dressed in that area.
Also you don't need a dressy dress and shoes. You can wear a nice linen or cotton wrap dress or a skirt and tank with sandals and look dressed up.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:37:50 PM
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ScubaBum
Posts: 10546
Joined: 4/2/2006
From: ..the Deep End of the Ocean
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: yilishabai
What I mean is - I don't care if it's stolen really.
Then exactly WHY are you taking everything on that list???? That's a lot of stuff to haul around, especially due to your trip being pretty 'moving intensive'...
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:38:25 PM
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Iguana Mama
Posts: 21486
Joined: 10/1/2004
From: St. Charles, MO
Status: offline
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Oh my--I don't even know where to start. Do you really plan on cleaning the bathroom yourself? The hotels have daily maid service, and yes, they clean the bathrooms. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth & rinsing toothbrush. Leave the bottle of Listerine at home. Boom Box??? Leave it. No need for dressy outfit & shoes. You're not going to need most of that stuff on your list. You're not going to another planet--it's just Mexico. As I've said before, when I don't take my dive gear, I can get everything, including my snorkel gear, into a carry-on. If there's something I need, and don't have, I go to a store. No big deal. Remember--you're going to have to lug this stuff around (and that's going to get old really fast!) RELAX.
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:40:14 PM
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peazil
Posts: 3890
Joined: 10/5/2005
From: Wash., DC
Status: offline
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Yilis - I totally agree with the advice offered above. Boom Box?! NO WAY. Also, you are packing far too many clothing items. You will find that you will wear the same things over and over. Just rinse things out and wear again.
I've got to be honest: this is your first time there, fine. You are so dear to be concerned that you are covering every base. And, you are! So, my advice is this - go ahead and pack whatever makes you feel secure. You will use what you will use. Then, the NEXT TIME you go there - and I think you will want to - you will have a better idea of what to bring and what to leave home.
Gosh, what a wonderful daughter you are! The best thing you can do is just try to relax a little once you get there and "go with the flow". Don't try to "structure" too much. "Structure" in Mexico doesn't work too well, plus it stresses out the people you are with. Enjoy every beautiful day, the people, the food, the sights, the sounds.
PROMISE you will write us a really long trip report when you get back??? With many pictures, please? We LOVE pictures. Love to you - Peazil PS - when do you go?
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 3:49:54 PM
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mayajerney
Posts: 4528
Joined: 7/14/2005
From: Richwood, KY
Status: offline
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Lordy, I would need a vacation to rest just lugging this stuff outta the airport.
Since you are going to be inland, I say yes, long sleeves are a good idea. I would add a swimsuit, but I live in mine when I am there..and usually take one per day I am there.
A package of baby wipes will eliminate all those others..face wipes, glasses cleaner wipes..I use baby wipes for everything.
Leaving stuff in the car is asking for trouble..you may not care if it's stolen (why take it?) but you might not like having a broken car window or trunk lock.
The battery charger..hmm..I know it's nice to have one..but the rental company will come to your assitance anywhere..no matter what the problem..and if they take too long there are some really nice locals all over the place to give you a jump if you need one..change a tire for ya..etc.
Doesn't your mother have her own BP meds?
Leave the room deoderizer behind and take a little box of dryer sheets..they work great as a room deoderizer if you rub a light bulb with them, or put one over the ac vent.
All of a sudden I wonder how I survive living out of a carryon!
_____________________________
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness — all foes to real understanding."
---Mark Twain
"We Are The People Our Parents Warned Us About."
---Jimmy Buffett
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 4:00:07 PM
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peazil
Posts: 3890
Joined: 10/5/2005
From: Wash., DC
Status: offline
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Maya! What a neat idea - dryer sheets rubbed on a lightbulb????? I may use that here at home. -Peaz
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RE: OK - here it is - the mega packing list - 5/8/2007 4:11:10 PM
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yilishabai
Posts: 723
Joined: 3/31/2007
From: St. Louis, MO
Status: offline
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Maya - so many great ideas!
Everybody- Great feedback. I'm already erasing several things.
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