what travel gear do you recommend?

[abmitch01]

I found these clips that let you hook a water bottle to your purse strap. And sunscreen wipes. What do you use that cuts down on what you have to schlep around but makes life easier? Or something you bring for the room?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I found these clips that let you hook a water bottle to your purse strap. And sunscreen wipes. What do you use that cuts down on what you have to schlep around but makes life easier? Or something you bring for the room?

I bring my personal manservant. He not only schleps my stuff around, he tidies my room and serves tea.

 

[MAJPLO]

A pop up hamper and I pack with my ebags packing cubes. And pre-soaped disposable washcloths for the kids' baths.

 

[abmitch01]

I've been eyeballing those packing cubes. Are they good?

I need a manservant

 

[Nohal]

I bring my personal manservant. He not only schleps my stuff around, he tidies my room and serves tea.

Wish I had one of these!

 

[MAJPLO]

I've been eyeballing those packing cubes. Are they good?

I need a manservant

LOVE my packing cubes. There are many threads here about them. I pack for myself and my two kids. We often share a suitcase so having everyone's clothes separate helps keeps things neater in the suitcase. My manservant has his own set of packing cubes and packs for himself.

 

[tinkerone]

packing cubes are awesome! we each have our own color so you know whats yours right away. we also have a black set that we use to put in any dirty laundry we may need to take home. everyone puts the dirty stuff in the black and when i get home and start the wash i can toss the bag in to so it gets clean as well.
they just work wonderfully.

 

[hsmamato2]

a suitcase that doesn't pop open when checked into the airline(got mine at Goodwill,they're great)
a baggalini messenger bag (dyed purple) for walking around Disney
a wallet
credit cards
comfortable shoes(2 pair)
a poncho just in case stuck in that bag daily
my smartphone
a light jacket b/c I'm always cold,stuck in bag
Who needs more? I'm checking into a resort hotel for a week!

 

[abmitch01]

I ordered the large set of packing bags and the slim set. If I like them, I'll order them for DD. Can't wait for them to come!

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I think my favourite piece of travel gear is the toiletries bag from LL Bean that I bought several years ago - in fact, I like it so much I ordered ones for my kids too in different colours. It has lots of compartments so you can keep things organized and it holds an amazing amount of stuff, so I can pack everything I might need (allergy meds, pain meds, bandaids, etc. as well as make-up, conditioner, toothbrush, etc.). I restock before each trip.

I like that it has a hook attached so you can hang it up in the bathroom. Also, there is a compartment with a hook inside that you can pull out and hang in the shower (with your shampoo and soap). It's also easy to clean.

This is the one I have - it comes in different sizes:
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/7388...R0&page=personal-organizer-toiletry-bag-large

TP

 

[abmitch01]

I have one of those, I love it

 

[mrsabbott]

I carry a camelback backpack into the parks with me. I use it anytime we go on a day trip (zoo, hiking, etc..). I keep a small first aid kit in it at all times: Tylenol, allergy meds, alcohol wipes, bandaids of various sizes, Neosporin. It has come in handy! I restock it as necessary. It has room for snacks, wallet, camera with extra batteries, diapers and wipes..

 

[Perditamarie]

I have found that I could spend a good chunk of money buying gear to get ready for the current trip that would be better used being saved for the next trip!

I am going old school/low budget and trying to NOT buy stuff - would love to go to the parks with no bag.

What is the purpose of packing cubes? I can see if multiple people are sharing a suitcase, but if you have your own case, aren't these a suitcase for your suitcase?

I use the laundry bag provided at the resort for dirty laundry, as well as plan on doing laundry during the trip.

 

[pjlla]

I have found that I could spend a good chunk of money buying gear to get ready for the current trip that would be better used being saved for the next trip!

I am going old school/low budget and trying to NOT buy stuff - would love to go to the parks with no bag.

What is the purpose of packing cubes? I can see if multiple people are sharing a suitcase, but if you have your own case, aren't these a suitcase for your suitcase?

I use the laundry bag provided at the resort for dirty laundry, as well as plan on doing laundry during the trip.

Most of the time I would agree with all of this. But sometimes, especially if it avoids costly issues later, it is worth it (extra sunscreen, OTC meds for the "just in case" moments, extra shoes).

Do we always buy new luggage? No, of course not. As long as it is not falling apart, we don't much care what it looks like any more.

Packing cubes? Haven't tried them so I can't really say.... but I do pack with the "ziptop baggie" system. Started it when the kiddos were little and it worked so well I still use it now. And NO, I do NOT pack with the "one person per suitcase" system if we are checking bags. If the airline loses a suitcase you have one person with nothing. I divide up the clothing so that if one suitcase got lost, everyone would have at least SOMETHING to wear for a few days. And I reuse the baggies for years. In fact, I had to buy more recently for DS's trip abroad, but most of the baggies I am using were originally bought for our first trip in WDW in 2002!

I do NOT always have a new "park bag" either. I hear a lot of talk about Baggalinis and such, but haven't indulged. I used a fanny pack/waist bag for a long time, then used a crossbody bag, but most recently have found that a small backpack works best for my needs now. Would LOVE the day when I could go bagless, but I refuse to wear a pair of cargo shorts or a safari-style vest just for the pockets. I'll endure a bag check so that I can have my good camera, autograph book/pen, snacks, hand wipes/sanitizer, emergency poncho, notebook/travel journal.

But overall I agree with you! I see/hear so many folks here talking about how much they spend just getting READY for a trip (new Mickey luggage, fancy bags for the parks, new strollers, matching outfits.... well....I'm guilty of that one!).... how about saving the money for the trip!!? ...................P

 

[pjlla]

Okay, now that I've lamented about NOT spending money, here are a few things that I really recommend to have whenever/where ever you travel......

OTC meds for all possible issues (Pepto, Imodium,Tums. Benadryl, Advil, eye drops, bandaids/neosporin, anti-itch cream, moleskin, blister bandaids, ice packs, tissues, cold/flu meds [daytime and nighttime]).

Sure, this might cost you $20-$30 upfront if you don't have this stuff at home, but it could definitely save your day if not the entire vacation! Even if you only buy a tiny sample size, it is better than trying to find a 24 hour pharmacy at 2 am in a strange town!

Extra sunscreen, bug spray, and aloe. You can always use it at home if you don't end up needing it during the vacation. It will ALWAYS cost you more at the resort (not just Disney).

Extra media and batteries for your cameras.

Chargers for your phones/cameras.

A FULL CHANGE of clothing in your carry-on (each person should have their own). Nothing worse than arriving at your destination with no luggage or even just for the possibility of a spilled drink in flight.... or bodily fluid issues in flight. It happens and you feel MUCH BETTER if you can change everything!

Hand wipes..... better than hand sanitizer.... makes you feel clean and refreshed and great for wiping your face on a hot day.... plus can help clean up a scrape or cut. I also use it for wiping down questionable looking tables in QS locations. I'm convinced these helped keep my kids pretty healthy when we traveled during the cold and flu season. I used to plan on having at least one pack per day, but now I can get by with less, since the kids are older.

Spare sunglasses..... again, if yours get lost/broken, they can be really pricey at the resorts and you might not find any that you like. A $6 back-up pair from Target doesn't cost much or take up much room in your luggage.

Snacks.... both for the airport and for the rest of your trip. Saves money and time and can save the day if you end up on a flight that sits on the runway for 90 minutes!!

Have a great trip!...............P

 

[elaine amj]

My favorite thing? My shoe bag! I'm super weird but I love the feeling that my shoes are in the right spot. We used to have 2 of them which was great for my family of 4. My mom lost one of them (along with my favorite pair of shoes - sigh) and I have so far refused to spend the $10-$20 to buy a new one. I have other bags I use now...but nothing gives me the satisfaction of my shoe bag.

I have not started using packing cubes yet though. I pack all our clothes flat. pack for the whole family laying each full outfit out by day and pack them flat. Less wrinkles and less stuff as I pack fewer extras. We usually travel with just one big suitcase.

My DD started fussing in the last couple of years about her underwear touching her brother's or her father's. So I bought zippered nylon envelopes (that paper sized ones) from the dollar store. I labeled each one so we have one for the boys and one for the girls. Takes up a bit more room but makes my DD happier.

If I am going somewhere hot, I pack a tiny spray bottle filled with water and spritz our faces to cool off.

 

[elaine amj]

I found these clips that let you hook a water bottle to your purse strap. And sunscreen wipes. What do you use that cuts down on what you have to schlep around but makes life easier? Or something you bring for the room?

I have an extra long lanyard I use that has a little rubber ring at the end to attach to a water bottle. I don't always carry a purse so this has been very handy. Plus I can make the kids carry the water bottle

 

[tinktinktink]

My favorite thing? My shoe bag! I'm super weird but I love the feeling that my shoes are in the right spot. We used to have 2 of them which was great for my family of 4. My mom lost one of them (along with my favorite pair of shoes - sigh) and I have so far refused to spend the $10-$20 to buy a new one. I have other bags I use now...but nothing gives me the satisfaction of my shoe bag. I have not started using packing cubes yet though. I pack all our clothes flat. pack for the whole family laying each full outfit out by day and pack them flat. Less wrinkles and less stuff as I pack fewer extras. We usually travel with just one big suitcase. My DD started fussing in the last couple of years about her underwear touching her brother's or her father's. So I bought zippered nylon envelopes (that paper sized ones) from the dollar store. I labeled each one so we have one for the boys and one for the girls. Takes up a bit more room but makes my DD happier. If I am going somewhere hot, I pack a tiny spray bottle filled with water and spritz our faces to cool off.

1 suitcase for a family of 4? How long do you normally stay? I'm amazed that you can fit it all in there. For a family of 3 we take 2 suitcases and 2 duffle bags.

 

[abmitch01]

my DD thinks she is carrying nothing in the parks, that I'm schlepping it all. She is in for a rude awakening. I have an old VB hipster just for her and her water bottle.

I am one of those people who bought stuff for the trip, guilty as charged. I bought a cross body bag, a tote bag that the back unzips so you can put it over your luggage handle and packing cubes. And an essentially a wallet on a string that will hold a few more things for when we don't need to carry a lot. I will use these things for years but probably didn't need them. I have a purse problem, any excuse to buy a purse, I'm there. I waited for sales or discounts at least.

I bought sunscreen, dollar store ponchos. I have to get bug spray or wipes. Frog towels. New sneakers as my other ones I worse 3 times to Disney and they are shot. I never wear shorts in NY, always capris. So I had to buy shorts and sleeveless shorts. I have spent more than I had expected. But I want to be as prepared as possible for the heat. If anyone has more ideas, please share.

 

[elaine amj]

1 suitcase for a family of 4? How long do you normally stay? I'm amazed that you can fit it all in there. For a family of 3 we take 2 suitcases and 2 duffle bags.

I now do laundry on longer trips. Our last trip to Europe was in March for 12 nights with 1 big suitcase and 1 21" spinner carry-on with a small attached tote for electronics. The kids carried a drawstring bag each for their softshell jackets (paired with thermal undershirts and hoodies, they were warm enough even for 30-40 degree weather). Keep in mind when I say one suitcase, I have a 30 inch, gigantic (and very light) spinner suitcase. Most people I know use 26" cases. I like 1-2 giant ones so my kids&hubby can handle all the luggage and I just walk with my purse (ulterior motives!)

There are 4 of us and I pack 5-6 sets of clothes for each of us (any trip longer than 5 days, we do laundry). I love laying everything flat. I have travel-sized everything and we mostly travel very light. Usually no more than 2 pairs of shoes each (Sometimes I sneak a 3rd pair in). Lightweight, wrinkle free clothing and I avoid packing jeans (bulky and heavy).

My biggest secret is that I lay out all our clothes by day. So few wasted items that don't get worn. I mix and match wherever possible and aim for multi-use.

my DD thinks she is carrying nothing in the parks, that I'm schlepping it all. She is in for a rude awakening. I have an old VB hipster just for her and her water bottle.

I am one of those people who bought stuff for the trip, guilty as charged. I bought a cross body bag, a tote bag that the back unzips so you can put it over your luggage handle and packing cubes. And an essentially a wallet on a string that will hold a few more things for when we don't need to carry a lot. I will use these things for years but probably didn't need them. I have a purse problem, any excuse to buy a purse, I'm there. I waited for sales or discounts at least.

I bought sunscreen, dollar store ponchos. I have to get bug spray or wipes. Frog towels. New sneakers as my other ones I worse 3 times to Disney and they are shot. I never wear shorts in NY, always capris. So I had to buy shorts and sleeveless shorts. I have spent more than I had expected. But I want to be as prepared as possible for the heat. If anyone has more ideas, please share.

I always end up buying stuff before a big trip Love shopping for Disney trips!! Last trip, I spent some time and effort buying packable nylon ponchos for each of us (to better withstand major thunderstorms).

Frog Toggs were wonderful and helped a lot. Can't imagine you need bug spray in Disney.