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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP PACKING CHECKLIST

Welcome to Bigroads.com's ultimate road trip packing checklist!

Every time we return from a road trip, one of the first things we do is review our packing checklist so that our next adventure can run even smoother and more organized than the previous one.

Presented below are a series of road trip packing checklists that we encourage you to use so that you don't forget anything important on your next U.S. travel adventure. If you read through these lists, you will get hundreds of ideas on what items can enhance and/or simplify your travel experience. We realize that not everything is applicable to all people, but we wanted to be all-inclusive so that the lists could potentially help everyone. If you can think of any other items not on these lists, please send us an email at gparsons66@hotmail.com so that we can consider adding them.

GENERAL SUPPLIES

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BAG CLIPS	for keeping snack/chip bags and other food packages closed	center console
BATTERIES	including AA, AAA, & DD batteries; beware of lithium batteries as they can destroy old devices	supply box
BOOKS / MAGAZINES / COMICS	for reading at the beach, pool, in the hotel, while flying, around a campfire, etc.	personal luggage
BOTTLE OPENER	don't forget to buy/try some local beers/micro-brews as you travel	center console / key chain
BUNGEE CORDS	bring a few bungee cords since they have a million uses, including securing cargo, tarps, gear, etc.	supply box
CASH-DOLLARS/BILLS	for tips, tolls, parking, camping, park fees, supplies, etc.; we suggest more than $100-$200/person	center console
CASH-QUARTERS	for laundry, tolls, self-car washes, soda/snack vending machines, parking meters	center console
CORKSCREW / WINE OPENER	lightweight plastic openers are a good option; don't forget to buy/try some local wines as you travel	supply box
JOURNAL/NOTEPAD	to document experiences, write yourself travel tips for next time, record expenses, etc.	personal luggage
LAUNDRY DETERGENT	be aware that individual-use packets often explode, so consider bringing a small container instead	supply box
MULTI-TOOL	i.e. Swiss Army knife; multi-tools have a million different emergency and non-emergency uses	center console
PAPER TOWELS	for general cleaning	supply box
PENS & PAPER	bring at least 3-4 pens; scatter pens around your vehicle so that there is always one close by	center console
PLAYING CARDS & GAMES	consider some travel-sized games like Yahtzee, Uno, Skipbo, Rummy 500, Phase 10, etc.	supply box
REUSABLE BAGS	for shopping, carrying things to the beach or pool, storing food/chips, etc.	side pockets / seat pockets
SPARE CAR KEY	bring a spare in case your original vehicle key gets lost	inside your wallet
STAMPS	for mailing postcards, writing letters, and/or mailing credit card or other bill payments	inside your wallet
STICKY NOTES / POST-IT NOTES	to flag pages in a guidebook; can also be used for driving directions (tip: paste them to the dashboard)	supply box
STUFF SACKS	for dirty laundry, wet clothes, wet bathing suits, etc.	personal luggage
TOILET PAPER	needed if campgrounds or hiking trailheads are out of toilet paper; also needed for home rentals	supply box
TRASH BAGS / GROCERY BAGS	bring a mix of construction and 13-gallon size trash bags; keep them all in a spot you'll remember	side pockets / seat pockets
WINE GLASSES	glass or plastic glasses (plastic = lighter & safer because they are much harder to break)	supply box
ZIP-LOCK BAGS	bring a variety of sizes; many uses (store food/leftovers, sunscreen, hold change, hold pens, etc.)	supply box

GENERAL GEAR

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BINOCULARS	for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife; to extend scenic views	n/a - no preference
COOLER WITH ICE or ICE PACKS	ensure that you have easy access to the cooler within vehicle; YETI makes the best coolers but $$$$	back seat or trunk
FLEECE BLANKET	comes in handy for camping, picnicking, outdoor concerts, flying, or for passengers sleeping in a car	n/a - no preference
FOLDING CHAIRS	for campsites (although most have picnic tables), picnicking, beaches, sporting events & concerts	n/a - no preference
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS	here are some good for traveling: guitar, banjo, mandolin, flute, harmonica, ukulele, fiddle/violin	n/a - no preference
SUNGLASSES / SUNGLASS CASE	for driving, hiking, hanging out at the beach, etc.	center console
UMBRELLA	an umbrella is optional and many would say unnecessary if you just bring a waterproof jacket	side pockets / seat pockets
WALLET / PURSE / MONEY CLIP	take only the credit/debit and savings/rewards cards that you truly need; take picture of all others	on self
WATERPROOF BAGS / DRY BAGS	helpful if you plan on kayaking/canoeing/rafting/tubing and/or hiking through streams	backpack

CAMPING GEAR

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
TENT	bring the right tent, based upon (a) size of group; and (b) the weather conditions expected	n/a - no preference
TENT FOOTPRINT	this optional piece of gear can extend the life of your tent; also helps reduce rain seepage	n/a - no preference
TENT TABLE / FOLDING TABLE	bring a table for inside of your tent to help keep gear, phones, etc. off the tent floor	n/a - no preference
TENT MALLET / HAMMER	use one of these to help nail tent stakes down quickly & easily	camping supply box
TARP	this optional piece of gear can extend the life of your tent; also helps reduce rain seepage	n/a - no preference
SLEEPING BAGS	consider the lowest expected temperature and bring bag that is 10° colder; consider a down bag	n/a - no preference
SLEEPING PADS	bring the right pads based on whether you are car-camping or backpacking	n/a - no preference
SLEEPING COTS	air mattresses or sleeping pads are much more common, but some people still have and bring cots	n/a - no preference
AIR MATTRESS & PUMP	also consider bringing a repair kit since air mattresses leak/fail far too often	n/a - no preference
PILLOWS	for camping and/or backpacking; foldable down pillows are a good lightweight option	n/a - no preference
FOLDING CHAIRS	for campsites (although most have picnic tables), picnicking, beach, sporting events, concerts, etc.	n/a - no preference
LANTERN	can be powered by batteries, propane/gas, or by solar	n/a - no preference
LANTERN FUEL (if run by gas)	propane is typically required if the lantern is not powered by batteries or solar	n/a - no preference
LANTERN HANGER	these metal pieces can help hold your lantern around a post or tree, providing much more light	n/a - no preference
HEADLAMPS	extremely helpful for all night-time activities (including trips to the bathroom)	side pockets / seat pockets
FLASHLIGHTS	consider a headlamp instead since they are hands-free	side pockets / seat pockets
BUG SPRAY	if you think the campground you are heading to will have bugs (find out when"bug season" is)	camping supply box
BUG CANDLES	if you think the campground you are heading to will have bugs (find out when"bug season" is)	camping supply box
FIREWOOD	although you should really try to buy firewood locally so that you don't spread pests	trunk
FIRESTARTERS / KINDLING	it's tough to get a fire going without some sort of fire-starters or kindling	camping supply box
LIGHTER / MATCHES	obviously needed to get your campfire going	camping supply box

CLOTHING

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BRAS-general purpose	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
BRAS-quickdry	used for hiking; try to avoid cotton since it gets sweaty real fast and won't dry quickly	personal luggage
FLEECE or SOFTSHELL JACKET	helpful (or often even necessary) if temperatures are expected to be below 60-65 degrees	personal luggage
HAT-general purpose	optional	personal luggage
HAT-wide brimmed	helpful if you are hiking in an extremely hot/sunny area (i.e. the desert)	backpack / day pack
PANTS-fleece	probably not needed unless temperature has the potential to be < 40-45 degrees	personal luggage
PANTS-general purpose	jeans, khakis, etc.	personal luggage
PANTS-quickdry	used for hiking; try to avoid cotton since it gets sweaty real fast and won't dry quickly	personal luggage
SANDALS-general purpose	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
SANDALS-showering	many people like to use separate sandals when showering @ campgrounds	personal luggage
SHIRTS-business casual	for upscale restaurants, theatre, museums, etc.	personal luggage
SHIRTS-quickdry	try to avoid cotton since it gets sweaty real fast and don't dry quickly	personal luggage
SHIRTS-tshirts, polos, etc.	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
SHOES-business casual	for upscale restaurants, theatre, museums, etc.	personal luggage
SHOES-general purpose	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
SHOES-hiking shoes and/or boots	hiking shoes are far lighter and more comfortable than traditional hiking boots	trunk
SHOES-watershoes	recommended for canoeing/kayaking/river tubing, or for waterfalls or swimming holes	personal luggage
SHORTS-general purpose	only bring 1-2 pairs and re-use each for several days	personal luggage
SHORTS-quickdry	only bring 2-3 pairs and re-use each for several days; avoid cotton	personal luggage
SLEEPWEAR	consider fleece pants if cold temperatures expected (fleece pants are recommended below 40-45°)	personal luggage
SLIPPERS	"Crocks" are one option	personal luggage
SOCKS-general purpose	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
SOCKS-hiking/walking	bring at least 3-4 pairs; try to avoid cotton since it gets sweaty real fast and won't dry quickly	personal luggage
SWIMSUIT	bring 1-2 per person, or bring 1 and use regular shorts as a backup for swimming	personal luggage
TOWELS	for showering, the pool, the beach, etc.; consider quick-dry towels to save space & weight	personal luggage
UNDERWEAR-general purpose	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
UNDERWEAR-quickdry	try to avoid cotton since it gets sweaty real fast and don't dry quickly	personal luggage
WATERPROOF JACKET	extremely help when hiking, skiing, general walking in lieu of an umbrella, etc.	personal luggage
WINTER GLOVES	probably not needed unless temperature has the potential to be < 40-45 degrees	personal luggage
WINTER HAT	probably not needed unless temperature has the potential to be < 40-45 degrees	personal luggage

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO GEAR

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
CAMERA	bring point-and-shoot, DSLR, waterproof camera, etc. (charge batteries before leaving)	camera bag
CAMERA BAG / CASE	consider a waterproof case if you think your camera could get wet	camera bag
CAMERA BATTERIES & CHARGER	bring multiple batteries if possible, especially if you will be camping a lot	camera bag
CAMERA FLASH	if the flash is not built into the camera itself	camera bag
CAMERA LENSES	if you have a camera that supports interchangeable lenses (i.e. a DSLR camera)	camera bag
CAMERA MEMORY CARDS	shoot photos in RAW+"fine" JPEG mode for best quality (requires large memory cards)	camera bag
LENS CLOTH	for cleaning lenses (they can easily get wet and/or dirty)	camera bag
LENS FILTERS	circular polarizer, neutral density, graduated neutral density, UV/haze, etc.	camera bag
SELFIE-STICK	buy one that is capable with your smart-phone	backpack
TRIPOD-full sized	for taking pictures on or near the side of the road	n/a - no preference
TRIPOD-miniature sized	for taking pictures while hiking/backpacking; keep this in your hiking pack at all times	backpack
VIDEO CAMERA	i.e. GoPro; many cameras have a video function, so a true video camera is likely unnecessary	camera bag
WATERPROOF CAMERA CASE	or you can use a waterproof / dry bag instead	backpack

TIOLETERIES / PERSONAL ITEMS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BAR SOAP / BODY SOAP	also bring a plastic soap box if you are bringing bar soap	toiletry bag
BLOW-DRYER	most hotels/motels already have this, but very few campground bathrooms do	n/a - no preference
BODY LOTION	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
CHAPSTICK / LIP BALM	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
COMB / BRUSH	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
CONDITIONER	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
CONTACT LENS / SOLUTION	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
COTTON SWAPS / Q-TIPS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
CURLING/STRAIGHTENING IRON	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
DEODORANT / ANTI-PERSPIRANT	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
EAR PLUGS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
ELECTRIC SHAVER & POWERCORD	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
FACE WASH	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
FEMININE PRODUCTS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
FLOSS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
HAIR SPRAY / MOUSSE	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
HAIR TIES / CLIPS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
MAKEUP	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
MIRROR	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
MOISTURIZER	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
NAIL CLIPPERS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
PERFUME / COLOGNE	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
RAZOR BLADE / SHAVING CREAM	including extra razors if your trip will be long enough	toiletry bag
SHAMPOO	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
TIOLETRY BAG	if flying, put all toiletries into "checked" luggage (unless you have 100% TSA-approved sizes)	toiletry bag
TOOTHBRUSH / TOOTHPASTE	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
TWEEZERS	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag
WASHCLOTH	n/a - no tips to offer	toiletry bag

GRILLING & COOKING SUPPLIES

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
GRILL / STOVE	including all necessary attachments, accessories & the drip-pan	under seat or trunk
GRILL / STOVE TOOLS	tongs, spatula, cutting knives (at least two), etc.	n/a - no preference
POTS & PANS	think about the types of food you plan on grilling / cooking	n/a - no preference
FUEL / GAS	make sure to use the proper fuel for your stove (backpacking stoves use special kinds of gas)	n/a - no preference
SILVERWEAR	forks, knives, spoons	supply box
PLATES & BOWLS	use paper so that you can burn it in a fire afterwards	supply box
SPICES & SAUCES	BBQ sauce, seasonings, etc.	supply box
CONDIMENTS	ketchup, mustard, relish, salt, pepper, etc.	supply box

FOOD, SNACKS & DRINKS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
FOOD / MEALS	think about the types of food you plan on eating / grilling / cooking	box / container / cooler
SNACKS	consider foods that travel well (i.e. they won't melt or spoil)	box / container / cooler
FRUIT	try to visit local farm stands along the way	box / container / cooler
VEGETABLES	try to visit local farm stands along the way	cooler
BOTTLED WATER	consider bringing reusable bottles and filling them at campgrounds, hotels & fast food	cooler
SPORTS DRINKS	sports drinks (i.e. Gatorade) are very desirable when exercising in hot temperatures	cooler
SODA	buy 6 or 12-packs so that you don't have to buy one at a time	cooler
BEER / ALCOHOL	although you really should consider trying some local beers/micro-brews as you travel	cooler
WINE	although you really should consider trying some local wines as you travel	n/a - no preference
CHEWING GUM	n/a - no tips to offer	center console

HEALTHCARE / MEDICINE

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
ACETAMINOPHEN	i.e. Tylenol, Excedrin	medicine supply box
ADHESIVE BANDAGES	i.e. Band-Aids	medicine supply box
ALOE-VERA	in case of a sunburn (bring a small to medium-sized container)	medicine supply box
ANTIHISTAMINE / ALLERGY MED	i.e. Benadryl, Clariton, etc.	medicine supply box
FIRST-AID KIT / BAG	think long and hard about what you think you'll need to bring in it	medicine supply box
HAND SANITIZER	i.e. Purel	medicine supply box
HEADACHE MEDICINE	i.e. Tylenol, Excedrin, Advil, Motrin	medicine supply box
IBUPROFEN / NSAIDS	i.e. Advil, Motrin; good for pain relief and also to reduce swelling from exercise	medicine supply box
PETROLEUM JELLY	i.e. Vasoline; for blister/chafing prevention & foot protection for hiking (bring a small container)	medicine supply box
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS	think about where/how you will refill your prescriptions along the road	n/a - no preference
RASH CREAM	to prevent or treat chafing while running/hiking, i.e. Hydrocortisone	medicine supply box
SUNSCREEN	bring 2 bottles so one is always close by; keep in Ziploc bag; small containers are good for hiking	medicine supply box
TOPICAL ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT	i.e. Neosporin, Bacitratcin Plus	medicine supply box
WET WIPES / HAND WIPES	n/a - no tips to offer	medicine supply box

BEACH TRIPS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
SUNSCREEN	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
SUN SHADE / BEACH UMBRELLA	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SUNGLASSES	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
TOWELS	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
BEACH CHAIRS / FOLDING CHAIRS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
BEACH BLANKET	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
TOYS	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
SWIMSUIT / COVER-UP	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
BEACH BAG	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
SURFBOARD / BODY BOARD	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
HAT	n/a - no tips to offer	beach bag
SANDALS / FLIP-FLOPS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
OTHER SPORTS EQUIPMENT	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SAFETY / FLOATATION DEVICES	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
COOLER	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference

ELECTRONICS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
AUDIOBOOKS / BOOKS-ON-TAPE	can make long drives much more tolerable	n/a - no preference
E-READER	consider downloading movies/TV shows/books/video games before leaving	n/a - no preference
GPS	use a dashboard-based GPS if driving in remote areas (smart-phone GPS may not work)	n/a - no preference
LAPTOP	consider downloading movies/TV shows/books/video games before leaving	n/a - no preference
MP3 PLAYER & HEADPHONES	MP3 player is not necessary if you have your music on another device (i.e. smart-phone)	n/a - no preference
POWER CHARGERS	for smart-phones, tablets, laptops, e-readers, video games, portable DVD players, etc.	n/a - no preference
POWER INVERTER	to help power electronics (recharge batteries, phones, etc.)	n/a - no preference
SMARTPHONE	consider downloading movies/TV shows/books/video games before leaving	n/a - no preference
SMARTPHONE AUXILIARY CORD	most rental cars now have a port for auxiliary cords	n/a - no preference
SOLAR CHARGERS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SPEAKERS-MINIATURE SIZED	for listening to music or watching movies/TV shows; some don't require batteries	n/a - no preference
TABLET	consider downloading movies/TV shows/books/video games before leaving	n/a - no preference
VIDEO CAMERA	i.e. GoPro; many cameras have a video function, so a true video camera is likely unnecessary	n/a - no preference

DOCUMENTATION

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
CREDIT / DEBIT CARDS	hide one of them in case your wallet is stole or gets lost (keep hidden in car or give to passenger)	wallet
GUIDEBOOKS	hiking guidebooks, travel guidebooks, food/eating guidebooks, etc.	side pockets of vehicle
MEMORABILIA POUCH/POCKET	to keep purchased items from bending (i.e. stickers, brochures, scrap-booking)	under or between seats
PASSPORT	in case wallet/drivers license gets lost	memorabilia pouch
RESERVATION CONFIRMATIONS	lodging/campsite reservations, airport parking, hiking permits, car rentals, etc.	memorabilia pouch
ROAD ATLAS / GAZETTEER	consider ripping out & bringing only relevant pages of road atlas to save space	between front seats

EMERGENCY / SAFETY ITEMS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
AX/HACHET	to cut firewood and in case of emergency (i.e. a downed tree in the road)	trunk
CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PHONE #'S	in case your credit/debit cards are lost/stolen and you need to immediately cancel them	wallet
FLASHLIGHT / HEADLAMP	in case you need to fix your car or change a flat tire at night	side pockets of vehicle
HEALTH INSURANCE CARD	take a picture of your health insurance cards so that you also have a copy on your smart-phone	wallet
DENTAL INSURANCE CARD	take a picture of your health insurance cards so that you also have a copy on your smart-phone	wallet
PERSONAL PROTECTION ITEMS	i.e. pepper-spray, gun, etc.; check with state and park laws first to make sure it's OK to carry	n/a - no preference
ROAD FLARES	in case you need to fix your car or change a flat tire at night	trunk

HIKING GEAR

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BACKPACK / DAYPACK	visit an REI store for great advice on which pack to buy	backpack / day pack
COMPASS &/or GPS	don't 100% rely on a GPS while hiking (bring and know how to use a compass)	backpack / day pack
GUIDEBOOKS / TRAIL MAPS	make copies of pages from hiking guidebooks instead of carrying the full books	backpack / day pack
TREKKING POLES	makes hiking much easier, especially when you carry a heavy pack; helps reduce knee pain	trunk
HIKING GUIDEBOOKS	guidebook information is far superior to information drawn from the internet	side pockets of vehicle
WATER BOTTLES &/or BLADDER	general rule is 1 liter per person per day, but rarely will you need more than 4-5 liters per day	cooler
WHISTLE	in case of emergency	backpack / day pack
FIRST AID KIT	in case of emergency	backpack / day pack
FIRESTARTER / MATCHES	in case of emergency	backpack / day pack
HEADLAMP & BATTERIES	for sunrise/sunset hikes or in case your hike takes longer than expected (been there, done that)	backpack / day pack
SUNGLASSES	for hiking, driving, hanging out at the beach, etc.	backpack / day pack
BUG SPRAY	if you think the campground you are heading to will have bugs (find out when"bug season" is)	backpack / day pack
WATCH	keep track of time while you hike	on self
HIKING CLOTHING	see above clothing list for all hiking-related clothing	n/a - no preference

SPORTING EQUIPMENT

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BAT, BASEBALLS, GLOVES	for playing catch or the game called "rundown/pickle"	sporting gear bag/box
BICYCLE, HELMET & LOCK	lock can also be used to lock up a baby stroller or a kayak/canoe	n/a - no preference
CANOE / KAYAK	it's often easier to just rent as you go instead of hauling your own everywhere	on top of the vehicle
FOOTBALL	consider bringing a regulation-sized, small sized, or a soft football (i.e. Nerf) to throw around	sporting gear bag/box
FRISBEE / BOOMERANG	n/a - no tips to offer	sporting gear bag/box
GOLFING GEAR	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
IN-LINE SKATES	n/a - no tips to offer	sporting gear bag/box
SCUBA DIVING GEAR	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SKI / SNOWBOARD EQIUPMENT	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SNORKELING GEAR	n/a - no tips to offer	sporting gear bag/box
SURFBOARD / PADDLEBOARD	it's often easier to just rent as you go instead of hauling your own everywhere	n/a - no preference
VOLLEYBALL	for pool and/or beach volleyball	sporting gear bag/box
WIFFLE BALL & BAT	n/a - no tips to offer	sporting gear bag/box

BABY / INFANT GEAR & SUPPLIES

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
BABY BAG/SUPPLY BAG	this can be carried on to a plane in addition to your normal carry-on	baby supply/gear bag
BABY BOTTLES & NIPPLES	bring at least 6-8 bottles to so that you only need to clean the bottles once per day	baby supply/gear bag
BABY CARRIER/BACKPACK/SLING	in front carrier or in a baby carrying pack	n/a - no preference
BABY CLOTHES	general rule is 1-2 outfits per day	baby supply/gear bag
BABY FOOD	keep in mind that only a small amount of liquid-based food may be carried onto a plane	baby supply/gear bag
BABY FORMULA	ready-made bottles and/or powder; bring enough formula to survive any airport delays	baby supply/gear bag
BABY MONITOR	audio and/or video	personal luggage
BABY NAIL CLIPPERS	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
BABY SHAMPOO	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
BABY WASH / LOTION	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
BABY WIPES	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
BAGS FOR DIRTY DIAPERS	you can use trash bags or grocery bags	baby supply/gear bag
BATH TOWELS	n/a - no tips to offer	personal luggage
BIBS	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
BLANKET	for baby to lay on, play on, roll around on, etc.	baby supply/gear bag
BOTTLE BRUSHES	to clean dirty baby bottles	personal luggage
CAR SEAT	you may be able to skip bringing the car seat base if it allows you to hook into the seatbelt instead	leave in vehicle
DIAPER CHANGING PAD	at least two changing pads are recommended in case one gets dirty	baby supply/gear bag
DIAPER OINTMENT / RASH CREAM	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
DIAPERS	general rule is 8-12 per day for babies aged 0-6 months, and 6-10 after that	baby supply/gear bag
FACE CLOTHS	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
HAT-SUMMER	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
INFLATABLE BABY BATHTUB	generally not needed once your child/baby can safely sit up on their own	n/a - no preference
MEDICATION	i.e. Infant/Baby Acetaminophen, Infant/Baby Ibuprofen	baby supply/gear bag
PACIFIERS	bring two (2) in case one is lost; very handy for flights during take-offs/landings	baby supply/gear bag
PORTABLE CRIB or PLAY YARD	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
PORTABLE FAN / WHITE NOISE	i.e. a fan, a "sleep sheep", or any other type of noise that helps better get to sleep and stay asleep	n/a - no preference
SLEEPWEAR	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
STROLLER	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
SWADDLE BLANKET	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
TOYS	bring a few of their favorite toys	baby supply/gear bag
WINTER GLOVES	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag
WINTER HAT	n/a - no tips to offer	baby supply/gear bag

TRAVELING WITH DOGS / PETS

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
DOG BLANKET	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
DOG BOWL	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
DOG FOOD	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
DOG POOP BAGS	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
DOG TOYS	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
DOG TREATS	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
LEASH / HARNESS	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS	n/a - no tips to offer	pet supply box/bag
VACCINATION PROOF	n/a - no tips to offer	center console

TRAVELING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

ITEM	DESCRIPTION / TIPS	BEST PLACE TO PACK?
CAMERA	let your young children use an old/cheap digital camera (many kids loving taking pics)	n/a - no preference
COLORING BOOKS & CRAYONS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
DOLLS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
BLANKET(S)	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
HAND-HELD VIDEO GAMES	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
STUFFED ANIMALS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference
TOYS	n/a - no tips to offer	n/a - no preference

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