We're back from Goa! Good times were had by all travelers, and we have much to say about our experiences. It seems like every travel experience is a learning experience for all parties. So, expect some upcoming blogs as we have time. But first, an updated packing list for those of you who are interested.
The context: we took a four-day trip with a three hour plane ride with twin 16-month-old kids. I think that this list could probably make it for a week-long trip, or a multiple-week trip if you have access to laundry facilities. Our hotel where we stayed had cribs for the kids, so we didn't need to take our pack and play. The
green items are things that we took and used.
Orange ones are things we took and didn't use.
Red ones are things we've taken on previous trips and decided, for one reason or another, to leave home.
We've kept a packing list since the boys were born on google drive. It is a shared document between us, so that both of us can update the list when we're at home or work (and we think of something we might forget, etc.). I highly recommend keeping your list on google drive so that you can access it wherever you are.
I know it seems like a TON of stuff, but we fit all of the boys things in one large suitcase and all of our things in one medium suitcase. So, in total, we had two suitcases, two diaper bags, two umbrella strollers, two dads and two boys (plus one grandma... but that's a different story for a different day!).
Clothes (total for both children)
12 short sleeved
6 long sleeved
4 pants
12 shorts
4 swim suits/shirts
8 pajamas
2 sun hats
Toiletries
- Towels(used the hotels)
Wash cloths (used the hotels)
Lotion (in a big ziplock bag)
Bath mat
Small toiletry bag
Small toiletry bag
Baby sunblock
Adult Sunblock
Bug Spray
Toys
Blankets
Travel Stuff
Baby bjorn (probably won't take it next time as our kids are getting too big)
Beach tent (we didn’t use this on our last trip, so we left it behind this trip and didn't miss it)
Sarongs (used as light beach towels)
Umbrella strollers
Monitor
Umbrella
Eating Paraphernalia
Diapers
Size 3
Dirty diaper bags
Extra Wipes
Swim diapers
Diaper Bag (we ALWAYS travel with two diaper bags on flights, as we have been split up into different sections of the plane multiple times! With the exception of medicine, everything on this list can be found in both of our diaper bags.)
Two Large Bottles with accessories (on long trips where I will have to clean bottles enroute, I take a ziplock bag with a small amount of dish soap and a bottle brush: otherwise, this goes in checked luggage)
Burp cloth (not for burping anymore, but good for wiping up messes)
Wipes
Pacifier wipes (no longer using pacifier, but good for wiping faces)
Changing pad
Dirty diaper bags
Diaper rash cream
Dirty clothes bag
Hand sanitizer
Granola bars
Food
Cherios
Granola Bar
Baby food
Spoons
Thermos for milk
Thermos for hot water for heating bottle
Toys
Medicine
- Orajel
- Fever reducer
- Sweet oil (for ears)
- Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning dirty surfaces - not sure this is legal to carry on a plane, but it's the best for sanitizing, and so far no one has searched through all the vials in my bag)
- Gas drops
- Oral syringe
- Benedryl allergy syrup
- Hand sanitizer
- Nail clippers
- Band aids
Nylon strap (for all of those places where the high chairs don't have straps... maybe this isn't necessary in the US or Europe, but in Asia it's a must!)
Change of clothes (baby/adult)
Light blanket (we didn't bring any pillows for the kids for the plane, but I may try to find a small pillow that fits into a carryon for our next flight).
Books (we left both of these home this time and survived, but if you're going somewhere new, I'd definitely take both!)
Peace and Happy Holi to you!
Douglas
