We’ve all been faced with the task of packing for the perfect trip, and when it came down to it I bet that all of us at one time or another have over packed.  Consider your honeymoon and try to pack to get that right! Recently as I was traveling and waiting for companions by the airline check in; I spotted this tired looking young couple early on a Sunday morning and I thought to myself that they look like they are on their honeymoon.  She was a tiny little thing with this gigantic suitcase on wheels; he was an average sized man with a large bag as well.

As their turn arrived to check in those monsters on wheels – the silent drama played out before me. It was obvious from my vantage point that they both over packed! The bags must have been over the minimum weight allowed by the airline before they tack on additional fees. The scramble began – she opened her bag – there were shoes, clothes, large bottles of lotions and potions and on and on and on.

His bag proved to be just as loaded – he had 4 pairs of shoes! As they worked to distribute and reduce the weight you could see the frustration building and this time I thought what a way to start such an important event.

In order to successfully pack to look fabulous on your honeymoon and get the event started on a positive note first check out your airlines policy for baggage- most are charging per bag and have a 35-50lb limit per bag. So the first step is to avoid packing those big bags, your tendency to over pack large bags is very easy! So grab an average sized bag; buy travel size of your must haves and if your favorite personal products do not come in travel sizes, you can buy small bottles at any department store to make your own and get going! Keep in mind the size limits the FAA has put on carry-on toiletries. Check-out their website for more information.

Now the next few sentences I have to type will be very hard to read ladies – but trust me you will be a little tired and very excited as you go off on your honeymoon and you want to start it off right! So rather than spend a lot of money many outfits to take with you, consider a few outfits and spend more on accessories that can change to look of your limited wardrobe.  Use the extra money you’ve saved on the wardrobe and treat your new husband to a special dinner and perhaps some lingerie surprises!

Must-haves:

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
• Passport/visas/driver’s license
• Credit cards (take only those you’ll need)
• Hotel/theater reservation fax confirmations
• Traveler’s checks
• Two sets of photocopies of all of the above, plus a photocopy of related medical and/or trip insurance coverage and prescriptions (carry one set with you, leave one in the hotel room)
• Phone numbers for your doctor, house/cat sitter, and credit card companies (in case your cards are lost or stolen)
• Prescription medicine (in the original bottle)
• Contraception
• ID tags for luggage (on the inside of your bag place a copy of your travel itinerary in case your luggage is misplaced)
• Camera, batteries, extra SIM card.

Her Pack for a Week (modify for destination, activities, season):

• 1 pair jeans or khakis (for cold airports and the plane)
• 1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
• 1 sundress
• 1 little black dress
• 1 cardigan (for chilly restaurants)
• 4 casual shirts (T-shirts, tank tops, short-sleeve button-downs)
• 2 pairs shorts
• 2 swimsuits (bikini for the beach, one-piece for water sports)
• 1 swimsuit cover-up
• 1 pair walking shoes/sandals
• 1 pair evening shoes/sandals
• 1 evening purse
• Your honeymoon lingerie  (don’t skimp here)
• Extra socks and underwear
• Bras (strapless and otherwise)
• Accessories (scarves and jewelry to “stretch” your wardrobe)

His Stash for a Week (modify for destination, activities, season):

• 1 pair jeans or khakis
• 1 pair nice slacks
• 1 light jacket or pullover (take one that can be tied around the waist or stuffed in a backpack)
• 4 casual shirts (T-shirts or short-sleeve button-downs)
• 2 pairs shorts
• 2 polo or button-down short-sleeve shirts
• 1 sports jacket (for nicer restaurants)
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 pair walking shoes/sandals
• 1 pair lace-ups
• Extra socks and underwear

Pack Here — Don’t Buy There:

• Insect repellent (and anti-itch cream for the bugs that break through)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Aloe vera
• Band-Aids
• Aspirin
• Antacid
• Antihistamine
• Diarrhea medicine
• Motion sickness medicine
• Tampons/pads (they can be hard to find outside the U.S. and are a non-negotiable must-have when you need them!)
• Paperback books (you can leave them in the hotel library once you’ve read)
• Deck of cards
• Canvas tote bag for beach or pool (also good for carrying souvenirs home)
• Guidebook
• Electrical converter/adapter (if traveling outside of the U.S.)

Bathroom Basics:

• Travel-size toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Cosmetics
• Make-up remover
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Comb/brush
• Hair gel/spray
• Nail file/clippers
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Contact lens and re-wetting solution, storage case
• Hair accessories

Optional Items (your hotel may provide):

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body lotion
• Hair dryer
• Shower cap
• Alarm clock

Handy Extras:

• Extra pair of glasses/contacts, asthma inhaler, and the like
• Ziplock bags (all sizes; use for packing wet swimsuits or protecting camera and film when it rains)
• Earplugs
• Sewing kit
• Shout Wipes or stain stick
• Anti-bacterial liquid or lotion
• Visine
• A small purse to drape across your shoulders  (to keep money handy and in sight)
• Small backpack(s) for day excursions and impromptu picnics
• 1 pair workout sneakers and 2-3 workout outfits if you plan on visiting the resort’s gym or jogging on the beach
• Swiss Army knife – must be packed in your checked luggage
• Compact umbrella or rain ponchos

Leave Behind With Family or Friends:

• Your itinerary and hotel phone numbers
• Photocopies of your passport, credit cards, and traveler’s check receipts
• A sealed copy of your wills, life insurance-policy numbers, and pertinent financial info