Packing for a Tropical Family Vacation

I always over pack my suitcase for most of the vacations I've ever been on in the past 30 years, internationally and in the United States. I just never want to feel like I forgot something or I don't have enough clothes to wear for the situation.

But when my family went on a 7-night tropical cruise recently, it was mind boggling how much stuff we needed for four people. Each of us had a big suitcase, and then we had one medium-sized carry on for the toiletries, camera, hats, etc., etc., etc.

The night we left for the airport, I started weighing the bags. OK. It was time to lighten up. Those bags were way over the 50 pound mark that they allow you. That weight varies depending on the airline and your departure country.

But usually the maximum amount of baggage each ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is two pieces checked and one carry-on. And those checked suitcases can usually only be 50 pounds.

Have you ever lifted 50 pounds? It's heavy. I didn't want to check two bags for myself. So, I started throwing out shoes, complete outfits and swimsuit cover-ups.

I figured out that many of my skirts, dresses or pants could be worn with the same light jacket or sweater. Some of those tropical places aren't so tropical at night when the sun goes down. It can get a bit chilly in the restaurants and theaters, especially on a cruise ship.

I learned to coordinate my outfits better, and realized that I could wear the same swimsuit more than once. For my children, I gave them a list of how many underwear, socks, casual shirts, dress-up shirts, pants, shorts and swim trunks to pack. They neatly rolled up their stuff and managed to have leftover room in their bags for souvenirs.

My husband just added in a suit coat for the formal night on the cruise, and a good pair of shoes.

The most important thing to do is check off your list the item as you put it in the suitcase.

For some other ideas on what to pack for a tropical vacation, here are some suggestions from someone who has either forgotten something or wished she would have had this list earlier:
• Always have your sunglasses, prescription glasses and an extra pair of contacts. Put those all in your carry-on bag or purse.

• Bring camera, film or memory cards also in your carry-on.

• Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. You can always buy it there, but it's a lot cheaper here. Put it in your packed suitcase in a plastic bag so it doesn't leak, and also because of the new laws about liquids and gels.

• Keep all prescription medicine and vitamins in their original bottles, Pack in purse or carry-on.

• Don't forget to bring something along to play or read, especially on those long layovers or delays. One time, we sat in a plane on the runway 9 hours because of a snowstorm. Not fun.

• Passports and copies of passports should be placed in separate bags, in case one goes missing. Always have your passport in your carry-on for handy access.

• People always think they have to send postcards and bring stamps and address books along. I've stopped doing that because it's such a hassle sometimes to find a place to mail them or the postage isn't right. Just enjoy your vacation, and just realize that your friends and family are happy you are getting away.

• Pack a small bag with your make-up. You don't need 10 different eye shadows or 3 mascaras. Relax.

• And for extras to pack for the family - cell phone and one of those instant chargers, more Ziploc bags to pack toys and extras, ear plugs and goggles for swimming, snacks for the plane, motion sickness pills or patches, and leave your flight and hotel information to a friend or relative.