Packing for a cruise seems pretty straightforward, and it usually is. Clothes, toiletries, a swimsuit, camera, maybe a deck of playing cards…. and don’t forget the charger for mobile devices and electronics! But there are a few things that experienced travelers always pack. Here are 9 of them:
1. Spare eyeglasses. If you’re like many folks who rely on corrective lenses to see, a broken pair of eyeglasses or torn contact lenses could quickly take all of the fun out of your cruise. Even if you’re still able to participate in most activities, your level of enjoyment will certainly suffer.
2. Credit card toll-free numbers. Just about everyone knows to call the credit card company in the event your credit card is stolen; but how can yo do that when your credit card has been stolen? Write down the numbers to your credit card company’s customer service line to minimize the time between noticing a loss and reporting it. In addition, you may want to call the company before you leave to let them know you’ll be away so they don’t block charges due to suspicion of fraud.
3. Embassy/consulate address and phone number. It is extremely unlikely that there will be any kind of international incident, natural disaster, or personal crime that will affect you while traveling out of the country; however, if it does, you will want to contact the U.S. embassy in the capital city of the place you’re visiting, or the nearest American consulate, right away.
4. Photocopies of all important documents. In the event your wallet or purse is stolen, you’ll be glad to have copies of your identification and travel documents. Store these separately from the originals, and keep them in your stateroom safe.
5. A scarf. Scarves are immensely practical. While sightseeing, some sites like places of worship prefer that women have heads and shoulders covered. Scarves are also useful for sun protection, packing fragile items, providing an extra layer of warmth, and tucking under your head for a catnap.
6.Photocopy of prescriptions. Of course you’ll pack your prescriptions and enough medication for the duration of your trip, too. But what if something happens and that medication goes missing or is damaged In some way? Having an official copy of your prescription can be helpful if you need to visit a pharmacy out of town.
7. Emergency contact information of friends and family. If you’re like most people, you’ve stored the phone numbers of friends and family in your phone’s address book. If that phone goes missing though, you’re in big trouble! Save yourself the headache. Write down a couple of the most important numbers so you don’t need to rely on your phone in an emergency.
8. Plastic shopping bags. These can be flattened and rolled up so that they take up hardly any room at all. It’s the perfect way to transport dirty shoes, soiled or wet clothes, or fragile souvenirs that might break (cleaning broken glass out of a suitcase is no fun!).
9. Feminine hygiene products. Sure, most places you’re going to will probably have a pharmacy where women can purchase sanitary pads or tampons if needed; but some off-the-beaten-track excursions might take you beyond these areas. Be prepared, especially if you have certain preferences for a particular product or style that might not be available out of town or overseas.
Even though it’s not possible to prepare for every emergency, adding items from this list to your suitcase or carry-on bag can give you real peace of mind when the unexpected happens away from home.
