What to Pack for your trip?
Although a trip to the USA and Canada is usually long one, it is worth reducing the amount of luggage taking along to this trip. Too much equipment and too many cloths can cause a burden (and in most hotels along your trip you will find washing machines and dryers which are convenient to use, so it is possible to manage with a limited amount of cloths).
Season: summer/beginning of autumn
Length: 3 weeks
What to Pack – for every traveler
4 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
1 long sleeve thermal shirt
1 warm fleece
1 waterproof rain coat
2 long trousers (preferably quick dry)/jeans
1 warm long fleece pants
2 short pants
1 waterproof pants
1 swimming suit
1 warm hat
1 hat
6 underwear
4 pairs of socks
1 sandals
1 hiking shoes
toiletry kit
spare eyeglasses/contact lens
sunglasses
if you plan on travelling to warm locations (such as SE USA and California) you can omit from the list the long sleeve shirt, the long sleeve thermal shirt and the warm hat
Season: winter/spring
Length: 3 weeks
Destinations: warm locations (such as SE USA)
What to Pack – for every traveler
same as above
Season: winter/spring
Length: 3 weeks
Destinations: cold locations (such as North USA and high altitude locations in South USA and Canada)
What to Pack – for every traveler
2 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve shirt
2 long sleeve thermal shirts
1 warm fleece
1 waterproof warm winter coat
3 long trousers (preferably quick dry)/jeans
1 warm long fleece pants
1 waterproof winter/snow pants
1 swimming suit
1 warm hat
1 pair of Gloves or mittens
1 scarf
6 underwear
6 pairs of warm insulating socks
1 hiking shoes
1 extra shoes
toiletry kit
spare eyeglasses/contact lens
sunglasses
backpack (with rain cover)
For all trips – what to pack for the whole family
travel guide books and maps
credit card and/or cash, passports
driving license, international driving license (if needed)
health insurance
hotel and campsite reservations
cellphone (with a music playlist)
cellphone charger
camera and binoculars
laptop
i-pad with movies for children
backpacks (with rain cover)
beach towels (2 per family)
swimming goggles
notebook, drawing papers, pen, crayons (for children)
laundry bag
flashlights, lanterns and/or head lamps (with batteries or fuel)
corkscrew or multi-tool
board, card and ball games
first and second aid kits
insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm
toilet paper, wipes
laundry detergent
pillows and blankets for the long drives (for children)
stroller, child carrier backpacks (for infants)
car seat/booster (usually needed till 8 yrs old)
For all trips – what to pack for picnics in nature along the trip
tablecloth
cooler (preferably with a drain release function)
ice (can be purchased at any gas station or supermarket)
stove and gas/fuel
pot, pan
cutting knife, chopping board
salad bowel
spatula, can and bottle opener, cutlery, plates and cups
thermos
food storage containers
garbage bags, re-sealable zipper storage bags
dish scrubber, dishwashing soap, dish towel
matches
water bottles or jars
spices, coffee, tea
– When you arrive at the hotel consider not to carry all your suitcases up to the room. Instead, organize the necessary equipment for the night for the whole family in a small bag. In most places it is not a problem to leave suitcases in the car (but always take all valuables with you).
– Luggage may not reach the destination during flights. Make sure you have cloths for at least 1-2 days in your carry-on). For a large family it is also advised to pack in a way that if one suitcase does not arrive, it can easily be replaced by entering 1-2 shops and purchasing the lost items – for example all sandals, hiking shoes, fleeces and coats in one suitcase, or all underwear, socks, beach towels, toiletry kits and picnic equipment in one suitcase.
for a printable version of this list click here
