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
 

Travel locks (combination lock recommended -- no key to lose!) and ID tags for luggage (inside and out)

HER STASH FOR A WEEK (tweak 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 nice sundress
 

1 little black dress
 

1 cardigan (for chilly restaurants)
 

4 play 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
 

Extra socks and underwear
 

Bras (strapless and otherwise)
 

Accessories (scarves and jewelry to "stretch" your wardrobe)

HIS STASH FOR A WEEK (tweak 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 play 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:
 

Camera (disposable cameras are extra pricey at vacation spots)
 

Film/videotapes (take extra)
 

Extra camera/camcorder battery
 

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 (tear out and bring just the pages you're interested in)
 

Electrical converter/adapter

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 THINGS (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 (instant stain-treater towelettes)
 

Anti-bacterial liquid or lotion
 

Visine
 

Waist pack (to keep money handy and in sight)
 

Small backpack(s) for day excursions and impromptu picnics
 

1 pair old sneakers or Keds that can get wet or ruined (if you're traveling to the tropics)
 

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
 

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