Are you heading to Kauai soon? You likely have a few things in mind when it comes to packing for your trip. From swimsuits and snorkel gear to flip flops and floral shirts, packing for your trip to Kauai definitely calls for a suitcase filled with tropical vacation essentials. 

Kauai Culture

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and is definitely the lushest and most laid-back. Covered in beautiful rainforests, rugged mountains, and stunning beaches, Kauai is a dream destination for travelers who love exploring the outdoors or relaxing on the beach. 

The overall vibe of Kauai is very carefree, and the island definitely encapsulates the Aloha spirit. Some people refer to it as having a laid-back ‘surf-town’ vibe. People are friendly, chilled out and not pretentious. It is one of the more remote islands of the Hawaiian chain and not as busy. In fact, you’ll find that the nightlife scene is pretty quiet.  

Packing for Kauai – What to Leave at Home

I have visited Kauai on numerous occasions only to find that I’ve overpacked for my trip and could have left a few things at home. There are many lists out there telling you what to pack for Kauai, but I thought it would be super helpful to let the ladies know what to leave at home! 

Here are five things NOT to pack for your trip to Kauai. 

1. High heels

You really won’t need high heels to go anywhere in Kauai. I’ve traveled with high heels on numerous trips to Kauai and have never once worn them. If you really do want a little bit of height, I would recommend going with some cute wedge sandals. 

2. Fancy jewelry

Kauai is super laid back. Therefore, you’ll feel pretty overdressed if you’re wearing large, glittery, standout pieces of jewelry. Save some weight in your luggage and leave the fancy jewelry at home. Opt for a few of your favorite jewelry items that you wear daily and you’ll be good to go. 

3. Formal dresses

By now, you likely see a trend forming in this list! Kauai is very casual – don’t bother packing any fancy dresses. You’ll do much better with a couple of cute sundresses or comfy skirts. 

4. Jeans

Kauai is a tropical island and the weather is very hot and humid. Even during the rainy season or cooler nights, you likely won’t want to be confined in a pair of jeans! If you’re going to bring long pants, pick something lightweight and comfortable. You’ll likely end up only wearing them on the plane.

5. A heavy bag of makeup, hair accessories, and toiletries.

All of us ladies know that the majority of baggage weight comes from toiletries and shoes! When traveling to Kauai, be assured that you won’t need a lot of makeup or hair products. Stick to the very basics and know you’ll fit in and feel comfortable with a very casual look!

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In the past couple of years, I’ve discovered using packing cubes in my suitcase to stay organized and save space. They help you pack lighter when going to Kauai, especially because you’ll be saving a lot of weight and space by leaving unnecessary items at home.

Have you been to Kauai? Let me know if there is anything you’ve taken with you that you could have left at home!

Things to do in Kauai with Kids.

How to Not Get Sick from germs on the Plane.

The post What NOT to pack for Kauai. appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

If you’re packing for a trip, it can be tricky to try and remember everything you need. When you’re flying, it’s important to have a strategy in case your luggage gets lost, which happens all too often these days! Lost luggage is so frustrating, especially if it takes a couple of days to arrive or you are moving on to a destination that is away from your arrival airport.

Rest assured, if you pack your carry-on with essential items, you will be less stressed if your luggage goes missing for a day or two.

What to pack in your carry on? Here are some key things to take with you on the plane!

1. Glasses and contact lenses
   If you aren’t wearing your glasses already, be sure to take them with you in your carry on. Also, pack your contact lenses and case including extra pairs if you use disposables.
2. Sunglasses
   It’s important to protect your eyes and, especially for sunny destinations, you’ll be happy you have your sunglasses handy when you walk out of the airport!
3. Clothes
   If your clothes are packed away in luggage that doesn’t arrive, you’ll be happy to have some extra clothes packed in your hand luggage. Have at least two easy outfits that will work for exploring your destination.
4. Underwear and extra socks
   If the airline loses your luggage you’ll still want some clean underwear to change into. They don’t take up a lot of room and you’ll be happy you have them!
5. Shoes
   Bring a pair of shoes to change into if you don’t want to spend the next day or two walking in the shoes you wore on the plane. For warm climates, you’ll likely want to pack your sandals or flip flops in your carry-on.
6. Medication
   Be sure to bring your go-to pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil and any prescription meds you are currently taking.
7. Toothbrush
   A toothbrush doesn’t take up a lot of room in your hand luggage. If your suitcase gets lost, you’ll appreciate still being able to brush your teeth after a long travel day. Better yet, take along a travel sized tube of toothpaste too!
8. Deodorant
   Long days of travel and overnight flights can leave you feeling less than fresh. A travel sized deodorant will help fend off unwanted odors!
9. Hand sanitizer or wipes
   Airports and planes are known for being the germiest public places. Stay healthy by keeping hand sanitizer and wipes handy in your carry-on luggage.
10. Makeup
    For the ladies, remember to take the makeup items you can’t live without in your carry-on or purse! Whether it’s concealer, powder or your favorite lipstick, you’ll feel much better knowing you have them with you instead of tucked away in the suitcase that accidentally went to a different country! Sephora has a great selection of travel sized makeup products.
11. Chapstick
    The air is so dry on a plane and having lip balm or chapstick handy will keep your lips moisturized.
12. Important documents and money
    Don’t forget to pack your passport, ID, credit cards and money in your carry-on. Stay organized with a handy travel case or passport wallet that can keep it all in one spot.  
13. Electronics
    Remember to take your phone or tablet in your carry on. Don’t forget your headphones!
14. Sleeping mask and neck pillow
    For those long haul or overnight flights, you’ll be much more comfortable with a travel sleeping mask to block out unwanted light and neck pillow to take the edge off those uncomfortable airplane seats!
15. Chewing Gum
    Gum helps with plugged ears and painful popping on take off and landing.

This Carry On Checklist Will Give you Peace of Mind!

Knowing you have these important and helpful items in your carry on will help keep you feeling at ease when you are traveling. Ask any traveler about the time the airline lost their luggage and you will hear how much stress it caused when they didn’t have a back-up plan!

Every airline has different rules for carry on luggage weight and restrictions. Travel and Leisure has this great cheat sheet for carry on size and weights for many airlines. You should still be able to fit all of these items if you strategically pack them. The most important tip is to look for things that are lightweight and travel sized!

I hope this list helps you on your next trip! Did I miss anything? Leave me a comment below!

Hey ladies! Here is a great packing list for your all-inclusive vacation!

The post What to Pack in Carry On Luggage appeared first on Work Travel Repeat.

It always surprises me when I travel with other people such as family members or friends and they don’t have basic medications with them. I wonder…how the heck could they not be prepared for the worst-case scenario? I suppose it seems a bit OCD on my part, but I really think it’s important to always have few medications in case illness strikes when on vacation! You just never know how hard it will be to find even the basics such as a painkiller!

Here are 5 medications to pack for your trip.

 1.     Pain and fever relief medication.

Bring what works best for you, and your favourite brand(s). Whether it’s Ibuprofen (such as Advil) or Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol). Better yet, pack both. In some cases, you can alternate both types of medications. Be sure to talk to a doctor or pharmacist first.

 2.     Anti-diarrhea medication (ie. Imodium)

Foreign foods and travellers diarrhea can strike at any time! You’ll be happy you packed an anti-diarrhea medication so you can get off the toilet and still enjoy your vacation!

3.     Stomach remedy such as Pepto Bismol tablets

New foods and the general stress of travelling can cause nausea, indigestion or stomach troubles. Having a stomach remedy will provide you some much needed relief.

4.     Motion sickness relief (ie. Gravol)

Part of the fun of your journey includes planes, trains, boats and car rides, but they can bring on motion sickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness or unsure about a particular long ride ahead, motion sickness relief medication will help and there are many options to choose from.

5.     Antihistamine medication and/or creams for bites, stings or allergies

Foreign insects or even certain types of foods or spices can cause inflammation. Having an antihistamine handy will give you some relief.

 A Travel Medical Kit is a Great Idea Too!

Better yet, beyond these 5 must-have medications when you travel, packing a handy travel medical kit is a great idea! You can throw in other items like band-aids, eye drops, insect repellent and so on. Yes, it will take up a bit of space in your suitcase and you may not have to use it, but you will be thankful you have it when illness or injury strikes on vacation.

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