Australia & New Zealand 2014

Itinerary:

Packing:

Download Packing List (pdf)

Gear:

Carry-Ons:

• Each person had a backpack – even the 4yr old. Most of them we had already, but I did splurge on one larger backpack for myself:
• eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible. This bag was great for the whole trip and could handle whatever I threw at it. However, the flights outside of the US have weight restrictions for carry-ons. I knew the dimensions were fine, but most of the time the weight was too much. The limits were 7kg (15lbs). In fact, most of our packs were over the limit on the first leg. We had to shift some items around to balance out. So, even though it meets the size requirements, it is easy to pack it to beyond international weight restrictions.
• I also purchased several different packing cubes – color coordinated for each person. The packing cubes were awesome, and I think will be a regular addition to all of our trips.
• Some completely clear cubes for toiletries and snacks for the flight. The clear cubes were great because you could see what was in them. However, the one I used for toiletries did not hold up – the plastic pulled away from the zipper. I tried to repair with duct tape, but it still fell apart. It was pretty useful for the snacks though. Suggestion – do not overfill – even slightly.
• I also got flat toiletry bags for myself and my husband (color coded as well). The flat toiletry bag worked well for my husband, but it was less effective for me on this trip. I put my makeup in it as well as some other items, but it was pretty small for a long trip. I used it for a shorter trip and it was useful.
• We already had our checked luggage – 1 roller bag/person – 4 carry-on size and 2 larger pieces.
• I did purchase a new purse – mostly because I already needed one! The purse was awesome and just want I needed!

Electronics:

Kindle, Tablet, Laptop, DVD player, iPhones/touch/shuffle, headphones, camera – all with appropriate cables & chargers!

We used everything we took multiple times. The portable DVD player, tablet & Kindle were good for the longer bus rides. We also ended up watching some movies at night in the apartments when the kids were too tired to do anything else. I was against taking the DVD player, but I’m glad we did now.

Snacks:

I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what snacks to pack for our long haul flights. They had to be packable, some nutritious, some fun, some that could be used as a meal if we had trouble with GF options. So, here’s what I came up with:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced yellow bell peppers
• sliced cucumbers
• celery with peanut butter
• grapes
• strawberries
• apples
• pretzels
• almond butter power balls
• salted mixed nuts
• salt & vinegar chips
• cliff protein bars
• granola bars
• organic lolly pops
• organic gummy worms
• organic gummy bears
• gum
• chocolate covered coconut
• chocolate turtles
• trail mix

Follow-up note: We ate most of the items throughout the entire trip and added some other things along the way. For other parts I made peanut butter crackers and hard-boiled eggs, too. So glad we had them. I ate a ton of the veggies & fruit during the first long haul as the GF option was terrible!  One note – when we landed in NZ,  we had to dump out all of the fresh fruit & veggie due to the bio laws there. Just something to keep in mind…