That Which You Need: Packing Tips

Before embarking on any journey (short or long) it's important to make sure you have everything that you need. Packing is, in many ways, an art form. Some can do it quickly and beautifully without batting an eye, while others (like myself) become rolling nutcases. I get packing anxiety right before every vacation and it's a real drag. "What do I bring? How many catheters should I take? Do I have enough t-shirts to wear every day and still have enough to avoid wearing the same thing twice? Should I pack the mankini**?" Inevitably we all dread the thought of leaving something crucial behind, and it's especially important to pack wisely when you have a disability. That said, here are some things to think about when packing for your trip. Yes, even YOU can pack as efficiently as renowned world traveler Rick Steves!

1. Make a List: Check it twice! Or thrice. My dad always used to create elaborate packing lists before every family vacation and I always thought he was insane for doing this. Come to find out... he wasn't. In fact, he was always prepared for every trip BECAUSE of the list. Print out a list or jot one down on a notepad. There are some great packing lists online: The Independent Traveler, Wikitravel, Travellerspoint, Rick Steves' Europe.  AbilityTrip.com also has a downloadable .pdf packing checklist that does include some items pertinent to disability. Most online lists won't include some of the more specialized items, such as adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, cushions, specialized medical items), but it's a good starting point and a great resource for the novice and pro traveller alike. 

2. Don't overpack: The more luggage you bring, the more you'll have to haul around. Besides, it's always nice to leave room for souvenirs... right? For those who will inevitably be jettisoning medical waste (catheters, etc.) you'll no doubt free up some luggage space during your travels. Still, plan on packing only what you need so that you (or your travel partner) don't have to haul around all of your earthly possessions. I typically bring a rolling bag and a backpack. When traveling by air, I'll always check my rolling bag and bring my backpack on the plane. It's also a good idea to know the size and weight restrictions of airlines. This will help you determine whether or not you'll check or carry on your luggage. You can find these restrictions online at each of the airlines' webpages. Bottom Line: Keep it as light as possible and only bring what you absolutely need (or think you absolutely need)!

Broken caster in Times Square, NYC.

3. Wheelchair Supplies: There's nothing worse than being stranded up sh*# creek without a paddle... or a functioning wheelchair. Last year I knocked a chunk out of one of my front wheelchair casters while rolling through Times Square in New York City. Luckily I had a spare wheel with me and was able to get a local skate shop to help with the repair. Bringing spare wheels, inner tubes, tire and cushion repair kits and other tools is critical when traveling abroad. The likelihood of finding the parts you need (while vacationing) is slim to none; so always come prepared with the right tools and accessories for your adaptive equipment. You should also avoid bringing your tools in your carry-on bag. Some airlines will confiscate tools if they look sketchy or weapon-like. Pack your tools in your checked bags. In some instances you may have to purchase tools at your destination. Always bring what you need and pack it accordingly so that your trip isn't spoiled by a damaged piece of equipment. You have to have mobility! A wheelchair without wheels is just a chair. Many folks prefer to use solid tires when traveling. If you decide to go this route, you won't need spare inner tubes or patches. However, I still recommend bringing a spare front caster. I also suggest bringing DW-40 and grease for your axels. Especially when traveling in humid environments. For those traveling with a power chair, make sure you bring an additional battery and charging accessories. This includes electrical outlet adapters (see Electronics below). Cushions can also be damaged, so make sure you have supplies to patch a hole or leak. I always like to bring my Jay Protector, just in case something happens to my primary wheelchair cushion. 

4. Medication: Whenever you travel, you should always bring your meds. This includes all medication that you take on a daily basis. You should also include items such as Imodium A-D or Pepto Bismol. These can come in handy when eating exotic foods. Nothing worse than getting the trots while abroad. Finally, make sure you bring antibiotics. You can typically get these from your doctor and are good to have in case you come down with something. Being sick is never fun, especially when traveling. It's also a good idea to keep your meds in your carry-on bag. I always keep my medication close, just in case there's a delay or something happens to my checked luggage. 

5. Bathroom Supplies: Let's face it, no one can hold it forever. At some point during your journey, you're going to have to void. So it's important to be prepared for every situation: accessible and otherwise. First, bring enough catheters to last the duration of your trip. Figure out how many caths you typically use on a given day and add at least one or two to the daily dose. I typically cath four times a day, but always plan on using six catheters each day while traveling. I'm a regular peeing machine. There have been a few times that I've cut my usage very close (ex: using the last catheter just after returning home.) You never want to run out, so bring enough supplies to last the duration of the trip, and BEYOND!!! For those who re-use catheters, make sure you bring the necessary cleaning supplies. And please, don't use dirty catheters. Second, keep an empty water bottle (or other receptacle with a lid) with you at all times. You may find yourself in a tight situation and won't have time to get to a restroom. I've used the bottle on several international trips, where getting to the plane's lavatory is a bit tricky. Some of you may decide to travel with an indwelling catheter. This can also be an easy way of discretely avoiding accidents. Undergarments are also nice to have in case of emergencies. For women, skirts and pants that zip off to shorts are a great way of making that "gotta go now" task much easier. Third, make sure you bring all of the necessities for your bowel program. It's also a good idea to pack small garbage bags, for proper disposal of any used bathroom supplies. Finally, always pack antibacterial gel or hand wipes. You always want to keep your hands clean and let's face it, it's easy for the hands to get filthy after rolling around all day. 

6. Important Documents: Keep your passport and personal identification with you at all times. It's also a good idea to make a high-quality photocopy of your passport, just in case the original is misplaced or stolen. The passport copy should be kept in another bag, or better yet, the hotel safe. Whenever traveling abroad, I always keep my passport and credit cards in a money belt under my clothes. Having said that, I realize my secret is now revealed. You never want keep important items in pockets or places that can easily be accessed by others (like gypsies). Some people like to use the bags under their wheelchairs and that's fine as long as the bag isn't obvious or easy to access by passersby. Also, if you have any medical implants, make sure you bring the necessary documentation. This is especially important when passing through airport security. 

7. Contact Information: It's always a good idea to have a list of important names and contacts with you at all times. This list can be a printed hard copy or (thanks to modern technology) a list contained on a portable device such as your phone. You can also email a list to yourself, to be accessed online when needed. Important contacts may include: Family, friends, travel contacts, medical contacts (doctor), local assistive care contacts, and local government contacts (U.S. embassies, consulates, and consular agencies) specific to the area you are visiting. You may never need to access this list, but it's nice to know it's available in case of emergency. 

8. Valuables: As Yoda once said: "Take only that which you need".  Leave expensive items like jewelry at home. If you absolutely have to bring jewelry, select only one or two items and don't bring the expensive stuff. Expensive items can be easily stolen, so if at all possible... don't bring the bling. When traveling with electronics (cameras, laptops) make sure you keep those items with you or lock them up in your hotel safe. Also, don't put all of your eggs (currency) in one basket. Always spread out your money, credit cards, travelers checks, etc., by placing them in different areas. That way, if you're robbed you'll still have access to funds. 

9. Electronics: Don't take too many toys. Only bring the stuff you absolutely need (assistive devices, camera, phone, etc.) Whenever you travel with electronic equipment, you should always bring electrical outlet adapters. Not all electrical outlets are the same. Electrical outlets in other countries can be much different than US outlets. Once you've determined where you're going and what electronics you plan on bringing, make sure you purchase the right outlet adapter. This is especially important when traveling with a power chair. You'll need to recharge your batteries and it's critical that you're able to plug into the hotel's outlets. 

10. Clothing: Pack the right threads for the right environment. In other words, don't pack Bermuda shorts and tank tops if you're heading to Nepal. Research the climate of your destination so that you can pack appropriate clothing. And always plan on inclement weather. For wheelies it's a good idea to pack durable clothing. If you're constantly rolling and transferring from surface to surface, you'll want clothes that can handle wear and tear. It's also a good idea to take clothes that don't show the dirt. White pants are a bad idea. Brown or black pants hide the dirt much more easily. I know some folks get worried about soiled or dirty clothing and will compensate by packing more than they need. Just remember, most hotels have a laundry service. In the event that I overdo it on the margaritas and have an accident, I'll always pay to have the hotel clean my clothes. It saves luggage space and doesn't really cost an arm and a leg to get your clothes laundered. If you go on a day trip, it's not a bad idea to pack some spare pants and undies, just in case something happens. One last note: take older clothing. You don't want to ruin new clothes. Some fold, some roll, but try to pack your clothes as efficiently in your bags as possible. 

11. Recreational Gear: For those who like adventure, you'll definitely want to bring along your adventure gear. For example: If you like to snorkel or scuba dive, you may consider bringing your goggles, snorkel and fins (hand or leg). It's always a good idea to pack for the recreational activity you'll be engaging in. And always bring your swimming suit (if you plan on swimming)!


12. Reading Material: Bring something to read. There will always be downtime during a trip, especally when in transit from destination to destination. It's always good to have a book or magazine on hand. I would also suggest bringing books relating to your travel destination. Lonely Planet, Fodors, and Frommers have great travel guides, complete with hotel, restaurant and activity resources. 

13. The Backpack: I always like to keep the good stuff with me at all times, in case of emergency. My basic backpack (or daypack) contents include the following:

• Bottled Water: Yes, you need to hydrate when traveling. And I know that folks in chairs think drinking less = less trips to the potty. Bad idea. You have to hydrate. I should also note that you'll need to purchase your bottled water on your trip or at the airport. You cannot bring bottled water from home, as that is considered an act of terrorism. 
• Snacks: Always have a snack with you in case you get hungry. Energy bars, trail mix or chips are great. Fruit works too, but don't leave it in your pack too long. 
• Tire Repair Kit: Just in case I pop a tire, I always bring a spare inner tube and tire repair kit. That way, I won't be stranded. For those who have solid tires, this won't apply. 
• Bathroom Supplies: I always bring my bathroom kit, in case of emergency. This includes supplies relating to number one and number two. I typically always bring at least four catheters and my cath extender for those hard-to-reach toilets. 
• Antibacterial Gel: Gotta keep those hands clean. 
• Medication: I always bring my Imodium A-D. 
• Spare pants/undies: You never know when Montezuma will seek revenge. 
• Camera/Video Camera: I love documenting my travels, so I'll always bring my still or video camera. Hey, if you happen to witness an animal attacking an annoying tourist, you'll definitely be glad you have your camera on hand.
• Tunes: I like to listen to music during my downtime and will always bring my iPod along.
• Book: During any road trip, it's always good to have something to read. From Danielle Steel to Stephenie Meyer, find something you like to read and bring it.   

Me and my backpack in Valladolid, Mexico.

14. Money Belts/Pouches: Always keep your money and passport safely hidden at all times. Money belts and pouches are a great way of keeping your valuables and important documents close by and out of sight.

15. Makeup: No, I personally do not bring a makeup kit on my travels, unless of course I'm going to Burning Man. For those of you who do wear makeup, it's not a bad idea to bring the essentials. You should also keep a few items with you in case of an emergency. What those items are, I'm not entirely sure because I'm a dude. 

These are just a few suggestions when packing for your next adventure. In future posts, I'll cover specific "planning" considerations, including: safety, health considerations (immunizations), the right wheelchair for the right terrain, etc. Knowing what to bring on a trip will allow you to better avoid issues during your journey. Always be prepared so that you can focus on having a good time. Nothing can spoil a trip quicker than having an accident and not being prepared. And remember, it's okay to feel some anxiety when packing for a trip. It's totally normal. Just plan ahead, check off your list, and you're likely to have a worry-free adventure. 

I welcome any additional comments on the subject of packing for travel. Everyone has their own tips and it's great to get a sense for what other travelers with disabilities bring on their vacations. 

**Typically the answer is always a resounding "YES!"