Travel Packing Tips

Packing List for Parents Traveling Abroad to Adopt

Your packing list will vary depending on your adoption destination. This packing list was planned for travel to a very remote location. Keep in mind that some destinations are fairly modern while others are very isolated and lack conveniences of western society. Thoroughly research your destination and the route you will be taking to get there. With some advanced preparation and forethought you can make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.

1. Money belts - It is not recommended that you use the kind that hangs around your neck. Consider magellans.com or thesavvytraveller.com
2. Your U.S. passport and multiple copies
3. An extra copy of your adoption documents
4. A travel medical kit that contains general first aid supplies as well as emergency medical supplies. Items to consider are:
   * Band-aids in assorted sizes
   * Several different sizes of gauze pads
   * Medical tape
   * Alcohol pads - or a 16 oz. bottle of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning wounds
   * Antimicrobial hand cleaner (large size)
   * Thermometer and Petroleum jelly
   * Tweezers
   * Nail clippers (one set for you and an extra set for your child)
   * Sterile gloves
   * Iodine-based disinfectant such as Betadine
   * Sterile suture kit
   * Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin
   * Steroid ointment such as hydrocortisone
   * Motion sickness medications like Dramamine for you and your child.
   * Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for you and your child for pain reliever, fever reducer.
   * Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for you and possibly your child.
   * Anti-fungal treatment medication such as Lotrimin AF in liquid, cream and/or powder forms.
   * Hypodermic needle and syringe to draw up an anesthetic liquid
   * Antibiotics - for a variety of uses that should be discussed with a doctor
   * Anti-diarrhea medication for you and your child.
   * Electrolyte tablets to replenish sodium, potassium, and calcium incase of dehydrated. Also, a separate powdered electrolyte such as Kaolectrolyte or Pedialyte for your child.
   * Baby Anbesol anesthetic gel for teething pain.
   * Insect repellant - nontoxic to children
   * Lip Balm
   * Sunscreen
5. Remember to pack any medication prescribed by your doctor. You should also bring a letter from your doctor authorizing the use of your prescription medication.
6. There are several prescription medications for your adopted child that should be discussed with your pediatrician.
   * Medication to treatment for scabies (body lice). It is suggested that you bring enough to treat everyone traveling and your adopted child twice.
   * Prescription anesthetic, external ear drops for earache pain
   * A broad spectrum antibiotic such as Augmentin.
   * Bacitracin ointment
7. If age appropriate, candy is great for building your initial friendship with your child.
   * Suckers
   * Gum drops
   * Gummy bears
8. Easy to pack snack foods
   * Granola Bars
   * Beef Jerky
   * Sunflower seeds
   * Cheese & peanut butter crackers
   * Lipton cup-a-soup (chicken noodle, cream chicken, vegetable, etc.)
   * Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers
9. Personal water purification bottles should be used at all times to avoid getting sick. REI.com has some good information on camping water filters.
10. Several black ink pens sealed in a Ziploc bags.
11. Notebooks for journaling and writing letters home.
12. Books to read.
13. Adoption “baby book” to document your adoption experience
14. Digital or another type camera
15. Video camera with extra tapes. Again, use a radiation-proof x-ray film bag.
16. Clothing for your child
    * Underwear/Panties
    * Shoes and socks
    * Coat or Jacket depending on season
    * Night clothes
    * Seasonal, baggy clothing (guessing at size)
17. If adopting a baby
    * Foods and formula for babies
    * Diapers
    * Baby feeding essentials such as bottles, baby spoons, and sippy cups
    * Pacifiers
    * Diaper rash ointment
    * Baby soap and baby shampoo
    * Baby wipes
    * Bibs
    * Baby comb and brush
    * Baby finger and toe nail clippers
18. Comfortable, easy to wash clothing for yourself. Include a dressier outfit for court.
19. Comfortable shoes that are well made.
20. Travel blanket and pillow
21. Ladies, do not forget to pack sanitary items.
22. Several rolls of toilet paper. You can take the cardboard rolls out to compress them for easy packing.
    
23. Bungee cords and duct tape always come in handy for misc. uses. Use your imagination!
    
24. Travel alarm clock
    
25. Swiss Army knife (scissors, blades, small screwdriver for eyeglass screws, tweezers, toothpick, file, corkscrew, large screwdriver)
    
26. Travel sewing kit
    
27. Fly swatter and sticky bug strips
    
28. Wash clothes
    
29. Zip lock bags - pint, quart, and gallon sizes
    
30. Several bottles of Purell waterless hand cleaner (kills 99.9% of germs)
    
31. Clorox bleach wipes
    
32. Age appropriate toys
    
33. Gifts for orphanage director, orphanage staff, adoption facilitators, translators, etc…
    
34. Donation of medical supplies, clothing, or toys to the orphanage
    
35. Laptop computer (if you have one or can borrow one) with DVDs and international adapter. Many regions and hotels have internet connections.