Well, it’s been a while since I posted the Air Travel & Layover Survival Guide. And, since I was putting together a packing list for myself for my now delayed trip to the LoS, I figured that, in the spirit originally shown by Xenono with his “Item Checklist”, I’d just expand the effort and share my packing list with the Club Hombre Community.

As with the ‘Survival Guide’ I encourage everyone to pass on their own ideas and suggestions but adding to this thread. While I realize that packing lists are by their very nature pretty individual, I believe that a large percentage of what we as “Hombres” take with us on our adventures is common to many of us. With that said, I also have learned from my travels, and from the members of this community, about things that I’d have never thought to bring with me on my trips. Many of these items greatly enhance the fun during the trip and are pretty inexpensive to bring along.

Typical for me with this kind of project, things got a little lengthy, and maybe even a little out of hand. I know that some in this community may well say that I’m very AR, which isn’t really the case. I just like to be sure that I don’t loose “fun time” by forgetting something that’s important. Similarly, if I hear about something that somebody else found fun, or useful on their trip, I know myself well enough to know that I may not remember about this new item when it comes time for me to get ready to pack. So, I add it to a list, and give it a try. If it works out well for me, I’ll keep in on the list. (Like the items from GlowZone that Blazers first told us about in his trip report, or the Extreme Glow alternative from Snapper.) If I didn’t find it worth taking, I’ll remove it from my list. (An example of this would be the powered speakers Xenono had on his list.)

Hope folks find this helpful!


Bueno Suerte & Chok Dee,

StrikeEagle

Packing List


First Off, a Note on Luggage and Such

I personally believe that everything I need for a 2+-week trip can be taken in a roll-aboard, a laptop case and a hanging garment bag. I only check my garment bag. The other two pieces of luggage go on-board with me. Make sure to pack all ‘must have’ stuff in the carry-on bags. Be sure that you have at least one change of clothes, and all your meds and toiletries in the carry-on bags.

I use zip ties to secure my checked bag. With the TSA’s current stand on inspecting bags, and their view of luggage locks, it’s just not worth the hassle or expense to use locks. Zip ties are cheap and do the job nicely. I have locks with, or on, my carry-on bags, so once in the room, anything to which I want to control access is placed in either the room safe, or one of these locked bags.

Another thing is to be sure that your checked bag is easily identifiable. Not just easy for you to identify, but easy for other people as well. I have found that some brightly colored fabric tape placed on the bag, near the handle, along with a brightly colored ID tag keeps pretty much anyone else from reaching for my bag as it comes down the baggage ramp. (This helps prevent the kind of thing that happened to “WallStreet” on his trip to BKK.) On the subject of ID tags, make sure to use quality ID tags. Most good tags have a flap to hide the address, so that the tag can only be read by intentionally opening it up to read the information. The last thing you want is for some ‘no good’ to read your address as they glance down at your bag while they walk through the airport. And then, have them go rip off your home while you’re on your trip. MAJOR BUMMER when you get home if that kind of thing happens. (And, it DOES happen. A business associate of mine had just this sort of thing happen to him while flying out of LAX. The theft ring was caught a week later, and he got some of his stuff back, but…what a PITA!) One last thing on luggage appearance, do NOT have anything that is obviously nationalistic or religious about your luggage when you travel internationally. No flags, or ‘Go USA’ type stickers or ID tags. This is just another security precaution for you and your stuff.

Personally, I pieced together my luggage set from different manufacturers. None of it is flashy or top of the line. I wanted certain features from each component and nobody offered everything I wanted in each piece they offered as a set. However, all of my stuff hooks together and can be rolled along as a single unit. For me, this was a VERY important consideration. IMHO it sucks to have your bags weigh you down when traveling. A little bit of planning prevents this.

My notebook bag has wheels so I can roll it independently as needed. It also has a shoulder strap on it. The shoulder strap fits perfectly over the top of my roll-aboard bag to create one rolling unit. The garment bag can sit atop the computer bag and connects to the ‘attachment strap’ on the top of the roll-aboard. The wheels on all my bags are regular roller blade wheels. This makes them easy to replace if damaged, and large enough to handle most cases of uneven pavement. This set up allows me to comfortably roll my stuff pretty much anywhere I go.



Things to Do Before Packing:

• Make a call to ALL of my banks (re: ATM cards) and credit card companies to let them know that I will be traveling abroad, and provide them with the dates of travel as well as a list of what countries I will be visiting.
• Print four photocopies of my passport. These copies are placed as follows:
• One in my Loop Wallet (As described below)
• One in gets stashed in each piece of luggage I take with me. (I only carry two bags on my trips)
• One gets stashed at home.
• Make (or update) a Financial Contact Information List with the INTERNATIONAL phone numbers for all ATM Card, Credit Card and Travelers Check companies. (Also sync this list to my Palm Pilot.)
• Attach copies of Traveler’s Check receipts to my phone list.
• (Note: I stash copies of these lists with each of my passport copies.)
• Stash a copy of my Passport and all ATM Card, Travelers Check and Credit Card information in a safe place at HOME. (i.e. An in home safe or safe deposit box)
• Check the TSA Web Site for the latest info on Airport Security Measures. Don’t want any nasty surprises regarding what’s in my luggage.
• Print a copy of the most current TSA “Permitted and Prohibited Items List" from the TSA web site. Keep this print out in an outside compartment of your carry on bag. This document can easily resolve any confiscation issues that may arise. (Been there. Done that.)

• In my Travel Folder:
• My Passport
• Airline Tickets, Itinerary & Boarding Passes
• Embassy/Consulate Info Sheet
• Financial Contact Phone List (from above)
• Copy of Medical Insurance Card- along with my medical information card. (I keep a copy of these in my Travel Folder. The originals go in my loop wallet. See Below.)
• ATM Card (I normally only take one with me.)
• One Credit Card
• $300 US cash

• In my Loop Wallet:
• A Copy of my Passport
• Drivers License (For use as a valid government issued ID to match my Passport copy)
• Embassy/Consulate Info Sheet
• Financial Contact Phone List (from above)
• Medical Insurance Card- along with my medical information card. (The info card lists what meds I regularly take, any current medical conditions, blood type and all known allergies.)
• A second Credit Card. (Normally I take at least 2 cards with me on a trip.)
• Travelers Checks (Not a requirement for me, as I usually just use my ATM card.)
• $300 US Cash

• A Neck Pillow, which I find more comfortable than the standard airline travel pillow.
• Foam Ear Plugs (Available at Drug or Discount stores)
• Slipper Socks (Available at most Department Stores) Don’t know about you, but my feet get cold on long flights.
• Two 1.5 Liter Sport Top bottles of water that I have frozen for at least 12 hours. (I will often add Crystal Light Drink Mix to the water prior to freezing. Or, I may substitute Gatorade for the water in at least one of the bottles. But I always bring two 1.5 Liter bottles with me.) NOTE: Loosen the top of the bottle prior to freezing to allow for expansion as the fluid freezes. If you forget to do this, you run the risk of splitting the plastic bottle, and not realizing it until the ice melts and you have a mess on the airplane. :-(
• The water bottles both go inside insulating sleeves to keep them cold longer and to help keep them dry. The sleeves also have a clip to attach the bottle to my luggage. (The insulating sleeves are available inexpensively during the warm weather months at most drug (Walgreens, Osco, Sav-On, CVS, etc.) or discount stores. Wal-Mart, K-mart, Target, etc.)
• Munchies- It’s going to be a L O N G flight. My advice is to bring munchies with you so that you know you'll have some snacks that you'll enjoy. Licorice, gum drops, raisins, nuts, pretzels, tortillas and the like take up just a little room, but offer a nice snack of familiar food. (The sugar and salt in the snacks will also help keep you hydrated as they help your system to retain water.)

• My trusty Palm Pilot loaded with fresh batteries. Just before I leave, I sync and update the latest maps from Sanuk Maps (Yes, you have to join Yahoo.com to get to these maps) as well as a map of Pattaya all of the bank and embassy information listed above, and any itinerary lists or plans for the trip. (i.e. clubs and MPs to be sure to check, in country friend’s contact phone numbers and addresses etc.) This is in addition to my normal Pilot software load up. I also bring along my travel sync/charger cable. (I convert my maps and images using FirePad and sync them up to my hand held. Check PalmGear for this program and your entire Palm based software needs)
• Olympus D-370 Digital Camera with an extra 64 MB memory card.
• CNET Review here (Thanks to Xenono on this one!)
• Duracell M3 or Energizer Batteries (Costco or Sam’s Club seem to have the best deals on batteries)
• Dell Inspiron Notebook w/ DVD (or the notebook computer of your choice), and extra Lithium Ion batteries for the long flight.
• Targus Universal Auto/Air Adapter (or equivalent) for in flight electric support. (Depends on my air travel situation as to if I bring extra batteries or the ‘Air Adapter’)
• Belkin Travel Surge Protector offers 110-/240volt protection with a built-in 6’ reel up phone cord in one small package. (Warranted for up to $75,000 of damage to your equipment should it fail to perform.)
• Two or three VCD or DVD movies and a full load of MP3s for my listening pleasure. (I usually end up with around 4 GB of music and sound effects on my HD for each trip. I have at least two hours of ‘nature sounds’ as an audio sleep aid.)
• A computer game or two to wile away some of the flight time. (Note: I limit the number of CDs, DVDs and computer games I bring with me, as I know I’ll be buying more at Pantip Plaza during my stay)
• Koss Porta Pro Stereo Headphones- Some of the best ‘portable music’ headphones I’ve found. And, they are available for under $40 US. (Porta,pro/PRD_117873_2750crx.aspx,Reviewed here. Available at Etronics, or at many electronics stores.)
• A Radio Shack 1600-Watt Foreign Travel AC Converter to ensure clean controlled power for all my electric goodies once we land.

• Large fanny pack from Everest Trading Corporation, and a small leather “TJ Special” fanny pack. (I use the one that fits the day/night’s planned events.) Some might call it my “Mini-Bumpy Bag”.
• Some assorted stuff from the Glow Zone, or Extreme Glow. (4” Light Sticks, Flashing Jewelry and “Tekno Bubbles” [Black Light Reactive Bubbles] have proven to be the biggest hits) I have not yet taken any of the “Black Light Balloons”, but will soon.)
• Personal Size (0.5 oz) hand sanitizer – just being safe and clean. (I use Purell with Aloe)
• M&Ms or other candy snacks that will withstand the heat of SEA. (The girls seem to love this stuff.)

• Massage oils – Bath & Body Works & Crabtree & Evelyn are good places for this stuff.
• Scented Baby Powder - Bath & Body Works & Crabtree & Evelyn are good places for this stuff as well. The girls really seem to enjoy a nice after shower application of pleasant smelling powder, and I find it to be kind of fun as well.
• AstroGlide from the Club Hombre Store. Check out the Free Sample from the AstroGlide website as well (Again, thanks to Xenono for the ‘free sample’ tip)
• Beyond 7 & Paradise Super-Sensitive Condoms. These two brands are my personal favorites for condoms. (My preferred ‘Adult Products’ vendor is Comdomania. They’ve always done well by me. )

• Extra toothbrushes and sample size tubes of toothpaste for the girls These are a BIG hit with the girls! I figure on at least one set per day, and have yet to have a girl NOT take the ‘toothbrush kit’ with her. (These items are available at inexpensive prices at any drug (Walgreens, Osco, Sav-On, CVS, etc.) or discount stores. Wal-Mart, K-mart, Target, etc.)Also, check your local “$1 Store” type outlets.)
• Sample size ‘mini-bottles’ of shower gel or gel soaps. Bath & Body Works & Crabtree & Evelyn are good for these kinds of things.
• “Personal Size” tubes of AstroGlide for the girls who seem to appreciate the lube. (As noted on the boards, most girls in the LoS don’t have or use lube. I still don’t understand why this is the case, as many girls seem to like it when it’s offered for use.)
• Trinkets for the girls - “Fun” jewelry like stretch bead bracelets & such can be found at places like Claire’s or your local discount stores. Wal-Mart, K-mart, Target, etc.)or flashing jewelry (see above)

• Freedom Bag- Since I travel for business, I keep this bag fully stocked and ready to go all of the time. Over the past six years, I’ve found this bag allows me to easily take along all of my personal/medical items kept in one convenient package.
• Vitamins & Supplements– Far too often overlooked as a way of keeping yourself healthy and fit. The jet lag combined with the heat of SEA can really play hell with your system. This is a normal part of my daily routine, but travel makes it more important. (See the Men’s Health section of Club Hombre for specific suggestions on what to take)
• Valid, written prescriptions from a physician for each of my prescription medications - just in case I need a refill on anything during my trip. Plus, having these provides medical authorization for all I medications I have with me, and avoids any issues with Security or Customs. (I keep these scripts in my Freedom Bag with all of my meds.)
• Lomotil 2.5 mg (generic available)- “The runs” can really ruin a trip. Best to be prepared, and this drug will resolve most bouts with diarrhea in 24 hours of less. (Hasn’t failed me, yet) Most doctors will provide you with a prophylactic script for this prior to your trip.
• Cypro- Just in case. I hate to loose vacation time to some silly little germ. (Consult your medical professional about which anti-biotic may be best for you to keep with you on your trip)
• Maalox Max (or a store brand equivalent) and Tagamet HB200 (or store brand equivalent) – Keep acid indigestion at bay. The “Max” in the Maalox is an anti-gas ingredient (Simethicone) to ease any potential gas pain or bloating. The Tagamet can also be used in conjunction with ‘Vitamin V’ to prolong the effectiveness of ‘the little blue pill’.
• Anti-Nausea Medication- I have a script to a fairly common med for this potential ailment. However, the med I take has some potentially serious side effects. I’d specifically encourage others to seek advice from their own doctor for this one.
• Clarinex, Benadryl (or a store brand equivalent), Flonase and Sudafed (or a store brand equivalent) for any allergy symptoms. The Benadryl can also be an effective sleep aid, if needed. The Sudafed tends to ‘wire’ me, so it can be used to give me a minor ‘boost’ if I need that.
• EpiPen- Protection against life threatening allergic reactions. (Only needed by those who have a specific known requirement for such precautions. BE ABSOLUTLY SURE to have a VALID WRITTEN SCRIPT for this device WITH YOU at the airport as the TSA may otherwise CONFISCATE it.)
• Asthma Inhalers/Medication (for Asthmatics ONLY)- I personally start my prophylactic asthma treatment regimen at least a week prior to departure for SEA. This is especially important for Asthmatics traveling to BKK, since the smog problem there is almost as oppressive as the heat and humidity can be.
• Aspirin, Tylenol or Motrin (or a store brand equivalent) for minor aches and pains.

• Large size (2 or 8 oz.) sanitizing hand lotion to refill the mini-bottle I carry with me.
• Shower Gel (I find this to be better than regular soap. YMMV) - Bath & Body Works make good products, but there are others available, also.
• “Mesh Sponge”- Also from Bath & Body Works
• Fingernail Brush- Yeah, so call me AR.
• Shampoo/Conditioner- Pick your favorite brands
• Face Scrub –Sweating like I do in SEA, means I especially need the extra help to keep my skin clean. Otherwise, I tend to have problems. I use the Clinique for Men Face Scrub
• Comb and/or Hair Brush
• MACH3 Turbo Razor –IMHO the best razor currently on the market. The base of the kit holds a full pack of extra blades. (Depending on the current state of the “terrorism threat board” you may not want to pack your razor in carry-on luggage. Check the TSA web site for current rules and restrictions.)
• Shaving cream- I use the Clinique for Men Cream Shave. IMHO the finest shave cream available. (The web site also has some interesting info for any guy.)
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Dental floss- Pick your favorite brands
• Deodorant- Pick your favorite brand
• Skin Toner –I use the Clinique for Men Scruffing Lotion. Again, an extra precaution against the effects of the heat and humidity of SEA.
• Sunscreen/Lip balm with sunscreen- my favorites are AloeGator Sun Products and Blistex Lip Ointment.
• Gold Bond Medicated Powder- Hey, I like to be dry at least once a day, and with the heat and humidity of SEA, using powder is the easiest method I’ve found.
• Cotton Pads, or Cotton Balls
• Q-Tips
• Band-Aids- in various sizes
• Neosporin Ointment- the number one antibiotic first aid ointment on earth
• Nail clippers & a Nail file- (Again, depending on the current state of the “terrorism threat board” you may not want to pack these in carry-on luggage. Check the TSA web site for current rules and restrictions.)
• Cologne- Pick your favorite brand.
• Spare Glasses & Sunglasses- Sucks not to be able to see clearly.

• Underwear- Six Pair
• Casual Shirts- I usually figure on four shirts. I try to keep them light with high cotton content.
• T-shirts- three of these
• Pants- Three Pair of nice Dockers and the like.
• Shorts- Three Pair
• Socks- Six Pair casual & One Pair of dress
• Semi-Dress Shoes- Rockport’s and the like offer a change of pace from sports shoes
• Swim Suit- Gotta spend some time at the pool.
• Sandals- for pool or beach wear.

Great ideas but you sound like you are lugging your entire house back with you....might be a bit much. Please don't tell me you walk around Pattaya with a fanny pack
Your the only guy I know that packs more "pretty boy stuff" than I do. I also recommend Clinique products for men and they do sell a promotional travel pack which contains the shave products, M lotion and facial scrub....last one I bought was only $23.

Blazers,

You'd be surprised at how compact my travel stuff really is. I know that it sounds like a lot of stuff. Truth is, if I could figure out a way to increase the size of my roll-aboard just a bit, I could get away with only that and my computer bag. I’ve thought cutting out the computer bag, and going with only the roll-aboard and a larger rolling suit case. But, that would most likely mean that I couldn’t get all of my ‘must have’ items in my carry on bag, and I do NOT like the thought of that.

The fanny pack thing really depends. Usually, if I wear it at night at all, it’s the small leather pack that attracts little attention. For me, the Pattaya scene is less ‘club’ intensive, so I’m not as likely to bring stuff like Tekno Bubbles that take up more room than I have in my pockets. The packs are mostly just an extension that allows me to carry more stuff than my pockets can handle. If I’m going to do the ‘tourist thing’ and want to carry my camera and shades, I’ll usually wear a pack. If I’m going to club hop and want to have some fun with some ‘glow toys’ in the bar, I’ll wear the small pack. Other than that, there’s really no need. I suppose I could convert to cargo shorts/pants, but they might clash with my wild Hawaiian shirts. :-)

As for my ‘pretty boy stuff’, I know what you’re talking about with the promo packs. I usually try to get some of my stuff right around this time of year, as they often have a “men’s gift with purchase” for Father’s Day. I don’t usually get the travel kit as it has stuff I don’t use. (My skin is oily enough. The M-Shave leaves my skin too soft and gooey, and the last thing I need is the M-Lotion) But, you are right; it is a good deal if you use the products that are included in it.

Question for you, Blazers. Do you still wear your flashing butterfly shirt? I haven’t been able quite to bring myself to go that far in the name of ‘fun’ with the bar girls. But, maybe I’m missing out.


Chok Dee,

StrikeEagle

It was always a heart, not a butterfly. People keep confusing it with the ones sold in Thailand. It has a computer chip in it and changes the speed of the beat and the design. It's not just some blinking light, the light is very intense, you could see it a block away. I did it as a conversation piece before I could speak Thai... now I am fluent so it's not necessary. Thanks for some of your travel tips, I leave for the Philippines and Fiji in a week for girls and surf.

Yeesh. I take two pair undies and my wallet. Sometimes a book to read on the plane, some collection of classic short stories usually ...

A gift idea for your favorite monger. . .

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Leather company Lodis introduces new men's wallet with pocket for condom

Friday, April 29, 2005

For all you fellas who carry condoms in your wallets -- we could mock you for being sleazy, but we'll give you props for being responsible -- there's good news.

Leather goods company Lodis has introduced a new men's wallet with a special pocket meant to protect your, um, protection.

After all, what's the point of carrying a condom if the thing is in tatters from the wear and tear of living in your wallet for weeks (or months)? The black wallet, which also features a money clip, retails for about $45 and is available at Bergman Luggage, Worldlux and Design Corner, all in downtown Seattle.

© 1998-2005 Seattle Post-Intelligencer

A few packing items to add..

Manicure kit. Keep them nails in shape
Several empty zip lock and regular palstic bags of various sizes.
Real toilet paper.
Lip Balm.
Polyester type running shirts. They do not wrinkle, pack in very little space, cooler than cotton, and are very quick to dry after a sink wash with even regular shampoo (no need to ever send to the laundry). WalMart carries Dri-Star by Starter for $7-8 a shirt.
A hand full of pens and post-its
Anti stink aerosol spray. (put in checked bag)

20LB strength parachute cord for the lock box key at the front desk. I tie the key around my neck with the parachute cord...I make sure there is a good knot so that the cord will only come un-done if cut or broken.

Before I used to put the key in my wallet until it fell-out at a Pizza Hut. Two hours later I returned, on a whim that I must have dropped the key when I paid my bill...I really did not know if I had lost it there. Lucky me...someone found the key on the floor and gave it to the manager.

It would have cost me $100 to re-key the damn security lock box had I lost that key.

Now I ensure it is always secure the key around my neck with parachute cord. You can buy it at Wal-Mart in the camping gear section...only $2 for a roll...it is black with a basic design...so, it actually looks nice when wearing the cord.

AJ