Getting ready for this

Running off to Central America takes a little bit of planning.  Especially when you have more than one destination planned while you are traveling.  So needless to say you have to pack on the light end.  Our goal is 1 carry on suitcase and 1 backpack per person and that is it. Yikes!!! We need to have enough stuff for 10 days and that stuff must also 

1) Be appropriate for the jungle humidity, hiking, mud, rain, ruins, and cave exploring

2) Transition to a pine forest with cooler temps

3) Island and beach friendly.  Bars, snorkeling, sun and fun.

4) Eco friendly, they are big on not polluting their environment

Anyone else see a problem with this?? How do we put all the different types of clothes we will need for this varied trip in 1 very small suitcase.  Then there is the shoes, not only type of shoes but Chris has ginormous feet, his shoes sometimes need their own suit case!

Then there are the personal care items too.  No one wants to be around stinky travelers so we have to get all of our needed soaps, deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, contact solutions, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and makeup. As we all know chris is lost without his mascara! Sunscreen, bug repellent, lotion, medicine, alcohol, basic first aid supplies, all need to be packed.  

Then there are the necessary electronics that we cant live without. Me - kindle, camera, and Ipod.  Chris, well its Chris so I let you figure this one.

It's been quite a bit of work but it seems we are pulling it off.  The nice thing to not be bringing so much with us.  Not much to tote around, don't have to wonder where to put the suitcases. One website I found had 3 questions to ask yourself when packing

1) Can I live without it?

2) Can I get it while I am traveling?

3) Will I cry if I lose it?

If you answer no to all 3 then bring it, if not leave it!

If anyone is wondering spreadsheets were involved in planning this trip.  Lots and lots of spreadsheets.