I just bought the Packing Pro app for my iPhone. It looks like I am going to really like it.
I figured I would start by adding in most of Rick's packing lists.
Does anyone else have any suggestions for using this app?
Also, I wondered if anyone had a list that incorporated all of Rick Steve's packing lists already worked up in the app? If so, would anyone be willing to email it to me? I would appreciate it!
If so, just send me a PM and I will send you my email.
cr,
I don't know of anyone that has incorporated Rick's packing lists in that app. You may have to just enter all the items yourself.
I use an Excel worksheet for my packing list, so don't have any experience with app's for that type of thing.
Good luck!
I use the bed in my spare room. Its a cool app. I look at stuff, see what mixes and matches, elimanate stuff..( that app is called " on the chair").
Its worked for last 35 years and never needs upgrading. .
Lol
Sorry, but gosh there are apps for everthing nowadays, and all i have is my brain, a pen, and paper.
I am with you, Pat and Ken! I use technology a lot, but a list is a list, and once it is laid out on the bed, all the better! And then there's that old adage: Lay out everything you plan to take. Now eliminate half the clothes and double the money.
Ha! I know what you mean!
I'm pretty new to this international travel thing, so the idea of something that pops up reminders and keeps individual lists for each member of my party gives me some measure of comfort!
It's going to be me and my 16 year old daughter going to Rome in September. I am responsible for making sure we both have everything we need for 8 or 9 days. She is type 1 diabetic so there are some items I really can't overlook or forget.
My wife will help with that, but I can be pretty uptight about forgetting things. I think the app will just help me calm down and have the reassurance that I am not missing anything.
Although I don't use packing apps, if they make you feel more confident, I think it's a good idea. Especially if there are things like medication that you cannot forget.
My "packing app" is a paper list that is placed on top of the (eternally) open suitcase in my spare room - I check off the items on the list, which I update from time to time. When the suitcase is full, I am done packing. The Civita daypack gets the essential things like meds, toiletries, electronics, cords and chargers, a change of clothes in case I have to gate-check (has only happened once, in winter, when I volunteered).
I bought that app 3-4 years ago. I do have my general packing list in it, but I generally tend to check it over at the end after I have most of my stuff together - more of a 'in case I forgot some little thing' check. I don't need the app to remind me how many underwear or shirts to take, but it's more the little things like toiletries or hair elastics or charging cords.
I do find it helpful with the 'before vacation' list - like reminding me to put the paper on hold or to call the cc companies and tell them we are travelling...I will usually write stuff down on note paper, but I am horrible for having notes on the fridge, on the computer desk, on my bulletin board :)
Oh, Pat! You made me laugh so hard ...
For what it's worth, I make a packing list a few months before each trip and refine it as I try on (and discard) items and buy new ones.
I keep my lists for a few years so I can compare and I make notes when I return of what didn't work or something I never wore or used or wished I had brought with me.
For me, it's a fun process and it's one I look forward to.
Learning experience for a 16-year-old: running out of or not having packed something on a 9-day trip. (Dad obviously -- for his peace of mind -- will carry a backup supply of insulin, needles, testing supplies, plus insurance cards and a copy of her medical record.) Another learning experience: having to carry her own bag if she chooses to take her entire closet. She could use your app to make her own packing list (using the spare-bed method outlined above.)
And don't forget that Rick's lists are just suggestions, not mandates.
cr,
I agree, due to the fact that you have "special" packing needs, you'll need to find the best solution that fits your needs. I find the advantage with the Excel sheet is that I can print it out and then put a "ticky mark" beside each item as it's packed. The print out also provides a record of what I packed, and can be easily packed along on the trip. At my age I find that I like to be able to see everything on one page, rather than having to move between different pages on a 4" screen. Once the template is formatted, it's relatively easy to update as required and use from year-to-year.
Good luck!
I use pat's method. I don't even keep a list, though I probably should. I keep all my travel things together, so after I lay out my clothing on the bed in the guest bedroom I get my travel boxes out and pull out the other things I'll need for that particular trip. So far I haven't forgotten anything important. This year my hubby will be meeting me in Prague, after I spend 3 weeks in Italy. I may make a packing list for him. We usually travel together and I make sure he packs what he needs. Once we went camping at Yosemite for a week and he realized he forgot to pack socks.
That's the nice thing about the app. It helps you create a list for each member of your party and also lets you mark shared items that are for all the parties. It has boxes to check off each item one you have taken care of it.
It's not just a packing list, but also a to do list for each of the pre-trip items you need to do. (Tickets, insurance, reservations, etc.)
I have been working on it this morning using RS lists as a starting point. I really like it so far.
Also, once you have a list built, you can go back to it over and over just slightly modifying it for new trips.
cr...I think you can set up different packing lists with it...say...a list for overseas travel and a list for weekend trips or road trips...
Thanks!
Yes you can. You can choose between domestic and international travel for each list you set up and the app will give you a starter list based on that. You can set up as many lists as you want for different trips or for different types of travel (business, vacation, etc).
I have that app and I like it. I tend to use the "bed app" as noted above, along with paper and pencil lists more often but always do a re-check with the PP app just before leaving home. Like you, what I like best about Packing Pro is the capability to make separate lists (or adjust the basic list) for different trips, different seasonal packing needs, different travelers and even for your pets!
