‘Tis the season of gift-giving! Do you have someone in your life who loves to travel? Or maybe you are the one who is fulfilled by traveling, and you’re wondering what to put on your wish list! 

Based on my research, my travel experiences, and input from the Me and the Magic community, here are the best travel gifts to give and receive. I’ve arranged the items by category, starting with general travel and then getting more specific about the types of travel. You’ll find gift ideas for international trips, road trips, theme park trips, and cruises. 

Any Type of Travel

Unless you’re going on a backpacking adventure, there is one item you need for just about any type of travel… a good suitcase! The debate about hard-sided versus soft-sided luggage is not for here. Instead, I’ll share my favorite suitcase brand’s best carry-on: the Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside expandable upright 22-inch suitcase. It comes in a variety of colors (I’m partial to the blue). I have been using Travelpro luggage for years, and it has held up very well. Plus, I’m always amazed at how much I can fit into these suitcases. 

I love packing cubes! They are a game-changer in how I pack. There are many great brands on the market. I’ve been using eBags for well over a decade, and they are very durable. Plus, the eBags pack-it-flat toiletry bag has been my go-to toiletry bag for years. I can fit so much into this bag! The hook is great to hang it off a towel rod in a bathroom, and the flat design allows for easy packing and storage as you travel. 

Do you stress about how much your luggage weighs at the end of a trip, after you’ve packed it with your souvenirs? This portable luggage scale will save you the stress of realizing at the airport that your suitcase is over the allowed weight limit for checked bags. If you’ve had that happen before (and I have!), then you know the pain of trying to repack your carry-on to accommodate more from your checked luggage at the airline baggage counter. This portable scale will help you (or someone you love) avoid that unpleasant experience. 

If you are checking luggage, or even if you have a carry-on or a laptop bag and want to have a way to track their location, then AirTags are the way to go. I have peace of mind with my AirTags. Plus, they make great stocking stuffers, along with these very handy AirTag silicone cases with keychains! 

It’s important to always stay hydrated, especially when traveling! Take a reusable water bottle with you, such as this HydroFlask insulated bottle with a flex sip lid. 

Good quality sleep while traveling allows you to enjoy your travels so much more. I always bring with me these soft foam ear plugs on trips. Also, I like a really dark space to sleep. This sleep mask has helped me block out unwanted light so I can fall asleep more easily. 

Finally, it’s important to capture your memories as you travel. These notebook journals are the perfect size to slip into your day bag, and I love the different colors to choose from. Or bundle and save with the 6-pack for all the colors. 

International Trips

International travel is very exciting, and it comes with some packing needs that are different than a domestic trip.

Depending on your destination, you may need to bring a universal power adapter such as this one. 

To stay connected at all times, bring a portable charger. This portable charger is compatible with both iPhones and Androids. Also, use a privacy screen to help protect your personal information in public spaces. 

Consider carrying a personal safety alarm such as this one, in case of emergencies. I purchased this personal alarm designed by women for women. 

Wearing your passport, money, and credit cards is a great way to keep these items safe. Consider this money belt with an RFID passport holder or a travel security belt. 

Cruises

If you or a loved one will soon sail away on a Disney cruise, this Disney Cruise packing list has all the necessities for a magical cruise. Here are a few of these items that apply to all types of cruises.

This 3-in-1 charger is great for Apple users and great for limited USB or plug-in ports, as it takes only one cord to charge an iPhone, an Apple watch, and Airpods. 

If you buy nothing else for a cruise, buy this nightlight. It is specifically designed by a cruise company, though it can be used anywhere. It’s battery-operated, and it has a motion sensor. It’s perfect to put in the bathroom so you don’t have to turn on the bright light at night. Or stick its magnetic base to a wall at a low point, so when you get up, it comes on but doesn’t wake up others in the cabin. Can you tell I LOVE it? 

Also for your cabin, if you like some air circulation, this foldable fan is great for just that! Plus, it’s easy to pack since it folds up. 

Magnetic hooks are a must for cruises, since the walls and doors are usually all metal. They increase your storage space and help you hang fun door decorations! 

If you are heading to the beach on your cruise, this mesh beach bag is roomy and great for a day on the beach! I used mine recently on Castaway Cay, and it was perfect. 

Theme Parks

If you’re planning time at Disney parks, Dollywood, Universal Studios, or other theme parks, there are some items that will make your day much more pleasant!

I’ve already mentioned above a reusable water bottle and a portable phone charger. Both are great to take to the theme parks! 

If you’re in Florida, especially between June – October, expect rain. You can purchase ponchos in the park, but why not come prepared with your own poncho that you can easily reuse? Or bring a small travel umbrella to be prepared for those Florida storms. 

Theme park days during summer months, and most months in Florida, can get very warm. This rechargeable personal fan will make such a difference in helping keep you cooler. Or bring cooling towels that you just need to wet to bring a nice cooling effect to your skin. It really does help! I use these cooling towels after my workouts, and they are very durable (just let them air dry). 

Road Trips

It’s always good practice to pack an emergency car kit for road trips. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but in case you do need jumper cables, other tools, ponchos, or first aid items, this kit has it all. 

There are all kinds of coolers to take in a car. If you need a smaller cooler, try this soft cooler pack and seat back organizer with bottle holders. 

If you plan to also go camping and won’t be near a water source, this 6.6-gallon water container will help with your water supply.

If you enjoy your shakes and smoothies each morning, you don’t need to give that up on the road. This portable blender is USB rechargeable and will meet your blending needs.

Lastly, while we rely on GPS for most directions, in some areas cell service isn’t reliable. Or sometimes, we just want a really big atlas! The Rand McNally 2024 Large Road Scale Atlas is perfect for meeting all your navigational needs. I have the 2022 version of this atlas, and I took it with me on my Fall 2022 road trip through 8 states. When I didn’t have cell service in the Smoky Mountains National Park, I pulled out my atlas. It was also great to plan the road trip. The spiral binding makes it very easy to flip through the pages. This atlas also covers Canada and Mexico. 
What travel gifts will you give or put on your wish list? Email me at am****@***********ic.com, or share in the Me and the Magic community.

I’ve highlighted several packing list items below, with links where you can purchase some items. I have purchased and used most of these items on Disney cruises, so I know that they add to the magical experience! 

At the end of this article, you’ll find a link to not just download this Disney Cruise packing list, but you can access the Google sheet, copy it, and save it to your own Google Drive, or to Numbers or Excel. Then have fun making it your own packing list! Or simply save it as a PDF.  

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Essentials

First, let’s cover the bare necessities (cue the Baloo-inspired dance moves).

• Passport/ID: Your golden ticket to international waters.
• Travel Insurance Documents: Because it’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Cruise Reservation Details: Bring your Port Arrival Form to the terminal.
• Cash and Cards: Bring smaller bills for tips for room service, luggage porters, and excursion operators.
• Lanyard: This will hold your Key to the World card, plus your ID to show when you need an adult beverage! Here are some fun cruise lanyards. If you’re in Disney’s Castaway Club,  you’ll receive a free lanyard in your stateroom to use.

Disney Must-Haves

Plan to immerse yourself in the Disney magic to make your time even more special on your Disney cruise! Here are some fun Disney items to bring.

• Mickey/Minnie Ears: You’ll see a lot of these beauties on your cruise.
• Disney Attire: Bring your best Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars outfits and accessories.
• Costumes: Be ready for themed events, like Pirate night for southern sailings or Frozen night on Alaska voyages!
• Disney Pins for Trading: Yes, pin trading is a thing even at sea. Look for pin boards hanging outside staterooms to trade.
• Autograph Book and Pen / Sharpie: Capture the signatures of your favorite characters.

Capturing the Magic

Whether you are sailing solo or with friends and family, you’ll want to capture every magical moment.

• Camera: Whether it’s a DSLR or your smartphone, just make sure it’s waterproof.
• Portable Charger: You’ll be snapping pics all day; make sure you have the juice for it! Here’s my favorite portable charger.
  • If you are an Apple user, this 3-in-1 device charger for your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple watch is great because it only needs 1 USB port or outlet. 
• Travel Journal: Preserve your memories by journaling each day about your activities, who you’ve met, and what you still want to do. 

Go the Distance

Be like Hercules, and stay healthy and hydrated by bringing these items, so you feel your best as you cruise!

• Sunscreen: In any climate, protecting your skin from the sun is always a good idea, especially when you’re out to sea. Don’t forget the lip balm with SPF, too!
• Sunglasses: Just like you need to protect your skin from the sun, you also need to protect your eyes! Those sunbeams reflecting off the water can be very bright.
• Hat: Use a sun hat, bucket hat, or baseball cap to shield your face from the sun. I love this sun hat for beach days. 
• Refillable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while helping the environment. There are lots of great brands; here’s an insulated water bottle I like. 
• Snacks: Pack some Disney-themed or personal favorites. Just make sure they are in their original sealed packaging. 
• First Aid Kit: Basic medicines, band-aids, and seasickness pills. You can purchase it all on the ship, but it’s cheaper to bring it yourself.
• Prescription Medications: Don’t forget to pack these to feel your best! Here’s my new favorite pill organizer with a sleek design for a 7-day pill supply.

For Your Stateroom

Make your stateroom more like home with these items to make your stay more comfortable.

• Magnetic hooks: Did you know that your stateroom’s walls and most other surfaces on cruise ships are made of metal? Use magnetic hooks to increase your storage potential by hanging your lanyards, hats, umbrella, bags, and more.
• Battery-operated night light: This is one of my must-pack items! I LOVE this night light that has a magnetic base, pivots, and senses motion. LOVE!!!
• Compact fan: If you like air movement when you sleep, this foldable fan is for you.
• Earplugs: If you’re a light sleeper or are rooming with a snorer, invest in these great earplugs. 
• Eye Mask: This eye mask is great for a midday nap when the stateroom isn’t dark (unless you’re in an interior stateroom).

All About Comfort

Last but not least, let’s not forget the basic comforts.

• Comfortable Clothes: Whether you’re playing BINGO or trivia, or busting out your best dance moves at the silent DJ dance party, you want to be comfortable.
• Comfortable Shoes: There will be a lot of walking and exploring, both on and off the ship. Also, consider water shoes like these for hot pool decks or rocky beaches and ocean floors.
• Swimming gear: Bring a bathing suit that you’re comfortable in, because you will want to enjoy the pools and hottubs on the ship! If you’re sailing in warmer climates, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy beaches as well. 
• Layers: Even if you’re sailing in warmer temps, bring a cardigan, hoodie, or sweater for the cooler air-conditioned restaurants, bars, and theaters.
• Light Jacket: For cooler or more windy times on the deck and on excursions.

Let’s Go Exploring

As Mr. Ray says, feel free to explore! Enjoy your shore excursions even more with these items.

• Day bag or beach bag: Handy to have for towels, sunscreen, and all the things you’ll need for a day off the ship. 
• Portable Lockbox or Locksack: Especially for solo travelers, this helps ease your mind if you want to enjoy a swim in the ocean. Lock up your valuables in one of these, and secure them to your beach chair. 
• Snorkeling gear: You can rent gear on Castaway Cay, but it may not be available if you do a beach day excursion elsewhere.
• Towel Clips: Great to secure your towel to a beach chair on a breezy day.
• Umbrella: In case you get caught in the rain on outdoor excursions. I like this travel umbrella. 
• Travel-Size Binoculars: Zoom in for more detail from your sightseeing bus or boat. These are also great to use on the ship when docking in ports. I always enjoy watching the hard-working Disney crew prepare for the ship to dock at Castaway Cay. 

Almost There

It’s nearly time for your cruise, and as Tiana says, you’re almost there! Now it’s time to pack! Here are items you’ll need, and some that I recommend, to help you pack more efficiently and save space.

• Carry-on Bag: Don’t make it too heavy, because you’ll be lugging it around the ship until your stateroom is ready! 
• Suitcase: You decide if you prefer hard-sided or soft-sided.
• Packing Cubes: I love to use these! They make packing and unpacking so easy. Use a different color for each person. There are several great brands. I’ve had my eBags for over a decade, and they are great!
• Toiletries Bag: Here’s my favorite one that holds a lot but still manages to be fairly flat.
• Jewelry Case: I love this foldable jewelry bag because it’s thin but still holds a lot, and it’s so soft!

Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow

“There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow

Shining at the end of every day

There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow

And tomorrow’s just a dream away.”

Songwriters: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

This packing list will help you be organized and ready when it comes time to pack for your cruise. I enjoy packing, and I want you to enjoy it as well! It’s the start of your vacation, after all!

To aid in amping up the excitement and anticipation, I have created some fun Disney cruise playlists. I love playing this music in the weeks (okay, who am I kidding, months!) leading up to my cruise, and especially when I’m packing. 

Enjoy one or all of these playlists!

• Disney Cruise playlist (for any type of sailing)
• Disney Very Merrytime Cruise playlist
• Marvel Day at Sea Cruise playlist
• Disney NOLA Cruise playlist (that’s New Orleans, Louisiana!)

Click here to download your free Disney Cruise packing list in Google sheets.

Also, listen to Episode 115 for more details on the ultimate Disney Cruise packing list.

Have a magical cruise! Bon Voyage! 

I’m going to go through the steps in this article. You can also download the Disney Cruise checklist PDF by scrolling down to the form.

Be sure to listen to the Me and the Magic podcast Episode 114: The Ultimate Disney Cruise Checklist, for even more Disney cruise tips.

The Two Most Important Dates Prior to Your Cruise

There are two important dates for you to know leading up to your cruise: your booking window date and your online check-in date. The booking window is when you can book your onboard activities, like adult dining, spa appointments, alcohol tastings, and more. This is also when you can book port excursions. The online check-in is when you upload a lot of information (detailed below) and select your Port Arrival Time. 

Castaway Club Levels and Concierge Booking Windows

Disney’s Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line’s loyalty program. The more you sail on Disney cruises, the more benefits you receive.

There are four levels of the Castaway Club:

• Silver: Your 2nd to 5th Disney cruise
• Gold: Your 6th to 10th Disney cruise
• Platinum: Your 11th to 25th Disney cruise
• Pearl: Your 26th or more Disney cruise

You must complete a cruise sailing before you advance a level. For example, on my 5th Disney cruise, I was Silver level. Once I debarked (that’s cruise lingo for getting off the ship) back at the home port, I changed to Gold level since I had completed that 5th Disney cruise.

If this is your first Disney cruise, the good news is that after you sail on your cruise, you will automatically be in the Castaway Club at the Silver level.

There’s another category of Disney cruise guest that is unrelated to the Castaway Club, and that’s Concierge. There are benefits only for Concierge guests, including an exclusive lounge, earlier booking dates (more on that in a moment), first choice of seats in the theater for evening shows, and more. 

Now that we’ve covered all the guest categories, let’s see the important dates for each one.

• If this is your first Disney cruise, your booking window for activities opens 75 days before you sail, and your online check-in date is 30 days before you sail.
• If this is your 2nd to 5th first Disney cruise (Silver Castaway Club level), your booking window for activities opens 90 days before you sail, and your online check-in date is 33 days before you sail.
• If this is your 6th to 10th first Disney cruise (Gold Castaway Club level), your booking window for activities opens 105 days before you sail, and your online check-in date is 35 days before you sail.
• If this is your 11th to 25th first Disney cruise (Platinum Castaway Club level), your booking window for activities opens 120 days before you sail, and your online check-in date is 38 days before you sail.
• If this is your 26th or higher first Disney cruise (Pearl Castaway Club level), your booking window for activities opens 123 days before you sail, and your online check-in date is 40 days before you sail.
• If you are a Concierge guest, your booking window for activities opens 130 days before you sail, and your online check-in is 40 days before you sail.

Disney Cruise Checklist

Now, let’s go through the Disney cruise checklist. Here are the steps to help you have the best Disney cruise!

Before Your Booking Window Opens

Your cruise is booked, either directly with Disney or through your travel agent. One very important step to take, before you are allowed to book activities or excursions, is to pay the balance on your cruise. Also, if you wish to purchase travel insurance (and I highly recommend that you do!), you need to purchase that prior to your final payment on the cruise.

Another step to take before your booking window opens is to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app onto your mobile device that you will take with you on the cruise. If you have more than one upcoming Disney cruise, you’ll see each of them in the app. If they aren’t in the app, then you can link your reservation number so they do appear in the app. There’s a fun countdown for your cruise. Plus, there’s important information that helps to have it readily available, like your stateroom number, your reservation number, your online check-in date, and the ship’s deck plans. I recommend that you download this app before your booking window opens in case you have problems with the website working when you are trying to book activities. If that happens, then you can switch to the app and book activities through the app, under the My Plans tab.

I also recommend that, as soon as you book your Disney cruise, to find the Facebook group for  your sailing and join it. Nearly every sailing will have its own Facebook group, created and run by volunteers. I have found these groups to be helpful in answering questions. You can also join in on different gift exchange sign-ups, everything from fish extenders and magnets to recipes and ornaments.

When Your Booking Window Opens

On the date your booking window opens, be ready at 12:01 AM EST to book activities and excursions. You can look at the Disney Cruise website beforehand for your ports to see excursions offered. This is one of my favorite planning moments before each cruise, when I can start to put plans into place! Some favorite onboard activities of mine are Palo brunch and a facial in the Senses Spa, but of course there is something for everyone. Have fun exploring the activities available each day. If you  have your heart set on a certain activity that is shown as sold out, do not despair! Continue checking if that activity becomes available as the cruise gets closer. Often, people will book several activities and then will cancel some later on. Once you’re on board, check if that activity has a waiting list. 

Pro Tip: If you want to experience adult dining, but there is no more availability shown online, go straight to the dining help area as soon as you board the ship and check availability.

Depending on your category, you will have anywhere from 45 to 90 days between your booking window date and your online check-in date. If you haven’t already planned your travel to and from the port, now is the time. You will need to input your travel information for online check-in, which is the next step. 

Online Check-in (30 to 40 days Before Your Cruise)

Your online check-in window opens at 12:01 AM EST on your online check-in date. Plan ahead to have the following items available for fast uploading into the online system:

• A solo photo for each person in your travel party. I suggest taking a photo from the shoulders up of each person with a blank background, like a wall.
• A photo of each person’s passport or citizenship documents. Check ahead of time for your cruise destinations for what exact documents are required.
• The credit card you will use for onboard purchases. Also, be prepared to decide who else in your travel party can charge to that credit card.

You will also need to input your travel party’s travel information to and from the port, and flight information before and after your cruise if applicable. Have everyone’s contact info and an emergency contact ready to input into the system.

Port Arrival Time

The last step for the online check-in will be to select your Port Arrival Time (PAT).This time is exactly as it sounds, the time that you should plan to arrive at the cruise terminal. At the terminal, you will not be allowed to check in until your PAT. Of course, you can arrive after your PAT. If you know you’ll arrive later than your PAT, I recommend you select a later PAT so others who want to arrive earlier can use that earlier PAT. 

The earliest PAT available is 11:00 AM, which typically are taken up by Concierge and Pearl cruisers. Concierge guests actually don’t need to select a PAT and can arrive at any time. Each PAT is typically staggered in 15-minute increments. 

Pro Tip: After you complete your online check-in, you will receive a Port Arrival form. Have this form emailed to you. I recommend you print this form out for each person in your travel party. You can also save this form electronically, including to your Apple wallet for my fellow iPhone users. 

If you elect to take Disney ground transportation to the port, your PAT will automatically be assigned to you, depending on the shuttle schedule.

Get your FREE Disney Cruise Checklist!

If you would like all of this information in one PDF file, get your FREE Disney Cruise checklist. Also, be sure to listen to Episode 114 of the Me and the Magic podcast for more details about planning your next Disney cruise. 

Scroll down to continue reading about planning before your cruise.

Final Planning Before Your Cruise

Your cruise is so close! The excitement is building. This is when the really fun planning happens to set yourself up for a magical cruise!

The Month Before Your Cruise

Now is the time to create a packing list. Plan your outfits, especially if you are going to partake in any special events like Pirate Night, Marvel Day at Sea, or Formal Night. All of these events are optional. If you are going to experience adult dining, there is a dress code that is enforced. Check the Disney Cruise website for that dress code so you can pack accordingly.

The month before my cruise is when I like to build the anticipation even more by watching some Disney movies that have ties to the ship. For example, I’ll soon be sailing on the Disney Fantasy, where the current shows are “Frozen” and “Aladdin”. So I will likely have those movies on in the background as I plan my itinerary (yes, I create my own itinerary in a Google spreadsheet).

If you enjoy playing music as you plan or just as you are driving or doing other activities, I have created Disney cruise themed playlists on Spotify that are free for you to enjoy! There’s a main Disney Cruise playlist, a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise playlist, a Marvel Day at Sea Cruise playlist, and a Disney NOLA Cruise playlist (that’s New Orleans, Louisiana). 

About 7 to 10 days before your cruise, I suggest checking the weather forecast. That may also factor in to what you’re going to pack. If you are sailing during hurricane season (June through November), it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on any storms as well that may affect your cruise.

The Day Before Your Cruise

You should receive in the mail a few weeks before your cruise luggage tags from Disney Cruise Line. The day before your cruise, decide which bags you will check at the cruise terminal, and put the luggage tags on those bags. This saves you from rushing to put on the luggage tags when you arrive at the terminal.

I also recommend that you give your travel info to anyone who may need to contact you. Disney cruises have Wifi packages, and some cruisers also receive texts with no issues. It all depends on your cell phone carrier service and where you are cruising to. There is contact info that you can give to loved ones in case they need to contact you on the ship.

The Morning of Your Cruise

When you wake up the morning of your cruise, check your email. You should have received an email from Disney Cruise Line with a link for you to complete an online health questionnaire. This is a quick process with just a few questions to answer, but the online health questionnaire must be completed before you can check in at the port, so don’t wait until you are checking in to do it.

Pro Tip: Only one person in each stateroom needs to complete the questionnaire for the entire stateroom.

Then, make your way to the cruise terminal, check in, go through security, and have the most magical cruise!

Get your FREE Disney Cruise Checklist!

If you would like all of this information in one PDF file, get your FREE Disney Cruise checklist. Also, be sure to listen to Episode 112 of the Me and the Magic podcast, where I go into more detail about planning for your next Disney cruise. 

JOIN AMANDA BAUNER AND THE ME AND THE MAGIC COMMUNITY FOR OUR VERY FIRST DISNEY GROUP CRUISE!

Our cruise will be November 11-18, 2023 on the Disney Fantasy! This 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will depart from Port Canaveral with stops at Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Disney’s Castaway Cay (Bahamas).

And to make this cruise even more special, it is a Very Merrytime sailing! The ship will be decked out in holiday grandeur, with numerous holiday events on board, including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Click here to read more about Very Merrytime Disney cruises.

To my fellow solo travelers… Contact me at am****@***********ic.com if you’re interested in sharing a stateroom to cut down on costs, and I’ll connect you with other solo travelers looking to do that as well!

Your next step is to click here to request a quote from our exclusive travel partner, MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. Request a quote now, and a Travel Advisor will reply with options.

You must book with the official group to be part of all the group activities (and surprises!).

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!