Continued...

Paperwork-

-passports with visas
-photocopies of your passports and visas packed separately from originals
-tickets with itineraries
-photocopies of your tickets and itineraries packed separately from originals
-money/travelers checks
-Driver's licenses for ID
-credit card or two
-list of phone numbers for contacts in country and back at home
-copy of homestudy and dossier and any other important adoption documents
-photocopies of any essential adoption-related documents
-hotel or guest house reservation info
-list of restaurants and shops
-list of email addresses
-contact info for travel agent


Donations
-It is best to contact your adoption agency and find out what is most needed by the orphanages. In general you can’t go wrong with clothes, shoes and medical supplies. School supplies and blankets are often desired as well as some toys/activities, however please note that stuffed animals are often NOT wanted as they are hard to clean and unsanitary.

On Ben’s trip we purchased several cheap duffel bags that we stuffed with donations and then donated the bags as well. On Belane’s trip we loaded our extra suitcases with donations and on the way home we fit one inside of the other, and had souvenirs inside the smaller one.

Carry On Bags- A well-packed carry on bag is as important as a well-packed suit case. I recommend investing in a great carry on bag...one that is compact (check your flight regulations on carry on bag sizes) but has a lot of room in it. I had great success with a Lands End diaper bag back pack (does not look anything like a diaper bag, but lots of pockets and compartments).

Make sure you have at least one change of clothes for you and your child in your carryone, all essential paperwork, some snacks and basic medications and toiletries (depending on what the airlines will allow when you are traveling). I always try to pack my carryon with the thought of "what can I not live without for a few days if my luggage is lost". If you are traveling to pick up a baby, have at least one or two bottles and other essentials in your carryon just in case.

Happy packing! I hope this was useful…Use it as a starting point and feel free to add to it and take away from it as you see fit.

If you think of something I should add to the list or have any questions, leave a comment.