Preparing for a tournament can be overwhelming, from gathering documents and itineraries to booking travel and accommodations. Add packing into that chaos, and it creates the perfect storm to forget something important.
To help make sure you don't leave any of your stuff (or your kid's) behind, we've curated a checklist for you to work off of.
Travel Planning
- Research travel options early to secure the best rates.
- Consider group travel arrangements for cost savings and convenience.
Travel and Event Documents
- Copies of all event registrations and accommodation bookings
- Passport (if traveling across the border)
- Print any hotel confirmation
- Wallet/ID/Cards (including health cards)
Equipment
- Uniform and equipment
- Field of play footwear
- Warm-up and cool-down equipment
- Sports bag large enough to hold it all
Personal Items
- Three shirts
- Two pairs of pants/shorts (depending on the location)
- 4 sets of underclothes
- One set of PJs
- Two pairs of shoes, one outdoor, one indoor/lounging
- Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, etc.)
- Any medications or supplements
- Chargers for tech devices
- Activities for downtime (books, tablets, schoolwork, etc.)
Food Needs
- Plan meals ahead and consider dietary restrictions.
- Pack snacks for the journey and between games.
Accommodation Tips
- Choose limited-service hotels that serve breakfast (breakfast > pool, every time).
- Book a team room for bag storage to keep rooms clutter-free.
Team Hacks
- Coordinate with other parents for shared responsibilities.
- Use a group chat for real-time updates and coordination.
