Orlando - The Packing

 

Okay so you know you are going to need work out gear – and Zumba Head Office send you a really helpful packing list, and plenty more people will give you tips, but here is my quick note on what to pack and what not to bother with.

 

Yes

 

Spare insoles – even if they are for giving to others.

 

First Aid - don't forget to pack small first aid items in your day bag such as plasters and antiseptic wipes.  There is a Medic on site and also you can grab bags of ice from local concessions if you have a strain or sprain.  (Remember RICE – Rest, Ice, Comfortable Support and Elevation.)

 

Water bottles – water is available in all sessions and at water fountains in the OCC – fill up for sessions and avoid creating more plastic rubbish and paying for $5 water.

 

Mug – most hotels have paper cups and each one is wrapped in plastic.  To avoid creating more garbage (you see how I used the American?) why not pack a mug or pick up one in a hotel gift shop – also makes a nice souvenir.

 

Washing liquid – SOAK is amazing stuff.  It's so gentle you don't have to rinse and it worked wonders on the oldest, sweatiest shirts I took with me so I could throw them away at the end of convention.

 

Travel washing line – this would have been useful as I had to do so much laundry.  You just cannot leave your sweaty kit until you get home and, as for the in-house laundry costs, well, it's cheaper to buy new kit.

 

Tea bags – I was disappointed with the local offering.

 

Photo business cards – no one will remember who you are unless you have a photo, as you meet so many people.

 

Sun tan lotion – get your favourite brand, you'll need it for the pool party.

 

Swimwear – even if it's for a five minute dip.

 

UV 50 rash vest – great for throwing on when you want to take your skin out of the sun but want to stay in the pool.

 

Waterproof watch – essential for staying on top of time whilst in the pool and hot tub – doesn't have to be a dive watch, mine was a £15 kids watch which glows in the dark – when it stopped glowing in the dark I realised I hadn't been outside enough and it had no UV "charge" – also useful to keep your vitamin D topped up!

 

Vitamins and other supplements – useful stuff when you're running yourself ragged.

 

Energy bars – just in case.

 

No

 

Cool bag – leaving stuff in the fridge is easier and better as it can last a couple of days.

 

Wheelie bag – (unless you are planning on lugging a cool bag around with you).

 

Sweatshirts – you may need one or two, but even with full on air conditioning most events are fine with just a vest top (especially if you change into a dry vest or T-shirt as soon as you finish each master class).