Are you planning a family vacation this summer? If you’ve ever been on a family vacation before, you know that it can be a great time to relax, spend quality time bonding with your loved ones, and simply have tons of fun.
However, you also know that the “planning” and “getting there” portions of the vacation can be stressful. You have to ensure you have all the necessary reservations (airfare, hotel, car, etc.), that you get to the airport on time, that you haven’t forgotten anything important, etc. Honestly there’s a whole pre-vacation list of things to do.
If you’re a mom, you not only have to pack all of your must-have items but also ensure your family doesn’t forget anything. If you aren’t vigilant, the process can quickly mutate into a lot of crazy running around and shoving items into suitcases at the last minute.
This year, have a stressless summer vacation by planning ahead with a vacation packing list. By following a vacation packing list, you’ll ensure your suitcases are filled with needed items and prevent any of those costly unnecessary shopping trips while on vacation (ex. buying flip flops in the hotel gift shop – ouch!).
Below is a comprehensive vacation packing list for you to follow while packing. Bonus, there’s a printable vacation packing list so you can print this vacation checklist and keep it handy.
Tip: Use a printable vacation packing list for each member of your family. Obviously, some of the items you’ll only need one of (ex nail clippers) but having a vacation checklist for each person will help you stay organized!
Keep in mind that your vacation packing list may alter slightly depending on where you’re going. For example, if you’re headed to Hawaii, you probably won’t need snow boots; however, this vacation checklist is meant to help you think of all the things you may need.
Download this Free Printable Vacation Packing List
Vacation Packing List: Before you Leave
Before your summer vacation gets underway, be sure to handle all of these items:
Vacation Packing List: Clothes
When headed on vacation, don’t be a clothes horse. Try to pack items that can be mixed and matched so you don’t need as much. Use accessories to change the look of an outfit. Here are clothing items that should be on your vacation checklist:
Must Haves:
Every Day Wear:
Dress Up Duds:
Outdoor Gear:
Vacation Packing List: Shoes
Packing shoes for vacation can be a little tricky. The problem is that you may need a variety of shoes for a single vacation and those items can take up a lot of room in a suitcase. Carefully evaluate the different situations you’ll be in while on vacation and try to find ways to scale back on shoes. This vacation checklist includes shoes you should consider:
Vacation Packing List Accessories
Everyone knows that accessories can take an outfit from okay to outstanding. Don’t forget to take accessories on your trip! Here are accessories that should be on your vacation checklist:
Vacation Packing List: Toiletries
When packing for your vacation, the list of toiletries can get long fast. Keep in mind that you can save room by utilizing travel sized items wherever possible. Here is a vacation packing list of toiletries:
Tip: To save money, be on the lookout for freebies of your favorite toiletry items as they typically come in the “mini” size which makes them great for traveling.
Vacation Packing List: Miscellaneous
There are a ton of random items that you may need while on vacation. Their randomness makes them all the easier to forget. This vacation packing list will help you be prepared for anything:
Vacation Packing List: Baby
Traveling with a baby entails bringing a lot of additional items. Make sure your packing checklist includes:
Vacation Packing List: Carry On
You’ll want to put valuable items or items to keep yourself and your family entertained and comfortable during the flight in your carry on. Here’s a vacation checklist of items you may want to consider carrying on:
There you have it-a whopping vacation packing list. Don’t forget your printable vacation packing list to make getting organized even easier!
Can you think of additional items that should be included in a vacation packing list? If so, share them in the comments!
Carmen says
This seems to be very useful. I will definately print it and use it.
Deborah Mireles says
This is a great idea im always forgetting something
Kelli says
I am glad, Carmen! 🙂
Amanda says
I have a folder that I take marked Vacation Plans. It holds all the printouts of the confirmation letters for hotels, houses, or condos of the places we will be staying, the car rental papers, and. also the tickets for activities that were already paid for.