Vacation Checklist

By: Kathy Yoon

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A Vacation Checklist is a necessity. I absolutely hate forgetting something on Vacation and having to go out, waste my time, and make a purchase of something I already had. If you’re in a town that relies on tourism, you will pay higher prices. No matter how much you plan, if you don’t make a checklist, you will forget something.

So, I dislike it so much I wanted to talk about it so you can enjoy your vacation by starting a Vacation Checklist.

We’ve all been there: You’re off on vacation and you want to get the most out of it. You want to relax, explore, eat good food and drink lots of alcohol while soaking up some sun. But what do you really need to pack? This handy checklist can help you decide what clothing, toiletries, and other items are essential for your vacation. From simple things like sunscreen to more complicated things like a personal locator beacon, this list has everything that you need in order to have the best vacation ever.

WHAT YOU NEED IN A CARRY-ON BAG

Whether it’s for a long vacation or a short business trip, you’ll always want to pack light. That means that your carry-on bag should be all you need to keep you comfortable for the duration of your trip. Here are some essentials that should be in your carry-on bag at all times.

A passport and airplane ticket
At least one outfit
Sunglasses and sunblock
Anti-bacterial hand gel and moisturizer (for those dry plane rides)
Travel pillow and eye mask

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR CLOTHES

What you pack for clothes really depends on where you’re going and what the weather will be like. But there are some general items that you’ll need no matter where you’re going.

A pair of comfortable walking shoes, a bathing suit, light clothing, and a sweater or jacket are all necessities if you plan to travel anywhere near the water. If the weather is less predictable, it might be smart to pack an extra layer or two in case it gets cold or rainy.

Pack clothes that are appropriate for your destination’s climate. For instance, if it’s hot out but humid, pack clothes made out of synthetic fibers rather than cotton because cotton holds moisture and will make you feel hotter than the temperature outside. If it’s cold where you’re going, then pack sweaters or jackets with long sleeves for layering.

It also doesn’t hurt to bring along some nice clothes in case you decide to go out to dinner during your trip!

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TOILETRIES AND MEDICAL NEEDS

While it may be tempting to throw all your toiletries into a bag, this is actually dangerous as many liquids can leak out. A better idea is to put all your toiletries into plastic bags and pack them in your carry-on luggage.

With that said, here are the essentials you should be carrying with you:

Hair conditioner. This can help keep your hair healthy while traveling. However, most hotels will give this out for free.
Toothpaste and toothbrush. Toothpaste is a must-have while traveling because it can freshen up your breath and make you feel more confident in social situations. This can be free at your hotel, just ask.
Antibacterial hand sanitizer. This can help prevent the spread of infections while traveling.
Shampoo and conditioner. You’ll want to pack these if you’re staying at a hotel that doesn’t provide them as part of their regular amenities.
Bathroom Towels – When you’re staying in a hotel or a hostel, make sure that they provide these for free otherwise bring them with you from home!
Loo Roll – Just in case there isn’t any down the toilet roll!

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE BEACH

The beach is a great place to relax, eat, drink, and play with your pets. Of course, the last thing you want to do is become sunburnt or have sand in your eyes. So before you head out on your next vacation near or at the beach, it’s important to be prepared.

We’ve compiled a list of items that you should consider bringing with you when you head out for your next adventure.

Sunscreen: It’s crucial to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. If you are going to be spending most of your time outside, then sunscreen is necessary for preventing skin damage and premature aging. Make sure that the sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher and that it is water-resistant if possible.
Hat: A hat will help shield your face from the sun while also keeping sand out of your hair during any beach activities like surfing or boogie boarding.
Sunglasses: These will not only keep sand out of your eyes but also block harmful UV rays from entering them as well. You can purchase sunglasses that offer polarized lenses or those that contain UV protection as well as other features such as blue light filtering and photochromic lenses (which adjust to lighting conditions).
If you’re an early riser, you probably won’t want to leave the beach in search of food, so pack a picnic lunch.
You can rent them at the beach or bring your own. A small one for each family member is enough.
Water shoes. Water shoes are usually best for kids because they’ll keep their feet from getting burned on hot sand. Wear them in the water to protect your feet from little rocks and shells you might step on.
Book or magazine. Don’t forget something to read while you’re lounging around.

SOME IMPORTANT ITEMS TO PACK.

There are many things that you should pack for your next vacation. These depend on the type of vacation you’re taking, where you’re going, and what activities you’ll be doing while there. For example, if you’re going to an amusement park, the packing list is going to be a little different than if you’re going to a tropical beach in Maui.

Some things that are essential no matter what kind of vacation you’re taking include:

Guidebooks for the area in which you’ll be traveling
Maps of the places where you will be visiting
Wallet with money (cash) and credit cards
Car keys (if applicable)
Cell phone charger (if necessary)
Camera with extra batteries and memory card(s)
Laptop or tablet with internet access (depending on destination)

Furthermore, there are some items that are specific to certain types of vacations:

Sunscreen for sunbathing at the beach or poolside (even if it’s cloudy outside)
Waterproof bag for snorkeling gear or other water activities like kayaking, rafting, etc.
Warm clothes for winter sports

CONCLUSION

No matter what kind of a trip you are planning, it’s smart to put together a checklist of everything you need to do before you leave, and everything that should happen once you return. By doing this, you’ll be able to ensure the best possible experience, better enjoy your vacation, and lessen the stress upon your return.

I hope this gives you some ideas or some solid information that you need. Having a Vacation checklist is crucial for a stress free vacation. Be safe! Have Fun!