Making Your Summer Vacation Packing List

A Summer Vacation Packing List

When you think of summertime vacations, you likely conjure at least one silver-screen favorite about a whole family packing up for hijinx. The family car is jam-packed with luggage and adventures resulting from getting lost abound. While we can’t promise that you won’t get turned around while on your trip, we can help you pack more efficiently—cars are smaller these days, after all.

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When creating a summer vacation packing list, consider how many people are traveling, the length of your trip, and your itinerary. Three people going on a cross-country road trip for three weeks will need to pack more than a single adult doing the same. If you’re packing up the kids and heading to a few theme parks, you’ll need to pack differently than if you were taking yourself on a tour of southern France.

Before you break out the luggage, make a list of what you need to pack. If you’re traveling with friends, a shared list in Microsoft Lists can help you both stay organized.

Packing Checklist for Summer Vacation

The list below is intended to provide a suggestion of what an adult would pack for summer vacation. You may find it helpful to create your own packing checklist and check things off as necessary.

• Luggage. How you pack for your trip may depend on the trip you’re taking and what kind of traveler you are. If you want to be prepared for anything, you may opt for a full set of luggage. Minimalists might be able to pack two weeks of clothes in a hiking pack. Wherever you’re headed and how ever you’re getting there, you’ll need something to hold all your clothes and toiletries.
• Clothes. Pack for your itinerary and for the weather. Bring articles of clothing that can be dressed up or down and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. If you don’t like the idea of re-wearing an article of clothing, pack more things. How much you bring is entirely up to you, but make sure you have something to wear for every day of your trip that is appropriate for what you plan to do. A pair of pajamas or something to wear while sleeping is also a great idea.
• Comfortable footwear. Lots of summer vacations involve walking and exploring. People visit new cities and check out the sights and sounds and are on their feet a lot. Comfortable, supportive shoes (and socks, if necessary) are a must. If the shoes you pack require socks, make sure you have enough pairs. Some summer trips require a few pairs of shoes: sandals for the pool and heels and dress shoes for a wedding. Choose footwear that makes sense for your vacation.
• Jacket or sweater. Not all summer vacations take place in hot places. At night, temperatures may cool off significantly. Pack a jacket or a sweatshirt and be prepared for temperature shifts. If you’re always cold on airplanes and in restaurants, it’s a smart idea to bring something warm.
• Underwear. At least one pair per day, unless you know you’ll have access to laundry services.
• Skin protection. Pack a hat to keep the sun off your face and sunscreen to keep from burning. Bug spray or repellant is also a good idea to keep from itching and to keep other bugs, like ticks, from biting you.
• Necessary accessories. This might include your purse or a belt or your fitness tracker. If there are things you use every day, bring them with on your vacation to help you feel more comfortable.
• Travel toiletries. Some minimalist travelers might prefer to skip this part of the packing process and purchase what they need when they arrive at their destination or use what’s available in their hotel. If you’d rather bring products you know you like, make sure you’ve got deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, feminine products if you need them, shaving cream, and a razor. You might also opt to bring products for styling your hair. It’s important to remember that if you’re planning to take an airplane to arrive at your destination, your toiletries should all meet TSA regulations.
• Cleaning supplies. Packing a stain stick or laundry soap sheets can be a great idea. While washing your clothes may not be what you want to do during your summer vacation, it might save your favorite jacket from being ruined by pasta sauce while in Italy.
• Medications. Definitely pack any medications that are prescribed to you, as well as some basic first aid things. Bandages and antibacterial cream are a great idea, as is a basic pain reliever.
• Eyewear. If you wear glasses and contacts, bring them both. Don’t forget your contact case and solution. A pair of sunglasses is definitely a good idea for a summer vacation.
• Smartphone. You’ll likely use your device as a camera, GPS, and means to hold onto your tickets. Make sure you pack a charger too.

Packing for an International Summer Vacation

If your travels are taking you to another country, you might need to think differently about how you pack.

• Passport. If you’re leaving the country, you’ll need your passport. Make sure it’s up to date and safely stowed.
• Adaptor. Different countries have different power outlets. An adaptor that allows you to switch between direct and alternating current is a smart packing choice.
• Plane accessories. Long flights will typically dim the lights so travelers can sleep. Pack an eye mask and ear plugs to drown out any ambient noise.
• Cash. Some travelers may choose to wait until they arrive at their destination before withdrawing cash. This ensures that they’ll get the most up to date exchange rate. Others may prefer to have that taken care of before they head to the airport. Check with your bank or currency exchange.
• Information. It’s a smart idea to have a physical list of pertinent addresses and phone numbers written down in case your phone is low on batteries. If you’re headed to another country, having the address of the American consulate is good planning ahead, just in case.
• Entertainment. While lots of long flights have in-flight entertainment, bringing an e-reader or tablet can be a smart idea. Pack a charger for this device as well.

A summer vacation can be a long-awaited mental and physical break. It’s an opportunity to unplug from work and relax. Make sure you’ve packed everything you need for your trip to avoid adding any undue stress.