Finally Going on that Dream Vacation? Packing to Make it the Best Ever

It’s finally happening. After years of daydreaming, working hard to save money, and wishing, hoping and planning, it’s time to take that dream vacation. After all this time, it might seem like it’s hardly real, but you’re doing it! The tickets have been booked, reservations have been made, time off work acquired, pets are boarded and house-sitters alerted…now all that’s left is packing that suitcase!

After spending years dreaming of that fantasy vacay, now that you’re staring into an empty suitcase you might wonder…how on earth do I pack for this trip? Well, you wouldn’t be the first who gets a sudden block when it comes to packing for the trip of a lifetime.

Below I’ve outlined the essentials that you should pack to ensure you have the best vacation ever, without having to worry about sudden trips to the shop to pick up items you forgot at home. You’ll be too busy having the time of your life!

Clothing for all seasons, circumstances and situations

Too many people make the mistake of only packing beachy clothes for tropical climates, only puffer jackets and heat holder socks for a ski trip, and only fancy clothes for that trip to Paris. No matter where the locale, you should be prepared for clothing changes in weather, location and itinerary. Essential items to include are a light jacket, warm socks, several pairs of casual pants/shorts, both warm and cool pajamas, at least one (better yet, two) dressy outfits (a little black dress for a woman, a nice tie and suit jacket for a man), both casual/comfy and dress shoes, a swimsuit, dress shirts and t-shirts, and most importantly: extra underwear. Seriously, pack more than you think you need. Same goes for socks.

Accessories is part of this, too. So many people forget that. Items that you should definitely pack, lest you end up overpaying at a tourist shop, include: a hat to shield your face from the sun, sunglasses (at least two pairs), a scarf or shawl, cuff links (for men), any jewelry you might need to complete a dress outfit, a small bag or pack to wear around your waist and carry items, and any knee or wrist braces, etc that you might need if you have a disability or medical problem.

Toiletries

Sure, you packed your deodorant, toothbrushes and hairbrush. But so many people forget to pack other items they end up needing when travelling. Wet wipes, face cream/moisturizer, mouthwash, a first aid kid including items like bandaids and gauze, neosporin and hydrocortisone cream, hair ties and pins, any makeup you might need (including makeup remover), nail clippers and tweezers and the most, most, MOST important item that people forget: SUNSCREEN. Preferably, bring two types of sunscreen: a cream that is safe for the face, as well as a spray-on version that can be used anywhere, on the go. Using sunscreen while travelling, especially if you’re in a warm locale with a beach or lots of outdoor sightseeing, is a necessity. Please don’t neglect your skin!

Itineraries, Maps and Guides

We get it: nobody wants to be that obnoxious tourist standing on a street corner with a map the size of a small car. It’s a cliche at this point. However, you do need to bring along items to help navigate your trip, especially if it’s somewhere you’ve never been before, a country where you don’t speak the language, or if you have a huge list of events planned. You don’t want to end up lost and begging for help. Make sure you pack in your luggage any guides you may have purchased, maps to the area you’re visiting in case phones/GPS fail, a printed out itinerary or schedule to help you keep up with what you have planned, and any other pertinent or helpful info to make sure you have the best trip and aren’t caught unawares or become lost.

Also be sure to pack really important items like passports, drivers licenses, traveller’s checks, and other stuff you definitely can’t afford to be caught without. Check once, and double check, before you leave for the airport.

A Camera

Ok, so we all have our very own camera in our hand around the clock these days: our phone. But packing an actual camera on your trip can be a huge benefit, for a few different reasons.

For starters, you want your phone to stay charged and functioning while you’re travelling, especially somewhere where you’re unfamiliar. Whipping out your phone to snap pictures can be fun, but it’ll drain your battery after a couple of hours. Having a camera will help offset a little of that.

Having a professional camera will also ensure that the pictures you take on that dream trip of a lifetime are amazing quality, high definition and amazing. Letting your little ones have is a fun interactive and educational activity that will make their vacation that much more fun. Plus, there’s nothing more fun and exciting than waiting on your vacation pictures to be done at the printer!

Snacks for the Trip

Of course you want to sample all the delicacies and delicious cultural cuisine at your dream vacation spot. But keep in mind that there may be points during travel where you might need a little something. Don’t get caught with no stores in sight or nothing open, starving and without any sustenance. Pack little snacks that don’t take up much room for emergency rations. Things like granola bars, fruit leather, small packs of crackers or nuts, and even individually wrapped chocolates are small, inexpensive treats that can keep you going while you’re out sightseeing or en route to the next destination. And it’ll keep the little ones from whining in between meals!

Another great idea is to pack a few tea bags, instant coffee packets and drink mixes for the hotel room, so you don’t have to dash out to grab expensive beverages from the coffee shop or gift shop, or worse, from your mini-fridge, every time you’re thirsty. Those things really add up.

There you have it. Pack these essential go-to items in your suitcase and you won’t have to worry about being caught out when you’re on your dream vacation. A great idea is to make a checklist when packing, and mark each of these individual items off as you’re packing your suitcase for the trip of your life. After all, you’ve got more important things to think about! Who wants to worry about packing? With these tips, it’ll be a breeze. Have a great trip!