Ultimate Packing List for Family Vacation
Planning to go on a trip? Vacations can be exciting especially if you have the whole family in on it. However, one element that can make or break a trip is how well you pack. Overpacking or underpacking can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
But fear not, with the right strategy and tips, you can pack efficiently and enjoy a stress free family vacation. Follow this ultimate packing list for a smoother process:
Clothing
Clothes take up the most space so you should start packing them first. You want to ensure that you pack the right clothes for the destination and activities you planned. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:
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- Basics
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- Underwear and Socks: Pack enough for the duration of your trip plus a few extras.
- T-shirts and tops: Choose versatile shirts that can be paired with anything. Make sure they’re comfortable too.
- Bottoms: Bring a mixture of pants, shorts and skirts that work for different occasions.
- Pajamas: Pack thin, lightweight pajamas that you can use for consecutive days.
- Sweater or Lightweight Jackets: Always bring a jacket or two even if you’re headed to a tropical destination.
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- Special Clothing
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- Swimsuits: Don’t forget swimsuits especially if there’s a beach or pool in your itinerary.
- Formalwear: Pack appropriate attire if you have special events or dinner planned.
- Athletic Wear: Include workout clothes if you plan to be active during your trip.
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- Footwear
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- Walking Shoes: Pack comfortable walking shoes that are ideal for exploring.
- Sandals: A pair of sandals or flip flops are a must especially if you need to walk a short distance.
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- Accessories
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- Belts and Ties: Bring a belt for general use and a tie for dressing up.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses to keep the sun out of your eyes.
- Hats: Pack caps for you and your family to stay protected from the elements.
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Toiletries
It can be a hassle to buy toiletries at your destination so it’s a good idea to pack these in advance. Be sure to pack flight friendly toiletries to avoid being stopped and checked. Here are items you should consider:
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- Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Pack travel size toothbrush and toothpaste so they can easily fit in your toiletry bag.
- Soap and Shampoo: Opt for bar soaps and a small bottle of shampoo which you can discard before flying back.
- Deodorant: To keep everyone smelling fresh throughout the trip!
- Razors: If needed, pack razors and shaving cream.
- Hairbrush: To keep everyone’s hair neat.
- Sun Screen: Not a toiletry per say but its still an essential part of your family’s personal carer routine.
Entertainment
Long journeys can be tiresome so keeping your family entertained is key. This will come extra handy if you have kids or toddlers tagging along.
Electronics
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- Tablets and Phones: Kids these days have all sorts of gadgets to keep them entertained including tablets and phones.
- Portable Gaming Devices: Bring portable gaming devices if you have any.
- Laptops: A valuable entertainment device as you can watch shows and movies with your family.
Conventional
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- Books: Books are great sources of entertainment and they don’t need to be charged.
- Board Games: Miniature chess boards or snakes and ladders can help pass the time during downtime.
Other Essentials
Now that’s out the way, let’s take a look at other essentials that will help ensure a smooth and most importantly, legal vacation:
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- Travel Documents: Ensure all your travel documents are in order. This includes passports, ID cards and visas. Keep everything organised in a folder or bag.
- Money and Banking: Make sure you have your cash and online banking apps ready. And avoid changing your money at the airport or risk paying hefty service fees.
- Health Essentials and Emergency: Be prepared for the unexpected and always have a well stocked first aid kit in hand. It should include band aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any prescribed medication.
- Adapter and Chargers: Different countries have varying electrical outlets and voltages. Don’t forget to pack the right adapters and chargers for all your devices.
- Data Roaming: This is optional but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to purchase roaming packages. It definitely beats relying on free wifi!
Conclusion
We can all agree that travelling is fun but packing is not. So it’s important to follow a clear cut plan and well organised packing list. By doing so, you can ensure that your family vacation goes off without a hitch. Happy packing and have an awesome vacation!
