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11 Things to Pack for a Vacation

From cameras to passports to electronics, 11 things to pack for a vacation. Photo: Pixabay

Yeah! Vacation time, baby! But it’s a frenzy, getting out the door with everything you need on your vacation.  What did you forget? What did you pack that you won’t need?  Sit back, relax and look at our list of 11 must-have things to pack for a vacation.

From cameras to passports to electronics, 11 things to pack for a vacation.
From cameras to passports to electronics, 11 things to pack for a vacation. Photo: Pixabay

7 Things To Pack for a Vacation

You are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. You’ve packed all your clothes, downloaded some great podcasts for your flight, and made sure that you have everything you need for exploring when you get there. But what are you missing? Relax and check out our not-to-forget 11 things to pack for a vacation before you head out the door!

Read More: 9 Stylish Travel Tips

1.  Electronics

Best way to take selfies on vacation is to show up early -- or show up later to avoid the crowds.
Best way to take selfies on vacation is to show up early — or show up later to avoid the crowds. Photo: Pixabay

Between using maps on your phone when traveling through cities, listening to music at night after a long day exploring new places, and snapping photos throughout the day to remember how much fun you’re having, your electronics are essential items to take on vacation.

However, also consider taking a power strip, appliance replacement parts [available here] or portable charger so that there is always an open plug for multiple people to charge their devices at the same time without needing additional plugs.

2.  Clothing

Simple stylish travel tips include packing laters (and wearing on the flight)
Simple stylish travel tips include packing laters (and wearing them on the flight). Photo: Pixabay

The weather in diverse parts of the world can vary greatly from what you are used to at home.

Whether you’re going somewhere with a particular dress code or just making sure that the clothes in your suitcase will help protect you from any weather changes, it’s essential to consider what clothing items will add value to your vacation.

Pack some light sweaters and mix-and-match tops so that if it gets chilly at night but hot during the day, you can always take layers off.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, too, because even though they might not be stylish, there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable pair of shoes when strolling around cities and exploring national parks for hours on end!

3.  Luggage

My perfect carry-on is the American Tourister expandable hardside luggage with spinner wheels.
My perfect carry-on is the American Tourister expandable hardside luggage with spinner wheels.

Pack everything into sturdy suitcases with locks on them to keep all items safe. Make sure the luggage is waterproof or at least water-resistant so if anything happens (like a bottle of shampoo leaks), it won’t ruin your clothes and other personal belongings.

4.  Toiletries

No one wants their trip ruined by spending all their time worrying about how bad they smell after forgetting their deodorant or sunscreen.

Always ensure that all of your toiletries are in a travel-sized container, so you don’t have to worry about bringing the big bottles. Always carry hand sanitizer with you because germs can be everywhere.

5.  Water Bottle

Stay healthy while traveling, by bringing your own water bootle
Stay healthy while traveling, by bringing your own water bootle. Photo: Pixabay

A water bottle will come in handy while trying out local cuisine restaurants because not all places have clean drinking water available.

6.  Medications

Even if you’re not currently taking any medication, it’s essential to pack some just in case there is an emergency while on vacation.

If you’re traveling with children, then definitely include some bandages, medicine, and painkillers just in case they get hurt along the way, don’t forget an icepack too!

7.  Mementos

Sometimes it’s not about what souvenirs you buy while traveling. Sometimes, it’s just as important to have something of sentimental value with you from home!

Whether this means bringing some family heirlooms along in your suitcase or making sure that all of your new friends sign a t-shirt before heading back home. Bring things with meaning alongside everything else.

8.  Entertainment

When traveling with kids, keep entertained with headphones and/or wireless earpods, downloadable games or audible books.
When traveling with kids, keep entertained with headphones and/or wireless earpods, downloadable games or audible books.

Pack something fun but compact so that everyone has their own devices to use during downtime. Whether this means taking a small board game or an eReader, everyone should have something fun and low-maintenance with them on vacation so that there’s no arguing over what entertainment is available.

9.  Money

Always go to ATMs before you head out on vacation. If your bank card doesn’t have a fee for using international machines, then that’s great! You can withdraw all of the money from those machines and not worry about incurring any fees after getting back home.

However, suppose there is a withdrawal fee at your local ATM, or it isn’t possible to take out large amounts of money without going over certain limits; make sure that you take enough cash with you so that every need is met during your trip.

In that case, this might include buying gifts for friends and family and grabbing snacks when hungry!

10. Camera

My son-in-law setting up his DSLR camera to take photos of a lake near Bend, Oregon.
My son-in-law setting up his DSLR camera to take photos of a lake near Bend, Oregon.

This one might be a no-brainer, but pictures last forever and can really help capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments that may quickly slip your mind the further away they get from today. Always make sure you have plenty of extra batteries and memory cards for this essential as well!

11. Documentation

Ensure that everything in your purse has documentation attached to say where you’re from and what time/date it is, just in case you get separated from your group while traveling.

Keeping a photocopy of each person’s passport in a secure location can also help if a passport gets lost or stolen during the trip because it will be much quicker to access that information.

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