Mommy List #6: Vacation Packing List

My husband has done most of the planning for our upcoming summer vacation, but he asked me to contribute by making “lots of lists” — one for general packing, one for activities we want to do en route (and packing lists for each of those those), and a checklist for other things we need to do before we go (oil change for car etc.). Is this request merely a list-lover’s dream, or perhaps my husband just wants to be able to blame me for anything forgotten? Hmmm…

General Packing List (Adult)

Clothes

• Bras
• Underwear
• Socks
• Short/long sleeve shirts*
• Shorts/pants*
• Pajamas/robe
• Sweaters/jacket/coat*
• 1-2 pair “all-purpose” travel shoes (comfortable for driving, walking, etc.)
• Dirty clothes bag

Optional Clothing

• 1 dressy outfit
• 1 pair dress shoes
• Exercise clothes
• Activity specific shoes (hiking, water, etc.)
• Swim wear*
• Hat*
• Rain gear/umbrella*
• Jewelry/accessories

Toiletries (travel size when possible)

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Face/body wash
• Razor
• Comb/brush
• Face/body lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/paste/floss
• Lip balm
• Tampons/pads/liners
• Cotton balls/Q-tips
• Make-up

Medical

• Small first aid kit
• Tweezers
• Rx meds
• Vitamins
• Sunscreen*
• Bug repellent*
• Sea-sickness bands or pills*

Money & Docments

• Cash/cards/traveler’s checks
• Travel documents (passports, travel itinerary, tickets etc.)
• Photo ID/driver’s license/auto insurance card etc.
• Maps/directions
• Emergency numbers
• Pre-paid phone card
• Addresses book

Miscellaneous

• Cell phone & charger
• Camera/case/batteries
• Reading material/travel guides
• Notebook & pen
• Day pack or travel bag
• Sunglasses
• Sports gear

Other

• __________________
• __________________
• __________________

* depending on season/weather/location/activities

I feel like I’m forgetting something? Oh yes, I must pack for the kids as well…stay posted!

Mommy List #4

10 National Parks I want to see with my children 

#1 Acadia National Park, Maine

Why? There is something about the combination of coastal beauty, whale-watching, and afternoon tea that is calling to me… 

#2 Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Why? Having grown up in coastal Northern California, I would like to see the “other” coast with my children. 

#3 Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Why? Okay, I’m ashamed to admit it. I’ve never been there, even though it’s right here in my very own “backyard.” 

#4 Denali National Park, Alaska

Why? Who wouldn’t want to share the tallest peak in North America (Mt. McKinley) and “Wonder Lake” with their children? 

#5 Everglades National Park, Florida

Why? I want my children to see what the South Eastern U.S. looked like before it was settled by explorers. 

#6 Glacier National Park, Montana

Why? Who can resist names like “God’s Backyard” and “Going-to-the-Sun Road.” 

#7 Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Why? Mountains, sapphire-blue lakes, and wildflowers. Doesn’t that just sound heavenly? 

#8 Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Why? Because my daughter is currently intrigued by archeology. Enough said. 

#9 Yosemite National Park, California

Why? Because even though I grew up in California, I never got the chance to travel there.  

#10 Zion National Park, Utah

Why? Ooohhhh aaahhhh….the land of rainbow canyons!

 

Hope you will share your fav family travel destinations too. Please feel free to post your comments and resources for others to enjoy. 

Happy Travels,

Michelle

 

References:

1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List by Patricia Schultz

United States National Park Service

 Additional Family Travel Resources:

Travel with Your Kids.com

Parents’ Choice Family Adventures

Savvy Mommy Family Travel