The holidays are the perfect time to take a much-needed vacation. After a long year of hard work, it’s important you treat yourself to some rest and relaxation. However, you don’t want your holiday getaway to be stressful if you forget to pack some essential items.
Before you load the car and check your bags onto the plane, make sure you make a list of everything you’ll possibly need for a stress-free and comfortable vacation. Keep reading below for a reminder on some items you shouldn’t forget to bring.
1. Toiletries
The last thing you want is to check into your hotel, unzip your bag, and find you forgot all of your toiletries. While toothpaste, shampoo, and body wash are easy to get at the concierge desk, other items such as your makeup and personal items may be harder to replace, or expensive. Make sure you check to see you have these cosmetic items:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Body wash/soap
- Facial cleanser
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Sunscreen
- Floss
- Tweezers
- Razor
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Hairbrush/comb
2. Bathing Suit
Are you a snowbird looking for some warmth? Don’t forget your bathing suit! From the sandy beaches of the resort to the infinity pools overlooking the ocean, you’re going to want to make sure to pack your swim trunks and bikini so you can soak up the sun and make a splash.
3. Winter Clothing
Not every holiday vacation has to be in a tropical paradise. Whether you’re traveling to the snow-capped Swiss mountains or your family up in Maine, pack your ski outfit, hats, gloves, and a scarf to make sure you stay warm during your travels or a ski vacation. You don’t want your vacation to be ruined by shivering the entire time, so make sure you make enough room to pack your larger winter items.
4. Camera
Going on vacation is all about making memories, and what better way to preserve them than with a camera? Before you embark on your holiday vacation, make sure to pack your camera, memory card, and charger. This way, you’ll be able to capture all of your favorite moments, from visiting museums to having a drink at a local bar.
5. Phone Charger
While it’s okay to go rogue and “disconnect to reconnect” when traveling, sometimes having your phone is crucial. From ordering an Uber after a night out on the town back to your hotel room to calling your family to wish them Merry Christmas, your phone will be necessary when traveling.
Make sure it’s fully charged every day by bringing your phone charger. Phone chargers are of the most forgotten items when people pack for vacation. If you think you make forget your charger, invest in a power bank or portable charger and keep it in your travel suitcase. This will ensure you can charge up even when you’re on the go.
6. Snacks
Being hangry when traveling is not a fun experience. It can make you agitated, give you a headache, and tarnish the image of the place you’re visiting. Plus, traveling takes a lot out of you, especially with all the walking that comes with visiting local tourist attractions and popular landmarks. Packing snacks is your best bet to having an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re stuck on the plane or in the middle of a guided tour with no food in sight, a granola bar or bag of chips will help revive you back to life.
When packing snacks for your trip, make sure they adhere to federal travel guidelines and don’t contain liquids. Before you leave, consider ordering a snack pack or head over to your local grocery store and stock up on all of your and your family’s favorite treats.
7. First Aid Kit
Unfortunately, accidents happen. From minor bumps and bruises to more serious gashes, you don’t want to find yourself stuck somewhere with no help in sight. Pack your bag with a small first aid kit with all the essential items, such as bandages, gauze, sterilization cream, eye drops, gloves, scissors, and cotton swabs.
Wrapping Up
Traveling is a great way to learn more about the world and the different cultures that inhabit it. The holiday season is an excellent time to explore different areas of the earth thanks to extended school vacations and bosses giving their employees a few extra days off from the year. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make sure you have these essential items packed.
