Vacation Packing Checklist

If you are leaving for for vacation, here is a handy checklist to help you remember the essentials. Vacations are exciting, but you have a thousand things to remember. Overlooking even one thing can mean hassles and frustrations. Use this list as a starting point, add things we’ve overlooked, and cross off items that do not apply to you.

Print-Friendly Vacation Checklist
Vacation Checklist - Things to Remember

MUST HAVE

  • Wallet, purse, credit cards, cash
  • Cell phones and chargers
  • Car and house keys (duplicate sets kept in different bags)
  • Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, lens cleaner
  • Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers
  • Prescriptions and other medications
  • Itineraries, tickets, and reservation confirmations

MUST DO

  • Remove trash from home
  • Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc.
  • Replace expired prescriptions and medication
  • Replace expired sunblock, SPF lotions expire over time
  • Replenish toiletries kit
  • Empty refrigerator
  • Hold incoming mail and newspapers
  • Notify neighbors of your vacation dates
  • Mow your lawn before you leave
  • If you’re leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway
  • Lock all windows and doors before you leave
  • Unplug small appliances
  • Turn down or turn off AC/heat
  • Make arrangements for plant care




ELECTRONICS

  • Cell phone, tablets, devices
  • Camera, chargers, batteries, cords, etc.
  • Other small electronics & chargers
  • Headphones
  • Extension Cords & Power Strips

PETS

  • Traveling with: Know good local vet / hospital
  • Traveling with: Crate, loose bedding & treats
  • Leaving home: Make arrangements for pet sitter
  • Leaving home: Extra food and feeding instructions

PACKING CLOTHES

  • Check the forecast in advance!
  • Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing); though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get
    away with less
  • Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
  • Swimsuits (two per person, so you’ll always have a dry one)
  • Beach towels ( two per person is ideal)
  • Beach cover-ups
  • Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect from sun)
  • Sandals, flip-flops, water shoes
  • Sunglasses with UV protection for adults
  • Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes & shoes, gym workout clothes & shoes)
  • Comfortable Footwear
  • Beach bag
  • Family size beach blanket
  • Laundry bag

TOILETRIES

  • Bath Soap
  • Toothbrush/Paste
  • Mouthwash
  • Cologne/Perfume
  • Razor Kit, Shaving Cream
  • Bottle Opener
  • Sunscreen, Lip Balm
  • Cosmetics
  • Cotton Balls, Q-tips
  • Deodorant
  • Kleenex, Tissues
  • Contact lenses
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Combs, Brushes
  • Birth control

FIRST AID KIT

  • Band Aids
  • Insect Repellant
  • Lotion for Insect bites
  • Sunscreen
  • Aloe Vera Gel
  • Thermometers
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Aspirin
  • Moist Towelettes, Wipes
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive strips

FOR THE BABY

  • Baby Powder
  • Baby sunscreen
  • Teething Ointment
  • Diapers & Lotions
  • Baby Wipes
  • Stroller
  • Baby formula, Bibs
  • Zippered plastic bags
  • Changing Pad
  • Baby food and spoon
  • Paciers
  • Blankets

BEACH ITEMS

  • Beach Cooler
  • Buckets and shovels
  • Sand castle toys
  • Frisbee, paddle ball, inflatable beach ball and other simple beach toys
  • Kites
  • Paddle Games

FOR THE TRIP

  • Travel Games, Books
  • Crayons, Clip Board
  • Electronic Devices
  • Cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Favorite stuffed animals

NICE TO HAVE ITEMS

  • Folding beach chairs
  • Umbrella
  • Flashlight
  • Pillows
  • Books / Books on Tape
  • Alarm Clock
  • Binoculars
  • Travel Iron or Steamer
Well Done! You’re ready for the best Outer Banks vacation ever!