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
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!
