Smarter Living
We lucked into a few days at a house in my favorite beach town (South Haven, MI) for later this month, and I cannot WAIT. Swimming, grilling, beach picnics, sunsets....bring it ON.
Of course, with all that comes packing. In previous years we've gone with my whole family, so I could stash some things in my parents' big SUV....after all, they don't have car seats in the back! This year, it's just us, so we are going to be cramming everything into every inch of our small wagon.
I have a huge tendency to overpack and conveniently forget they actually have stores there if we run out of sunblock or break a flip-flop. This year, due to our limited space, I am forcing myself to go minimalist. It's much easier because my kids are older and no longer require the pack-and-play, bouncer, etc. And this is also our first year where no one is in diapers, so hurray!
My must-haves are: multiple swimsuits for all so there's always a dry one, a soft-sided cooler bag for beach picnics, more beach towels than I think we could possibly ever need plus a few extra, and sunscreen that doesn't make my daughter's sensitive skin break out in a rash (the rest of us can buy ours there if need be). Games, cards and movies for rainy days, too. After all, if we bring our whole house with us it doesn't feel like vacation!
What are your vacation packing must-haves?
Replies
-
I always pack more then we need...i pack everything but the kitchen sink...and my first aide kit is a huge duffle bag...lmao!!! -
We are on vacation now so I know all about packing! We went far away....21 hours so we do need lots of stuff.
I tried to not pack too much but I have two kids 2 & under so we need lots of extra clothes in case. I packed the kids about 7 outfits and 5 pjs. I packed all of my cloth diapers for my youngest. Beach bag with beach towels, sunscreen, bathing suits, cloth swim diapers, cooler for the car, big cooler filled with our meals we cooked ahead of time, toys for the car, books, movies, mp3 players, fruit for snacks, laptop, tablet, phone chargers, car chargers, water ring sling, potty seat, food, and who knows what else -
LOLl I packed band aids, rubbing alcohol, and Neosporin.
Quoting jpalmer:
I always pack more then we need...i pack everything but the kitchen sink...and my first aide kit is a huge duffle bag...lmao!!! -
Sunblock...tons of it. We all burn so easily. We also bring plenty to keep the 5 year old busy in the car.
-
What is a vacation???????????????/
-
my own bathroom toiletries, comfy/cute clothes, A portable dvd player for the kiddos on the drive there lol. lots of diapers and extra play clothes of the kiddos, if it's near the water like yours then definitely have to make sure all the boys have their life jackets, our favorite snacks, oh an I know I have to take my pillow and my middle sons Santa blanket, he won't sleep with out it.. lol
-
My camera and lenses of course.
-
that sounds like me in the old days, always a big cooler with drinks and snacks.
Quoting jconney80:
We are on vacation now so I know all about packing! We went far away....21 hours so we do need lots of stuff.
I tried to not pack too much but I have two kids 2 & under so we need lots of extra clothes in case. I packed the kids about 7 outfits and 5 pjs. I packed all of my cloth diapers for my youngest. Beach bag with beach towels, sunscreen, bathing suits, cloth swim diapers, cooler for the car, big cooler filled with our meals we cooked ahead of time, toys for the car, books, movies, mp3 players, fruit for snacks, laptop, tablet, phone chargers, car chargers, water ring sling, potty seat, food, and who knows what else -
I always took toys for the car.
-
At least I didn't have to worry about diapers.