Yay! You finally booked that tropical vacation you have been wanting! Now what do you pack? I used to always pack way too much. I would think that maybe I would need this or maybe I would need that. Before I knew it, my suitcase weighed 50 lbs and my poor husband was stuck lugging it around.
I have finally come to the realization that less is more. Vacations are about enjoying the destination and making memories that will last a lifetime. I can almost guarantee that in five years you will look back on a vacation and remember the wonderful meal that you had on your anniversary or the fun night out you had with friends while in Cancun, but you won’t remember what you wore. Am I right?
So let’s take a look at what to pack. I am a fan of making lists. They keep me on track and help me to remember everything that I need.
Shoes. I bring three pair of shoes when I travel. I wear tennis shoes on travel days (because they are bigger) and pack flip flops and water shoes. Pack a pair of cute flip flops that will go with your swimsuit, shorts or cute dress.
When it comes to clothing to pack, you want items that you can mix and match. You don’t need a different outfit for every day. You can wear the same pair of shorts every other day with a different top. One or two swimsuits and cover-ups is fine. One or two maxi dresses. Think versatility when packing clothes.
I know this is going to be hard to accept, but you don’t need a ton of make-up. If you are going to a tropical destination, it is more than likely going to be hot. That means you will be sweating or be in the water. Why waste all that good make-up ladies?? Trust me, you won’t be the only person there not wearing make-up. I’m not saying to go sans make-up the whole time! There will be a dinner or two where you go out and want to look nice. I’m just saying to don’t need to pack ALL of the make-up that you have at home. 🙂
Think of things that you can either buy when you get to your destination or of the things that will be provided for you. Will your room have a hair dryer? Do they provide soap, shampoo and conditioner? Or can you purchase it there? I will buy items once I get to my destination just so I don’t have to pack them.
Medications. You don’t want to forget these. Make sure that you have them in the original prescription bottle when flying. You also want to make sure you have enough to last through your vacation.
Let’s not forget our electronics! Even though we are on vacation and are trying to unplug, we will still take our electronics. I read quite a bit on my Kindle app. Before I go I make sure to download several books. I also have my music downloaded that I like. This also means that you need to have your chargers for these. Luckily, our phones and tablets use the same charger so we don’t have to take multiple chargers with us.
The very last and most important item you need to pack if you are going out of the country is your passport Make sure that it is current!