words Alexa Wang
Preparing for summer vacation can be a stressful time, especially when it comes to packing. You want to make sure you have everything you need without over-packing and having too much excess weight in your luggage. With the right tips and tricks, however, packing for your summer vacation can be easier than ever! Here are some simple steps that will help you pack efficiently and effectively so that your vacation is stress-free from start to finish. So read on for the top pieces of advice on how best to pack for your upcoming summer getaway!
Packing The Swimwear
Swimwear should be the first clothing item you pack since it’s what you’ll likely use first on your vacation. Roll up swimsuits and place them at the bottom of your suitcase so they won’t get wet from any other items. Bring extra swimwear so you always have a dry suit to wear. If you haven’t bought your swimming suits yet for this season, searching different styles and sizes online before your trip can help you find suits that are perfect for your needs and body type. A swimsuit coverup is also handy to have for wearing to and from the pool or beach. As most coverups are lightweight, they fold down to a small size so they’re easy to pack.
Beach Towels and Accessories
Beach towels and accessories like hats, sunglasses, and flip-flops should also be packed before any other clothing since they’ll be needed for your beach or pool visits. Pack towels by rolling them up tightly to save space. Bring extra towels in case some get wet or dirty. Protect sunglasses and flip-flops by wrapping them individually in towels or clothing before placing them in your suitcase. A sun hat can be packed by shaping it and placing it around the edges of your suitcase. When packing beach accessories, keep them all together in one area of your suitcase for easy access.
Everyday Clothing
For everyday clothing, choose versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways and layered. Roll up t-shirts, shorts, pants, and dresses and place them around the edges of your suitcase. Pack socks and underwear in the gaps between clothing rolls. Bring comfortable shoes like sandals or flats and pack them with shoe stuffers or stuff dirty laundry in the toes. Keep accessories like scarves, belts, and jewelry in separate pouches so they don’t get tangled with clothes. Pack heavier items like jeans at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items like T-shirts and shorts toward the top.
Miscellaneous Items
Don’t forget to pack any other items you might need for your trip. Bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. A swim cap, snorkel gear, fins, or a bodyboard can make beach days more fun. Make sure to check the weather forecast before leaving so that you know what kind of clothing to bring with you. Include a first-aid kit in case of any minor injuries or sicknesses during your vacation. And finally, if needed, research rental car policies or hotel amenities beforehand so that you don’t have to worry about them while on vacation.
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent
Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential for any summer vacation. Sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Pack a bottle that has an SPF of at least 30 and make sure to reapply it throughout the day. Insect repellent can help keep bugs away from you while outdoors, so pack one with at least 10% DEET concentration. Both of these items will also help prevent uncomfortable exposures during your trip. These two products are essential for any summer vacation, so make sure to include them in your packing list. For extra protection, you may want to consider wearing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors. These provide natural shielding from the sun’s UV rays and can help keep bugs away as well.
Electronic Devices
For electronics, bring devices like phones, cameras, e-readers, or tablets for entertainment on your trip. Before traveling, back up all important documents onto an external hard drive or cloud storage system in case of loss or damage. Pack chargers, headphones, and power cords in a separate pouch for easy access. Make sure to research the voltage requirements for any items you plan on bringing so that you don’t overload the outlets when charging.
- Power Bank: A sometimes overlooked but very helpful piece of equipment is a power bank. Power banks are small, portable batteries that can be used to keep your electronics charged on the go. When picking a power bank, consider its size and capacity to ensure that it can last through your entire trip without needing to be recharged.
- Chargers: Chargers are another item you should be sure to bring. If you’re traveling abroad, it may be worth investing in a multi-voltage charger that is compatible with the region’s power outlets so that you don’t blow a fuse or cause any electrical damage. Consider also bringing an extra charger just in case something goes wrong with your original one.
Toiletries
Toiletries should be packed last as they will likely take up a lot of space in your suitcase. Bring mini-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and toothpaste while avoiding full-sized bottles whenever possible. Include items like razors and tweezers if needed and store them in a small bag or plastic container. If you’re staying at a hotel, make use of the complimentary amenities such as soap and lotion that might already be provided for you. Some toiletries, such as make-up, you may also want to purchase on the ground as well.
Packing for a summer vacation doesn’t have to be daunting – all you need is a little planning and organization. Think about the activities you’ll be doing on your trip and what items you’ll need for them. Remember to bring some extra clothing in case of any unexpected weather changes, and keep all important documents like passports or boarding passes together in one place. With this guide, packing up for your next summer vacation should be a breeze.
