easy vacation packing list
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Easiest 11-Item List To Swear By When Packing For Your Summer Vacation

Lugging around a suitcase, an extra large purse, a regular purse, a backpack, and a cooler is just too much in 1,000-degree weather.

222
girls jumping into swimming pool
Mikaela Cok


1. Three pairs of shoes MAX!

Its as easy as this, one pair for chilling such as flip-flops, comfy pair for walking around such as converse or tennis shoes, and a cute pair for dinner.

2. Clothes

This is always the item that takes up the most space, and for an average seven-day vacation, I know I have always packed as if I'll be gone for three weeks! Here's how to simplify it... Two dresses (dress shirts for guys), five shirts you know you'll wear, two pairs of shorts, one pair of pants, one jacket, and pajamas. Seriously it is all you need!

3. Undergarments

Luckily undergarments are not big and bulky because if you shower everyday than you will definitely need 7-9 pairs of undies, two bras,1-2 swimsuits, and 5 pairs of socks (just because you won't likely be wearing shoes that need socks everyday).

4. Electronics

This is one category is easy to downsize simply because we are talking about vacation! Don't bring your iPad, laptop, PS4, Xbox, or anything bigger than the size of your phone. In all reality, you just need your phone and your phone charger.

5. Make-up

If you're planning on going somewhere warm, make-up can be a not very necessary thing because within two hours its probably half off. So bring a little make-up bag with your face necessities. It is especially helpful if you pack your face wash, and moisturizer with your make-up!

6. Toilettries

Now there is a reason they make travel size things of just about everything, try to limit to bringing only two full-sized products. Any medicines or special creams are an exception, but you should have no more than six items for a week average vacation.

7. Snacks

I am definitely all for having food ALL THE TIME! So it is acceptable to bring an extra tote bag for snacks and drinks. The only thing to remember with this is to not pack things you or other people won't eat, because it'll go to waste.

8. Your favorite comfort item

Whether you'd like to admit it or not, no matter what age you are... We all have a favorite item (i.e. blanket, pillow, sweater) that we like to have around for comfort. For example, I have this one blanket I have taken on every vacation since I was 6 years old, and it's like the vacation wouldn't be complete without it.

9. Vacation-themed necessities

Not everyone goes to the beach, or the mountains, or on a cruise, so whatever the theme is or the basic idea of your vacation, try to base your essentials on whatever that is. For example, if you're going to Europe and there might be hiking or beach days, you'll have to accommodate for both, where if you were just going to the beach you would need sunscreen, towel, sunglasses, and cash for your pina colada and you're golden!

10. Extra room

I know you're probably thinking, what? How does one "pack" extra room? And that is exactly it! You don't! The soul purpose of having extra room is so you have literal extra room for your souvenirs or items you find/purchase while on vacation. It is truly surprising how much room a few T-shirts or bracelets can take up.

11. The "bad situation" bag

I have met very few people that pack what I refer to as a "bad situation" bag. So say you or someone gets seriously sick or injured and while on vacation you usually don't have easy access to medical help. So find a small bag and pack it with some essentials for a bad situation. This can include: Water, pain medication, allergy medication, bandages, flashlight, and even look up information about nearby hospitals or emergency center near where you'll be staying to save some time.

Packing can be one of the most irritating things about going on vacation, it used to take me weeks in advance to get all things together, but after following this simple 11 step list, I'm ready to go within no time, I even have time to try on my outfits while packing!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58329
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37575
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959196
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193357
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments