Printable Vacation Packing List

The Dreaded Task of Vacation Packing.

Similar to the birds, once the weather starts to turn cold, we start to migrate south. November through March are very popular vacation months. By popular request, I’m going to share some of my favorite packing tips with my style savvy readers.

Wherever we choose, near or far, north, south, east or west, there is always the daunting task of packing. What do I bring? What do I need? How do I shop and pack for 90 degrees if I’m standing here in a winter coat?

Packing always takes longer than we think. The majority of us over pack or don’t pack the appropriate items for the trip.

My advice is to hire a professional to shop and pack for you. Someone who will maximize outfit combos and minimize luggage. If you choose to go it alone, then here are some helpful hints to pack for your vacation…

If you normally take trips in the winter months, consider purchasing new bathing suits, wraps and flip-flops or sandals in late August/early September and stash them away. This assures you the best possible price, and you will be ready to toss them in your bags when the time comes. It’s always nice to vacate with fresh new gear.

Avoid staring for hours at your empty bags and into your messy closet. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed while preparing for your trip. Let this chart be a guide for productive and efficient vacation packing. Consider it a map which will lead you to a well-packed bag and an effortless packing experience.

Printable Vacation Packing List (click and print)

Note how many days and how many nights you will be away. Think of the activities you have planned during the trip, along with the average temperature throughout the day. If you notice at the bottom of your chart, each day has a space for activities/novelties.  This is where you jot down any special gear you may need for activities on a specific day of the week. See example below.

Special activities planned/vacation novelties (horseback riding, scuba diving, poolside/beach frolicking, etc…)

• Scuba gear
• Bathing suit
• Riding boots
• Sunglasses
• Towel

Are you bringing a carry-on? Are you checking in luggage? Or both? These days airlines charge for everything. $25-$50 per bag seems to be the going rate. I believe it’s a buck per pound. Geez, get your money’s worth and pack away. Oh! And don’t forget to fill in your name and info on your luggage tag. Nobody needs the headache of trying to track down lost luggage.

The only things in your carry-on should be things you will need on the plane and before check in to the hotel or destination.

•  Note – no liquids or sharp objects. You don’t want to part with your $100 moisturizer at the gate. We all know this, but for some reason we get caught up with packing and something winds up in the wrong bag.

Carry on examples

• Entertainment – book, knitting, newspaper
• Tech devices – tablet, phone, Kindle
• Socks
• Sweater/jkt
• Comfy shoes
• Charger
• Sunglasses
• Suntan lotion
• Snacks
• Passport/ID
• Pen

 A popular question I get asked all the time is, “Should I roll or fold?”

I like to roll my garments. It saves space and avoids a lot of wrinkling.  If you choose to fold, use white tissue paper in between layers to help eliminate wrinkles and creases.

Toiletries

I like the bags that have zip pockets and roll up nicely. They can be unrolled and hung on the bathroom door upon your arrival. I find these roll type bags to be convenient for jewelry as well. For my male clients, bring a nice leather toiletry bag. It exudes class and it keeps you organized.

Pack a few plastic bags.

When you are ready to return home, put any wet or damp items in them. Also, put any liquids or moisturizer in plastic bags. You don’t want to arrive with mouthwash or suntan lotion all over your new shirt.

So before you head out to pistachio and lemon hued bungalows, palm trees and frosty drinks with umbrellas, be sure to pack wisely. Use a practical checklist and take the stress out of packing.

Print out our helpful packing list, fill it out as you pack. This packing chart will organize your thoughts and your bag. Bringing this list to your destination will conveniently keep you organized while you enjoy your trip. After all, vacation is to give your mind a rest, isn’t it? The last thing you should be worried about is what to wear.