Most of us book vacations months in advance, and still manage to be packing the night before. In the frenzy of last minute packing, we can often forget some of (in my opinion) the most essential items. Here is my list of essentials and miscellaneous things that will make your trip a breeze.
1. A Sweatshirt
Pack something warm! You’re going on the tropical vacation of your dreams, but you’ll regret not having your sweater on that long frigid airplane ride. Best to be over prepared than freezing cold. (I think that’s the saying.)
2. Lip Balm
Airplane’s and the sun tend to suck out all the moisture from your lips.
Don’t forget your favorite chapstick, lip balm, or gloss.
Here are some of my favorites:
- Mario Badescu Lip Balm
No matter how you pronounce it, this stuff is all natural and ultra hydrating for long flights, and long days on the beach.
2. Vaseline
Yup….literally just vaseline. Not much to say about this, but petroleum jelly does the job. These come in little mini sizes that are perfect for tucking away in your purse that’s already stuffed with passports, tickets, and knick knacks that didn’t fit in the carry on.
3. Aquafor
This stuff is no joke! Aquafor is like a forcefield for your lips: no moisture is getting out!
3. Plugs on Plugs on Plugs
You don’t want to be stranded without your electronics, especially on that trek to paradise. Don’t forget to bring your chargers, blocks, chords, and adapters. Before you go, check and see whether or not you’ll need an outlet adapter in the country you are visiting or else you might catch your ipad on fire.
4. Sunglasses
This may seem like an obvious one, but you don’t want to be caught without your favorite pair of shades.
If you don’t come from a super sunny place, this may seem like an understated suggestion, but paradise gets bright baby! And you want to keep your eyes protected. Look for sunnies that have UV protection as well.
5. Wipes
Being shoved in a metal box with a hundred strangers can leave you feeling musty. I always take my favorite makeup wipes, or handy wipes with my when traveling. This will allow you to wipe your face and hands and feel a little more refreshed when you get off the plane.
6. A Change of Clothes
Going off of number 5, a fresh shirt always helps when you don’t want to waste time getting vacation started. A wardrobe change in the airport will make you feel good as you (or good enough) to go straight to dinner or cocktail hour.
7. A Book
A book is always on airplane mode! Bring that book you’ve been saying you’d get to; it’ll make time fly (pun intended) on your long flight and also makes the perfect beach pass time.
8. A Neck Pillow
A crink in your neck can ruin your whole day. A neck pillow seems to be the thing I always forget until I’m at the airport and see them at the overpriced convenience store.
Get yourself this one at Amazon for just 7 bucks.
9. Pain Medicine
Just in case you miss number 8, or just because travel can be a pain. Bring a travel size bottle of ibuprofen to get you through.
10. A Camera
Now that you’re all set for vacation, don’t forget a camera to capture your favorite memories of your trip!
