Ultimate Vacation Packing List

July 3, 2020

(Leisurely updated 6/9/22)

Forget something on vacation? Never, with this vacation packing list. Free printable list to help you pack everything you need for the perfect vacation.

You ever get all the way (or halfway) there and realize you forgot something really important? So frustrating. But when you’ve got a family to look after and all the preparation to manage, sometimes that overload means that a ball gets dropped. Or two.

After a number of glorious multi-family vacations and a few with just our own household (and several with just two people), I’ve found a packing list is the way to be sure everything gets remembered.

It’s no secret that I stole this idea from family members who were smarter than me.

What’s on the list? Daily outfits, toiletries, medication, sundries, condo supplies, and more.

And you can check it out, to see if it’s suitable for you. If it isn’t, there are plenty more out there.

What to do with this list?

Print it or save it, whatever helps you. This did it for me: Set up a “Vacation” folder in the documents file on the computer. Store your reservation information, choices of places to stay, and this packing list. When it’s time to go, just print this and start packing!

The great part about storing the files this way is that they are always ready to print (or adjust). Also, you have a nice collection of places you stayed, which is handy if you want to repeat something! And I always do.

Now, keep in mind, we are car travelers, not plane travelers. We load up the SUV and go! Our suitcases just have to survive the car trip, not being tossed around at the airport. So later, when I make a few recommendations, you’ll know.

What Makes This Vacation Packing List Special?

Well, it’s part of a Vacation Planner. There are four sections, each a separate printable. The explanations and advice are found in the e-book.

It’s a nice resource to help you get organized in planning your trip. And if it’s here, you know the truth: I used to be disorganized about planning trips. Like all that other stuff you find here at GFP, it’s a solution to a problem I had.

Staying In A Condo

This is the way to go, people! Plenty of bathrooms, a fridge, and a washer and dryer. But they are never completely like home, are they? No worries.

The solution? Just keep a “condo crate” packed and ready. A lot of the supplies will be fine to store between trips. Others are easily replenished. Just check the list and replace what’s missing.

Incidentally, you’ll note we always bring hand soap and toilet paper from home. Yes, the condo probably really did supply them. But if they are missing…

These are the kinds of things you’ll see in the Ultimate Vacation Packing List. And everything is beautifully explained in the Vacation Planner.

FREE TIPS

Want a free tip?

Here’s one: You know what removes sand easily from your feet? Cornstarch! You can pick up a shaker can of baby cornstarch powder, or just get a shaker can of cornstarch from the baking aisle at the grocery store. It’s like dry shampoo for sandy feet!

One more tip from the vacation planner: Make sure you have your doctor’s contact information with you.

There’s more: Before the trip, during the drive, or after you get there, check to see if your pharmacy has a store there. If not, get the information (including address and phone number) of a local pharmacy, preferably a 24-hour one. Also check out the location of the hospital or the 24-hour urgent care centers.

Sorry, that sounds awful, I know, but if a situation arises that calls for one of these, you’ll be glad you don’t have to scramble for the answer.

Maybe you want to save this post in that file you’re making! OR pin it on Pinterest!

Your Free Printable

Wouldn’t you be surprised if the packing list was perfect for your needs? Haha, I would!

So cross out, or completely re-work. The real idea is to be organized and plan well. (If you don’t have a PDF editor, don’t worry. You can copy the text into a Word document that can be saved and edited.)

This is our personal list, and it has been through multiple changes over the years. I left the last sections blank, but there is space to write your own needs.

Do you have to work during your trip? Some of our trips were “working vacations” and we needed a number of work supplies. No more of that! Now everyone gets to play. But if you’re working, just add all that stuff to the list so you won’t forget.

As you read over the list you’ll guess how we came to include some of the items. 😉 It’s been nice to know we have extra washcloths, razors, toothbrushes, etc..

This is what you get with the sign-up below — a complete vacation planner.

You can download the whole planner, or simply the packing list. The resources are yours when you sign up to GFP.

Lists Help You Get Organized!

You know it’s true. Lists give things structure and order.

And…

Having lists sometimes prevents disputes… errr…. discussions that may occur on leaving day. Not saying that’s ever happened, but somehow having the list keeps everyone aware that there’s a process being completed.

Leaving on a happy note needs to be a priority.

Here are some of the items that have made our traveling so much easier.

Take a look at the pictures and I’ll explain each item in a second.

Things You May Need

The Eagle Creek Packing System is an amazing packing tool. If you like neatness and efficient use of space, this will delight you.

The condo crate holds all that stuff on the list. It’s so great we actually bought a second one for some of the other supplies. (Don’t even get me started on baby things you need during a trip.) And that was so great we bought a third one. Really. This thing has a handle, and another molded handle at the end, and wheels. It makes a great attic storage case as well. Ours are black and turquoise, but I did find this mint one which is much prettier.

Sometimes we have a LOT of luggage. Here’s when THIS cargo carrier helps. Use ratcheting tie-downs to secure it all in. The plastic crates are great here.

We love our small rolling suitcases. They aren’t expensive, but they have served us well. They stack nicely in the car and also on the luggage cart. Additionally, with the small size and the wheels, they can be easily managed even by a child if needed.

Making it all work can be a fun adventure. We’ve found ways to make repairs and string cable that would surprise you, and used pool noodles for door stops. Maybe one day I’ll cover all those stories about our antics as a family.

Today it’s about convenience and planning.

But really, it’s about making memories, being together, and refreshing.

What Else Is In This Vacation Planner?

I’m so glad you asked!

Here are the other subjects covered there. You can check out these blog posts and decide if the planner is something you can use.

I’ve created a simple spreadsheet to help you with making reservations: Vacation Rental Comparison.

There’s also a Vacation Budget Planner that makes those numbers real.

Hilton Head Island Unofficial Guide is my attempt at travel blogging. I’m no expert, but definitely an enthusiast! I love the place, and found myself telling others about it so often I just decided to make my own guide!

If you have questions about these suggestions and choices, feel free to ask in the comments section.

I’d love to know what tips you can share for planning a vacation.

AND, speaking of MORE TIPS, please visit my Pinterest Page for Travel, where you’ll find more lists, more “beach hacks”, and more ideas!

I’m loving Pinterest. A little too much, I think. 😏

What I Hope For You:

I hope you get a vacation.
I hope you get some fun.
I hope you get some peace.
I hope you get your feet wet.

Thanks for reading, and for being here at all.

And if you’ve got a family vacation to plan, share this post as a start to the discussion. Or Pin it for later.

Sign up and get the book. Inside you’ll find all the advice about making your plans. You’ll get the organizing tools I’ve mentioned, links to the editable worksheets, and recommendations for several helpful products that can make traveling easier.

P.S. If you’re already a subscriber of GFP, just scoot over to the Free Resource Library and get your copy! It’s on the shelf with all the Vacation Books!

“Signing up” simply means receiving e-mail from Grammye — you’ll get the planner e-mailed, and then you’ll also get an e-mail when each blog post is published, about once a week. You also will get access to the Free Resource Library, a collection of printable recipes, quotes, and other helps.

Thank you! At GFP company is always welcome!

If you liked this topic 🤗, feel free to 👉 share 👈 on Facebook or Pinterest, or send a link to a friend.

Are you on Pinterest? That is a crazy fun place! You can find so many helpful things. Take a look at what I’ve saved for you! A lot of things that never make it to the blog. Here are my Pinterest pins, and I also have categories/boards if you’re looking for something specific.

Would you like access to the Subscriber Resource Library here at GFP? All the recipes, Scripture printables, etc., are available there, at no cost. Subscribers receive a password to access the library.

-Grammye

I’m Grammye, and I’m collecting and sharing ideas that can help you embrace the life you have.

When things are difficult, come here to refresh and relax. We’ll have coffee and talk.

You’re invited

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Ultimate Vacation Packing List