Packing for a trip can seem daunting. What will I need when I arrive at my destination? I won't have access to my home or my possessions. Will I be able to get something if I forget it? How can I not forget everything I need? How much do I need to take with me?
Let's consider the first question, what will I need when I arrive at my destination? I break this down into several categories: clothing, personal hygiene, entertainment, emergency, and other. Each of these categories allow me the opportunity to be prepared. Something that was ingrained into my soul as a girl scout.
My Packing List Looked like this:
Shirts/Tanks
Shorts
Swimsuit
Unders
Flip Flops
Shoes
Socks
This list looks great but I did not pack emergency clothes. It turned out I had to end up purchasing a jacket because Florida gets chilly at night sometimes. Also the stores in Florida take cooling the air in their buildings seriously. Sometimes I needed a jacket when I went from the 95 degree temperatures outside to the 60 degree temperatures inside. I have learned from my mistake and added a pair of jeans and a jacket to my packing list for this trip to the Ocean Coast. I also have added one nice outfit. We sometimes went nice places to eat in Florida and dressed in tank tops with shorts made me feel uncomfortable. I think it is helpful to have something a touch classier to wear out.
Laundry facilities is another great thing to consider when packing for a trip. Our family trip we will have access to a washer and dryer. This means we only have to pack half as many things as days we are there. Instead of 10 tank tops I can pack only 5. This means our car won't be as full with bags or storage. We are blessed to be able to use a friends washer and dryer but many hotels offer these services for a fee or you can stop by a local laundry mat if necessary.
The next category to consider on my list is personal hygiene. If you are staying in a hotel they often supply their guests with shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, etrc. We are not staying at a hotel. The next thing to consider is do I bring full sized containers or purchase mini containers. Because we are using our personal hygiene products for our entire family we are bringing full size containers. If we were flying I would purchase our personal hygiene products after arriving but since we are driving we will just throw together a bag to take with us.
Here is my list of personal hygiene products:
Face wash
Lotion with SPF
Lotion
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Body Wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Aloe Vera
Mini-Make Up bag
Hand Towel
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Mouthwash
Floss
Entertainment seems like a crazy category since we are going on vacation. We should have all we need to entertain us when we arrive right? I like to bring a journal and a couple good books to read. If you check out my blog on planning a trip you will read how I plan some down days into road trips. My journal and books come in handy for my down days. I also pack my yoga mat and my hand weights because working out is an important part of my daily routine. Since we are driving 10 hours to reach our destination I think it is important to have a Frisbee or something quick we can do at a park to keep our bodies from cramping up and stretch out. As a family, we also enjoy a good round of disc golf and these are a quick and easy pack to keep us engaged no matter where we go. I personally bring a camera and my phone when I go on trips. I purposefully enjoy the trip mostly without taking photos but it is nice to be able to look back on what we did as a family and remember all the good times we had.
Planning for emergency is not fun but important. We keep a first aid kit with basic medications, bandages, ice packs, and compression in case something happens. We also make sure we have a spare tire, emergency numbers, and jumper cables. Before we leave we check to make sure we have an extra charging cable, our insurance papers, and registration in order. Having a plan of action in place before an emergency helps keep stress at bay if something should happen.
Our other category includes some fun things on this trip. Since we are staying with friends we never know what the sleeping arraignments are. We are bringing an air mattress and a tent. I am also bringing my Foodi. I will talk more about this amazing machine in another blog but it will allow us to cook pretty much anything on the road.
I hope this blog was helpful. If you are planning a road trip or a family vacation being prepared makes life easier. I like to know what to expect when I'm heading out and what I need to purchase when I arrive. Our trip will be an awesome adventure.
Gratitude Practice
1) I am grateful for clean clothes.
2) I am grateful for being able to do laundry.
3) I am grateful to pack my belongings.
4) I am grateful for suitcases and duffel bags.
5) I am grateful for rainy days.
6) I am grateful for board games.
7) I am grateful for art projects.
8) I am grateful for creativity.
9) I am grateful to be able to see the world.
10) I am grateful for sweatshirts.
Things I have Accomplished:
1) Caught up on laundry.
2) Created beautiful paintings.
3) Ran on the beach of the ocean.
Goal (Written as if it has already been achieved):
I have an awesome morning and evening schedule!
What are your strategies for packing? Do you pack for the full time or find some place to do laundry while you are on vacation?
What are your strategies for packing? Do you pack for the full time or find some place to do laundry while you are on vacation?
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