Planning An Unforgettable Vacation: Packing Tips and Things to Do

Some of the best memories that kids have from their childhoods are family vacations. Even adults can get through a stressful work year knowing that they’re going to have a little time off to decompress and live life to its fullest. Although it’s nice to go back to the same beach house every year—and easy to plan—eventually, you might want to switch it up and go on a real adventure. Some vacations are for family history books. Why not make that trip this year? Here are a few ideas that will help you brainstorm for your unforgettable trip and what you’ll need to pack to make it the best vacation yet.

Break out of your comfort zone.

Taking vacations should absolutely be relaxing. You’ve worked hard all year round, so you should be able to rest hard. That being said, consider taking at least a small part of your vacation to do something new, something that will inspire stories that you tell for years to come, and push you through to the next vacation.

Have your whole family sit together and write down a list of places they’ve always wanted to go, share your lists, and see where there’s overlap. If you all love the beach, consider going to a place like Savannah, Georgia where you can stay on Tybee Island for your slow-paced relaxation, but also have the cultural hub of the city only a thirty-minute drive away.

If your kids have always wanted to go on an African safari, you may not have the money to fly all the way to the Serengeti, so consider a compromise, like taking them on a safari tour in Pennsylvania where they can see Watusi cattle, elk, and bison up close and personal. If you really prefer to stay in your comfort zone, that’s okay, too, because it’s your vacation, but at least consider trying to find a restaurant you’ve never eaten at.

Choose your essentials.

When you’re going on vacation, it’s smart to pack all of the essentials. Clothing is hugely important to consider when packing. If you’re going somewhere that has a different climate than what you’re used to, do some research on what the locals wear and find comfortable. For example, if you’re planning a European adventure and plan to travel through England and Ireland, you’re going to need to pack some rain gear. On the flip side, if you’re traveling to the desert of Arizona, it’s important to buy looser fitting, breathable clothing, such as a skirt dress. Look cute and feel covered with a versatile vacation look. Being active doesn’t mean you have to sport T-shirts and cargo shorts.

You might not have time to go out shopping while you plan for everything else, so try using online retailers, like Chico’s, to find what you need. It’s so much easier to look on the Internet, than sifting through racks of clothing, where you’ll inevitably find exactly what you’re looking for, just in the wrong size. Online, you’ll be able to find everything from a look that will compliment a night out on the town to a dress that will make your lazy beach cabana day perfect.

Make more than the memories last.

When you’re buying supplies for vacation, consider how they’ll be of use to you in the future. If you’re going somewhere marshy or rainy, it might be tempting to purchase a cheap pair of rain boots just to get you through the trip. If you ever have occasion to wear rain boots again, spend the extra money to get a pair that won’t split on you during your vacation. You’ll also want to purchase something that eases your travel, like one of the best-rated backpacks for carryon items. You’ll be flying easy for years to come.