Melo Villareal
Summer Must Haves in your Backpack
Summer vacation is a chance to relax, but it is also a chance to reflect upon the previous year and prepare for the year to come, but packing bags for summer vacation is not so fun.
You’re making a list and checking it twice. Yet, inevitably, some crucial item will be left behind on your bedside table and you’ll only realize once you’ve made it through airport security. We’ve all been there. But, given that summer is peak wanderlust season, we need to be ready to pack up and hit the road at a moment’s notice — with no essential left behind. All of our belongings need to be in check, on hand, and able to fit in a sleek carry-on.
You’ve already gone through the work of booking, planning, and stalking geotags on Instagram. Now, it’s time to sit back and relax — and actually enjoy the packing process. (Revolutionary thought, we know.) To make things easier, we narrowed down the list of vacation must-haves to 5: the beach-goer special of a dress that goes from beach to bar, the tourist-friendly jeans that don’t look touristy, and more. All you need to do is make your assigned departure time.
Use this cheat sheet to remind yourself of what, beyond clothes, you need to pack.
1. Clothing
You must bring light colored shirts so as to deflect the rays of the sun as it can get really hot. You can use your walking shorts instead of jeans and slacks, which are okay unless you are going into a fine dining restaurant. Don’t wear leather shoes, especially if you are walking as the sidewalks are uneven at many areas.
2. Toiletries
A list of “essential” toiletries could be considerably longer than the one presented on this page; it’s the area most subject to personal inclination.
- Comb / Brush
- Deodorant
- Shampoo / Conditioner
- Hairstyling products
- Soap / Face wash
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
- Makeup
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Lotion
- Personal hygiene supplies/woman’s vital toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Nail clippers
3. Medication
Whether it’s a minor discomfort or something that requires a trip to the ER, being as prepared as possible is the best way to handle an emergency situation. A waterproof case (moisture can damage many of your supplies) with your customized First Aid Kits. It should at least contain a thermometer, bandages, cotton, alcohol, hydrocortisone, bug spray and sunscreen. Throw in the usual travel medicines like anti-histamines, cough medicine, pain reliever, and anti-motility drugs. If you have kids, best not to forget their supplements and medications as well.
4. Essentials
While the items are “suggested,” I’ve found these items to be indispensable during summer vacation.
- Credit / Debit cards / Cash
- Camera / Video camera / Charger
- Pillow case
- Towel
- Umbrella
- Everyday bag (for carrying day items)
- Sunglasses
- Electrical converter
- Travel alarm / Watch
- Laundry bag
- Cell phone / Charger
- Laptop / Charger
- Handheld electronic games
- Lightweight book or magazine to read
- Map
- Travel Journal
5. Documents
Carry a copy of these “suggested” documents with you in your luggage. You should also leave a copy of all these information at home with someone trusted and contactable while you are away.
- Tickets (airplane, bus, etc)
- Itinerary
- Reservations for hotel / Car rental
- Directions to hotel
- Passport
- Identification
- Traveler’s cheque
