Before you hit the road for your summer vacation, we’ve put together a checklist to help you remember the necessities, including what to take care of before you leave. Vacations are exciting, but overlooking just one thing on your to-do list can turn what should be a fun-filled trip into a dreadful experience. Use this list as a starting point, add things we’ve overlooked, and cross off items that do not apply to you.
ESSENTIALS
- Wallet, purse, credit cards, cash
- Cell phones and chargers
- Car and house keys (duplicate sets kept in different bags)
- Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, lens cleaner
- Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers
- Prescriptions and other medications
- Itineraries, tickets, and reservation confirmations
MUST DO
- Remove trash from home
- Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc.
- Replace expired prescriptions and medication
- Replace expired sunblock, SPF lotions expire over time
- Replenish toiletries kit
- Empty refrigerator
- Hold incoming mail and newspapers
- Notify neighbors of your vacation dates
- Mow your lawn before you leave
- If you’re leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway
- Lock all windows and doors before you leave/turn on alarm
- Unplug small appliances
- Turn down or turn off AC/heat
- Make arrangements plant care
PETS
- Traveling with: Know good local vet / hospital
- Traveling with: Crate, loose bedding & treats
- Leaving home: Make arrangements for pet sitter
- Leaving home: Extra food and feeding instructions
ELECTRONICS
- Cell phone, tablets, devices
- Camera, chargers, batteries, cords, etc.
- Other small electronics & chargers
- Headphones
- Extension cords & power strips
CLOTHING (Check the forecast in advance.)
- Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing); though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get
- away with less
- Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
- Swimsuits (two per person, so you’ll always have a dry one)
- Beach towels (two per person is ideal)
- Beach cover-ups
- Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect from sun)
- Sandals, flip-flops, water shoes
- Sunglasses with UV protection for adults
- Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes & shoes, gym workout clothes & shoes)
- Comfortable Footwear
- Beach bag
- Family size beach blanket
- Laundry bag
TOILETRIES
- Bath soap
- Toothbrush/paste
- Mouthwash
- Cologne/perfume
- Razor kit, shaving cream
- Bottle opener
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Cosmetics
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs
- Deodorant
- Kleenex, tissues
- Contact lenses
- Nail clippers, tweezers
- Combs, brushes
- Medications
FIRST AID KIT
- Band aids
- Insect
- Lotion for insect bites
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera gel
- Thermometers
- Antibiotic ointment
- Aspirin
- Moist towelettes, wipes
- Gauze
- Adhesive strips
FOR THE BABY
- Baby powder
- Baby sunscreen
- Teething ointment
- Diapers & lotions
- Baby wipes
- Stroller
- Baby formula, bibs
- Zippered plastic bags
- Changing pad
- Baby food and spoon
- Pacifiers
- Blankets
BEACH ITEMS
- Beach cooler
- Buckets and shovels
- Sand castle toys
- Frisbee, paddle ball, inflatable beach ball and other simple beach toys
- Kites
- Paddle games
FOR THE TRIP/RAINY DAYS
- Travel games, books
- Crayons, clip board
- Electronic devices/DVD player and DVDs
- Cooler with drinks and snacks
- Favorite stuffed animals
NICE TO HAVE ITEMS (If your rental property does not provide these items already.)
- Folding beach chairs
- Umbrella
- Flashlight
- Pillows
- Books/books on tape
- Alarm clock
- Binoculars
- Travel iron or steamer
Well Done! You’re ready for the best Garden City Beach vacation ever!
