Spring Break comes at a great time of year, and that time of year is fast approaching. Kids get a break from school before the final push for the end of the year, so it makes sense to go all out with some fun and relaxation as a family. To make your trip even easier, we’ve compiled a list of all the essentials to pack for every member of your family.
For the intents and purposes of this article, our packing list will be geared towards sunny, beachy, and tropical destinations. Stay tuned for future articles highlighting packing lists for other types of destinations!
For Mom:
- A sarong to wear as a coverup, but can function as a shawl for evening, or a picnic blanket for kids
- An easy maxidress to wear out at night (perhaps for an adult date night without the kids)
- Nice sandals that work for day or night
- Workout gear – for a run on the beach or to take a fitness class
- Beach bag for day, crossbody bag for night
For Dad:
- Baseball hat
- Nice polos or button downs for nighttime
- Loafers or boat shoes for nighttime
- Camera
- Workout gear – for a run on the beach or to take a fitness class (or play a round of golf)
For Babies & Small Kids:
- Plenty of diapers and extra underwear (in case of an accident)
- Sun hats
- Large umbrella to create a nice shady area
- Coloring books and non-stain markers
- Game consoles
For Teens:
- Beach reads
- Outdoor gear (snorkels, boards, bikes, etc – these can also be rented)
- Sports gear – frisbee, baseball & mitts, ping pong, volleyball
- Souvenir money
- Deck of cards or other game for the beach
- Portable chargers
- Let teens pack their own suitcases (although you may have to monitor any overpacking)
For Pets:
- Portable water & food bowls
- Crate and/or blanket
- Check out our list of the most pet-friendly vacations!
For Everyone:
- Swimsuits (and plastic ziplock bags to store wet ones)
- Flip flops
- Lightweight clothing that doesn’t wrinkle for easy packing, but also one warm layer for everyone for nighttime
- Comfortable sneakers for any walking excursions
- Towels (make sure you have enough for everyone plus one)
- A dirty laundry bag
- Cooler, refill daily with ice, beverages, and snacks
- Cash (especially if in a foreign country, it’s safer to carry than credit cards everywhere)
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
- Bug spray
- Earplugs
- Sunglasses
- Pajamas
- Electronics (phones, laptops, tablets) – and chargers!
- Headphones for everyone (and extra, because these tend to get lost)
- Passports
- Toiletries, especially any medications
Forget anything? Hotels can restock most toiletry items for free and beach towns will most likely have stores where you can stock up on necessary clothing and equipment. Otherwise, try not to sweat it too much – after all, you’re on vacation!
