What to Remember Before You Go On Vacation

It’s finally time for vacation! You’ve planned the trip and you’re counting down the days. Regardless of the destination, there are certain things that most people forget when going on vacation. Here are some reminders, so you won’t be caught unaware as you go on your trip. 

Travel Ready Supplies

Whether you’re driving, flying or taking some other sort of public transport, you don’t want to be caught unaware. Make sure you have the items needed to make your travel enjoyable for you and your kids. This can include both entertainment and snacks. 

Look for entertainment options that fit the trip. If you’re driving, select audiobooks and podcasts that are fun for you and whoever you’re riding with. Make sure you have multiple playlists that everyone will enjoy downloaded, or check the radio stations in areas you’re driving through so you can tune to new stations as needed. If you’ll be in the air, you’ve got a few more options, like books or movies. 

Whatever you choose, if it’s digital, make sure it’s downloaded. This goes whether you’re on a plane or in a car. Even in a car, you’re likely to hit dead spots where you don’t have service and loe what you’re streaming. 

Snacks

Plan to bring snacks with you and purchase them prior to leaving, if possible. This simply means you won’t have to waste your vacation locating and stopping at a grocery store. If you can’t purchase them beforehand, then at least know what stores will be in your vicinity, so you can make your grocery store visit succinct and easy. 

Whether you go to the store beforehand or at your destination, the importance of snacks and having some food on you cannot be stated enough. Even if you’re going to a theme park, like Disney, many allow outside food and drink. Just know the rules as you’re doing your Disneyland planning, like no glass containers and no alcohol.

Even if you’re not going to a theme park, it’s important to understand rules centered around food. For instance, if you’re flying, liquids are out of the question. Frozen items are typically okay though, as long as they’re fully frozen. You also need to take any food out of your luggage when you go through security. Likewise, with driving, California won’t let in fruit from out of state. 

Map It

Another thing you can do to prepare that often gets left to the wayside is navigation. Print maps to bring with you in the car in case your phone GPS fails. If you’re visiting a new airport, familiarize yourself with the layout before you leave, so you don’t waste time and are less likely to get lost. 

Bring Extra Identification

Aside from planning for snacks and travel-entertainment, there are a number of essentials that travelers either forget or neglect to bring that should be packed. An extra form of identification is a good example, especially if flying. Keep identification on you and in a suitcase. That way, if you misplace your license, you’ll still be able to get on the plane to go home. 

Essentials, Rain or Shine

Some other good things to pack are suncare, a poncho, sweater and small first-aid kit. Even if you’re just bringing a travel-sized spray, sunscreen is something you should never leave home without. The same goes for chapstick. Long car trips and airport travel mean a lot of dry air, often blowing right on your face. Chapstick can come in handy, even if you’re not typically prone to chap lips. 

Similarly, you never know when it’s going to rain, so pack protection just in case. For some reason, hotels are often chilly. Bringing a sweater, even in the middle of summer, can be a lifesaver. Finally, a small first aid-kit can come in handy in many situations, whether you need a bandage or disinfectant wipe. 

Remember the above essentials and take a little time to prepare before you leave to give yourself a stress-free and fun vacation!