It’s officially summer, and for most of us, summer means vacation! Summer vacation is a time to unwind and recharge, but summer travel can also be slightly stressful. With kids out of school and saved up vacation days, it’s the perfect time to plan a long vacation further away from home. But that vacation can come with some unwanted stress, and the biggest stressor can be packing for those trips. The following are a handful of packing tips to take the stress out of your summer vacation!

Check the Weather

Before you even consider packing, it’s important to check the weather for the duration of your trip. It would be nice if it could be sunny every single day, that doesn’t always happen, and we need to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at us. The weather can change instantly, so it’s important to make sure you’ve packed for cool evenings and rainy afternoons.

Create a List

Creating a list of everything you need for your trip is the best way to make sure you won’t forget anything. A packing list also comes in handy when you are packing for multiple people. The best lists are broken down by categories like outfits, shoes, toiletries, and miscellaneous items. Once you have the categories for your list, you can go in and fill in the items that fall under each section. This will ensure that you have everything and don’t forget your toothbrush!

Carry-On

If you’re flying, your carry-on is an essential part of your trip. It’s a great place to pack an additional outfit or things that don’t exactly fit in your checked luggage. Your carry-on should become your right-hand man during your flight. Whether you are storing a tote bag under the seat in front of you or putting a duffle or carry-on suitcase in the overhead compartment, your carry-on should carry the creature comforts that you need to survive the flight. This can often mean a bottle of water, a book, headphones, sweatshirt, and a computer!

Essentials Ready to go

Even if you think you are a terrible packer, it’s important to make sure you have the essentials packed. Essentials vary by the traveler, so what you might deem as a “must need” while traveling, someone else might not feel the same way. Your essentials should be one of the last things you pack and often go in your carry-on. This can include your favorite products or go-to’s like a charger, lip balm, or neck pillow!