Summer holiday destinations tend to feature hot weather, so you need to bring along lightweight clothing in breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. Pack shorts or capri pants, short sleeved or sleeveless shirts or tank tops. Include clean underwear and socks for each day you are away. Typically, casual clothing is appropriate for a summer holiday, but make sure you include a sundress or a pair of khaki pants for dressier occasions, such as a holiday party or going out to a nice restaurant. Many summer holidays include hiking or water sports, so bring a couple of bathing suits, a cover-up and the proper hiking shoes, as well as a pair of beach shoes or flip flops. Bring along a lightweight jacket for cooler evenings or an umbrella for rainy days.
Carry a couple of beach towels for water play or sun worshiping on the beach, and add a backpack if your group enjoys hiking along mountain trails or just exploring the countryside. Make sure to include a couple of energy bars, granola, nuts, water bottles and dried fruit in your backpack to give you quick energy or in case you get separated from the group. You may also want to take along a zippered tote bag in a lightweight material. It lets you take shopping excursions or bring back souvenirs from your holiday vacation that you may not have room for in your luggage.
Pack a first aid kit to take care of the unexpected during your summer trip. Include bug spray, sunscreen, antibiotic cream, itch ointments and a thermometer in your kit. Take hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls and adhesive bandages for those inevitable scrapes and cuts. Include any prescription medications anyone in your family may need. Pack products for diarrhea, allergies, nausea and a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You may need a medication when the closest pharmacy is closed for the holiday or miles away from your location. Take along plenty of water bottles or purchase them at your vacation site so that you and your family can stay hydrated in the summer heat. Don't forget your insurance cards in case you need to visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic. Include a zipper-style plastic bag so that you can fill it with ice if you need an ice-pack.
