Consider your vacation destination prior to making a packing list so you know what kind of weather to expect and what types of activities you and your family will be participating in. This will help you determine what types of clothing and footwear you need to pack.
Create subheads for each section of your packing list for all of the categories of items that you'll need, such as clothes, food, toiletries and sporting goods. The subheads will vary depending on the type of trip you are taking.
Think about the plans that you've made for your summer vacation so that you can determine what types of clothing and gear each person will need. If you are heading to the beach, remember to pack beach towels, a beach blanket, swimsuits, sunscreen and beach toys. Vacationers that plan to go hiking, biking, fishing or golfing will need to pack all of the gear required for these activities.
Plan to pack one outfit per person for each day of vacation, plus one extra set of clothes. Ensure that each family member has clothing that is appropriate for your vacation plans. Dress clothes are a must-have on cruises, for example, where guests typically get dressed up for dinner. It's important to plan for a few cool nights, as well, by packing long pants and a sweatshirt for everyone.
Include toiletry and medicinal items on the list, such as medications, shampoo, conditioner, soap and toothpaste. When determining which items to bring, take a peek inside your shower and medicine cabinet for the items that your family uses daily. Include a few emergency items as well, such as basic first-aid supplies, feminine hygiene products and sunburn relief cream. Don't forget to include the bug spray and plenty of sunscreen, too.
Determine if you'll need to bring any food or beverages. If you'll be cooking your meals, make a basic menu plan for the week that includes the breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack items you'll need. Depending on how far you're traveling, you may not be able to purchase the food until you reach your destination. You still may want to bring along some travel-friendly snacks such as juice boxes, trail mix or granola bars, though.
Highlight any items on the list that need to be purchased prior to your departure. These items can be added to your shopping list so that you have everything you need before leaving on your trip.
