While going on a summer vacation is fun, packing for it is not.

There’s the rushing around, getting things into bags and fitting it all in the car. Then there’s the worry that you’ll forget something important.  It’s no wonder ‘What should we bring?‘ is the biggest question we get asked.

One way to ease the stress of packing is to have a checklist. Then on the actually packing day, all you have to do is check off each item. No need to make any decisions or rely on your memory.

To get you started, we polled our staff & used our decades in the business to provide you with a list of what you might need to bring on your Blue Mountain summer vacation.

Clothing

Clothing can be a challenge when you’re packing for more than one person. Print off a copy of the clothing list for each member of the family and have them gather together their own clothes. If you don’t trust them, you can double check, but it will save you having to hunt for yourself.

• Underwear, socks and bras – enough for each day unless you plan to do laundry
• Shoes – sandals, flip flops, running shoes, hiking shoes, dress shoes (for dining out)
• T-shirts
• Sweater or sweatshirt and a jacket for cool evenings
• Shorts
• Cotton pants & jeans
• A dressy outfit for dining out (more than one if you’ll be dining out frequently)
• Hat & Sunglasses
• Bathrobe or beach cover-up
• Bathing suit(s)
• Pajamas & slippers

Toiletries

Don’t forget your essential toiletries. Visit a drug store well in advance and get travel sized versions of everything. Not only will it save space in your packing, you can leave it behind when you leave, giving you more room to pack souvenirs.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hair brush, mousse, gel or other hair products, hair clips, etc.
• Hair dryer, curling iron
• Razor, shaving cream
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Makeup
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Lotion

Medications

If you or anyone in your family is taking prescription medications it is essential to remember these. Make sure you have enough medication to last your entire trip and for the first day you get back. If not, get a refill before you leave. Of course, you’ll also want other emergency items as well.

• Prescription medications for each person
• Allergy pills
• Tylenol, aspirin or headache medication of choice
• Cold medication
• Antiseptic
• Bandaids

Linens

Call ahead to see if your vacation home provides bedding, pillows and towels. If not you’ll need to bring your own.

• Sheets for each bed – make sure you have the proper sizes
• Blankets – even in the summer you can have some cool nights
• Pillows and pillow cases
• Towels and facecloths for each person
• Beach towels – even resorts that provide towels may not provide towels for the pool or beach
• Dish towels, clothes and dish soap. If you’ll be cooking in your vacation home you’ll need to wash up.

Entertainment

For rainy days, evenings in or just when you need a quiet moment, you’ll want to bring items from home to entertain yourself and your family.

• Books and magazines
• iPod, hand-held computer games, cell phones, camera and rechargers
• Laptop & cord
• DVDs – If you’re vacation home doesn’t come equipped with a DVD player and tv, you can play them on your laptop.
• Beach toys and sporting gear (golf clubs, tennis rackets, Frisbees, balls)
• Cards, board games, paper and pens
• Favorite toys for children

Food

Consider creating a menu for all the meals you’ll eat in. Use the menu create a shopping list and you’ll be sure to bring the right amount.

• Food for all breakfasts, lunches and dinners you eat in
• Snacks  – chips, nuts, cookies, fruit
• Drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic
• Condiments – butter, mustard, ketchup