20+ Things to add to your summer vacation packing list

This is a list you are definitely going to want to save for later for your next family trip to somewhere hot! You all know we just had an awesome week in Mexico- 5 families- 25 people total. Between all of us, these are our favorite items that we LOVED having. some of which you may not think of. All of our kids range from 7 months old up to 15.

As parents, everyone knows that prep work and thinking ahead can make for much smoother travel days and overall success on your trip. It’s the little things right? It can also save a lot of money too on the actual trip. If you run out of sunscreen at a resort, you are going to pay double or triple the price you could have bought it for at home.

Click any of the links below the pictures to shop any of these items!

1. Laundry Detergent Sheets – These are so helpful for a big or little load of laundry. They are dissolvable and you can rip them in half or smaller if you just want to wash a few items in the sink.
2. Stain Spray – If you are traveling with kids, this is a must so you don’t ruin clothes!
3. Re-Usable Swim Diapers – These were so great so I didn’t go through a bunch of swim diapers since we were constantly swimming. For poop, I just dumped it in the toilet, washed my baby off in the shower, and put on a new one. I immediately used the Stain Spray then did a small load of laundry in the sink to fully clean the soiled Swim Diaper and they were good to go!
4. Make-up Blender for Sunscreen – You saw this on stories, the kids did not complain about sunscreen on the face when we used these for application.
5. Rotary Cutter for meals – This was SO great for toddlers or younger. Pancakes every morning, pizza by the pool, made it quick and easy to cut up food for the little ones.
6. Pool Floats – There are tons of great options on Zulily right now. You will pay way more if you buy at your vacation destination.
7. Stroller Fan – We love this for the stroller in hot places, keeps the air from not getting to stuffy and hot. We also hooked it onto our crib at night.
8. Cord Travel Case – This was a new purchase for me and it was so handy to have all the cords in one place!
9. Baby Monitors – Peace of mind when you travel when you can still see your baby if they are in another room sleeping.
10. Packing Cubes – Our favorite packing hack. We put each kid in their own cube.
11. Zip Pouches to organize anything – These zip pouches are so great for travel or at home. Diaper case, swim toys, goggles, playing cards, it’s just so nice to keep things organized by section.
12. Aloe Vera – It’s almost inevitable to get a little too much sun when you are outside all day long, don’t forget the Aloe Vera.
13. Veer Wagon – We take this everywhere and we love it. Holds a couple kids (or more if you are creative) and you can also pile on all your bags!
14. Swimzip Sunhat – We have always used and loved these great sunhats.
15. Multi-cord Charger – This is awesome for the hotel, plug in one of these and you can charge all your devices in one place.
16. Oversized Fanny Pack – If you are traveling, this is SO handy. Tons of options for an oversized fanny packs, but this will hold passports, diapers and wipes, and more so you don’t have to carry a big backpack for the things you need most.
17. Our Favorite Travel Suitcases – These are the best!
18. Sound Machine – If you have a baby, you know it’s nice to create the same sleep environment wherever you go, don’t forget the sound machine.
19. Water Skipping Ball – These were all the rage at the resort we were at. Buy them ahead of time and you save about half the cost!
20. Snack Bags for the Airplane – This is one of the best tips I can give, individual snack bags for all the kids, and adults too.
21. Suction Spinning Toys – Griffy and Beck loved these on the plane. You can stick them to the tv or the window!

I’d love to hear if there’s something on this list you have used for travel and love. Did anything surprise you that you want to try on your next trip? Most of all, I hope this helps you feel more prepared and excited for when you DO travel next! Happy Traveling!

xo, Sarah and Micah