Real-Life Vacation Packing List

Packing lists abound online. But if you’re anything like me, you find that they often fit one of two categories:

-they miss crucial things that you need to pack, which means if you follow them, you might forget them

-they have way too many things on them, (or things they’re just trying to sell) distracting you from what you actually need to pack

I’ve never found a comprehensive packing list that I’ve liked, so I created my own!

I started with the things I normally pack for any trip and modified it for a week at a lake cabin.

I’ll admit I forgot a couple of things, so I added to it as the week went on so I could have a better list next year. Now that I’ve worked with the list and actually used it, I wanted to share it with you!

This list would work well for cabin trips, road trips, and camping trips as-is, or with a few simple modifications, it could work for visiting family or staying in a hotel— you just wouldn’t need some of the items.

Of course, take what works for you and leave the rest. :)

[This list contains some affiliate links, which will allow me to earn a little if you purchase through the links without costing you anything extra. Thanks for supporting my work!]

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Book/Kindle

Headphones

Bible

Journal & pens

Phone, FitBit, Kindle chargers

Portable battery charger (this is my current fave)

Board games

Outdoors

Yard games

Camping chairs (we love this double chair)

Picnic blanket

Clothesline

Hammock

Flashlights/lanterns

Kitchen & BATHROOM

Cutting board

Mixing/storage bowls (various sizes)

Reusable baggies (like these)

Snack bowls

Water bottle

Command hooks (for kitchen, bathroom, wherever you might want to hang things up, like lightweight towels to dry)

Food (vague, but only you know what you need)

Coolers

Ice (for coolers, if needed)

Dishes (cups, bowls, plates, utensils)

Dish rags, hand towels, sponges

Dish soap

Hand soap

Tissues

Toilet paper

Paper towels

Lighters

Personal

Clothes

-shorts (number of days divided by 3)

-pants (I like a pair of jeans and a pair of yoga pants/sweatpants/leggings for cold nights)

-shirts (number of days plus one or two extras in case of spills or weather changes)

-undergarments (number of days plus an extra or two)

-swimsuits (number of days divided by 3)

-pajamas (number of nights divided by 3)

Toiletries

-shampoo

-conditioner

-soap/body wash

-contacts & solution

-toothbrush

-toothpaste

-floss

-mouthwash

-deodorant

-face wash

-moisturizer

-feminine care products

-hairbrush/comb

-hair ties, hair pins, headbands

-lotion

-bandaids

-nail clippers

Shoes (I like a couple pairs of sandals, walking shoes, and running shoes)

Towels (beach and bath per person; I just got microfiber bath towels and LOVE them! - similar)

Hat

Sunscreen

Aloe vera

Bug spray

Jewelry

Makeup

Pillows

Blankets

Slippers

Click here for a printable version of the checklist to use for your next trip! (Pro tip: Put it in a sheet protector and use a dry erase marker to re-use it!)