Summer is here, and for many of us that means it’s time for a vacation! In a recent Instant Poll on our panel member website, we asked if you planned to take a trip this summer, and 33% said yes. Another 26% haven’t decided yet.
My family is preparing for an upcoming trip, and I started making a list of the items we need to pack. It seems like we always forget something important, like a phone charger or swimsuits or a toothbrush! Of course, our packing list varies depending on the type of trip we’re taking, but there are other things we need no matter where we go. Today I’m going to share some essential items you might need for your own trips.
What items do you always take along when you travel? Let me know in the comments!
Basics for every trip
My family is prepping for a road trip, but regardless of how or where we travel, there are certain things we always pack. For example, personal care items, appropriate clothing for the trip, and tech items such as chargers.
Years ago, after forgetting things like toothpaste, shampoo, and contact lens solution, I decided to keep a small toiletry bag stocked with those items. When I pack for a trip, I can just grab the pre-packed toiletry bag and throw it in my suitcase. It helps cut down on the packing time, and I always know I have those basic items with me.
Some items you might need for any type of travel include:
– Personal care items such as deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, soap or bodywash.
– Prescriptions or other medications: try using a pill organizer to store each day’s medications and vitamins instead of bringing large containers and packages.
– Glasses, extra contact lenses, contact lens storage cases, and storage solution.
– Electronics: don’t forget phone and smartwatch chargers! You can find cases that store cords, adapters, and other electronics to keep them tangle-free and organized.
Essential items when flying
Traveling by plane? Some people like to check their bags, while others prefer to carry all their luggage on the plane. Either way, there are things to make air travel a little bit easier and maybe even more enjoyable.
Here are some items you might consider when traveling by plane:
– Jacket or wrap: the temperature on planes can be unpredictable, so bringing a light jacket, sweater, or even a blanket can be a smart idea to stay comfortable.
– Compression socks: for lengthy trips, compression socks can help keep your feet from swelling.
– Headphones: if you enjoy listening to music, audiobooks, or watching a movie, a pair of headphones is essential.
– Neck pillow: Sitting in an airplane can be uncomfortable, and a neck pillow can be helpful, especially if you like to sleep on the plane.
Road trip necessities
My family takes a lot of road trips, and last year I shared some tips for making life on the road a little bit easier. You can read about those here. When traveling by car, your packing list might look a lot different because you also need to make sure you have safety items in the vehicle. This might include jumper cables, flashlights, first-aid kits, portable tire inflator, and roadside emergency kit.
Not sure what to include in a first-aid kit? I also wrote about that! Find some tips for packing your own first-aid kit here, and make sure you have some basic first-aid items in your car- you never know when you might need them.
Other items my family is packing for our upcoming road trip include:
– Snacks: these are essential for a road trip! If we don’t have snacks in the car, we end up stopping at convenience stores and spending a lot more money on snacks and drinks, so I’m packing a cooler with bottled water and other drinks. We also have a bag with snacks such as fruit, nuts, popcorn, and granola bars.
– Games: for long road trips, especially if you have children, some type of activity is helpful. You can find all kinds of games online such as road trip bingo and card games with questions to ask each other. It’s also easy to create your own games to play, such as looking for license plates from other states.
– Comfort items: Sitting in a car for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. I always bring sunglasses, window shades to block out the bright sun, reusable water bottles, and neck pillows to help make the trip more comfortable. We also make sure to stop frequently for breaks.
Reminders for panel members
I hope these tips help you prepare for your next trip! Need some more ideas? Conde Nast Traveler has a great list of 27 essential travel items to consider. When you’re shopping for items for your next trip, don’t forget to scan the barcodes and report those purchases to NCP. And no matter how much you prepare, it’s always possible to forget things. If you purchase things while on your trip, remember to report those as well.
For other summer scanning reminders, check out my post from last week here.
Are you planning a trip this summer? Leave a comment and let me know where you’re headed and what’s on your packing list!
Regards,
Taylor
Blog comment reminder: If you have a panel-related issue that you need assistance with such as a problem with scanning or your rewards, please contact our Panel Support Center directly and they will be happy to assist you! You can reach them at 1-800-962-6700 or email them at [email protected]. You can send a message from NCP’s Facebook page. Please don’t enter panel-related issues or share any personal panel membership information in the blog comment section. Any issues will be addressed faster if you contact our support center directly. Thank you so much!
This list of travel essentials for summer vacations is spot-on! I love how you’ve included both practical items and those little extras that can really make a difference, like sunscreen and a stylish sun hat. Your suggestions for staying cool and comfortable are just what I needed for my upcoming trip. I’m especially grateful for the tips on keeping my belongings organized and protected. Thanks for making my summer packing so much easier and more enjoyable!
Great post! I always find your packing tips so helpful. I’m planning a road trip to the mountains this summer, and I’ve already started my packing list. I’m definitely going to add a few of your suggestions, like the neck pillow and reusable water bottles.
I also wanted to mention that I always pack a portable charger for my phone. It’s such a lifesaver, especially when you’re on the go and don’t have access to an outlet.
Do you have any tips for packing light without sacrificing comfort? I’m trying to be a minimalist traveler this year!
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Love our vacations my kids happy
I must have some hard candy to eat.
It never fails that you forget something very important on trips. Firstsaid and Emergence Roadside. REMEMBER KIDS GETBOARD EASLEY.
Had a beautiful time at Avalon Resort in W. Va.
Yall are just fantastic you seem to remember everything. When I was just thinking I needed to copy this to my phone because I need to use as a check list😉 hope that’s ok. The only thing that is not on your list is my husband’s medications his asthma pump is a absolute must. I know you had a first Aid kit on but I would not put them together even though I should. Me I don’t take any meds but my husband does I am forever cutting myself or doing something to need a bandaid. You can take it from me you are doing a great job.👍😜🥰🥰
I am going for the 3rd year in a row to California, my only surviving maternal auntie is still alive as unfortunately our family has had many tragic early deaths, so I go from Washington State to a hotter weather state, pack summer clothes, climate does matter. I will wear on the plane what I know will be appropriate when I exit for that area. I read whilst flying every time. Medications I thought MUST be in original bottles to get through security????? If I can actually use daily container what a space saver. Gum or something to chew I have no teeth so it’s rough on my ears.