As I’m writing this, we Michiganders are experiencing temperatures in the sixties, beautiful sunshine, no coats required. Tomorrow, though, our neighbors up north are expected to get two feet of snow and we’re fearing the threat of ice storms. Winter just can’t let go (even after begging) and even into April we can’t shake it off. This quick-changing weather might deceive us for now, but we know spring is coming, and with it, the desperate need for a vacation.

 

Now’s the time to plan out your upcoming trips, so I’ve listed a few items that I always bring with me that may or may not be on your packing list.

1. Plastic Grocery Bag:

 

I always pack an extra plastic bag wherever we go. If we’re traveling somewhere and we bring our own towels, I like to separate the damp ones from my clean suitcase. There have been several times when I have a wet swimsuit that I dare not pack in my clean beach bag for fear everything will smell like mildew. Plastic bags are even handy if you get caught in a sudden rainstorm and your socks are soaked. Just separate them into plastic grocery bags, and your other items are damp free.

 

It’s also a good idea to bring an extra bag along to collect any trash in the car. It’s especially handy when you have eight Arby’s cups and candy wrappers that can litter the car quickly. It’s easy to toss at the next rest stop!

 

 

2. Sewing Kit:

 

This was a life-saver when I was out of the country and the bottom section of my carryon roller bag ripped. It was a large enough tear that I didn’t feel comfortable “letting it be”. I had brought along a little pocket-sized sewing kit, and while it wasn’t the most perfect sewing job, it was adequate, and I didn’t lose any belongings.

I definitely recommend picking up a travel-sized kit, especially if you’re going out of the country. You never know when you’ll lose a button, find a rip in your dress pants, or a tear in your luggage. Better to be prepared than with holes!

 

 

 

3. Planner/Calendar

 

Without fail, I always bring my planner with me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend getaway or an all out week vacation, the planner comes along. Not only is it a helpful itinerary, but I use it to record the happenings of each day.

I really use it as a journal. I take time to write a recap of the day and even scribble down the insignificant things. It’s all right there, and having those notes is fun to read down the road and remember the specifics of certain trips.

 

 

4. Extras:

It’s rare when I don’t have a Ziploc filled with extra Q-tips, cotton rounds, hair ties, clear elastics, and bobby pins. You can’t go wrong with spare essentials.

 

 

5. Old Flip Flops:

If I’m traveling to a hotel with a pool or hot tub, you can bet I’m bringing along my old flip-flops. I hate the thought of walking through the halls and around the poolroom barefoot. And I especially need them if I’m using a public shower before getting in the pool. Germophobe over here! Keep your feet safe!

 

 

6. Designated Tank Top:

 

Does anyone else get really hot while getting ready? Especially in a hotel room? I’ve found that all it takes is a working hairdryer and a 375 degree straightener that nearly send me back to the shower after just getting out. I like to bring a really loose fitting tank top and a pair of jersey shorts on every trip, even during the winter, because I know that the task of getting ready brings the heat.

 

These are just a few things that I find are important to bring while traveling. What sort of things do you bring on your vacations? What things have been useful to you while away from home? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!