Are you getting ready for your next family trip? Have you packed yet? If not, here is a helpful guide for how to pack so you don’t arrive at your destination, only to realize you are missing your essentials!
To ensure this never happens to you, here is a simple, no-stress guide to packing for a family vacation. Whether you’re going on a summer or weekend trip, these tips will help make your journey smoother. Are you ready?
Planning your family vacations and thinking of a packing list?
It can be frustrating to pack for family vacations. You are not only packing for yourself, but for your kids, too. It is easy to miss items you need like sunscreen, hats, sandals, and more while you are hurrying to do laundry and remind the kids to pack.
We have compiled a list of everything you’ll need to bring on family vacation to make it easier. This way, you can concentrate on planning your fun rather than the prep. Pack everything on our ultimate packing list, and you’ll be ready for anything, from long walks on the beach to mountain hikes.
Reserve your room at The Ogunquit River Inn to secure the perfect family accommodation today!
Ogunquit River Inn: Family Trips Perfect Destination
Quality lodging is one of the fundamental necessities of a trip, especially when on a family vacation. It is your home base, even though it is temporary, and it can have a big impact on your experience. It is key to think of the things that will be helpful and impactful during your stay: the amenities you will use, the ambience, a fridge, spacious and/or furnished rooms and suites, and more. The Ogunquit River Inn is a great choice for families looking for well-appointed rooms that offer spacious accommodations, an onsite pool, and location close to downtown.
Here at Ogunquit River Inn, there is plenty of space to relax, play and unwind. Not only do we have our heated outdoor pool, but you can rent and launch kayaks or stand-up-paddleboards right from our backyard. With spectacular views and close proximity to all kinds of fun activities, Ogunquit River Inn is the perfect choice for your vacation.
The Variations in New England’s Climate
Ogunquit’s climate and weather is very dynamic, changing a lot throughout the day. With coastal breezes coming and going, that means you would best served if you are prepared for a wide range of temperatures. Packing layers is the best strategy for your trip to Maine, and it never hurts to check the 10-day forecast.
You see, we started packing already!
Here is our Ultimate Packing List
Here’s a breakdown of an overall vacation packing list for a family. Depending on where you are planning to go, there may be some additional items you will need to bring. You may need to tailor this list to your destination.
1. All the clothing you need
Comfy clothes are essential on vacation, but make sure you have thought about whether you will be mixing in any upscale activities that may require an extra outfit or two. To start, determine the number of days you’ll be spending on the vacation, add two extra days for extra clothes in case of emergencies. From there,hen pack one base outfit per day for every family member. Keeping the weather’s variability in mind, add in an extra layer or two for each person, and a coat or two if it’s fall or winter.
We recommend separating each family member’s tops and bottoms into separate packing cubes (kids’ clothes can also be put in gallon-sized Ziploc bags). Pack everyone’s pajamas in one packing cube/bag and their swimsuits in another. This allows you easy access to items and builds in back-up waterproof bags to use for wet swimsuits or muddy clothes.
If you have a baby, don’t forget to include a few extra onesies to change them in the event of spit up or blow outs.
The clothes you pack must include the following in required quantity:
Reminder: Add 2 days to the number of days to your total vacation days to get the number to pack for each item (ex: 4 vacation days + 2 = 6 tops, 6 bottoms, 6 pairs of socks, etc)
- Underwear
- Bathing suits
- Bathing suit cover-ups
- Casual tops/shorts/pants
- Active/workout clothes
- One dressier outfit
- Pajamas
- Jacket/Sweatshirt
- Socks
- Trash Bag for Dirty Clothes
2. Shoes
Shoes are a given these days if you aren’t on the beach, and it can be expensive to buy new ones on the fly. Start by identifying what you will be doing on vacation. Will you be walking to and from the hotel? Around the downtown? Hiking?
If you plan to walk a lot, it’s important to plan to wear each family member’s comfiest pair of shoes. Sneakers or a comfortable shoe like Allbirds are usually the best option – no one wants to walk a mile or two in loafers. You may want to bring a pair of sandals for walking on the beach, and you may need to bring a dressier shoe if you plan on going out. If at all possible while you pick your shoes, consider how easy it is to pack them. The flattest shoes are the easiest (i.e. flats instead of heels, zero drop/minimalist instead of structured sneakers) to pack.
Focus on comfort, beauty and durability when packing your shoes. Also try to pack an extra pair.
Here are six kinds of shoes you might pack for your next family vacation:
Reminder: Some shoes can “double” as something else to minimize the amount of shoes you need to pack. Ex: Comfy shoes can double as workout shoes if you plan to workout. Zero drop/minimalist shoes can double as water shoes.
- Casual shoes
- Sneakers
- Dressier shoes
- Flip flops/sandals
- Athletic/hiking shoes
- Water shoes
3. Outdoor Gear
It’s likely that you are getting out and about while on your vacation, so it’s worth it to pack outdoor gear ahead of time. In the spring and summer, you will encounter lots of sun and plenty of bugs. It’s worth it to research the area to see which bugs will be the biggest concern and get any bug spray ahead of time. In the fall and winter, the biggest thing will be the cold and changing temperature, so you will benefit from gear like windbreakers, rain coats, and winter coats.
Tourist towns plan for families to forget things and you will nearly always be able to find what you need, but it will probably cost a lot more than it will at home.
Here are the essentials that make up a complete outdoor gear list:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hat for each family member
- Sun Glasses
- Phones
- Lip balm (with SPF is recommended)
- Portable Charger
- Refillable Water Bottles
For cold-weather destinations, don’t forget to bring:
- Warm Hats
- Gloves
- Hand Warmers
- Warm Socks
4. First Aid and Medical Kit
If you are planning to spend any time outside hiking, going to the beach, or even just walking around town, it is very helpful to have a basic first aid kit. From simply tripping on the sidewalk to getting splinters, it’s great to be prepared in case someone needs a little assistance.
If anyone in your family has allergies, make sure to pack antihistamines and an epipen if appropriate. If any is asthmatic, bring an extra inhaler. Same with Insulin or any other essential drug a family member will need daily. You don’t need to bring the whole medical cabinet from home, but just enough to be able to address issues as they arise in the event of an emergency.
Here is a good basic medical kit list for a family vacation:
- Health Insurance Card
- Essential Medications – Insulin, inhalers, etc.
- Diarrhea Medicine
- Antihistamine
- Cough Drops
- Pain and Fever Medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
- Mild Laxative
- Anti-itch Cream
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Ointments
- Digital thermometer
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Aloe Gel for Sunburns
- Bandages
- Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)
- Tweezers
- Eye drops
- Thermometer
- Motion Sickness Medication, if necessary
- Hand Sanitizer
5. Essential Toiletries
While toiletries are a must, keep in mind that they can easily take up a lot of space if you’re not careful. As a general rule, selecting travel-sized versions can help reduce spills and save room. You can often purchase your favorite brands in travel sizes at a store like Walmart or Target, and in the event you can’t, you can always find small bottles and containers.
The necessary toiletries are:
- Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
- Hair Comb/Brush – we recommend a folding brush for ease to pack
- Hair Accessories – hair ties, bobby pins, etc.
- Razor and Shaving Gear (hair clippers can double as both if you want to reduce items)
- Deodorant
- Makeup Remover/Skin Cleanser
- Any Essential Items from Your Skincare Routine
- Contact Solution, if necessary
- Cotton Swaps
- Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner – most hotels offer this, but if your skin or hair is sensitive, consider bringing your own
6. Family Member Personal Items
Everyone loves their space and their gadget. Just as you wouldn’t want to travel without your treasured personal items, keep in mind that it is the same for your family members.
Essential items you will need to bring along:
- Passports/Documents
- Drivers License, if planning to drive
- Health Insurance Card(s)
- Extra Credit Card
- Glasses/Spare Contact Lenses
- Retainers/Mouth Gmouth guards
Personal Items/Entertainment to bring:
- Phone
- Laptops
- Tablets/iPads
- Chargers for all Electronics (some may double, look out for similar ports to reduce packing items)
- Jewelry
- Headphones
- Reusable Day Bags
- Playing Cards and/or Games
- Outlet Adapters, if traveling anywhere with different plugs and voltage
7. Essential Add-Ons for Children
Bringing kids on vacation is always a little extra work. Their body temperature is more vulnerable than ours, and they may be at a stage where they need a lot of extra items.
Depending on the age, you might also need to make arrangements for a crib or rollaway bed. Hotels usually offer something like this, but they have a limited quantity, so it is worthwhile to call ahead. Cribs and rollaway beds come with sheets, but always double check, and don’t be afraid to ask once you’re there.
What to Bring for Babies
- Baby Carrier
- Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Diaper Cream
- Snacks
- Bottles or Sippy Cups
- Bibs
- Swim Diapers
- Stroller – foldable is great for travel
- Pacifiers
- Special items like favorite blankets and stuffed animals
- Car Seat
Children Carry-Ons
- Comfort Items like Stuffed Animals
- Table and Headphones
- Snacks
- Crayons/Markers
Why you should take advantage of our packing tips
This list is compiled from the real-life experience of regular travelers. Simplicity is key, and paring down the amount you pack makes it easier to remember everything you need to bring.
The first step in any successful vacation is a detailed packing list. Making a packing list before you leave may appear excessive, but it will ensure that you do not forget anything. Making a list will also assist you in packing more efficiently and reducing stress in the days leading up to your next trip.
It is a good idea to make separate lists for each member of the family, especially if they are packing their own bags. With this guide, we are confident that you will not forget any essentials.
Why do people choose Ogunquit River Inn?
The Ogunquit River Inn is a place that embodies peace, relaxation and comfort. Besides its proximity to the best attractions in Southern Maine, the quality of service is our top priority.
We treat every guest with care, knowing that you have come here to escape and unwind. There is no better place to stay than Ogunquit – a quaint seaside town full of activities, outdoor opportunities, art, beaches, and great food!
To accommodate your needs, Ogunquit River Inn offers a range of options for your stay, including standard rooms and suites; all of which are furnished with premium bedding, a flat-screen TV, modern decor, and comfortable furniture. Many of our rooms offer a stunning view of the Ogunquit River or the Atlantic Ocean, which is well worth it.
FAQs
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: We accept credit cards and debit cards.
Q: What is your refund policy?
A: We offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to pack correctly for your family vacation, your experience is surely going to be spectacular. Book your stay with us at The Ogunquit River Inn to seal the deal on your best vacation yet.
Our friendly staff will take care of your needs and guide you whenever the need arises. We know all the best spots in town, and are always ready to offer a helpful suggestion if you need it!
We have an onsite heated outdoor swimming pool and free wifi
Call us today to reserve your stay.
