Things to Take on Vacation: Must-Have Items For A Good Time

Finally, it’s time to head out for that long-awaited vacation! But before you can kick back and relax, first you have to decide what things to take on vacation. It might sound simple, but if you leave planning to the last minute, you could forget something important. Plus, you don’t want to take too many vacation items or you’ll be bogged down with heavy luggage. 

Think back to your last vacation. Of course, there were the basics that your vacation needed: clothing for the destination and weather, personal toiletry items, any required medications. But there are lots of other things you may have never thought of—or maybe didn’t even know existed—that could make your trip more comfortable, easier, or simply just more enjoyable.

We created this list of our favorite things to take on a vacation so you can be sure you bring everything you need and nothing that you don’t. Getting your packing right can make a huge difference, so you can be sure you aren’t missing a thing once you reach your vacation destination. Keep reading for the ultimate vacation packing list and suggestions, and you’ll be ready in no time!

Things You Need on Vacation

So, the big question: what to take on vacation? It can seem overwhelming to even know where to start, but if you break it down into more manageable categories, it becomes a much easier task. When deciding what things to take on vacation, it isn’t just about what goes inside your luggage, but it’s also about finding the best tools for easier packing and storage of all your travel items. You should always take into consideration the size and bulk of your luggage. If you’re efficient with your packing, you’ll have a much easier time getting through travel checkpoints and storing your bags on whatever transportation you take, from airplanes to taxis, ferries to trains. How you organize your luggage also makes a big difference, so let’s look first at essential items to take on vacation that will form the basis for your packing.

Essential Vacation Packing: Storage and Containers

As you plan what you want to bring with you on your holiday, you should start with a good foundation of tools and items that will allow you to have the most convenient and efficient storage options. There are some products you may not have known about that can make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to packing and organizing your belongings.

In terms of storage, you should organize your things based on size and what they’re used for. A great way to do this is by using packing cubes. Packing cubes, such as this basic and functional Eagle Creek Pack-It Full Cube Packing Set, make it easy to divide all the things you need on vacation into different zippered “cubes” of various sizes for easy access and transport. 

If basic black isn’t really your thing, you can pack with a bit more flair. How about this five-piece set of Packing Cubes for Suitcases that has a different color for each cube? You could color-code your vacation items and make it even easier to find what you need quickly. 

If you’re looking for a holiday vibe in your storage, check out these Compression Packing Cubes with laid-back beachy and adventure designs in a range of chill color tones. A variety of zippered bags along with a drawstring pouch lends versatility for quick day trips during your vacation.

For a more feminine touch to your packing, try the Light Flight 7 Set Packing Cubes in a delicate pink satin color with a waterproof fabric coating, or the Mossio 7 Set Packing Cubes in a cute pink and leopard-print fabric with a bonus shoe organizer. 

Essential Vacation Packing: Toiletry Bags and Dopp Kits

Another category that you can tackle when it comes to essential things to take on vacation is packing and organizing your toiletries. These are the first things you’ll want to have on hand and certainly the last things you’d want to forget for your trip. That’s why it’s a good idea to be methodical about packing toiletries, whether you’re going on vacation for a week, or even just a weekend getaway. 

No matter how long your trip is, you want to make sure you pack all your toiletries and bathroom items in a convenient carrier so they are easy to access and can be transported quickly as you go from place to place during your vacation. Toiletry kits for men and women are the best choice for making sure all your products are well organized and close at hand.

For women, this flower-patterned WDLHQC hanging toiletries bag is fashionable and functional, made of waterproof oxford cloth and containing four zippered pockets for all your important toiletry items. Another choice for women is this fuschia hanging toiletries bag and makeup organizer kit with two mesh zipper pockets, a right and left side pocket, and a main compartment with mesh holders for bottles and tubes.

Men’s toiletries travel well and look sharp in a leather dopp kit, especially one like this that can be personalized. This Vetelli Classic Leather Toiletry Bag has a water-resistant lining and a distressed brown leather exterior. Men can have hanging toiletry bags, too. This Buruis Hanging Toiletry Bag in black is spacious and ultra-light with waterproof, wear-resistant nylon.

In a hurry to pack all the things you need for a vacation? Make it easy on yourself with a pre-filled convenience kit so you don’t even have to worry about packing basic toiletry items. This women’s international convenience kit has 10 eco-friendly products, including Tom’s brand natural toothpaste, deodorant and soap. For men, there’s the premium men’s international convenience kit with 20 products in TSA-compliant carry-on sizes.

Essential Vacation Packing: First Aid and Health Items

One of the last things you want when you’re on holiday is to be without basic first aid and health items if you need them. The best way to be ready for anything, from a minor cut to a sore throat, is to pack a first aid kit that contains the necessities for minor medical issues. And don’t forget any of your daily medicines or vitamins and supplements as well!

Pre-packed first aid kits take the hassle out of gathering some of the basic medical and health items you might need during your vacation. This 80-piece Travel First Aid Kit will likely have just about everything you’d need for handling minor medical issues, as it includes bandages, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment, as well as disposable gloves. If you’re going on an outdoor adventure vacation or a hiking trip, the Everlit 250-piece Survival Kit is a great choice, but as it includes a tactical card 11-in-1 pocket tool with cutting elements and a tool for starting fires, it won’t be suitable if you’re flying. If you’re traveling with small children, the Welly First Aid Kit with bravery bandages is a fun and colorful choice.

Helpful Things to Take on Vacation

In addition to all the essential things to take on vacation, there are some other items that are also helpful that you should consider. Some are inexpensive while others require a small investment but all of them are definitely worth it when it comes to convenience while traveling.

For example, if you’re going abroad, you want to consider some adapters and gadgets for all your devices so that they’re compatible with the local electrical current. If you plan to tour big and bustling cities, you might want to take along some items to help keep your valuables safe while you’re sightseeing. And when it comes to weather, being well-prepared is always a great idea that your future self will appreciate in a downpour.

Helpful Items on Vacation: Power Banks and Chargers

Nowadays, getting caught out with a dead mobile phone or laptop is majorly inconvenient, but it can be even more critical when you’re on vacation. If you use your mobile phone as a navigation device, you’ll never want to be stuck in an unfamiliar place without juice! Adapters and chargers are both beneficial items to take on vacation.

First, let’s look at power banks, which let you recharge on the go, without having to search for an outlet. This is especially important when you’re on vacation and you might not be close to somewhere you can recharge. A sleek and functional choice is this INIU Portable Charger, which has a digital display showing the exact percentage of battery left. If you want to conserve space, choose a slim model like the Poweradd Slim Ultra-Compact Portable Power Bank. For an environmentally friendly choice that doesn’t rely on electricity, there’s the Soxono Solar Charger that allows you to charge two devices at the same time.

If you’ll be renting a car on vacation, don’t forget to bring along a car charger adapter, like the Hussell Dual-Port USB Car Charger. For a wireless option, try the Uuto wireless car charger, which can grip your phone like a phone holder and charge it in the car at the same time.

Helpful Items on Vacation: Travel Adapters

If you’re headed to a different country, make sure you’re prepared for the local electrical current by taking along a travel adapter. Especially if you’re taking a vacation in a place where you don’t speak the local language, having one of these gadgets is going to save you a lot of time and hassle. This Worldwide All-in-One Travel Adapter is a great basic choice that works in 150 countries, with four international plug adapters. The Epicka Universal Travel Adapter has four USB ports as well as a USB Type C and one AC socket, for charging up to six devices all at once. 

The Allwei International Travel Adapter includes a voltage converter, which makes it perfect for use with small personal-care appliances under 230 watts, such as a hair straightener, curling iron or electric shaver. It comes with five different plug adapters and it converts voltage in different countries from 90-260V to the US standard 110V. 

Helpful Items on Vacation: Backpacks and Reusable Water Bottles

Sightseeing is always one of the highlights of a trip to a new place, but doing it comfortably is easier when you have some of these helpful items. A backpack that includes extra space for a laptop, pockets for organization, and anti-theft technology is definitely going to make your vacation more comfortable and convenient.

Staying hydrated is a must, especially when traveling. Summer is peak vacation season, so water bottles are an important thing to take on vacation with you. Hot temperatures call for a water bottle that can keep your drink cold, so try a 23-ounce version with the Oggi Thermal Water Bottle with vacuum insulation to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours. This Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle is BPA-free and holds 24 ounces, with two different lids: chug and straw. If you want an extra-large option, this Iron Flask Sports Water Bottle holds 64 ounces and has double-wall insulation.

Helpful Items on Vacation: Women’s Hats

Going on vacation in the summer means you need to be careful about getting sunburned, especially if you’ll be spending a lot of time on walking tours, seeing the sights, or exploring the outdoors (especially in the mountains, where the sun can be very intense). A few essential sun-protection items will ensure you stay safe from the sun’s damaging UV rays while you enjoy all of your outdoor holiday activities in comfort.

Hats are an essential sun-protection item for vacation, and there are lots of versions that come in easy-to-pack fabrics and styles. Summer hats for vacation come in a wide variety of colors and shapes for men and women, and there are many with technical features as well, such as UV protection.

For women, this half-brimmed Women’s Sun Hat with UV Protection works equally well on the beach or while sightseeing in the city. An iconic beach look for women is the wide-brimmed straw hat, such as the Furtalk Summer Straw Hat with UPF 50, which includes a foldable roll making it super easy to pack. A Panama roll-up hat is also very packable and stylish, making it a great vacation item to throw in a beach bag or carry-on luggage. This Lanzom Women’s Fedora has the trademark black ribbon circling the paper straw body, so it offers a flattering look while also holding back the heat.

Helpful Items on Vacation: Men’s Hats

Men can also keep protected from the sun while on vacation with a variety of sun hats for men. The Calamus UPF 50 Boonie Sun Hat has mesh venting to promote airflow and a moisture-wicking band for keeping cool. A truly iconic look is the Panama Jack Original Canvas Safari Sun Hat in cotton twill and canvas, with a buckle closure and antique eyelets as air vents and UPF 50+ sun protection.

Good old-fashioned baseball caps are also excellent for packing on vacation because they fold up well and hold their shape. The Under Armour Men’s Blitzing 3.0 Cap in black has a pre-curved visor, so you can just put it on and go. The Nike H86 Futura Cap is also soft and comfortable, made of 100% cotton.  

What to Take on a Short Vacation

If you’re going on a short vacation, you won’t have to pack quite as many things, but you should still consider what essential items to take on holiday with you. Just because it might be a few days rather than a few weeks, packing for a short trip requires organization and advance planning, just like a longer one. We’ve gathered a few ideas of what to take on a short vacation so you don’t forget to pack the basics.

Packing for a Short Vacation: Carry-On Luggage

If you’re going on a short vacation, focus on the items you can fit in a carry-on so you don’t get burdened down with too many bags. Packing light for a short vacation is always a good idea. The basis of preparing for a short vacation is having the perfect carry-on suitcase that fits everything you need but isn’t too bulky and will also meet size requirements if you’re taking a flight.

Expandable carry-on suitcases are an excellent choice for short trips, because you can adjust the amount of space you need based on how many days you’ll be traveling. The London Fog Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner is a fantastic suitcase for a short trip, especially if it involves a flight because it is made of sturdy polycarbonate composite and has a TSA flush-mounted lock.

If you want a soft side bag, there are lots of options that are durable travel companions. The Samsonite Ascella X Softside Expandable Luggage with Spinner is a trusted brand that comes at an affordable price. If you want to go for top-tier luggage, get what travel professionals and flight crews use. The Travelpro Crew Expert Softside Expandable Rollaboard Upright carry-on bag is in a limited edition with vintage styling. Investing in a high-quality carry-on is a must for weekend jaunts and short trips.

Things to Take on a Week-Long Vacation

If you’re going on a week-long vacation (or even longer if you’re lucky!), you’ll want to pack a few more items than you would for just a weekend or a short trip. In addition to all the helpful things mentioned above, the traveler spending a week on vacation should also consider clothes that are lightweight so extras can be packed, helping you avoid doing laundry while away. 

Yoga pants are great for travel, plus they’re compact inside luggage. Tank tops work really well for layering. Slip-on canvas shoes are great for walking and also pack easily. Men can pack a few pairs of these Levis relaxed-fit jeans and quick-dry moisture-wicking polo shirts. 

Get All Your Vacation Items at Price.com

No matter what your vacation plans are, whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or a month-long trip, you can get all the items you need for your journey at Price.com. From travel adapters to first aid kits to the best luggage, the endless selection at Price.com offers the best prices to help you maximize savings so you can spend your money where you really want to: on vacation!

About Price.com

Price.com, the all-in-one money savings platform, provides a free cross-platform experience for consumers that combines advanced comparison shopping, cashback, coupons, price history and price drop alerts. The Company’s patented, AI-powered matching algorithm enables real-time discovery of new, white label, used, local, refurbished, and rental products – taking comparison shopping to new heights. Price.com is available as a desktop and mobile website, browser extension, native app and chatbot.

The Company’s core team consists of industry-leading data scientists and data engineers. Price.com founder RJ Jain sold his previous company to Google where today it powers Google Test Labs. Previously, he held senior engineering roles at Sidecar (acquired by GM) and Zynga, and served as an in-house Entrepreneur in Residence at Foundation Capital.