Easter is quickly approaching and that means spring break for most kids.  We are taking our annual spring break trip and this year we are going to St. Thomas.  We have been to this US Virgin Island 3 other times before, but we really love it and so do our kids.  There are some essentials that you just have to remember when you travel to any sunny destination.  These places are used to people forgetting things, but you can pay a pricey fee for forgetting an essential item.  I would suggest you make a list about a week before you go and shop off that list so you have everything you need.  We didn’t take enough sunscreen on one of our trips to the Bahamas and they didn’t carry the brand we used.  We bought a different brand and all got rashes and burned horribly.  I vowed I would never get caught without the right amount of sunscreen and other essentials from home again.

Top Ten Things to Take on Your Spring Break Trip

1.  EARPHONES AND MUSIC PLAYLIST-  I always take my headphones for the airplane, pool area, nighttime relaxing, working out, and getting ready.  I couldn’t go a week without music.  You don’t want to forget your earphones either.  You probably want to take an extra set.  Also have your playlist up to date before you leave.
2. PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN–  This is very expensive in destination locations.  You definitely want to purchase enough for everyone in your party to be able to reapply every couple of hours.
3. ORDER ALL YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES IN ADVANCE–  Make sure you have looked at all your medicines to make sure they will all last you through a couple days past your trip.  If not, go ahead and reorder so you will be all set for traveling.  For controlled substances you may want to keep them in the original bottles.
4. MAKE SURE YOU PACK ALL CHARGERS- The last thing you want is to have your devices die on you once you arrive at your hotel. You will be using lots of data while traveling so chargers are very important.  Make sure you pack all your chargers for every device you take.  I always put this on my packing list and put them in my carry on in case my main luggage doesn’t arrive.
5. PACK YOUR COMPUTER AND ALL DEVICES–  I pack all important devices in my carry on.  You may want to make sure all your devices stay with you.
6. TAKE YOUR SUNGLASSES– You don’t want to be at the pool or in town without a pair of sunglasses.  This is not an item you want to buy at a hotel gift shop.  They can be quite costly.
7. MOISTURIZER–  You are going to be in the sun a lot on your trip so your moisturizer is important to your skin care routine.  Make sure you apply it twice a day.
8. MAKE UP REMOVER–  Taking your make up off is so important at the end of the day.  Do you really want to fall into bed with a face full of make up?  Make sure you remember these important wipes. You can carefully remove your make up with wipes that you are used to so you don’t break out from unusual hotel products.
9. CAMERA–  I’m sure your phone takes great pictures. However, taking a little point and shoot camera for capturing those important moments is a great idea.  My daughter has a little Canon that vlogs as well.  We always take this camera with us on our trips.
10. READING MATERIALS-  One time I didn’t take books on our trip out of the country and it was the biggest mistake.  I am definitely a read by the pool kind of girl and there were no reading materials in this hotel gift shop.  I had already read all my airport materials and had nothing to read the rest of my trip.  If your hotel does have material for reading it will be quite a bit more expensive.  It is just easier to take it from home.

Here are a couple things you need to ask yourself when packing to see if it is really something you need to take on your trip.  Hopefully this can help you narrow down what you absolutely need to take with you and what can stay at home.

1. Only take what you can carry- This is a big one with my kids.  Sometimes my husband has them carry my carry on bag in the airport.  They watch that bag closely at home to see how much I am packing in it because they know eventually they will be asked to carry it.  They have a vested interest in how much I’m packing in that bag because they may end up carrying it plus there bag as well.  Only pack what you can carry.
2. Are you certain you need it?  If you are not certain if you need it, put it in a separate pile and if you have room you can take it.  Then when you weigh your bag you know if you can add more stuff or not.
3. Does it fit within the 50 pounds weight limit?  I think you want to pack what you need and see if it fits in the 50 pound weight limit.  If it doesn’t, I don’t think you want to pay extra for a heavy bag so you have to take out the items that aren’t essentials.
4. See if your hotel room supplies it-  There is no need for me to take a hair dryer if my hotel room is already supplying it.  Most hotels have room specifics on their website.
5. Ask yourself is this item big and heavy?  Sometimes packing certain items are not worth it when they are big and heavy.  Think about what items are necessities and what items fit in that 50 pound weight limit.
6. Will you freak out if it’s lost or stolen?  Will you be able to live with yourself if this item is lost or stolen?  If you have a pair of diamond earrings that you just can’t seem to part with; either wear them the whole trip, ask for a hotel safe, or leave them at home.  If you are afraid of items getting stolen; leave them at home with your house alarm on.

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable break with your family.  We all deserve a little time off now and then. I am looking forward to not having a schedule to follow for a couple days. Leave me a comment below and let me know your awesome spring break plans.

Yours Truly,

Jenn