Best of … vacation packing list

Contributed by Tim Brugger, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Yahoo! Time to hit the road for some R&R.

Now we just need to make sure we remember everything need; and maybe even some stuff we don’t. Though the necessities are key of course, often it’s that little something extra that makes the vacation that much nicer.

So let’s start getting our stuff together with the Best of vacation packing list.

Travel videos

Do your research

Ah, where to begin. There’s the vacation packing list of course including just the right amount of underwear, shirts and the like. But it’s also nice to find those little niche spots where you’re headed that can make a good vacation great. Travel Video Store will get you set up on both counts. Their “Beyond the List” series features an almost limitless supply of informative videos detailing not only what you should bring along based on where you’re going, but also those secret spots other tourists will never know about.

Snorkel gear

Enjoy water recreation

If you’re fortunate enough to be on your way to a nice, warm vacation spot that includes basking in warm ocean water, don’t forget the snorkel gear. With the full set from Sport Chalet no worries about forgetting one fin at home. This one’s for the kids, but they’ll outfit the entire family with everything you need to get up close and personal with Nemo and all his pals.

Hat and accessories

Too much sun can ruin a vacation

It was so nice imagining warm weather and water let’s stick around for a moment. To go along with the snorkeling equipment, at least until you’re ready to take the plunge, a stylish hat from Orvis will protect you from the Equatorial sun. I suppose any hat will help, but why not go stylish and functional? Orvis has a great selection of suits too if yours needs a little updating.

Bed rails

Inflatable and portable

Now this is a great vacation packing list idea if you’ve got a baby and a hotel room combo in your immediate future. You just slide these wonderful little travel doo-hickeys from One Step Ahead under the sheets and little Susie will rest safe and sound. Ah, but you need one for each side of the bed you say; exactly. This is a matched set and even comes with a handy travel bag.

Healthy snacks

Pack your own

Though I’ve been called cheap, I much prefer the term thrifty. For example, you can spend $76 at an airport for little Johnny’s snack while you’re waiting for your connecting flight, or you can bust out some healthy nuts or other treats. If you prefer healthy snacks for you or yours, Bulk Foods has a whole section devoted strictly to the good stuff. A few Natural Flax Seed Corn Chips are a lot healthier option than a fast food airport dog that’s been sitting for who knows how long.

Keep toiletries organized

Make a trip to the shower easy

When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to waste time digging around in your suitcase to find that toothpaste or shampoo you know you packed…somewhere. A good cosmetic back or men’s dopp kit bag like this water-resistant bag from Filson will help you keep it all together, so you can grab what you need and head into the shower or bath quickly. Then you can get back to the fun stuff faster!