Everyone looks forward to a beach vacation--building sand castles, collecting seashells, diving under waves--so it's no wonder that in the rush to get there, you forget a swimsuit, sand bucket or folding chair. Here's a checklist to make sure you've got everything you need for the sand, surf and sun.



Some people are naturally gifted organizers who never pack too much or too little....then there's the rest of us, who need just a little help in figuring out what to bring and what to leave behind. Fortunately, we have someone on our staff who is one of those naturally gifted people we all hate....err, I mean envy... and she helped us come up with this basic packing list. Your Personal Travel Consultant can help tweak this list for the specific itinerary you book through us, so that your list will be perfect just for you!

All of our homes are equipped for normal housekeeping. They are furnished to the owner's taste, so please care for these items as if they were your own. You'll need to bring all of your linens except for mattress pads, bedspreads and pillows. Our homes will have no paper products, staple items, or cleaning materials. This brief checklist is provided in an attempt to assist you with your packing and shopping.

Traveling broadens our perspective of the world in which we live. Going to foreign countries provides exposure to different cultures, different food, and different languages. Many countries encourage international tourism as a way of boosting their local or national economies, but there are some countries and cultures which view foreigners with suspicion and do not particularly care for strangers in their land. Even in some popular "civilized" travel destinations it is easy to become a victim of thiefs and criminals who will take your luggage, assault you to steal your jewelry and valuables, or cheat you in the price of taxi fares or other services. Your best protection is to be alert, book your tours through trustworthy agencies, and never travel alone to an unfamiliar destination. Make sure that you know the traditions of the land where you want to travel before you start your trip.

Planning a trip can be exciting, as long as you take the necessary precautions. Travel advice will help you decide what you need to bring with you, like travel clothing and supplies. Contact your travel agent if you have any questions during your trip preparation.

Travel arrangements:

Scheduling your trip involves careful planning. Travel agents can help you to organize some of your preparations. First of all, take care of your travel documents. Some countries require only passports, but others require passports and visas. Do not wait until the last minute to obtain your passport because this may require several weeks. To get the best deals for your transportation and hotel accommodations, you will need to make your reservations well in advance of your travel. The best bargains can be obtained during the off-season when demand has diminished. Airlines that provide food service can accommodate special dietary requirements if you give them at least 24 hours advance notice.

Along with your passports and visas, you may need to take along vaccination certificates, and prescriptions for any special medicines that you need. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with your medicines. Some medicines sold over the counter in the United States may be considered illegal in other countries and vice versa. There is nothing more unpleasant than starting a vacation on the wrong foot by having to explain to the customs authorities why you are carrying so many "drugs".

As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport with plenty of time to manage the check-in congestion. Also, don't exceed the container size limits of carry-on liquids, gels, and aerosols, otherwise, your toiletries will be confiscated. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce (84 milliliters) or smaller containers, and they must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.

Trip Preparation

- Visas

- Passports - check the expiration date two months before your trip

- Vaccinations

- Hotel reservations, take along confirmation numbers

- Travel reservations, take along airplane tickets

- Travel insurance to cover the duration of your trip

- Driver's license, registration, insurance cards

- (leave unnecessary cards at home)

- Money or foreign currency (cash, traveler's checks, credit cards)

- Carry some emergency cash in a thin sock attached with a safety pin to the inside of your underwear.

- Car keys, house key. (leave unnecessary keys at home)

- Stop the newspaper and mail.

- A pile of newspapers or a stuffed mailbox tells thieves that you are not at home. You may come back from your trip to an empty apartment or house.

- Turn down thermostat at home

- Arrange for someone to water your plants and take care of your pets.

- Don't forget to leave the keys and itinerary.

- Do not pack your travel documents or money in a suitcase that may get lost. Take your important documents and money in a wallet or purse that you can access at all times.

- Make sure that your luggage has a tag with your name, address, and telephone number.

- Tie a colorful ribbon or attach distinctive stickers to your luggage so that you can identify it easily, and other travelers will not take it by mistake at a busy terminal.

Personal Items

- shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, hats, coats, sweaters

- rain protection - travel umbrella or raincoat

- underwear, socks

- toiletries, cosmetics, shaving needs, deodorant, shampoo

- dental floss, toothbrush, nail clippers, nail file

- contact lens preparations

- camera, batteries, recharger, voltage converter, small flashlight, travel alarm clock, hair drier

- swimming suit, beach towels, sun block cream

- slippers

- sleeping bag, backpack

- Cell phone

- A printed list of emergency phone numbers or address book may be handy if your cell phone batteries die or you lose the phone.

Food

- food supplements

- vitamins

- canned food, can opener

- For international travel, do not take fruits and non-sterile foods such as dried sausages because they can spoil and are usually confiscated by customs.

Car Trip

- Check tire air pressure, including spare

- Tools for changing a tire

- Check oil and gas level

- Flashlight

- Maps

- Sun block, sunglasses

- This is important on a long trip when the sun may be shining on your arms and face for a long time.

- Trash bags, moist towels, napkins

- Insulated bag for cold drinks and fruits

- Take water for drinking, for the radiator, or windshield washer.

- Soft drinks may be OK for you, but they cannot be used for the car.

- Granola bars or other emergency food

- You may be stuck in traffic for a long time when you least expect it.

- Cellular telephone

Camping or Beach Vacation

- Dry snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix, jerky) and bottled drinks

- Ice chest

- beach umbrella, folding chairs, beach towels

- sunblock, sunglasses, wide-brim hat

- Swimming suits

- Life vests, inflatable flotation devices

- Sports equipment (baseball, bats, beach ball, surfboard)

- Sleeping bag, air mattress

- Tent, stakes, ropes, hammer, shovel

- Portable stove, pots, pans

- Lantern, kerosene, batteries

- Emergency signaling equipment (cell phones, radio, mirrors)

- Maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS)

- Survival Gear (knife, ax, waterproof matches, saw, fish hooks, fishing line)

- Water purification tablets

- Insect repellent, snake-bite kit, first aid kit

- Backpacks

- Hiking boots, jeans, long sleeve shirts, coat

- Before a hike, spray insect repellent on your shoes, socks, and pant cuffs to discourage ticks and insects from crawling up your legs

- Hunting equipment (rod and reel, guns, ammunition, bows, arrows)

- Make sure that you have proper permits for guns and licenses for fishing and hunting.

- You may need a tape measure and a spring scale to make sure that your catches are of legal size. Use guns safely!

Must Have:

- Wallet and/or purse and cash (we often forget the most obvious things)

- Credit cards and/or traveler's checks (plus list of numbers of both)

- Car and house keys (plus duplicate sets kept in different bags)

- Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (plus lens cleaner)

- Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers

- Prescriptions and other medications

- Itineraries, tickets and reservation confirmations

- Maps and directions

- Camera, film, digital camera memory cards, batteries

Must Do:

- Pick up trash / Remove trash from home before departure

- Buy travelers checks

- Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc...

- Replace expired prescriptions and medication and replace expired sunblock, most SPF lotions lose potency over years time

- Replenish Toiletries kit

- Hold incoming mail and newspapers

- Notify neighbors of your vacation and give phone # for emergencies

- Mow your lawn just before you leave

- If you're leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway

- Lock all windows and doors before you leave

- Unplug small appliances

- Turn off AC/Heat

- Make arrangements for any pets you have

Packing Clothes:

- Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing) ? though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get away with less

- Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings

- Swimsuits (two per person, so you'll always have a dry one)

-Beach towels (again two per person is ideal)

-Beach cover-ups or roomy T-shirts (to throw on over swimsuit when you've had enough sun)

-Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect faces from sun)

-Sunglasses with UV protection for adults

-Sandals (rubber, plastic or waterproof are best)

-Beach Bag

-Family size Beach Blanket

Toiletries:

- Bath Soap

- Toothbrush/Paste

- Deodorant

- Mouthwash

- Cologne/Perfume

- Contact lenses

- Razor Kit

- Shaving Cream

- Tissues

- Cotton Swabs

- Matches

- Mouthwash/Dental Floss

- Bottle Opener

- Sunscreen

- Nail clippers/tweezers

- Cosmetics

- Cotton Balls/Qtips

- Combs, Brushes

First Aid Kit:

- Band Aids

- Aspirin

- Moist Towelettes

- Sunscreen

- Gauze

- Motion sickness tablets

- Birth control

- Adhesive strips

- Antibacterial handsoap

- Cold Medicine

- Insect Repellant

- Lotion for Insect bites

- Thermometers

- Aloe Vera Gel

- Lip Balm with sunscreen

For the Baby:

- Baby Powder

- Teething Ointment

- Diaper Rash Lotion

- Baby sunscreen

- Baby Wipes

- 2 outfits per day, sleeping clothes

- Cool clothing

- Stroller

- Baby formula, Bibs

- Diapers

- Changing Pad

- Zippered plastic bags

- Bathing supplies

- Baby food and spoon

- Pacifiers

- Blankets

For Older Kids:

- 1 outfit per day, 2 extra tops

- 2 swimsuits per child

- 1 nice outfit

- 1 out-of-season outfit

- 2 towels per child

- Beach toys, Frisbee, paddle ball *usually available upon arrival

For Traveling:

- Travel Games, Books

- Crayon, Clip Board

- Cooler with drinks and snacks

Safety Checks:

Upon arrival to your destination: Make sure the pull-cord loops on older window blinds and drapes have been eliminated or secured. Cut the loop of the pull cord just above the tassel to result in two cords, or keep the loop taut with a tie-down device that fastens the cord to the floor or wall.

Hand-test the hot water temperature. A child can suffer third-degree burns in a matter of seconds if exposed to water above 120 degrees F. Most rental homes do not have anti-scald devices or renter access to the water heater thermostat. Hand-test the water upon arrival to avoid accidental scalding in the bath or shower.

Examine bunk beds for proper installation and support of the mattresses. Bunk bed guardrails, like crib slats, need to be close enough together to avoid head entrapment. Avoid allowing children under the age of 6 to sleep in the top bunk.

Place all household cleaners and other potentially dangerous chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet.

Inspect the rental crib to make certain it is sturdy, properly assembled and in good condition.

Nice to have items:

- Folding beach chairs, Umbrella

- Beach Cooler

- Flashlight

- Pillows

- Video Recorder

- CD Player

- Books / Books on Tape

- Alarm Clock

- Cell phone and battery charger

- Travel journal

- Water-proof sheets