Becca is a 16 year-old from West Palm Beach, FL. She loves to cook and travel, and she would like to study International Business in the future.
As May comes to an end, summer is nearly in sight. Many of us have family vacations planned, whether it be across America or across the Atlantic. One of the keys to enjoying (or surviving) the vacation is being prepared. Here’s a suggested packing list for any teen going on a family vacation this summer:
The Essentials:
- Paperback
- Camera (and extra memory card)
- Wallet and ID
- iPod
What Else to Keep in Your Backpack:
- Journal and pens
- Address book
- Earplugs
- Snacks
- Deck of cards
- Bandaids
- Change of clothes
- Copy of your passport (if traveling internationally)
- Toothbrush
- Sunglasses
- Chargers for electronics
- Hand sanitizer
- Chapstick
- Travel guide
- Maps (to explore on your own)
- Chewing gum
- Travel alarm clock
Things to Keep in Mind:
- If you’re traveling by plane, don’t put locks on your checked baggage or liquids in your carry-ons
- Other countries don’t use the same current, so you may have to bring a transformer to charge your electronics
- You never know when you’re going to get hungry (or when your parents will refuse to make a pit-stop), so keep some protein bars or small snack packs handy
- Pack only what you NEED to wear. Extra baggage is not fun to lug around, and you can always do laundry if necessary.
- Your parents may prefer that you not to listen to your iPod alone all day. Instead, bring travel speakers or cds to share with your family.
- Theft and pick-pocketing is a bigger problem in many foreign countries. If you’re planning on carrying cash, credit cards, or anything else important, bring a money belt or a sling bag that you can carry in front of you. Keeping your wallet in your back pocket may result in disaster.
- Family “vacations” are oftentimes really trips. Be prepared to have full days of sightseeing and traveling.
- If you’re not used to spending a lot of time with your family, tensions may arise because of the close quarters. You have to be flexible and understanding, no matter how frustrating the situation becomes.
- Getting involved in planning for the trip can make it much more fun. Read up on your destination and make suggestions to your parents before you leave.
- Writing letters has become somewhat of a lost art, but there’s nothing better than having a pen pal for the summer. Pick one of your friends to keep in touch with. It’s a great way to document your adventures.
- Summer is our time to have a break from stress, so enjoy yourself!
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