Pack Smart, Travel Well

Summer break is a time for Auburn students to relax, reset, and travel. Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring a national park, or traveling abroad, packing the right essentials can help you stay healthy, active, and ready for adventure all summer long.

For many people, packing is the most stressful part of vacations. Especially when it comes to last minute and over-packers, we often dread the arrival of the trip just because of packing. Here are 5 of the most popular trips people take and what’s most essential to take with you!

International

Who wouldn't love to travel to Greece, Italy, Mexico, Africa, and any other place abroad! Plan before you leave for all the things you will experience on your trip. Try to pack as light as possible because it’s often difficult to drag suitcases around in unknown, crowded areas, especially in places like Greece and Italy where the roads are very narrow and bumpy. Keep a spare cable or portable charger in case your phone dies because you never want to be stranded in a foreign area. Do some research to figure out what currency and electrical outlet your destination requires. Most importantly, check months in advance to make sure your passport is up to date!

Cruise

Packing for a cruise is stressful because there is no access to Walmart to replace anything you forgot so it’s extra important that you have everything. During sea days, most people just dress casually in T-shirts and comfortable outfits. But, when it’s dinner time, it’s common to dress up in nice attire. Many cruise lines provide themes for dinner so make sure to check your cruise’s website to choose the right outfits if you want to participate. For days at port, bring good shoes for walking around, and specific outfits for the excursions you have chosen. And of course, swimsuits if there is a pool on board!

Beach

Going to the beach means warm weather, swimsuits, and cute photos. Be sure to pack a swimsuit for each day you’ll be at the beach or bring at least one that you can wear on repeat throughout your trip. For quick runs to the store, ice cream, or shopping, wear comfy clothes like t-shirts, tank tops, and shorts. For dressier occasions, pack a nice dress, a cute top with jean shorts, or a button-up shirt, perfect for dinner or a night out downtown! Don’t forget cozy sweatshirts or sweatpants for lounging around the beach house and when the nights get breezy.

Amusement Park

Disney, Six Flags, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and many other theme parks are very popular summer vacations for thrill seekers! However, these places get extremely hot in the summer months, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Be sure to have comfortable sneakers to protect your feet while walking around all day. Tank tops, shorts, and short sleeves will be crucial to staying cool. Make sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and fans to help protect yourself from the sun. It's essential to bring a purse or backpack to carry water, medicine, snacks, sunglasses, and fans, but don't forget to check if your park requires you to bring a clear bag!

Nature Trips

Packing for hiking/camping is all about staying safe, comfortable, and prepared for the unexpected. What you bring depends on how long you’ll be out and where you’re going, but here are the essentials most people should have:

It’s critical to stay prepared with sun protection, hydration, food, first aid, flashlights and emergency supplies. Make sure to bring the correct hiking equipment including backpacks, hiking shoes, and water bottles. If you plan to camp, you need a tent, sleeping bags, food, portable chargers, and cooking supplies for the duration of your stay!

No matter where you travel, don’t forget essentials like medicine, phone chargers, toiletries, water bottles, sunscreen, pajamas, and whatever else you need for each occasion! Be sure to make lists and double (or even triple) check that you have everything before you leave. Packing intentionally helps students stay healthy, energized, and balanced during travel. Small items can make a big difference in maintaining wellness.

Be Well, Auburn.