Packing for a trip with your family can feel a bit like moving – you gather what seems like the entire contents of your life and you figure out how to get it all from point A to point B.  People often operate under the idea that it is better to have packed too much than too little.  However, once you start lugging around all of the suitcases, backpacks, and bags around, you’ll quickly remember the benefits of wearing the same outfit twice on the trip or of not bringing matching shoes for each and every outfit.  Detailed packing lists are important – there are things that must not be forgotten, but the following is a list of the most important.  Everything beyond these things is simply for comfort or convenience.

• 4 or 5 outfits
  Not just your favorite pieces of clothing.  If you are staying longer on vacation, find a washing machine.  Depending on the type of trip, a mix of casual and dressy should be considered.
• Undergarments
  You can sleep without pajamas, but you can’t go without underwear.
• Comfortable shoes
  Though your heels may be the cutest things, the likelihood of you doing some serious walking on your vacation calls for shoes that will be kind to your feet.
• Toiletries
  Comb, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, travel-sized shampoo.
• Medications
• Wallet
  Driver’s license/ID, credit/debit card, and cash.
• Camera
  And all of the necessary accessories (batteries, film, charger).
• Documents
  Airline tickets/itinerary, phone numbers and addresses of contacts in destination location, maps, and any others.
• Children’s essentials
  Loveys (blankie, teddy), equipment (strollers, car seats), amusements (books, toys)

What things do you never leave home without?  What things do you bring on vacation only to wish you’d left them at home?