I get it. Having winter 8+ months out of the year can become quite the headache; especially if you're from the Midwest. The worst part about it is that it never seems to change! You get a drastic amount of snow in December, one REALLY HOT DAY in the middle of February, and then another random snowstorm in the middle of April! (Wisconsinites can really preach to that one.)
The reason why we're all so pale is because we lack vitamin D, y'all! It isn't our fault that summer only comes for maybe two or three months at maximum. If you're lucky to even get color, it's because of a farmer's tan. Attractive, right?
I recently came back from a seven-day trip to Punta Cana, and I've come to the conclusion that every single Midwestern truly deserves a "home away from home." We get sick of this constant crap coming from mother nature, and we simply just need a break from it. The downside is that we gotta take initiative and plan out the entire vacation ourselves :/
Now this is me being presumptuous, but if I had to take a solid guess on where Midwestern's tend to gravitate for any kind of getaway, it would be someplace HOT. I mean, yeah, the mountains are nice, but come on! Hawaii? The Bahamas? Cancun? There's no snow there, which in my opinion, is good enough for me!
I understand that it may not be the best evidence to support my argument, but I ain't here to tell you where you need to go for your next spring break! I'm here to tell you what to bring #homie and how much of it so that you're able to save big bucks! All jokes aside, I'm hoping to the convey the importance of abundance. Like I stated in my previous blog, there's no such thing as having too much of something, and the sooner you learn that, the less you'll have to worry about on your well deserved trip.
One last thing I have to mention is that everything you see listed below are the things I personally packed for my latest trip. Again, downsizing is the key to an easier traveling experience, but you also have to consider what is worth bringing so that you don't come across any financial burdens.
Please don't feel compelled to purchase everything off this list. Only pack what you feel is best fit for you and your family.
1.) Passport.
Trust me. You won't make it ten feet without having to show your identification. And good luck getting away with your license because the airport security won't be laughing. Your passport is your best friend now, so keep it close to you at all times.
2.) Credit Cards and Singles.
A lot of people prefer a credit card over cash in order to protect and maintain the money in their bank account, and I totally side with them! However; as I expressed in my most recent article "Flyin' Out! 10 things to know before visiting the Dominican Republic," you're going to be tipping every which way as soon as you step foot in another country -- more specifically in places with high poverty levels. There will also be places that may not accept cards either; forcing you to spend or withdraw cash at ATM's (in which fees can exceed up to $20.) Be smart and bust open that ol' piggy bank instead!
3.) Camera and Accessories.
Do I even need to explain this? Of course you'll want to take pictures of all your unforgettable experiences while you're away from the arctic abyss that we call home! Not everyone has a fancy go-pro, but you can make do with some equipment to help make you a celebrity on Instagram i.e a waterproof case, a selfie stick, and etc.
4.) Medications and Travel Letter.
Let's hope this is a given and that I didn't just remind you! Notify your doctor ahead of time about your upcoming vacation and have them send you a travel letter containing a list of all your personal prescriptions. This will prevent any hassle coming from TSA. (Be sure to take extra in case of emergencies.) In addition, non-prescriptions will be just as much of a lifesaver when you start to feel nauseous on the plane. Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, and Dramamine are a few good examples of what to bring with you in your personal bag. You can find them in travel sizes at any department store.
5.) Sunscreen, Bug spray, and Tanning Lotion.
The holy trinity! You'll want quite a bit of it depending on the duration of your trip. Unfortunately for me, I ran out of sunscreen AND tanning lotion after four days of being in Punta Cana. The ratio I came up with is 1:7 (1 bottle per 7 days.) You'll definitely want to stock up before you leave, otherwise you're looking at paying double, maybe triple, for a can or bottle at your local resort.
6.) Aloe.
Story time! My naive, 24-year-old boyfriend decided that he wanted to spend the entire day at the beach... without any protection from the sun. I never said he was the brightest bulb in the package, but I sure do hope he loves me after rubbing Aloe Vera on him every night thereafter! I also hope his skin learns to forgive him too.
7.) Chaffing Lotion.
WE ALL KNOW THE FEELING, LADIES! Chaffing is the most painful thing we have to endure when it is hot and sweaty outside. It's certainly a buzzkill to the fun we paid to have, am I right? Chaffing lotion or liquid-based gel will soothe those thighs in an instant! I purchased the Bath and Body Works' Cool Off Gel Lotion for only two dollars! Can I get a #whatwhat?
8.) One Change of Clothes Per Day
It sounds excessive, I know. But think about it! How often are you getting covered in sand from the beach? Or sweating from being outside blistering heat? Never? Well props to you, man! I, on the other hand, have to change my clothes constantly while I'm on vacation. I can assure you, it has nothing to do with being a "typical female." Just pack some extra clothing and thank me later.
9.) Thermal Mug or Water Bottle.
I found that bringing a Yeti mug and a water bottle to stick in the freezer was extremely beneficial while I was in the Dominican Republic. It's pretty nice to have your drinks stay hot/cold for hours on end. Just make sure it's empty before going through airport security.
10.) Additional Beach Towels and Floats.
Typically, resorts only offer you one towel per day in order to conserve them. If you think you're gonna need to use more, it's best if you bring your own set. You'll also want to show off your cool pool floats as well, so if you have the extra room to stash it, you won't be disappointed.
11.) Earbuds.
You probably won't use them much while you're out exploring. But if you plan to relax during your vacation, it never hurts to bring them along. Those flights can be pretty lengthy too, so you might want to listen to some music to help pass the time.
12.) Two Cell Phone Chargers and a Travel Charger.
It's impossible to challenge a millennial to go without their phone for a day. If it dies...they die. Simple as that. Be sure to have your backup chargers in case one is ever lost or stolen. A travel charger can be used on the go as well.
13.) Hygiene Products.
You know the oral basics: toothbrush, floss, mouthwash, hand-drill...did I just say that? Moving on! You got your deodorant, razors, shaving cream, body spray, shampoo, conditioner, body wash...and to all the girl's who might have their monthly friend soon, plan accordingly.
14.) Combs, Hats, and Hair Styling Tools.
Men have it easy, don't they? Just one swipe of a comb and their hair stays perfect the entire day? Good thing they don't have to pack a curling/flat iron, bobby pins, hair ties, hairspray, and all the other tools to keep their hair from frizzing out. Humidity is lovely. If all else fails, a good sunhat will do the trick!
15.) Sunglasses.
Whether you need to block the radiation from your eye sockets or just want to look "cool by the pool," it may be common sense to pack them anyway.
16.) Neck Pillow.
One of my biggest regrets from my vacation was having to fly back without anything to rest my head on! I remember seeing all these people with neck pillows and silently grumbling to myself knowing I didn't have one. I could only tolerate my S/O's shoulder for so long, and I'm sure the feeling was mutual. Don't be like me and go treat yo-self to a neck pillow!
17.) Reading Book or Kindle.
If you're a passionate reader, then you can occupy yourself by bringing a book or a kindle with you to read on your way to and from your destination. Silly ol' me figured, 'I'm gonna bring some reading material on the plane so that I appear all book savvy and what not.' Wanna know what I actually did? I stared blankly out the window for four hours straight. I didn't even touch the books I brought...I guess reading ain't for everybody.
Now that your packing list is officially taken care of, it's time to flee the horrors of the Midwest and hit the tropics! Keep your eyes open for more of WiscoGirl'sTravelBlog down the road. I try to post as often as I can and I appreciate any and all feedback on the content provided for my viewers. I am also open to your fresh ideas! Is there something you want me to write about? Leave a comment below, or you can reach me at wiscogirlsvlogs@gmail.com. Feel free to follow my instagram @WiscoGirlsTravel as well.
Thanks for reading, my fellow Wisconsinites! ~ Netassia Nufer A.K.A WiscoGirl
Comentários