Vacation Planning

Planning vacations can be daunting and difficult. We have our vacation planned and the house reserved. A week at the beach where there are no distractions, no attractions except family, beach, relaxation and fun. We nap, eat, play games and enjoy each other’s company. The day starts off with a big breakfast and everyone can sleep as late as they want. Next up is packing lunch for the beach, the boys head off and set up “camp”. Camp includes tents, chairs, blankets, towels, games, any beach toys, coolers filled with drinks and even a battery powered fan in case one of the grandchildren wants to take a nap. We load up lunch and settle in for a long afternoon of relaxation and playing in the water.

After the beach, it is showers and naps, while I stick something in the oven for dinner. It could be a ham, lasagna or some other form of dinner. The menu is always easy and can feed a crowd. The evening meal is surrounded by plenty of games and laughter. Some evenings we walk the beach with my dogs. Our rental house always allows the dogs and we love to have them with us because they are part of the family and I hate, hate, hate boarding them. This way I am sure they are safe, because they are with me.

This vacation is my ideal vacation. I do like to see other places but when I want to relax, the beach and this type of vacation is the way to go.

So I have a packing list all ready from years of travelling to the beach, which I will post. I also have a pretty set menu that allows me to relax and not in the kitchen all week.

As you can tell, we look pretty relaxed. Oh yes and a large bathtub with two little ones helps!!

What is your ideal vacation?

Vacation List:

Toiletries For Everyone

• Soap

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Floss

• Lotion

• Aloe

• Deodorant

• Razors

• Brushes/combs

• Hair cream

• Safety Pins

• Glasses

• Make up bag

• Feminine products

• Nail clipper

• Vaseline

• Air freshener

Medicing

• Allergy

• First-Aid Kit – w/band aids, ointment, etc.

• Vitamins

• Motrin

• Benadryl

Beach Stuff

• Beach towels

• Umbrellas

• Canopy/tent

• Blankets

• Chairs

• Cooler with wheels

• Smaller portable cooler

• Beach Cart/portable wheels

• Beach toys (or buy cheap ones there)

• Goggles

• Floats

• Big beach bag

• Waterproof bag or plastic bag for wallet and cell phones

• Smaller beach bag or drawstring bag for kids to carry

• Plastic-ware

• Napkins

• Bottle opener

• Garbage bag/plastic bags

• Waterproof sunscreen

• More waterproof sunscreen

• Lip balm/protector

• Bug spray

• Hair brush

• Hats

• Sun glasses

• Hand sanitizer 

• Wipes

Entertainment & Technology

• Waterproof Camera

• Digital Camera

• Laptop

• iPad

• Portable speakers

• Cords & chargers

• Books

• Magazines

• Frisbee

• Basketball

• Nerf Football

• Tennis Bag

• Batteries

• Deck of cards

• Board games

• Card games – UNO, etc

• Note pads

• Pens & colored pencils

Rental House Needs

• Pillows

• Extra sheets for pullout couch

• Disinfecting cleaning wipes

• Paper towels

• Napkins

• Laundry detergent

• Dryer sheets

• Stain remover

• Flashlight

For The Car Ride

• Car chargers

• Snacks & drinks

• Garbage/plastic bag

• Portable items from Entertainment List

Menu

Sunday 

Breakfast - Doughnuts

Eggs

Toast

Lunch - Sandwiches

   Chips

Dinner - Lasagna

     Cesar Salad

Monday 

Breakfast - Egg McMuffins

Fruit

Lunch - Flour Tortilla Roll-ups

Dinner- Ham

              Baked Potatoes

              Corn

              Salad

Tuesday 

Breakfast - Pancakes

                    Bacon

Lunch - Greek Salad

              Pasta Salad

               Pizzas

Dinner - Tacos

Wednesday 

Breakfast- Sausage Burritos

Lunch - BLT

Dinner -  Seafood Boil

Thursday 

Breakfast - French Toast

Lunch - Subs

Dinner- Hamburgers and Hot dogs

               Baked Beans

               Salad

               French Fries

Friday 

Breakfast - Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagels

Lunch - Chicken Sandwiches

Dinner - Pizza

Saturday 

Breakfast - Leftovers

Lunch

Dinner