Vacationing is FUN! Packing for your vacation… not so much. If you have chosen one of our fantastic vacation rentals and are preparing to pack your bags, keep reading. We’ve compiled the ultimate Ocean Isle Beach packing list to ensure a stress-free vacation packing experience! No one wants to start their vacation stressed out because they forgot to pack something, so come along with us as we pack our bags for the best beach vacation ever.
GET ORGANIZED
A few days before you get your suitcase out, we suggest starting a list of things you know you’ll want to bring on vacation. You’ll probably be surprised at how the list grows over those few days with little things you’ve forgotten here and there. This helps keep everything that needs to be packed in one easy-to-find place, and you can check off items as you pack to ensure nothing is left at home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED WITH A WILLIAMSON REALTY VACATION RENTAL?
When you book one of our fantastic vacation rentals, you can expect a few differences from staying at a traditional hotel. First, you’ll need to bring linens for all the beds you plan to use, or you can rent them from a local linen service company.
All our vacation homes are well-appointed and maintained. Because of this, our kitchens offer a host of amenities. Almost all of them have the basics, like a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. Additionally, there are plenty of pots and pans, bowls, and utensils. Many homes will have a variety of other dishes and utensils to make your stay comfortable. However, if there is something from your kitchen you can’t live without, bring it along.
Here is our suggested Ocean Isle Beach packing list to help make your packing experience as easy as possible.
BEACH VACATION PACKING LIST
CLOTHING
We suggest bringing the following for each family member:
- One leisure outfit per day
- One evening/dinner outfit per day or planned outing
- Two to three pairs of pajamas
- Two to three bathing suits and a cover-up if desired
- Shoes to match your outfits, as well as flip-flops and shower shoes if desired
- Daily socks and undergarments, plus a few extra pairs
- An extra outfit or two in case you change your mind, spill something, get rained on, etc
- Hats, both for any casual outfits and the beach
- A lightweight jacket or sweater
LINENS
- As mentioned above, you’ll need appropriate-sized linens for each bed that you’ll use if you’re not renting from a local service
- A few cozy blankets
- Towels. We recommend three to four towels per person for a weeklong stay and don’t forget the beach towels
- Washcloths, one for each day or intended shower
- A few face towels, hand towels, and kitchen towels
TOILETRIES
- Soap, shampoo, and hair products
- Hair dryer, curling iron, straightener, hairbrush, hair ties, etc
- Contact lenses and solution, if applicable
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Sunscreen and chapstick
- Lotion and baby powder
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss
- Nail clippers and tweezers
- Baby wipes
ESSENTIALS
- Medications
- Glasses and cases
- First Aid kit
- Purse or wallet
- Phone and charger
FOR THE BEACH
- Cooler
- Beach bag
- Beach toys
- Umbrella or tent
- Beach chairs
- Plastic snack baggies for beach snacking
FOR YOUR RENTAL
- Board games, cards, and DVD’s
- Pillows
- Paper products like cleaning wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, paper plates, plastic utensils, and plastic cups (if you don’t want to worry about dishes)
- Most of our vacation rentals have washing machines and dryers, so you may want to bring laundry detergent. Washing all your dirty clothes on the last day of your vacation makes returning home and unpacking so much easier. You may also want to wash a load or two of towels during your stay.
BABY/TODDLER ESSENTIALS
If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, you’ll want to remember to bring along their essentials. With babies and toddlers, we suggest packing more than you think you’ll need.
- Diapers, wipes, creams
- Sleeping and nap arrangements like a portable crib, pack-and-play, etc.
- High chair or booster seat
- Stroller
- Their favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and a few toys. If they are used to books at bedtime, pack a few of their favorite books.
- Any humidifiers or night lights they may be used to
- Burp cloths and bibs
- Eating and drinking essentials like bottles, sippy cups, and utensils
Click here for a few of our favorite kid-friendly beach activities.
SPACE SAVING TIPS
When packing for a big trip, every inch of space you can save is prized real estate! We recommend using packing cubes and grouping like things together. Packing cubes compress your clothing to save space and, if folded correctly, also help prevent wrinkles.
If you don’t want to use packing cubes, try rolling your clothes into tight little rolls instead of folding them. This can also help save space and prevent wrinkles. As far as toiletries go, if you can get by with travel-sized containers, be sure to use those instead of lugging your regular-sized shampoos and products. Your beach vacation packing list will be well worth it once your suitcases are closed and loaded in the car.
Stay with Williamson Realty Vacations
We hope our Ocean Isle Beach packing list helps you get packed up and on your way to vacation in no time! Of course, if you forget something, there are plenty of local shops, drug stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores where you can grab what you need and return to the fun. Now that you know where to stay and what to pack, there’s only one thing left to do… say YES to a fantastic vacation!
