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I am fortunate to have been on more than a few BEACH VACATIONS, and over the years I have learned the connection between smart packing and a fun vacation. Nothing is worse than having to head to a Target or drugstore as soon as you land at your island destination, because you did a poor job packing and forgot something critical. At the bottom of the article I have included a sample list of what I might pack for a beach vacation. First though, here are some things to consider when making your packing list.

~ PACK FOR THE LENGTH OF YOUR TRIP: Before you even start packing, take note of the number of days you will be traveling. In general, the number of nights you will be gone is the number of pairs of underwear you need to bring.

~ CONSIDER YOUR DESTINATION: If you are going to be backpacking, or will frequently be carrying all of your luggage with you, you will need to pack lightly. If you are staying at a resort, you can be a bit more liberal.

~ MAKE A LIST: I have gone on a few vacations where I just threw a bunch of clothing into a suitcase and headed to the airport. If I do this, I inevitably forget something important. One time I left my makeup bag at home, another time I only brought one pair of shorts, and I've had to go buy a toothbrush a few times too. If you make a list, you'll be more organized.

~ CHECK THE WEATHER: Before you start putting bathing suits and shorts in your suitcase, check the 10-Day forecast for your destination on weather.com. If you decide you need more sweatshirts than tank-tops, modify your list.

~ PACK A DAY EARLY: The less rushed you are when packing, the less likely you will be to forget something important. Open your medicine cabinet and see if there is anything in there that you need. Don't forget the sun screen, either. It will be much cheaper if you buy it at a drugstore than at one of those huts in the sand.

~ BRING A FEW BATHING SUITS: I always bring at least three bathing suits when I go on a vacation, and I make sure they are different cuts, so I don't end with one prominent tan line. If you are staying in a vacation rental, bring your own towels. Resort hotels typically provide towels.

Here is a sample list of what I might pack for a week-long beach vacation:

~ 3 bikini bathing suits
~ 4 tank tops
~ 2 tee-shirts
~ 1 sundress
~1 dressy blouse
~ 3 pairs of shorts
~ 1 pair of jeans
~ 1 sweater or jacket
~ flip-flops and dressier heels
~ underwear
~ contact lens solution, contact case, extra pair of contacts
~ shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor
~ make-up bag
~ hair brush and blow dryer
~ lotion and sun block
~ camera
~ sunglasses
~ snorkel, mask and fins
~ ipod
~ A good book

Learn more about this author, Caroline Atkins.
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