How To Pack For Different Types of Day Trips!

Summer is here and it’s time to get outside! See what to pack for different types of day trips so you can have the most fun on your adventures.

Summertime and well… the rest of the year, I am looking to make the most of my time and get to exploring my sourrings. This means that different types of day trips are the perfect time and economical way to scratch my travel itch. When it comes to budget make sure to consider transportation costs, admission fees to attractions, meals, and any other expenses you may incur.

What’s a day trip you ask? It is a short excursion or outing that takes place within a single day, allowing you to explore a nearby destination without needing overnight accommodation. Day trips allow you to break the routine, discover new places, and enjoy various activities.

Day trips are typically no more than 3 hours of a drive to the destination. That way you still have plenty of time to have fun and drive back the same day. Determine how you will get to your destination. Depending on the distance, you might drive your car, take a train or bus, or even consider organized day tours that provide transportation. Check out Viator to see what day trip tours they have in your local city!

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What To Bring To The Beach

Going to the beach is what I would consider one of the perfect day trips. In the summertime when travel plans are low, the beach is a great escape. The views of open water instantly calm your soul and wash a sense of relaxation over you.

While sand castle building, swimming against the waves, and beach volleyball gives you a way to release stress and tension from everyday life. These are some things you don’t want to forget to bring with you on your day trip to the beach.

Reef safe sunscreen
Sand toys
Beach chairs
Beach Blanket
Ice chest w drinks
Basket of Snacks
Goggles
Shade umbrella
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Bag
Speaker
Book

What To Bring To The Pool

Heading to the pool for the day is a great day trip option to cool off from the heat and make a splash. You can hang out with family and friends and add in a picnic to the trip. When I was growing up the Ice Cream Man was always parked outside of public pools. So don’t forget to bring some spare cash.

Pool trips are also something that can be done locally so you don’t need to travel far. However, since you are usually limited to a small space bringing certain things like pool toys can bring more fun to your day pool party.

Sunscreen
Pool towels
Pool toys
Goggles
Basket of Snacks
Ice chest w drinks
Cash and card
Book
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Bag
Coverup
Flip Flops

What To Bring On A Hike

Hiking is a great day trip activity because not only is it fun but a nice way to get the body moving and break a sweat. You also get lost in nature, experience wildlife and see new views you may have not seen before. There are some items you need to bring with you for your safety and healthy well-being. Like the 1st 3 items on this list!

There are also hiking groups which are awesome for meeting new people or you can make your own with family and friends. Going on hiking trips with my husband is one nice way we bond together. Hiking is an activity where your phones are down and you have to pay attention to where you’re going. This gives you the opportunity to communicate beyond what you would normally talk about at home or in everyday life.

Water bottle
Snacks
First aid kit
Light jacket
Bandana
Lunch
Backpack
Hiking poles
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Toilet paper
Hand Sanitizer

What To Bring On A Road Trip

Growing up, road trips were my favorite. Loading everyone and everything up in the car, stopping for snacks, and playing road trip games. The license plate game or eye spy gave me the time of my life with my family.

Since you’re in close quarters for a longer period of time you want to make sure you bring items that will let you enjoy the time and bond with your road trip buddies. One thing we love doing now as adults are downloading podcasts and listening to conspiracy or true crime stories. Then giving our thoughts on them and trying to figure out who the murderer was! Here are some items you’ll want to take with you.

GPS
Ice chest w drinks
Basket of Snacks
Music, podcast
Hand Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Trash bags
Toilet paper
Chargers
Cash and cards

What To Bring To The Lake/ River

Living in south Texas, our area is filled with rivers and I have fond memories of us going there as a kid. One thing I remember was how I did not like the feeling of the algae touching my feet! But now I simply wear water shoes and I can avoid that.

If you have never floated on tubes and sat back and relaxed as the water took you away you are missing out. In Texas, we call it tubing but I heard other parts of the country have different names. Let me know what you call it in the comments. Below is a list of items you may want to bring with you to a lake or river.

Reef safe sunscreen
Water shoes
Tube
Chairs
Ice chest w drinks
Basket of Snacks
Goggles
Shade umbrella
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Bag
Speaker
Book

What To Bring To A Theme Park

San Antonio is lucky enough to have 2 theme parks. Sea World and Six Flags, in fact, one year in high school I went to Six Flags almost every weekend with my season pass! I joined whatever family and friends that were going. I knew that place like the back of my hand.

Unfortunately, theme parks don’t usually let you bring in outside food or drinks, so you’ll have to spend some money there if you plan on staying all day. However, there are other items I would recommend not leaving the house without!

Backpack
Sunglass
Hat
Hand Sanitizer
Portable Charger
Sunscreen
Cash and Cards
Refillable Water Bottle (empty)
Portable Fan
Swimsuit (if they have a waterpark)

Read These Packing Posts For More!

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My Simple Luggage Organization System!

Camping Travel Essentials.

DIY 1st Aid Kit For Travel and Vacations.

Now You Know How To Pack For Different Types of Day Trips!

Remember, different types of day trips are to enjoy a brief getaway, experience something new, and create lasting memories. By planning ahead you can have a well-organized and enjoyable day trip.

I hope this helps you figure out what to pack for different types of day trips. Am I missing anything or didn’t cover a type of trip? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy exploring!