Packing Tips: Orlando, Florida Vacation Must Haves

Packing for an Orlando vacation has become routine in our household. As we travel to Central Florida on average twice a year, over time we have discovered several items that we simply can't do without on our trips. From this experience, I have compiled a list to add to your vacation packing guide to ensure the best vacation possible.

Crocs or similarly comfortable sandals. Sure, the Beach and Cayman styles are pretty ugly. Despite their awkward appearance, the clogs with holes have gained immense popularity lately and are a theme parkgoer's dream shoe. The antimicrobial waterproof shoes mold to the owner's foot and prevent blisters, chafing and perspiration. The comfort goes beyond most tennis shoes and keep feet and legs comfortable for hours. And the best part? Recently, Crocs have begun to come out in more attractive styles that compete in stylishness with many sandals. Check out www.crocs.com for the entire line.

Digital camera and video camera with chargers. Vacations are filled with priceless memories and bringing along cameras to capture still shots and action are a must. It may seem obvious, but making sure you pack not only the cameras, but plenty of memory, battery power and chargers will ensure every precious moment is kept forever.

Swimsuits, sunblock and coverups. Swimming pools are every where in the Sunshine State and Orlando is no exception. My husband and I traveled to Orlando on our honeymoon and had to spend most of an afternoon shopping for a suit after I discovered mine was not packed. The enticing smell of chlorine can be intoxicating on a hot day and not having a suit to wear to jump in to the cool blue depths is true frustration. Don't forget to pack yours...and in fact, pack two! Having an extra to wear while one is wet is even better. Keeping sunblock handy alongside a swimsuit coverup will complete your needs for the pool.

Two pair of sunglasses. The Florida sun is powerful and protecting your eyes is vital. The sun glaring off of the pavement and water is bright and a good ultraviolet pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes while keeping them comfortable. Bringing a spare set will ensure that if you have a loss or mishap with the original pair, you'll still have your shades handy.

Light jacket or sweatshirt. Lightweight clothing is an obvious choice for Florida's year round summer weather. What may be easy to overlook is a jacket or sweatshirt for the uber air conditioned restaurants and attractions. Stepping out of the heat and into the cold blast of air is initially refreshing, but soon becomes just cold. A lightweight cover can keep you comfortable until emerging back into the humidity of the outside.

Printed copies of reservations, itinerary, flights, rental cars, and hotel reservations. Always print out every bit of paperwork you have. Keeping your confirmation numbers can keep you sane when hotel, restaurant or travel personnel seem to have lost your information in their system. Get a large manila envelope to keep everything in and carry it with you in your carry on luggage. You'll be glad to have it all!

All presciption and over the counter medications. Try to refill every one of your prescriptions before you leave and make sure you have a first aid kit that includes all over the counter medications you may need. In our house, we make sure we have benadryl, excedrin, adult and children's tylenol, eye drops, children's cold medicine, antibacterial cream, and band aids. Most times we have more than we needs, but if the needs for any of these items arises, we are more than grateful to have them handy.

I keep our packing list in an excel spreadsheet and it changes very little from trip to trip. Remembering the basic clothing and health and beauty items is essential, but the list in this article really pinpoints some of the most important items to remember on an Orlando trip. Keep in mind your personal needs, your vacation plans, and your family's comfort and you'll have everything you need for a fantastic vacation. And outside of your personal medications and paperwork? If you forget something, SuperTarget is only a cab ride away!