Maui can be expensive, but travelers can save money by staying in condos, booking activities early, renting a car, and mixing restaurants with food trucks.

Is Maui expensive compared to other Hawaii islands?

Maui is often one of the more expensive Hawaii islands for lodging and rental cars, especially during peak travel seasons. That said, you can still control costs with the right area to stay, mixing free activities with a few paid experiences, and planning meals strategically.

What is the biggest expense on a Maui vacation?

For most travelers, the biggest expense is usually lodging, followed by flights and a rental car. Food and activities can add up quickly too, but they’re easier to adjust based on your priorities.

How much should you budget per day in Maui?

A realistic daily budget depends on your hotel and dining choices. A mid-range trip often lands in a wide range per day once you include lodging, car, food, and activities. In this post, we calculate our average cost per day based on what we actually spent.

Can you do Maui cheaper than this trip?

Yes. The easiest ways to reduce costs are choosing a more affordable area or time of year, booking lodging with a kitchen or breakfast included, doing more free beach and hike days, and keeping paid excursions to one or two highlights.

When is Maui the cheapest to visit?

Maui is often cheaper during shoulder seasons when demand drops and deals are more common. Prices can spike around holidays and peak travel periods, so flexibility with dates can make a big difference.

Is Maui worth it if you are trying to keep costs reasonable?

It can be. Maui is not the cheapest destination, but you can absolutely plan a trip that feels special without going full luxury by prioritizing free nature experiences, picking one or two paid “splurge” activities, and being intentional about where you stay and eat.

This blog uses affiliate links. If you’d like to purchase a recommended product, please use the link to support this blog. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, it simply allows me to continue creating these posts. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Kat Cregg 1/2/26 Kat Cregg 1/2/26

The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026): Where to Stay, Eat, & Explore

Planning a trip to Maui? This Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and the best time to visit, to top things to do, restaurants, and real insider tips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a honeymoon or babymoon, or visiting Maui for the first time, this guide breaks down Kāʻanapali vs. Wailea, must-see attractions, itineraries, and planning advice to help you create the perfect Maui vacation.Planning a trip to Maui? This Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and the best time to visit, to top things to do, restaurants, and real insider tips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a honeymoon or babymoon, or visiting Maui for the first time, this guide breaks down Kāʻanapali vs. Wailea, must-see attractions, itineraries, and planning advice to help you create the perfect Maui vacation.

The Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026 Edition)

Planning a trip to Maui and wondering where to stay, what to do, and the best time to visit? After more than a decade of traveling to Maui—and publishing over 20 in-depth Maui travel guides—this is our most complete and up-to-date resource yet.

This Ultimate Maui Travel Guide (2026) covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip, whether you’re visiting Maui for the first time, traveling with kids or toddlers, planning a honeymoon or babymoon, or returning to explore more of the island. From choosing between Kāʻanapali vs. Wailea, to the best hotels in Maui, top things to do, where to eat, and real travel tips you won’t find in brochures, we break it all down in one place.

We’ve stayed all over the island, explored Maui in every season, eaten at dozens of restaurants, road-tripped the Road to Hana, snorkeled with Green Hawaiian Sea Turtle, and experienced Maui both with and without kids—so everything here is based on real trips, not sponsored recommendations.

Inside this guide, you’ll find:

The best time to visit Maui (and when to avoid crowds)
Where to stay in Maui for families, luxury travelers, and first-timers
Our top things to do in Maui, from beaches to waterfalls
A 4-day Maui itinerary you can actually follow
What to pack, how much a trip really costs, and reservations you need in advance

Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a full island adventure, this guide is designed to help you plan smarter, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of your time in Maui.

This Maui Guide Is Perfect For:
✔ First-time visitors
✔ Families with toddlers & kids
✔ Honeymoons & babymoons
✔ Travelers planning 4–10 day trips
✔ Visitors looking for 2026 updates

Jump to a Section

Best Time to Visit Maui
Where to Stay: Kaanapali vs Wailea
Top Things to Do in Maui
What to Pack for Maui
Best Restaurants in Maui
Best Ice Cream in Maui
4-Day Maui Itinerary
Maui With Kids
First-Time Maui Tips
Maui Travel FAQs

None of these recommendations are sponsored. Every hotel, restaurant, and activity is included purely because we love it—and because we believe in supporting local Maui businesses.

  Quick Facts: Maui
  Best Time to Visit: October–Early December
Best Area to Stay: Kaanapali (Families), Wailea (Luxury)
Ideal Trip Length: 7–10 days
Do You Need a Car?: Yes
Good for Kids?: Very

Best Time to Visit Maui

We got married in October and after trying a few other months, we think this is the best time of year! The weather isn’t as hot as the summer months but you still get plenty of sunshine, and if you book early, prices are cheaper than the high season of Spring/Summer. It’s also the beginning of whale season!

See what else makes October in Maui the best season to visit!

Quick Seasonal Summary

Here is a breakdown of each month:

January–March (Whale season)
April–May (Shoulder season sweet spot)
June–August (Peak summer travel)
September–October (Best value months)
November–December (Holiday crowds)

When to Visit Maui

Maui is a year-round destination thanks to its warm temperatures and consistent sunshine, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for — fewer crowds, better prices, whale sightings, or perfect beach weather. Understanding Maui’s seasons can help you plan a trip that matches your travel style and budget.

January–March: Whale Season & Winter Escape

Winter is one of the most popular times to visit Maui, especially for travelers escaping cold weather. From January through March, humpback whales migrate to the waters around Maui, making this the best time of year for whale watching.

What to expect:

Peak whale season
Slightly cooler temperatures (still warm by mainland standards)
Larger winter swells on the north and west shores
Higher prices and more crowds, especially in February

This is a great time for whale tours, scenic drives, and enjoying resort amenities, though some beaches may be less calm for swimming.

April–May: Shoulder Season Sweetie Spot

Spring is one of the best overall times to visit Maui. The weather remains excellent, crowds thin out after spring break, and prices begin to drop.

Why this is a favorite:

Warm, sunny days
Fewer crowds than winter
Lower hotel rates compared to peak season
Calm ocean conditions for snorkeling

April and May are ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced experience without the peak-season rush.

June–August: Summer Travel & Family Season

Summer brings warmer temperatures and consistent sunshine, making it a popular time for families and school vacation travel.

Summer highlights:

Excellent beach weather
Calmer ocean conditions overall
Great snorkeling and water visibility
Busy resorts and higher demand

While crowds are higher, Maui handles summer tourism well thanks to its spread-out beaches and resorts.

September–October: Best Value Months

Early fall is often considered the best time to visit Maui for deals. After summer travel slows and before the holiday rush begins, prices drop and crowds are lighter.

Why fall is underrated (and our favorite!):

Lower airfare and hotel prices
Warm ocean temperatures
Fewer visitors at major attractions
Great conditions for beach days

September and October are especially appealing for travelers who want a relaxed, less crowded experience.

November–December: Holiday Travel & Seasonal Transition

Late fall brings a mix of quieter travel early in November and busy holiday periods in late December.

What to know:

Early November can be calm and affordable
Thanksgiving and Christmas are peak travel times
Weather remains warm, though slightly more variable
Holiday pricing applies in late December

If you’re visiting during the holidays, booking accommodations early is essential.

No matter when you visit, Maui offers beautiful scenery, warm weather, and unforgettable experiences year-round — it’s just a matter of choosing the timing that fits your travel priorities.

Where to Stay in Maui: Best Resorts and Areas

Choosing the right area is the most important part of planning your Hawaii vacation. Having stayed all over the island, we’ve narrowed it down to the two most popular regions.

  Kaanapali vs Wailea: Where to Stay in Maui

        Kaanapali
        Wailea
      
        Vibe
        Lively, walkable, family-friendly
        Upscale, quiet, romantic
      
        Budget
        $ – $$$
        $$$ – $$$$
      
        Best For
        First-timers & families with kids
        Honeymoons & luxury travelers

	Kaanapali	Wailea
Vibe	Lively, walkable, family-friendly	Upscale, quiet, romantic
Budget	$ – $$$	$$$ – $$$$
Best For	First-timers & families with kids	Honeymoons & luxury travelers

Grand Wailea Mermaid Fountain in Maui, Hawaii — Grand Wailea Mermaid Fountain

Best Locations to Stay in Maui

Choosing where to stay in Maui can completely change your experience. Each area of the island has a different vibe, climate, and pace — and the “best” choice depends on whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or for relaxation.

Kaanapali

Kaanapali offers a lively resort area with a long beachfront walkway, shopping, and restaurants all within walking distance. This is our preferred area to stay!**

Best for:

- Walkability

- Larger resorts

- Group trips and families

Wailea

Wailea is known for luxury resorts, calm beaches, and beautifully manicured grounds. It’s ideal for families, honeymooners, and travelers who want easy beach access without sacrificing comfort.

Best for:

- Families

- Couples

- First-time visitors

Lahaina

Lahaina has more local charm and historic appeal, with a mix of condos, boutique hotels, and oceanfront dining. There aren’t as many options to stay here after the fire in 2023.

Best for:

- Condos

- Budget-friendly stays

- Central access

Kihei

Kihei is one of the most affordable places to stay and offers sunny weather and easy access to beaches.

Best for:

- Budget travelers

- Condo stays

- Long-term visits

Hana

Hana is remote, quiet, and lush — perfect for travelers who want to disconnect. SIGN ME UP!

Best for:

- Adventure seekers

- Romantic stays

- Slower travel

Kaanapali vs. Wailea: Which is better?

Kaanapali: Best for families, first-timers, and those who want a walkable "resort" feel. It is generally more budget-friendly.
Wailea: Best for honeymoons, luxury travelers, and a quieter, more exclusive atmosphere.
Guide to Kaanapali
Kāʻanapali Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Maui, known for its soft golden sand, calm clear water, and unbeatable resort location.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, or visiting Maui for the first time, Kāʻanapali offers the perfect mix of relaxation, walkability, and activities—all with stunning ocean views. Read our full Kaanapali Guide for more!
Important note about the 2023 Lahaina fires: While the Lahaina wildfires in August 2023 were devastating for the historic town of Lahaina, the Kāʻanapali resort area was not directly impacted. Most hotels, beaches, and resorts in Kāʻanapali remained intact and operational, and the area continues to welcome visitors. Travelers staying in Kāʻanapali can expect a normal resort experience, while also being mindful and respectful of the ongoing recovery efforts in West Maui.
Guide to Wailea
Exploring Wailea is a vibrant mix of adventure and relaxation, with some of our favorite activities including shopping, snorkeling, and hiking.
The boutique-lined streets offer a perfect blend of high-end brands and charming local shops, ideal for leisurely browsing and finding unique treasures.
When it’s time to dive into nature, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters reveals an underwater paradise teeming with colorful reef fish and graceful sea turtles. For those craving a bit of sweat and stunning vistas, the nearby hiking trails wind through lush landscapes and volcanic formations, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and beyond.
Whether you’re eager to indulge in retail therapy, embrace marine wonders, or chase panoramic panoramas, Wailea effortlessly serves up unforgettable experiences. Read our full Wailea guide here. Wailea effortlessly serves up unforgettable experiences.

Our Top Recommended Maui Hotels

Honua Kai Resort & Spa: Our absolute favorite for stays of a week or more. Since these are condo-style suites with full kitchens, it’s the best place to stay in Maui for families. Read our full Honua Kai Review.
Sheraton Maui Resort: Located right on Black Rock, this is a snorkeler’s paradise. We highly recommend booking a room overlooking the bluff for the best sunset views on the island. See our Sheraton Maui Review.
Grand Wailea: If you are looking for the ultimate luxury experience in South Maui, this is it. The pools are legendary. Check out the Grand Wailea experience.

Pro Tip: Looking for more options? Check out our complete list of the Best Hotels in Maui.

Honua Kai 3-Bedroom Condo — Honua Kai 3-bedroom Condo

Favorite Top 10 Things to Do in Maui

There’s more to Maui than the beaches and pools! Get out and explore the beautiful island! Our top 10:

Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a 64-mile stretch that runs around the northeast side of the island with rainforests, beaches, stunning coastal views, and waterfalls galore! It’s very different (and adventurous) than the rest of the island! Top Stops on the Road to Hana:
- Lava Tubes
- Twin Falls Waterfall
- Black Sand Beach also known as Waiʻānapanapa State Park (you must have a reservation)
- Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest) → Waimoku Falls
- Coconut Glen’s Ice Cream - obviously we got ice cream!
  See more stops and photos and a handy map in our Road to Hana post or our Road to Hana Guide.
🤿 Snorkeling Adventures
We love finding Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles! See our favorite spots including Black Rock, to find our shell friends as well as amazing tropical fish!
Scuba Dive
We are scuba certified and LOVE seeing everything Maui has to offer under the sea! There are so many cool spots like a cave called the Cathedral that even has what looks like an alter and stain glass window! See more Scuba Adventures to be had!
Pro-tip: Get out and snorkel Black Rock during the day and see what lies beneath at night with a guided night scuba dive!
Hiking Trails
There are some amazing hikes in Maui with stunning views for all levels of hikers. I’m more of an occasional hiker so if I can do these, you can do it too! See our favorite Maui Hiking Trail list, including the Kapalua Coastal Walking Trail or Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest) that ends at Waimouku Falls (waterfall)!

All this and more on our full Top 10 Things to do in Maui list.

What to Pack for Maui

Just a swimsuit! Kidding! We used to travel to Maui for a few days with a carryon and snorkel gear before kids. It’s a little different now that we bring 10 pieces of luggage/carryons/diaper bags but I still pack the same things for me!

Packing for Maui is refreshingly simple thanks to the island’s warm weather and relaxed vibe, but a few smart additions can make your trip far more comfortable. Between beach days, scenic drives, and cooler evenings at higher elevations, having the right essentials ensures you’re prepared without overpacking.

Clothing & Footwear

Maui’s dress code is casual, breathable, and beach-friendly. Think dresses with pockets!

Bring lightweight clothing you can easily mix and match, including shorts, tanks, sundresses, and swimsuits. It’s a good idea to pack more than one swimsuit so you always have a dry option. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring towns, short hikes, and sightseeing, while sandals or flip-flops are perfect for beach days.

Even though Maui is warm year-round, a light jacket or sweater is helpful for evenings, ocean breezes, or trips to higher elevations like Haleakalā.

Beach & Sun Protection Essentials

The Hawaiian sun is strong, so sun protection is one of the most important things to pack.

Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Hawaii and should be applied generously throughout the day. A wide-brim hat and UV-protective sunglasses provide extra protection, while a reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated during long beach days or sightseeing.

If you plan to explore rocky beaches or snorkel directly from shore, water shoes can be very helpful.

Day Trips & Adventure Gear

Many Maui activities involve being out all day, so having a few practical items on hand makes exploring easier.

A small backpack or beach tote (my fave) is ideal for carrying sunscreen, water, snacks, and electronics. A portable phone charger is especially useful on longer drives like the Road to Hana. Motion sickness remedies are also worth packing if winding roads affect you.

For those planning outdoor adventures, a camera or action camera is a great way to capture Maui’s scenery, waterfalls, and underwater views.

Packing for Families & Kids

Traveling to Maui with kids means packing with sun protection and comfort in mind.

Rash guards or swim shirts help reduce sun exposure, and water shoes protect little feet on rocky beaches. Snacks, refillable containers, and favorite comfort items can make long days and travel transitions easier.

Many accommodations provide baby gear, but it’s always best to confirm ahead of time if you’re relying on items like cribs or high chairs.

Good news: there is a Target and Costco right by the airport if you forget anything!

Toiletries & Practical Items

Most hotels and vacation rentals provide basic toiletries, but it’s helpful to bring travel-size essentials you prefer. After-sun care like aloe vera can be a lifesaver after long days outdoors, and a small first-aid kit is useful for minor scrapes or blisters.

Bug spray is optional but recommended if you plan to visit lush or rainy areas. I always bring it because I often get bites no matter where I go!

What You Can Skip

To save luggage space, you can leave heavy jackets, formal clothing, and bulky beach gear at home. Maui is casual, and most items can be rented or purchased locally if needed.

Want a Full, Printable Packing List?

Don’t miss my favorite outfits for Hawaii as well as my FULL list of must haves- a detailed, printable checklist that covers every category — including electronics, toiletries, and family-specific items!

Maui Brew Co in Kaanapali with Beach views — New Kaanapali Beach Location for Maui Brewing Company

Best Restaurants in Maui: Where to Eat

After a decade of visits, we’ve narrowed down the absolute best places to eat in Maui. From high-end dining to the best food trucks, these are our non-negotiable stops.

1. Monkeypod Kitchen (Kaanapali & Wailea)

Famous for its Lilikoi Foam Mai Tai, Monkeypod is a must-visit. It’s vibrant, family-friendly, and has a great happy hour. Read our Monkeypod Kitchen Review.

2. Merriman’s Maui (Kapalua)

For the best fine dining in Maui with a view, Merriman’s is unbeatable. It’s located right on the point in Kapalua and offers a true "farm-to-table" experience. It’s also our pick for the best Mai Tai on the island.

3. Star Noodle (Lahaina)

While it has moved locations over the years and after the Lahaina fires in 2023, Star Noodle is back home to Lahaina and remains a staple for Asian-fusion fans. Be sure to book your reservations weeks in advance—this is one of the hardest tables to get! See what to order at Star Noodle.

4. Local Favorites & Quick Bites

Aloha Braised Food Truck: For an authentic, local taste of the islands.
Burger Shack at the Ritz: The best casual lunch spot with a view of DT Fleming Beach. Don’t forget to save room for a milkshake!
Island Cream Co: You cannot leave Maui without trying their chocolate macadamia nut ice cream!

Hungry for more? See our Full Guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Maui.

Best Ice Cream in Maui

We’ve enjoyed a whole lot of delicious ice cream and refreshing shave ice during our time in Maui! Over the course of our trip, we’ve discovered a few favorite spots that we find ourselves returning to again and again:

Island Cream Co - chocolate macadamia nut ice cream is a must!
Maui Gelato - options of gelato, Roselani ice cream, affogato, floats, shakes, mochi ice cream, shave ice, and waffles, you won’t be disappointed.
Burger Shack Shakes - Not only do they have amazing burgers, but fantastic milkshakes (and some boozy shake options too!). The view of the beach at Kapalua doesn’t hurt either!
Hula Pie at Duke’s Beach House Maui - A giant slice of Macadamia Nut ice cream pie and chocolate drizzled on top! Do you need more of an explanation?

Hula Pie at Duke’s Beach House in Maui, Hawaii — Hula Pie at Duke’s Beach House

Mai tai at Merriman's Restaurant in Kapalua, Hawaii — Mai Tai at Merriman’s Restaurant

Best Mai Tai In Maui

Merriman’s makes the absolute best Mai Tais in all of Maui! But being the dedicated taste tester that I am, I’ve also tried Mai Tais from several other spots across the island, just to be sure there isn’t an even better one hiding somewhere. See where to get all the Best Mai Tai’s in Maui.

Our Favorite 4 Day Maui Itinerary

How do you plan your days in Maui? It’s definitely not easy, but hey, someone’s got to take on the challenge! When traveling with toddlers, we tend to go with the flow and follow the mood of the day, since little ones can be unpredictable. However, back when it was just us adults, we’d carefully map out what we wanted to see and do ahead of time because some popular spots require permits or reservations well in advance. Don’t get me wrong, we still do some planning with the kids, but these days it’s mostly about balancing a bit of adventure with plenty of relaxing pool and beach time to keep everyone happy!

See our full 4-day Itinerary post.

How Many Days Do You Need in Maui?

You need at least 4 days in Maui! We’ve done extended weekend trips (Thursday to Sunday) and we’ve also stayed in Maui for a month (live like a local!), either way I was still crying all the way to the airport on our last day.

Here is a simple breakdown of how many days you need in Maui and what you should do:

3–4 days: Beaches + resort time only
5–6 days: Add Road to Hana or Haleakala
7–10 days: Ideal for first-timers
10+ days: Slow travel + repeat favorites

7-10 days is typically the best amount of time in Maui to get the most out of adventures and relaxation!

Iao Valley Needle Hike in Maui, Hawaii — Iao Needle Hike in Maui

How Much Does a Trip to Maui Cost?

Is Maui expensive? It doesn’t have to be! Here’s a real breakdown of how much our Maui trip cost, including flights, hotel, rental car, food, and activities.

See what a mid-range Maui vacation actually costs and plan with confidence.

Babymoon in Maui

I’ve been pregnant twice in Maui and still managed to have an absolutely wonderful time! Even though I was super cautious during my pregnancies and preferred to spend a lot of time just relaxing and taking it easy, there were still so many amazing activities and beautiful spots to explore around the island.

Maui truly offers a great balance for anyone looking to enjoy themselves gently while soaking up the stunning scenery and island vibes! See more in our Babymoon in Maui post.

Honeymoon and Romantic Things to do

For a truly romantic getaway, start your evenings with candlelit dinners at seaside restaurants where the ocean breeze pairs perfectly with gourmet cuisine.

Follow that with a sunset cruise, drifting gently on the water as the sky bursts into a palette of pinks and purples—a picture-perfect moment made for two.

After soaking in the sunset, indulge in a couple’s massage to melt away any lingering stress, leaving you both feeling blissfully connected and relaxed.

And for a splash of adventure, snorkeling hand-in-hand among vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish lets you explore a dreamy underwater world together, making memories as deep as the ocean itself.

Find more love on Maui.

Toddler walking on boardwalk towards ocean in Maui, Hawaii — Maui with kids

Maui with Kids

Traveling to Maui with kids is absolutely worth it—and we say that after visiting the island with babies, toddlers, and young kids.

Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to do as a family, with calm beaches, stroller-friendly resort areas, kid-loving restaurants, and plenty of low-stress activities.

From choosing the best area to stay to planning nap-friendly days and finding beaches that feel more like shallow pools, our complete Maui With Kids guide breaks down everything you need to know to plan a smooth, memory-filled family trip.

🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids (That Don’t Melt in Hawaii)

The best snacks for kids in Hawaii are no-melt, mess-free, and easy to pack. Top options include:

Gummies – Lightweight, individually wrapped, and won’t melt in the heat.
Fruit snacks – Easy to portion and perfect for quick snack breaks.
Pouches – Shelf-stable, refreshing, and ideal for on-the-go eating.

These snacks hold up well during beach days, road trips, and sightseeing in warm Hawaiian weather.

Jeeps are the best Rental Cars in Maui, Hawaii

First-Time Maui Tips and FAQs

Do you need a rental car?
- ABSOLUTELY! It is very hard to get around the island without one.
Is Maui expensive?
- Yes, but there are many things you can do to cut some costs.
How many days is enough?
- 4 days at least! I always cry on the way to the airport no matter how long we stay.
What not to skip on your first visit?
- SNORKELING is a must! Find a turtle!
What part of Maui is best to stay?
Wailea and Kaanapali are the most popular for first-time visitors.

Kula Country Farms in Maui, Hawaii — Kula Country Farms - Maui, Hawaii

Reservations You Need in Advance for Maui

Road to Hana park reservations
Haleakalā sunrise permits
Popular restaurants
Snorkel tours

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Maui worth visiting in 2026?

Yes, Maui is absolutely worth visiting in 2026. Maui offers world-class beaches, incredible snorkeling, lush rainforests, luxury resorts, and unforgettable scenery. The island has reopened many beloved restaurants and attractions, making it a wonderful time to visit.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Maui?

The best time to visit Maui is October through early December. You’ll enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, better hotel prices, and the beginning of whale season—without the peak-season crowds of summer and spring.

3. How many days do you need in Maui?

A minimum of 4–5 days is recommended to experience Maui, but 7–10 days is ideal. This allows time for the Road to Hana, snorkeling, beach days, and relaxation without feeling rushed.

4. Where should you stay in Maui for the first time?

First-time visitors should stay in Kaanapali or Wailea.

Kaanapali is best for families, walkability, and value.
Wailea is ideal for luxury, romance, and quieter resorts.

5. Is Maui good for families with kids?

Yes, Maui is extremely family-friendly. Many resorts offer kids’ clubs, calm beaches are perfect for swimming, and activities like snorkeling, whale watching, and easy coastal walks are great for all ages.

6. Is Maui expensive?

Maui can be expensive, but it’s possible to plan a trip on a moderate budget. Staying in condo-style resorts, booking activities early, renting a car, and mixing restaurants with food trucks can significantly reduce costs.

7. Do you need a rental car in Maui?

Yes, renting a car is highly recommended in Maui. Public transportation is limited, and many of the island’s top attractions—like the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, and hidden beaches—require driving.

8. Do you need reservations for Maui attractions?

Yes, several popular Maui attractions require advance reservations, including:

Road to Hana state parks
Haleakalā sunrise
Popular restaurants and snorkel tours

Booking early helps avoid disappointment.

9. Is the Road to Hana worth it?

Yes, the Road to Hana is absolutely worth it. It’s one of Maui’s most scenic experiences, featuring waterfalls, rainforests, black sand beaches, and dramatic coastal views. Planning your stops ahead of time makes the experience much more enjoyable.

10. Is Maui good for honeymoons and romantic trips?

Maui is one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. With luxury resorts, sunset cruises, beachfront dining, couples’ massages, and breathtaking scenery, it’s perfect for romantic getaways.

Common Maui Planning Questions

Is Maui better than Oahu for a first trip?

Maui is better for travelers who want beaches, scenery, and a relaxed pace, while Oahu offers more city life and nightlife.

What is the cheapest month to visit Maui?

September and October typically offer the lowest prices for flights and accommodations.

Is Maui walkable?

Some resort areas like Kaanapali are walkable, but most visitors need a car to explore the island.

Are there free things to do in Maui?

Yes — many of Maui’s best experiences are free, including beaches, scenic drives, hiking trails, and sunrise or sunset viewpoints.

Can you visit Maui without doing the Road to Hana?

Absolutely. While it’s popular, many travelers prefer beaches, snorkeling, and resort time instead.

Is Maui good for a relaxing vacation?

Yes — Maui is ideal for slow travel, beach days, and unwinding, especially in Wailea and Hana.

Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach - best for snorkeling

Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Maui trip planning can be overwhelming as there is so much to do and see! Here are a few mistakes to avoid when booking your Maui vacation:

Not booking Haleakalā sunrise early - make sure you get your reservation well ahead of time!
Skipping reef-safe sunscreen - let’s all do our part in preserving and protecting the reef!
Underestimating drive times - Maui is bigger than you think!
Overpacking activities with kids - don’t plan too much for little ones to prevent tired meltdowns!
Not renting a car - you’ll definitely want a car, Uber and ride shares are available but limited.

Whether this is your first time visiting Maui or you’re returning to experience it in a new way, we hope this guide helps you plan a trip filled with unforgettable moments, stress-free days, and plenty of sunshine. Maui has a way of slowing life down—in the best possible way—and with a little planning, it becomes the kind of trip you’ll talk about long after you’ve unpacked. If you found this Ultimate Maui Travel Guide helpful, we’d love for you to save it for later or share it with friends and family who are planning a trip too.

Pin this guide to Pinterest so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to start booking, and feel free to share it on social media to help other travelers plan their perfect Maui escape 🌴

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Kids love RUnning on Airplane beach in Maui and in and out of waves

Is Maui Worth It With Kids? A Real Family-Friendly Travel Guide

Yes — Maui is absolutely worth visiting with kids. From calm beaches and stroller-friendly resort areas to kid-loving restaurants and flexible activities, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaiian islands to enjoy as a family — even with toddlers.

Our kids don’t understand how lucky they are for the amount of times they have gone to Hawaii! Maui is our favorite destination for traveling as a family. There is so much to do and the island has so much to offer for everyone. We have made some sweet memories together from having an infant to toddler and kid years.

We have learned to have a successful trip you need the balance of snacks, naps, and fun! therefore, we have recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and things to do to entertain (and hopefully tire out) your tot!

Related Post: Don’t miss our ULTIMATE MAUI GUIDE

Quick Jump

Best Places to Stay in Maui with Kids
Best Beaches in Maui for Kids
Best Restaurants in Maui with Kids
Things to Do in Maui with Kids
5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids
What to Pack for Maui with Kids

Best Places to Stay in Maui for Families

After many hotel and condo stays around Maui, let’s break up the island to compare which areas are best for your family!

  🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Maui With Kids

        Area
        Best For
        Walkability
        Beach Type
      
        Kā‘anapali
        First-timers, toddlers
        ⭐⭐⭐⭐
        Sandy, swimmable
      
        Wailea
        Luxury, older kids
        ⭐⭐
        Resort beaches
      
        Napili / Kapalua
        Quiet stays, babies
        ⭐
        Calm coves

Area	Best For	Walkability	Beach Type
Kā‘anapali	First-timers, toddlers	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Sandy, swimmable
Wailea	Luxury, older kids	⭐⭐	Resort beaches
Napili / Kapalua	Quiet stays, babies	⭐	Calm coves

These are the best areas to stay in Maui with kids based on walkability, beach conditions, and family-friendly amenities.

Kaanapali vs Wailea vs Kapalua with Kids

Kaanapali is much more kid friendly, as well as budget friendly, than Wailea. Both areas of the island have family friendly hotels but Kaanapali has a long stretch of them! There is a great beach and tons of hotels and shopping along Kaanapali with a long walk way to connect everything together.
Wailea has more high end hotels that are more geared towards adults, such as the Four Seasons or the Andaz. The Grand Wailea has an awesome pool with lots of water slides but you can also get similar pools in Kaanapali.
Napili and Kapalua are further North and rockier than the previous areas discussed. It’s not as walkable as the hotel resorts are more spread out, which makes it less crowded and quieter. Kapalua bay has a great beach that doesn’t have big waves but also has a coral reef that is great for snorkeling! The Kapalua coastal trail is great for strollers or walking with a carrier.

🏨 Condo Resorts vs Hotels

Depending on your length of stay, if it’s more than 5 days, you might be more comfortable trying a condo like Outrigger’s Honua Kai! You can pick your room layout (Studio, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom or Three Bedrooms) so that you have plenty of space especially when babies or toddlers are napping and you need another room to hang out in!

Condo Rental Wins:

Pools are like resort pools! Honua Kai has one of our favorite pools complete with water slides, splash pad, and kiddie pool! You can even get food and drink poolside service from Duke’s restaurant!
My favorite feature is having a full kitchen with the little ones so you can make pancakes or have fresh fruit and milk available in a full sized refrigerator as opposed to a mini fridge.
We book through Maui Resort Rentals and they have cribs/pack n plays so you don’t have to bring a bed!

Taking first steps on a Little Beach bridges in front of Honua Kai

Best resorts for families

Don’t get me wrong, the resort hotels are wonderful too! If you have kids that are 4+, traveling is a bit easier since you don’t have to bring diapers, strollers, pack n play, etc!

Kaanapali has a few great hotel resorts:

Westin Kā‘anapali Ocean Resort Villas
- The Westin in Kaanapali has an amazing pool area with slides, fountains, and one especially parent-friendly feature: our 3-year-old could climb up to the slide on their own and land in a shallow pool (about 1.5 feet deep). This setup was a huge win for us—it gave our toddler independence while giving us a much-needed break from constant stair climbing.
- The Westin also has great restaurants, a Starbucks, and an ARCADE!
- Other activities include feeding the flamingos and birds in the morning. Ask the front desk about the times for daily feedings. We were even able to hold the birds too!
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
- The pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui is a kid’s tropical playground that feels more like a mini-waterpark than a hotel pool. Between the sandy lagoons, waterslides, swinging rope bridge, hidden grottos tucked behind rushing waterfalls, and the legendary Ululani’s Shave Ice located right on the pool deck, it provides enough adventure to keep children entertained from sunrise to sunset.
- The Hyatt Regency Maui resort has a resident colony of African Black-Footed Penguins. Located right in the atrium lobby, these charismatic birds are a must-see, especially during the daily 9:30 AM feedings where children can watch them waddle, swim, and dive for their breakfast while learning about conservation from the wildlife team. It’s essentially a mini-zoo experience without leaving the hotel, featuring not just the penguins but also flamingos, swans, and talking parrots scattered throughout the lush grounds.
- Has a game room/arcade area geared toward kids and teens.

African Black-Footed Penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui

Wailea also has a family friendly hotel:

Grand Wailea
- Though there isn’t an arcade, the Grand Wailea offers a kids club and teen lounge including video games and indoor activities— which is more structured and supervised than the Hyatt or Westin Arcades.
- The Grand Wailea pool is widely considered the heavyweight champion for kids on Maui. The massive Wailea Canyon Activity Pool is a sprawling 25,700-square-foot playground that is actually nine individual pools connected by a network of lazy rivers and whitewater rapids.
- Children can choose from five different waterslides, including the three-story Lava Tube for the brave and gentler interconnected slides for the younger ones. Between the Tarzan rope swing, the hidden caves behind waterfalls, and a dedicated Baby Beach with a sandy bottom and zero-entry slope, it essentially functions as a private, world-class waterpark that keeps kids engaged for days on end.
  See our full review of The Grand Wailea.

🏝️ Best Beaches in Maui for Kids

The key to the best kid friendly beaches in Maui:

Calm water
Shallow entry
Easy parking
Nearby bathrooms

Here’s what we recommend:

Kaanapali Beach is great for kids who are strong swimmers or like to boogie board. There are a few free lots to park in but they fill up quickly. Otherwise it’s best to park at a resort or the Whalers Village Shopping parking lot. See more but
Airplane Beach just north of Kaanapali has a more shallow entry and calmer waves than Kaanapali. Our toddlers loved running up to the waves crashing on the shower then running from the water before it could catch them. Parking is harder to find or the free lot near the Sheraton is quite a distance and fills up quickly.
Kapalua Bay is also a great play for littles that want to play in the ocean that is more Shallow with softer waves. If you peak on the other side of the bay off the grassy knoll, you’ll find turtles sleeping. There’s a parking lot (fills up quick, get there early) with public bathrooms nearby too.
Honokōwai Beach Park has a playground AND a great beach that is protected by a rock reef so it’s more like a pool that even infants can sit and play in! There’s also a public bathroom and parking lot too!

Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles near Kapalua Bay in Maui — Look Closely for the Sleeping Green Hawaiian Sea Turtles in Kapalua Bay

🌊 Things to Do in Maui With Kids

Easy hikes
- Iao Valley is great to wander around and has different hiking levels for all ages. There’s also a stream to swim in.
- Kapalua’s Coastal Trail is even stroller friendly with stunning beach views.
  See our full breakdown in our Maui Hiking Trails Post!
Farm visits
Kula Ranch is a great place to visit especially in October! They have a full pumpkin patch as well as a few animals to look at and pet. Kula is above Wailea but you ave to drive around to get to it. Also, try the pumpkin bread sold in the little stand!
Road to Hana Stops
The Road to Hana is such a great way to see how gorgeous Maui is filled with waterfalls, beaches, banana bread stops and more! If you do go, it is an ALL day adventure, so plan and prepare ahead of time.
You must stop at the Black Sand Beach and try to get to Haleakala National Park for a hike through the Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest). See our full list of Road to Hana Stops for more!
Professional Maui Family Photos
Maui provides the perfect background for any photo, so take your professional family portraits on the island! Think Christmas card photos - Male Kalikimaka! Our favorite local, Tracy Leboe at Baby Hawaii Photography, is super talented taking maternity photos but also captures gorgeous family moments! Book your session ahead of time.

Family photo in Maui Hawaii taken by Tracy elbow from Baby Hawaii Photography — Family Portraits taken by Baby Hawaii Photography

🍽️ Best Kid Friendly Restaurants in Maui

Monkeypod is a very toddler friendly restaurant with crayons and free butter noodles for kids 3 and under. It also has great happy hour and my favorite Mai Tai! There are two locations on Maui - Kaaanapali and Wailea!
Barefoot Bar is a fun restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand! It is part of Hula Grill but has a separate entrance on the South side of the restaurant. They also have crayons and some good kid food options. Our kid claimed, “it was the best restaurant ever!”
The Ritz’s Burger Shack is a toddler approved restaurant located outside with a big grassy area for kids to run around. It’s also parent approved if you want to hang out and have a boozy milkshake or just watch the waves crash on the shore for a few minutes!

🧃 Easy Snacks for Kids in Maui (That Don’t Melt)

When you’re exploring Maui with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make all the difference. Between beach days, car rides, and long sightseeing stops, you’ll want options that hold up in warm weather and are easy for kids to eat on the go.

These parent-approved snacks travel well around the island and won’t melt or turn messy in your bag:

Gummies
Gummies are lightweight, easy to portion, and a favorite with kids of all ages. They’re ideal for beach bags, stroller pockets, and plane rides since they don’t melt like chocolate snacks.
Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks are great for quick snack breaks while sightseeing or driving around the island. Look for resealable packaging so you can spread snacks out throughout the day without waste.
Pouches
Fruit and veggie pouches are especially helpful in Maui’s heat. They’re refreshing, mess-free, and easy for kids to eat while walking or riding in the car. Many are shelf-stable, so refrigeration isn’t an issue until they’re opened.

Love this idea but don’t want to pack all of this? I don’t blame you! Good news is that you can get these as soon as you land at the Target or Costco by the Maui OGG Airport!

💡 Parent Tip: Pack snacks in a small insulated pouch or shaded backpack pocket to keep them out of direct sun, especially during beach days or long drives.

Kids in a wagon walking along the beach path in Maui — We bring our Wagon instea of a Stroller

Traveling to Maui With Toddlers

Nap-friendly days
With toddlers down to one nap, we would try and get out early, because they were up early anyway, and make it back before naptime or time it where we would be in the car so they could nap.
Stroller walks
There were a lot of stroller walks up and down Kaanapali beach when we had infants and toddlers! We would bring our beach wagon and put both toddlers in for a walk!
Pool days vs adventure days
We would typically alternate pool days and adventure days but most days involved a splash in the pool regardless.
We would even use a night swim as an incentive to eat their dinner.
What to skip with toddlers
- The Road to Hana is great but is a longggg day for little ones. It’s essentially a 5 hour (or more) drive so you must plan accordingly to be on the road ALL day. You can break it up with stops but getting to the furthest point is a three hour drive straight there. Even the first stop from Kaanapali or Wailea is about a two hour drive. If you’re only in Maui for a few days this might be a good one to skip unless your kids are a bit older. If you’re pregnant and have nausea, don’t attempt it. I speak from experience.
- Haleakala sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking, but don’t go with toddlers or younger.
- Sunset cruises are fun but stressful with younger kids that like to run around.

Walking along the kid and stroller friendly Kapalua Coastal Walk in Maui

5-Day Maui Itinerary with Kids

Day 1 Arrival

12p Arrival into OGG, pick up rental car

1p stop at Target, Costco, then pick up Tin Roof

3p Check into Honua Kai Condo

4p 🛍️ Head to Whalers Village for shopping and dinner at Monkeypod (get extra food for fridge). Must order: Chicken Wings, Kalua Pork Pizza, Free Butter Noodles for kids, pie slices to go to eat in room after kids go to bed. Don’t forget to order the best Mai Tai on the island! All of this is on the Happy Hour menu!

6p Back to hotel for bedtime

Day 2 Pool-time and Burgers

5a Kids wake up, make pancakes (and coffee) in room

7a Adult Breakfast pickup (or dine in) at Duke’s

8a Pool opens!

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Drive to Ritz in Kapalua and have Linner at Burger Shack (it’s a big meal to fill up on). Must order: burger and milkshake

4p Explore Ritz and Kapalua or go to DT Fleming beach

6p Back to Hotel for Bedtime

Walking the Pipiwai Trail in Maui Hawaii with baby in baby carrier — Pipiwai Trail With Baby in Carrier

Day 3 Road to Hana Adventure

5:30a Kids wake up - make more pancakes for everyone (and another pot of coffee)

6:30a Drive the Road to Hana

8a Stretch legs at Banana Bread Stop

9a Arrive at Kīpahulu Visitor Center which is part of Haleakala National Park where you can explore the Oheo Gulch Pools, Pipiwai Trail (Bamboo Forest), and Waimoku Falls

11a Eat a packed lunch or drive to the Food Trucks in Hana

1p Stop at Wainapanapa Beach (Black Sand Beach) - make a reservation ahead of time.

3p Drive back to hotel

5p Dinner at hotel or pick up something on the way back

6p Bedtime

Day 4 - Pool and Luau

6a Kids wake up

7a Breakfast at Slappy Cakes or The Gazebo

8a Kapalua Bay for beach time, maybe try the coastal walk

11a Back to room for lunch

12p Naptime

2:30p Quick Pool Play

5p Luau at Hyatt or Sheraton

7p Bedtime

Day 5 - Last Swim and Depart

6:30a Kids Wake Up

7:30a Breakfast at Duke’s

8:30a Take turns with your partner packing

10:30a Drive to Airport (and cry the whole way)

Tape that looks like Road that sticks to the carpet like painters tape — Sticker Tape Road and Travel Magnatiles keep them entertained in the hotel room

What to Pack for Maui With Kids

I think giving a list of what not to pack is a shorter list because we bring almost everything! One thing I will advise is there is a Costco and a Target by the airport so make your Target order for pickup before your flight takes off so it’s ready for you when you land. You can always Instacart Costco or just head in for free snacks.

Here is a copy paste of what I packed for my 2 and 4-year-old on our last trip.

Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list.

Carry-on Plane

Personal Carry-on:
- Toys & some books
- iPad
- Headphones 🎧
- Waterbottles

Wagon - We bring a wagon instead of a stroller these days now that the kids are older. Though we loved our travel stroller for when we had babies!

Snack Bag - Dedicated light weight backpack that folds up into a pouch
- Pouches
- That’s it bars
- Pirate booty
- Cereal Bars from Trader Joes
- Bear Fruit Snacks
- Gummies
- Teddy Grahams

Here is the full list of everything else that scatters into multiple bags:

Sleep

Inflatable bed x 2
Sheets x 2
Blanket x 2
Small Toddler pillows x 2
PJs
White noise / Hatch

Food Things

Food bag
Bowls 🥣
Baby Spoons 🥄
Bibs
Water cup/bottle
Milk cup
Sippy cup
Safe dish soap 🧼
Sandwich bags
Snack bowl

Travel and Misc

Car seat x 2
Car seat bags x 2
Swaddle
Clothes pins
Outlet covers
Beach bag
Beach blanket mat

Toiletries for Kids

Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Soft Wash Cloths
Nail clippers
Brush
Kids Tylenol
Kids Sunscreen
Diaper rash cream
Baby Aquaphor/neosporin
Ear drops

Clothes and diapers

Sweatshirt for plane & Mainland airport travel
Socks
Shorts
Shirts
Swimwear
Swim diapers
Size 4 diapers
Pull ups
Overnight Diapers
Wipes
Hat
Multipurpose Sanitation wipes in ziplock bag

Toys and Entertainment - Shop our Toddler Packing Amazon list

Bath Toys - Cars 🚗
Books 📚
Sand toys 🏖️
Football 🏈
Frisbee
Trucks 🛻
Cars 🚙
Sticker Road
Plane toys - coloring book, sticker book
Cards 🃏
Travel Magnatiles

Is Maui Worth It With Kids?

Yes—Maui is absolutely worth it with kids, especially for families traveling with toddlers and young children. The island offers calm, swimmable beaches, family-friendly resorts, walkable areas like Kā‘anapali, and activities that don’t require long drives or packed schedules. With the right balance of pool days, beach time, and nap-friendly outings, Maui is one of the easiest Hawaii islands to enjoy as a family. If you plan intentionally—choosing the right area to stay and skipping overly long excursions—Maui can be both relaxing and unforgettable with kids.

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Chilly Chic & Cabernet Ready: Your Ultimate Napa Winter Packing List (Mustard Season Edition!)

Think Napa is only for sundresses and rosé? Think again! Winter in the Valley—or 'Cabernet Season'—is a hidden gem of misty vineyard mornings, cozy fireside tastings, and the vibrant yellow Mustard Bloom. As a native Californian who’s explored Napa in every season, I’m sharing my tried-and-true packing secrets to help you stay effortlessly chic (even in 40-degree weather). From the secret to wearing skirts in the cold to the $18 rain boots that saved my trip, here is exactly how to master the 'Wine Country Chic' look this winter.

Wine Country Winter: The Ultimate Packing List for a Luxury Napa Getaway

Winter outfit in Napa- Sweater, skirt, tights, and booties — Napa Winter Outfit Idea: Sweater. Skirt, Tights, and Booties

Forget everything you thought you knew about what to wear in Napa Valley. While everyone else is picturing sundresses and rosé, you, my smart traveler, are about to discover the absolute magic of Napa in winter! Think cozy firesides, fewer crowds, rich Cabernet Sauvignons, and vineyards painted vibrant yellow by wild mustard flowers. It’s gorgeous!

But here’s the thing: "winter in California" isn't quite what most travelers might imagine, spoken from a native Californian. It’s mild, yes, but it can also be misty, muddy, and surprisingly chilly. So, if you're dreaming of a sophisticated winter escape to wine country, the biggest question isn't which Cabernet to sip, but what in the world to pack?!

Don’t fret, sweet escapist! They say fourth time is a charm, so I’m practically a local! After visiting Napa multiple times, I've bundled up all my secrets, tried-and-tested tips, and "oops, wish I'd brought that" moments into your ultimate Napa Winter Packing List. Get ready to be effortlessly chic, perfectly comfortable, and totally prepared for everything from a misty morning vineyard stroll to a cozy Michelin-starred dinner.

Pink Sweater, dark jeans, black rainboots, umbrella, gold crossbody bag outfit idea for wine tasting in Napa wine tour caves — Christmas outfit for Wine Tasting in Winter in Napa

The Golden Rules of Napa Winter Packing (Before We Dive In!):

Layers, Layers, Layers: This isn't just a suggestion; it's the law in Napa winter. Morning fog can give way to afternoon sun, only to drop sharply as dusk settles.
The Winter Reality: Temps in St. Helena/Yountville usually hover around 55°F during the day but drop to the high 30s at night. * Pro Tip: wine caves and barrel rooms are naturally chilled (around 55-60°F year-round), so layers are non-negotiable even if it feels sunny outside.
The Vibe: It’s not "red carpet" and it’s not "farmhand." It’s Wine Country Chic.
Comfortable Chic is Key: You'll be walking, standing, and potentially even getting a little muddy. No sacrificing comfort for style here!
Weather App is Your BFF: Always check the forecast a few days before you go, but remember rule #1 – layers will save you from any surprises.

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Dress hanging in Alila Hotel Closet with luggage — What’s in my suitcase Napa Winter edition

Your Essential Napa Winter Wardrobe: Look Fab, Feel Warm! Outerwear that Works (and Wows!):

The "Statement Coat": Since it’s Christmas, a classic wool wrap coat or a tailored trench is the hero of your photos.
- My coat has a hood and is waterproof (hello, mist!), effortlessly chic, and perfect for layering over everything. It instantly elevates any outfit.
A Cozy Wool or Cashmere Wrap/Pashmina:
- Why it's a must: Essential for those chilly wine cave tours (they’re usually around 55 degrees all year, but feel colder in winter!) and for adding an extra layer of warmth over dinner. Plus, it’s super stylish!

Planning your route? Check out Where to Stay, Sip, and Snack: A Curated 3-Day Winter Guide to Yountville & St. Helena!

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Tops & Bottoms: Smart & Stylish Layers

Long-Sleeve Blouses/Tops (1):
- Why it's a must: Think silk blouses, fine-gauge knit tops, or elegant merino wool. They layer beautifully under sweaters or jackets.
Cashmere or Fine Knit Sweaters (2-3):
- Why it's a must: For that ultimate cozy-chic vibe. Perfect for tasting rooms or a relaxed dinner.
Dark Wash Jeans (1-2 pairs):
- Why it's a must: A well-fitting pair of dark jeans can absolutely be dressed up for wine tasting. Stick to slim or straight-leg styles.
Stylish Trousers (1 pair):
- Why it's a must: Think wool blend, tailored wide-leg, or even a chic black ponte knit. Great for a nicer dinner or when you want a break from denim.
Midi Skirt or Dress (1):
- Why it's a must: For a more feminine look. Pair with fleece-lined tights (your secret weapon!) and knee-high boots.
Fleece-Lined Leggings/Tights (1 pair):
- Why it's a must: Trust me on this one! Wear them under skirts, dresses, or even under trousers on super cold (40 degrees) days. You'll thank me.
Shoes: Where Function Meets Fashion (Crucial for Winter!)
- Waterproof Fashion Booties: Why it's a must: THIS IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT SHOE. Vineyard paths can get muddy after winter rains, and you don’t want to ruin your favorite suede. Choose a comfortable pair with a block heel or flat.
- Brands to look for: Blondo, Aquatalia, Sorel, or even a chic pair of Dr. Martens. Don’t judge my $18 rain boots from Target!
Comfortable Flats or Loafers:
- Why it's a must: For indoor tastings, gallery browsing, or just giving your feet a break from boots.
Dressier Heels (Optional, 1 pair):
- Why it's a must: If you’re planning a fancy dinner (like The French Laundry or Auberge du Soleil), bring one pair of comfortable block heels or wedges. I brought block booties. Leave the stilettos at home—Napa sidewalks are not kind!

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Winter Napa Outfit Idea: White sequin Sweater, pink Trousers, gold crossbody Kate Spade bag, and black rain boots — Winter Napa Outfit Idea: Gold Crossbody Kate Spade Bag, White sequin Sweater, pink Trousers, and black rain boots

  
      Location
      The Vibe
      Suggested Outfit
    
      Downtown Yountville
      Elevated & Chic
      Trench coat, silk blouse, dark denim, and waterproof booties.
    
      St. Helena Vineyard
      Cozy & Rustic
      Fine knit sweater, pashmina wrap, and those $18 rain boots!
    
      Michelin Dinner
      Pure Luxury
      Midi skirt, fleece-lined tights, and block-heel booties.
    
      Wine Cave Tour
      Subterranean Chill
      A heavy wrap or statement coat—it's 55°F in there!

Location	The Vibe	Suggested Outfit
Downtown Yountville	Elevated & Chic	Trench coat, silk blouse, dark denim, and waterproof booties.
St. Helena Vineyard	Cozy & Rustic	Fine knit sweater, pashmina wrap, and those $18 rain boots!
Michelin Dinner	Pure Luxury	Midi skirt, fleece-lined tights, and block-heel booties.
Wine Cave Tour	Subterranean Chill	A heavy wrap or statement coat—it's 55°F in there!

Accessories: The Finishing Touches

Warm Scarf & Gloves:
- Why it's a must: For those crisp morning walks or when sipping wine outdoors on a chilly patio.
Crossbody Bag:
- Why it's a must: Hands-free is the way to be for carrying your essentials, tasting notes, and phone.
Sunglasses:
- Why it's a must: Even in winter, the California sun can be bright!

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Napa Winter Packing List - green Quarter zip comfy top — Cozy quarter Zip on Arrival Travel DAy - Napa Winter Outfit Idea

Beyond the Clothes: Napa Winter Essentials

Portable Power Bank: You’ll be taking so many photos of the mustard fields!
Lip Balm & Moisturizer: The dry indoor heat and crisp outdoor air can be tough on skin.
Electrolyte Packets: For staying hydrated (and recovering from all that delicious wine!).
Travel Umbrella: Just in case! Better safe than soggy.
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated between tastings!
Wine Stain Remover Wipes (Optional, but Smart!): Shout Wipes or Wine Away are lifesavers for unexpected spills.
Airtags/Tile: If you're checking a bag or plan to ship wine home, these are brilliant for peace of mind.

What to LEAVE at Home (Especially in Winter!):

Open-Toe Shoes/Sandals: Unless you're strictly staying indoors, your toes will freeze and get dirty.
Light-Colored Suede Shoes: Mud and wine are not their friends.
Anything "Too Casual": Think gym clothes (unless you're actually going to a gym!), ripped tees, or overly worn sneakers for tasting rooms.
Stilettos: Save them for Vegas. Napa's charm is its relaxed elegance.
Beanies, gloves, etc. most wine tours and tastings are inside. We would walk from the car to the winery or restaurant and back. I wouldn’t waste the packing space for those unless you really want to hang outside for long periods of time.

Clothes, bags, and shoes for Winter packing essentials for wine tasting in Napa — Suitcase: Winter outfit packing essentials for wine tasting in Napa

Ready to Rock Napa's Winter Wonderland?

Packing for Napa in winter doesn't have to be a puzzle. With this list, you'll be prepared for any weather, looking effortlessly stylish, and ready to dive into the unique charm of Cabernet Season and the vibrant Mustard Bloom.

So, grab your trench, pack those booties, and get ready for an unforgettable, cozy, and delicious escape. Napa’s winter magic is calling!

Pin this post for your next Napa adventure!

What are your favorite winter packing tips? Share them in the comments below!

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Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma Weekend Itinerary with map!

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How Much Our Maui Trip Cost (Real Prices + What We’d Do Again)

Room views from Papakea Resort - Maui, Hawaii

Is Maui Expensive? Here’s What Our Trip Actually Cost

Maui has a reputation for being expensive — and honestly, that reputation isn’t totally wrong. But after traveling to Maui for over a decade, we’ve learned exactly where the money goes, what’s worth the splurge, and what we’d happily skip next time.

In this post, we’re sharing what our Maui trip actually cost, broken down by flights, hotel, rental car, food, and activities. This isn’t a shoestring “budget Maui” guide — it’s a realistic, mid-range trip cost breakdown based on our personal experience.

If you’re wondering how much a Maui vacation really costs, whether it’s “worth it,” or how to plan your trip without constant sticker shock, this guide will give you a clear, honest picture before you book.

Is $2000 enough for a week in Hawaii? Scroll down for a full cost breakdown, plus what we’d change to spend more — or less — on a future trip.

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

💰 How Much Our Maui Trip Cost

Trip length: 5 nights
Travelers: 2 adults
Style: Mid-range (not budget, not luxury)

Category	Cost
✈️ Flights	$1035
🏨 Hotel	$1020
🚗 Rental Car	$375
🍽 Food & Drinks	$680
🎟 Activities	$467.90
🛍 Miscellaneous	$252
Total Trip Cost	~$4000

Average cost per day: ~$1000
Total cost per person: ~$2000

This Maui trip cost breakdown reflects real prices we paid and gives a realistic picture of what a mid-range Hawaii vacation costs.

Related Post: We have the ULTIMATE MAUI TRAVEL GUIDE - where to stay, best things to do and more!

Travel and Lodging Expenses

Getting to Maui can be a challenge depending on where you live. Luckily we fly direct from LAX to OGG.

Airline Ticket - United LAX-OGG roundtrip: $350 each (average)
Extra Legroom: $150 each
Checked Baggage: $35 (average price)

Total for air travel for the 2 of us: $1035

How to Save on Flights:

Use points! Chase Sapphire Card offers 1 to 1 points for miles on most airlines. Alaska Airlines Credit Cards also has a good companion pass offer, to purchase one ticket and your companion flies for $150.
Pack light! We didn’t end up checking our bags and brought two carry-ons instead. Don’t forget these PACKING ESSENTIALS

Where to Stay and How to Get Around

Car Rental (Jeep Wrangler): $375 for 5 days (including travel days)
You pretty much need a rental car since the island is so spread out. Uber is available, but not ideal for stops and getting around.
Condo Rental (tax and cleaning fee included): $170 night plus taxes and cleaning fee - $1020 for a 1 bedroom for 4 nights. $17 resort fee includes parking and WiFi
There are a variety of places to stay in Maui from 3-star to 5-star hotels or some sort of Airbnb/VRBO/vacation rental.

Total Travel and Lodging for 2 adults for 4 nights: $2545

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Itinerary, Activities, and Food for 4 Days in Maui

There are SOO many ways to spend your days in Maui! We stay on LA time, so we typically go to bed around 9p and are up by 6a! Here’s how we spent the first 4 full days safely and socially distant as much as possible in Maui:

Day 1

7:00am: Uber to the airport $35

8:00am: Water at the airport - 2 large Dasani $7.78

8:30am: United flight departs LAX for Maui (OGG)

11:30am: Arrive in Maui; Pick-up Rental Car

12:30pm: Pick-up lunch from Tin Roof and eat along the beach

Tin Roof: 360 Papa Pl Ste 116, Kahului, HI 96732 Order ahead on website
Pork belly plate, chicken plate, babinga cake = $40
Beach: Papalaua Wayside Park Beach: 22 Honoapiilani Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793 - Free parking along the beach

3:00pm: Check-in to hotel/condo

4:00pm: Grab snacks at Times Market- prosciutto, cheese, crackers, drinks - $35.18

5:30pm: Scuba dive - twilight and night dive with Extended Horizons $189/person with taxes $427.90 + $40 tip

We did a twilight and night dive with Dave at Black Rock and saw a ton of fish, lobsters, turtles, nudibranchs, and even a shark!

8:00pm: Eat leftover Tinroof for dinner

Total Day 1: $ 585.86

Day 2

7:00am: Breakfast at Java Jazz breakfast to go and eat at Honolua Bay overlook

Address: 3350 Lower Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761
Call ahead to order - (808) 667-0787
Omelette with potatoes and bread, pancakes and bacon, juice = $38.55 +tip $45

8:30am: Hike Waihee Ridge Hiking Trail

Address: Kahekili Hwy, Wailuku, HI 96793
Drive along north shore to the trailhead. Parking is free but get there early for a good spot. The view stays pretty much the same as you hike up, you just are higher in elevation. It was a nice sunny hike that took us about 2 hours round trip, over 2 miles, and almost 1500 ft in elevation per my Apple Watch. Lots of parking, easy in and out, and porta-potties.
PACK: Drinking water, snacks, towels, hiking shoes

1:00pm: Pick-up lunch from Aloha Braised Food Truck on the way back from the hike!

Address: 58 Kupuohi St, Lahaina, HI 96761 *Only open on weekdays.
Get Volcano chicken plate and fries to share (since we’re having an early dinner) = $35

1:45pm: RELAX - swim in ocean/pool, read a book

4:30pm: Merriman's Kapalua dinner at sunset (check times for sunset and arrive an hour before)

Address: 1 Bay Club Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
First come, first served. Get in line at 4:30p to get a table to watch the sunset or book a reservation ahead of time for their pre-fix menu in the open-air dining room. GET A MAI TAI!
Drinks, steaks, and dessert for 2 adults = $250

Total Day 2: $ 330.00

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Day 3

7:00am: Pick-up breakfast at The Bakery Lahaina $25

Address: 991 Limahana Pl, Lahaina, HI 96761
Just opened! Grab some donuts and pastries!

7:15am: Stop and get gas! There aren’t a lot of gas stations along the Road to Hana so fill up before you go. $30

8:00am: Drive along the ROAD TO HANA!

This is a FULL day activity! There are many options to choose from! See our post and try our Complete Road to Hana Guide for tips on the best stops, parking, food, lodging, and more! COMPLETE ROAD TO HANA GUIDE $7
Free to drive, but parking and some activities have costs. For two people, I’d budget approx $60 for parking, snack stops, and activities.

1:00pm: Stop for lunch in Hana Town, we like the food trucks, especially the burrito and shave ice trucks = $35

2:00pm: Continue along the Road to Hana Head back before it gets dark as the road isn't lit well at night.

7:00pm: Pick-up Dinner from Maui Brew Co

Address: 4405 HI-30 Ste 217, Lahaina, HI 96761
After a long day, you might want to call and order some food and brews to go to eat back at the room!
Chicken wings, nachos with pulled pork, 3 32 oz beers $75 + tip

Total Day 3: $ 250.00

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

Kaanapali Beach by the Hyatt - Maui, Hawaii

Day 4

8:00am: Pick-up breakfast at Island Press Coffee

Address: 2580 Kekaa Dr STE 104, Lahaina, HI 96761
You can’t go wrong with an egg, cheese, and bacon croissant along with a Mac nut latte! They also have other croissant variations as well as other pastries (try the crumb cake). Take to eat on Kaanapali Beach! = $40

9:00am: Snorkel Black Rock

Address: 2605 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Located in front of the Sheraton Resort, you can find turtles, sharks, octopuses, beautiful tropical fish along the reef on Black Rock. To be safe these days, you might want to bring your own. Buy a snorkel set on Amazon and send it to the hotel! Approx $45 per snorkel set = $90

1:30pm: Freshen up and have prosciutto, cheese, and crackers purchased from the market

1:45pm: Relax - swim in ocean/pool, read a book

5:30pm: Dinner at Sale Pepe (Best Italian food and pizza on Maui)

Address: 878 Front St #7,8, Lahaina, HI 96761
Order ahead online. We ordered 2 pizzas and a pasta dish and got 3 meals out of it for the 2 of us. Our favorite pizza was the Tomato, Fior di Latte, Red Onion, Pecorino, Maui Cattle Co. Meatballs Pizza = $65 (tip included)

Total Day 4: $ 195.00

Kaanapali Beach at Sunset - Maui, Hawaii

Travel Day

Depending on what time your flight leaves, you might have time for ONE more activity! Here’s a suggestion:

8:00am: Hawaiian Village Coffee

Address: 4405 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
Pick-up coffee and some to-go breakfast foods = $30

8:30am: Quick Hike or Snorkel around Kapalua Bay

Address: Kapalua Coastal Trail, Lahaina, HI 96761
We're always so sad to leave but try and get one last hurrah in before our flight!

11:30am: Pick-up tacos for lunch at TaquerEATa Food Truck

I had the chicken fajita which was amazing! We also made a few build your own breakfast tacos with a combination of egg, cheese, bacon, and pork! There are lots of salsa options from mild to hot to complete your perfect taco. Total for 4 hearty tacos = $30. We took them to eat at a park along the beach!

11:35am: Get gas in the rental car while waiting for your tacos! $30 to fill up the tank.

2:30pm United flight departs Maui (OGG) for LAX

Pick-up food or snacks for flight; Charge electronics; Download movies to iPad

Total Travel Day: $ 90.00

Total for Trip for 2 (4 nights, 5 days): $3,839.86

For just $3 get our Budget and Itinerary Template to plan your own Maui trip! Sample and packing list included!

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Maui Budget, Itinerary and Packing list - How much does it cost to spend 5 days in Hawaii?

$2.00 $3.00

Ready to travel again? Book a trip to Maui, Hawaii! Not sure how much to save or what to bring? Plug in numbers to our excel budget template and calculate your trip for up to 4 nights and 5 days! Start planning your trip by entering info into our itinerary template so you’re guaranteed to have the perfect trip!

See our samples for safe, socially distant activities and restaurant ideas!

As a bonus, we’ve thrown in a packing list with some of our favorite items!

Still too expensive? Here are a few ways to save while in Maui:

Buy food, coffee, and beverages at the supermarket to make your own meals. Having a full kitchen at a condo is a plus!
Don’t rent a Jeep Wrangler - we love it, but it’s on the higher end for rentals. You’ll probably save on gas too!
Don’t check bags and don’t pay for extra legroom. Airline credit cards might give you benefits such as free bags or use points for the extra legroom upgrade.
Check out what your condo rental has - boogie boards, surfboards, snorkel gear, beach chairs, etc. They might even offer tennis, shuffleboard, cornhole, and other free resort activities.
Go for 3 nights, take the first flight in the morning for arrival into Maui, and a red-eye home! This gives you about 4 days and 3 nights, but that all depends on your flights, of course!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

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Kat Cregg 8/6/25 Kat Cregg 8/6/25

10 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials for Happy Toddlers

Navigating the open road with a toddler can feel less like a scenic drive and more like a high-stakes, full-contact sport. Forget the tranquil hum of the engine; you're more likely to be serenaded by a chorus of "Are we there yet?" and the frantic search for a rest stop with a decent playground. But fear not, brave navigators! I've spent countless miles perfecting the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm here to share my quirky, tried-and-true survival guide.

My secret weapon? A pre-packed arsenal of sanity-saving essentials that never leave my car. First up, snacks, glorious snacks! This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, these morsels become more crucial than your GPS. My go-tos include That’s It bars, a brilliant way to sneak in some fruit; Go Go Squeeze Pouches for mess-free slurping joy; and, of course, the ever-reliable Goldfish crackers, which have the magical ability to avert a meltdown in seconds. To slow down the snack-gobbling process, I always pack snack pack containers—they're a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills while keeping the crumb-pocalypse at bay.

But what about when the snacks run out? That's when I deploy my next secret weapon: reusable sticker books. I swear these are enchanted. I've found that each one buys me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet—that's enough time to listen to an entire song without interruption! And for the inevitable screen time, a headrest-mounted iPad holder is a game-changer. It means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you to, you know, eat your own snacks in peace.

toddler touching parked Jeep on beach in Maui with ocean in background

Toddler Road Trip Hacks: Keep Your Little Ones Happy on the Go

Traveling is an adventure, but hitting the open road with a toddler (or two!) can feel like a full-contact sport. Forget serene scenery – think snack negotiations, endless choruses of "Are we there yet?", and the frantic search for a rest stop. But fear not, brave navigators! I've mastered the art of the toddler-friendly road trip, and I'm sharing my top 10 quirky must-haves that never leave my car.

Shop our sanity-saving list on Amazon: https://amzn.to/446NDIp

That's it. Mini Fruit Bars Gift Pouch (Variety 36 Count) No Sugar Added, Plant-Based, Vegan & Gluten Free, Paleo, Non GMO, Fiber (12 Banana, 12 Blueberry, 12 Mango)

That's it.

1. Snacks, Glorious Snacks (The Fuel of Tiny Conquerors)

This one's a no-brainer, but when you're hurtling down the highway, snacks become more crucial than your GPS. Seriously.

Here are my favorite non-refrigerated, meltdown-averting morsels:

That’s It bars: Fruit in disguise! OUR FAVORITE!
Bear Fruit Snacks: Because bears are cute, and so are happy toddlers.
Go Go Squeeze Pouches: Less mess, more slurping joy.
Crackers: Teething crackers (for gnawing on), Ritz or Wheat Thins (for sophisticated crunching), Goldfish (for the inevitable "one more, please!").
Dried Fruit: Nature's candy, minus the sticky fingers (mostly).
Teddy Grahams: Tiny bears, big smiles.

Munchkin Snack Catcher Toddler Snack Cups, No Spill, 2 Pack, Blue/Green

Munchkin

2. No Spill Snack Pack Containers (The Anti-Hoarding Device)

These little wonders are game-changers. They slow down the snack-gobbling process, preventing your little ones from stuffing their faces like they haven't eaten in a week. Plus, it's a sneaky way to work on those fine motor skills. Score!

Horizon Group USA Bluey Sticker Playset, 2 Sticker Play Scenes, 35+ Reusable Puffy Bluey Repositionable Stickers for Kids, Perfect for Travel, Screen-Free Fun

Horizon Group USA

3. Reusable Sticker Books (The Quiet Time Whisperers)

I swear these sticker books are enchanted. I snagged a six-pack, and each one bought me at least 15 minutes of blissful quiet. That's like, an entire podcast episode, people!

We also have this cute Bluey Set.

Lamicall Car Headrest Tablet Holder - [3 in 1 Extension Arm] Adjustable Tablet Car Mount for Back Seat, Road Trip Essentials for Kids, for 4.7-11" Device Like iPad Pro, Air, Mini, Galaxy, Fire, Black

Lamicall

4. iPad Holder (Your Personal Entertainment Concierge)

Because sometimes, a screen is your best friend. An iPad holder that attaches to the headrest means less neck craning for your tiny passengers and more hands-free time for you (to, you know, eat your own snacks).

Cartwheel Books Language Skills Vehicles 50 First Words Flashcards: Scholastic Early Learners (Flashcards)

By Scholastic

5. Flash Cards (The Interactive Distraction)

Forget just looking at pictures! These flashcards are your secret weapon for impromptu car games. Think "I Spy" with animals, "20 Questions" about colors, or a scavenger hunt for letters. If they get it right, a Teddy Graham or Goldfish awaits! It's educational bribery at its finest.

Disney Frozen, Cars, Dory, Nemo, and More! - Movie Adventures Look and Find Activity Book with Stickers - PI Kids

By Pi Kids

6. Books (The Timeless Tranquilizers)

Even in the age of screens, a good old-fashioned book is a lifesaver.

I pack touch-and-feel books for my younger adventurer (who mostly just touches every page anyway).

For my older tot, it's all about Spidey books, the Little Blue Truck, or anything Disney - the look and find series is great because there is a small story and a where’s Waldo type game to it!

See more book ideas HERE

KINMAC Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed- Portable Travel Toddler Air Bed for Kids Camping Air Mattress Racecar Toddler Bed with Sides Blow Up Mattress Sleeping Pad for Camping Car Travel Sleeping(Green)

KINMAC

7. Inflatable Race Car Bed or Slumberpod (Your Mobile Sleep Sanctuary)

Okay, so this isn't for the car ride itself, but for your destination! If your crib-dweller can sleep in a pack-n-play, the Slumberpod is your new best friend. It’s a blackout tent that cocoons the pack-n-play, letting your littles sleep longer and allowing you to move around the room without becoming a giant, interesting distraction.

I borrowed an inflatable Race Car bed from my sister and have now used it more than she has, taking it all over the place. I thought my littles were going to pop it, but it’s surprisingly durable. It's compact and easy to inflate/deflate – a true throwback to my '90s blow-up furniture days! It even comes with a pump and plug for the wall or cigarette lighter!

Don't forget, you’ll also need:

Toddler Bed Fitted Sheet (bring two just in case, toddlers are messy!)
Toddler Pillow
Toddler Pillowcase
A Cozy Blanket

PicassoTiles 80pc Mini Travel Size Magnetic Tiles Building Blocks Construction Build STEM Learning On The Go Vacation Toy Set Birthday Gifting Classroom Magnet Tile Kit Educational Ages 3 and up PTM80

Picassotiles

8. Magnetic Tile Travel Set (The Genius Builder)

I’ve yet to meet a toddler who isn't mesmerized by Magnatiles. I found a travel-friendly version from Picasso Tiles on sale, which only comes out for vacations. And for when they inevitably get bored, I introduce the little magnetic cars for a quick switch-up.

Good news is, they also work with most magnet tiles so you can slip extras in there or you can use the minis when not on vacation.

3 Rolls Roadway Tape, Race Cars Decorations for Kids Birthday Party, Race Track Tape Easy to Stick and Tear Without Leaving Any Traces, 2 Inch Wide 49 FT Long 2 Types of Road Tape

Quadafy

9. Cars and Road Tape (The Portable Highway)

This Road Tape is like painter's tape with a highway printed on it! It was perfect for rolling their smaller cars up and down.

We love the V-Tech Go Go Smart Wheels cars which are also great in the car because they light up, play short songs, and make noise (in a good way, not an annoying way… usually).

Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine, Night Light | 2nd Gen | Registry Essential, Sleep Trainer, Routine Builder, Time-to-Rise Alarm Clock, White Noise Soother, Nursery Stories, Toddler Kids Bedroom (Wi-Fi)

Hatch Baby

10. White Noise and Nightlight (The Dream Weavers)

Yes, our Hatch (our white noise machine/nightlight) isn't exactly "portable" in the traditional sense, but it’s a non-negotiable for our toddlers' sleep routine. I just swaddle it in clothes like a precious cargo to keep it safe. White noise is a lifesaver for drowning out new hotel sounds and creating a familiar sleep environment.

Some extras goodies that we pack for EVERY trip:

For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers at almost 2 and 3.5 years old), we packed:

5 Horizons Group, LLC

Cosco Onlook 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, Rear-Facing 5-40 pounds and Forward-Facing 22-40 pounds and up to 43 inches, Vibrant Blue

Dorel Juvenile Group

3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag when you’re not using them
- Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
- Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
- Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 Cosco Car Seats - infant and toddler
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
diaper bag
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars, Bear Fruit Rolls
Wagon - We use a wagon instead of our stroller, since both tots are getting older, but we do LOVE this travel stroller

BEAU JARDIN Folding Push & Pull Beach Wagon 500 lbs Collapsible Foldable Wagons with Push Handle All Terrain Wheels Grocery Utility Camping Sports Garden Wagon Cart Black

BEAU JARDIN

Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!

See our full list on Amazon.com!

So there you have it, fellow parents! With this arsenal of quirky essentials, you're not just driving; you're conquering the open road, one happy toddler moment at a time. What are your go-to road trip hacks for little ones?

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

products needed for a road trip with a toddler and text saying 10 road trip essentials for happy toddlers.

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Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe? Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!

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Pine trees, Lake Tahoe views from high above in Heavenly gondola ski lift

From Playgrounds to Pine Trees: Lake Tahoe Adventures for Tiny Feet

There were many summers that I went with my family to Lake Tahoe growing up and I couldn’t wait to take my little family! I did have to do some research as I was curious about what activities we could do with two toddlers!

Planning a Lake Tahoe family vacation with toddlers can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! As a parent who's enjoyed countless Tahoe trips since childhood, I’ve compiled the ultimate toddler-friendly guide to Lake Tahoe, packed with things to do with toddlers in South Lake Tahoe and beyond. Discover the best parks for kids in Lake Tahoe, like the scenic Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park or the playground paradise of Kahle Park. Looking for easy hikes with toddlers in Lake Tahoe?

Glen Alpine Falls offers a stunning waterfall view with minimal effort, perfect for little legs. Don't miss out on enjoying a family picnic at Lake Tahoe at spots like Kiva Beach or Pope Beach. For North Lake Tahoe activities, the newly accessible Tahoe East Shore Trail (often called the 'Impossible Trail') is a paved, stroller-friendly wonder. Explore the charming town of Truckee, home to the fantastic KidZone Museum, a top pick for toddler fun near Lake Tahoe. When it comes to where to stay in South Lake Tahoe with toddlers, options range from VRBO cabin rentals to family-friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn Express. And for dining, I'll share toddler-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe like Riva Grill on the Lake and Edgewood's Brooks' Bar and Deck, where you can savor delicious meals with stunning views. Get ready for an unforgettable Lake Tahoe adventure with small children!

Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack with toddlers!

Best toddler-friendly activities and things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Heavenly Gondolas

Location: 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Heavenly Village Giant Chair made of Skiis

This was a great idea… kids under 5 ride free (adults are currently $124) and it’s unlimited rides for the day. It sounded perfect, however, they were closed the duration we were there and re-opening for summer just before Memorial Day.

Note: they aren’t open every day, so it’s a great idea but just check the website to make sure they are open!

All else fails, the shopping center around the Gondola base is fantastic. Tons of restaurants and stores to explore and some grassy areas to run around. In summer months, there is a mini golf course and a trampoline adventure in the center of the plaza.

Making it a road trip? See our Toddler Road Trip Essentials. You won’t want to miss our favorite toys for the car and hotel room!

Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park

Parks and Recreation

There are tons of parks in Lake Tahoe and we found some awesome playgrounds!

Thomas F. Regan Memorial City Beach Park

Location: 3199 Sacramento Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Located right on the water with perfect lake views, parking lot, and restrooms! The playground was small but there were a few slides and swings as well as a beach volleyball court and lots of grass to run around!

Kahle Park

Location: 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449

Nestled higher up in the mountains, there’s a really fun park with partial lake views. There’s a playground for 2-5-year-olds and one for 5-12-year-olds. Our kids played on both playgrounds.

See a Waterfall (without much of a hike!)

My toddlers are over 30 pounds and I didn’t really want to hike with them as it would be fun for 5 minutes and then I’d be required to carry one for the rest of the duration. Luckily, Glen Alpine Falls is located just off of Fallen Leaf Lake and literally can be seen from the road! We went midweek around 11a and it wasn’t very crowded with front-row parking!

There’s a split rock with a little deck that my littles liked to climb on. Afterward, we drove down to the Kiva picnic area (follow the Tallac signs) and had lunch on a picnic table steps away from the lake. It was about a 5-minute walk to those tables by the lake but there were also some closer to the parking lot with bathrooms! The path was flat so we loaded up our wagon and were able to only carry one kid who didn’t want to ride in the wagon! Win! My only complaint is that the tables are wood and old so I would bring towels to sit on next time. Luckily no splinters incidents on this adventure!

Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!

Go for a Picnic!

Why is a picnic at Lake Tahoe so much fun? For starters, it's a chance to relish the crystal-clear waters and graze on delicious food with breathtaking mountain views as your backdrop. You get to enjoy the glorious Lake Tahoe sunshine (which is usually a breeze in June!), the crisp mountain air, and maybe even some antsy entertainment if a few uninvited guests try to join your feast, though the views will surely distract you. It’s a delightful escape from the usual routine, and let's be honest, everything just tastes better when you're eating on a blanket with the magnificent Big Blue just a stone's throw away. Plus, there's always the excitement of seeing what surprises are in the basket – it's truly a sand-witch of an adventure, especially when you're surrounded by one of nature's most stunning masterpieces!

There are so many places to picnic around the lake:

Kiva Beach
Emerald Bay State Beach
Kings Beach
Zephyr Cove Park
Pope Beach

Best things to do in North Lake Tahoe

Impossible trail - Tahoe East Shore Trail

Location: Tahoe East Shore Trail, 1924 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451

It’s called the Impossible Trail by the locals because it took forever to build but if you look it up on google maps, it’s call the Tahoe East Shore Trail!

The "Impossible Trail" in Lake Tahoe, more formally known as the Tahoe East Shore Trail, earned its dramatic moniker because constructing a path along this rugged and incredibly scenic stretch of shoreline was once considered an almost insurmountable feat. For decades, accessing the breathtaking beaches and coves along Lake Tahoe's East Shore was challenging and often dangerous, with vehicles and pedestrians sharing a narrow, winding highway. The idea of building a safe, dedicated pathway seemed "impossible" given the complex terrain, environmental concerns, and the need for collaboration among numerous agencies. However, through extensive planning, funding, and engineering, this dream became a reality, transforming the "Impossible Trail" into "America's Most Beautiful Bikeway."

This paved, 3-mile trail is absolutely wonderful for toddlers and families. Its smooth, wide surface makes it perfect for strollers, trikes, and little wobbly walkers, eliminating concerns about uneven terrain or roots. The trail hugs the shoreline, offering continuous, stunning lake views that will captivate even the youngest adventurers. With numerous access points to secluded beaches and picnic spots, families can easily hop off the trail for a splash in the crystal-clear water, a snack break, or simply to marvel at the massive granite boulders. The lack of significant inclines means little legs won't get too tired, ensuring a fun, accessible, and truly memorable outdoor experience for everyone, making it far from "impossible" to enjoy with your tiny explorers!

Truckee

Location: KidZone Museum, 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

While the glittering waters of Lake Tahoe are the main draw, the charming mountain town of Truckee, located about an hour's drive (approximately 44-45 miles) north of South Lake Tahoe, offers a fantastic change of pace and a wealth of toddler-friendly activities. Truckee's historic downtown is a delight to explore with its old-west charm, train tracks (a huge hit with train-loving tots!), and unique shops. For active little ones, the KidZone Museum is a must-visit, providing interactive, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for young children, offering hours of engaging play. You can also head to Donner Lake (just a short drive from downtown Truckee) for a different lakeside experience with sandy beaches and calm waters perfect for splashing and building sandcastles. Many of the larger resorts in the Truckee/Northstar area also offer fantastic summer activities for families, including mini-golf, outdoor play areas, and even gentle scenic gondola rides that provide stunning views without strenuous hiking. Truckee truly rounds out a Lake Tahoe adventure by offering a blend of history, indoor fun, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for the little ones.

Where to Stay with Toddlers in South Lake Tahoe

There are a lot of adorable cabin rentals that you can book through Booking.com - just turn on the search option for “Vacation Homes”.

Caesars Republic

Location: 18 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV 89449

We have stayed at Harvey’s a few times which is now called Caesars Republic and currently under major renovation.

However, the rooms are spacious with lots of lake view options! There is a casino which isn’t great for kids, but good if you want to take turns going down to gamble or go to a bar when the children are sleeping!

There’s an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center too. Though I’ve never seen the fitness center, good for you if you make it!

The restaurants are great but not exactly kid friendly! Here’s what you need to know:

Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey does not have a dedicated kids' menu, but they are accommodating to families and can offer options for children. Yelp users report that servers can usually suggest items from the main menu or prepare something simple like chicken tenders or mac and cheese.

Wolf by Vanderpump doesn’t have a kids menu either and is 21+ after 8p.

My favorite restaurant is the Sage Room which is located on the 19th floor with a perfect view of the lake! Try and get a reservation ahead of time around sunset. Again, they don’t have a kids menu but check ahead of time to see if there is something your tot might be into.

Cozy cabin looking exterior hotel lobby of Holiday Inn Express with pine trees — Holiday Inn Express Exterior

Budget friendly option - Holiday Inn Express Lake Tahoe

Location: 3961 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

We had a free night through our IHG credit card that was expiring and we decided to give Holiday Inn Express a try. For a 3-star hotel, it was great. We got the double queen room with an extra floor space option, which was perfect for our two tots to run around or play with the knock-off magnatile set (Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set). Our stay included free breakfast and was walkable to the Heavenly shops and restaurants as well as the state-line casinos!

Where to Dine with Toddlers in Lake Tahoe

Chances are your toddler sits for 5-10 minutes and then is bored. No matter how many toys, coloring books, or crayons I pack, all I want is someone to serve me a nice meal to enjoy. Here are a few spots that we had good luck with:

Bear and eagle statue in front of lake Tahoe by Riva Grill with toddlers — Riva Grill views

Riva Grill on the Lake

900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

I love this place! It’s right on the water and there is plenty to see if you’re sitting inside or outside! The tables outside on the patio were large so we could sprawl out with coloring books and food. There’s even a walkway just off to the side if you have to take a breather or wait for Dad to pay the check. Get a Woody drink!

Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck

180 Lake Pkwy, Stateline, NV 89449

For a memorable dining experience that caters to both adults and toddlers, consider Edgewood Tahoe's Brooks' Bar and Deck. While Edgewood is known for its upscale golf course and lodge, Brooks' Bar and Deck strikes a perfect balance, offering a refined yet comfortable atmosphere that warmly welcomes families. Situated right off the picturesque 18th hole, the expansive deck boasts unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierras – a constantly changing panorama that can keep even the most restless toddler entertained. Their "gastropub" menu features elevated comfort food, with options that are often appealing to a wider range of palates, and the casual-yet-classy ambiance means you won't feel out of place with a high chair and a few kid-friendly snacks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the iconic Lake Tahoe scenery, creating a special memory for everyone in the family.

California Burger Co.

1001 Heavenly Village Way #2b, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Located in Heavenly Village, this outdoor spot was great for toddlers. There was enough fake grass, a fire pit to run trucks over (when the fire was off and not hot), and live music. They also had frozen lemonade so the kids had a drink while Mommy and Daddy also had a fun drink. Wink, wink! The food was good - burgers were great but they didn’t have a kid’s burger, luckily there were chicken tenders and a grilled cheese to choose from.

Itinerary for 4 days in Lake Tahoe during Spring or Summer

Day 1

5p - Arrive in Reno

5:30p - Pick up rental car

6:30p - Grab Chick-fil-a by airport and drive to Tahoe (about an hour)

7:30p - Check into hotel

8p - Bedtime

Day 2

5:45a wake-up call from excited 1.5 year old, 3.5 year old slept longer

6a walk around the neighborhood grab breakfast - we had free breakfast with our room but there are lots of coffee shops in the area if you need a destination. We also made muffins and brought them with us.

8a - eat breakfast together as a family - Social House was a good recommendation

10a - head to the park on the lake

12p - lunch at Riva Grill

1:30p - naptime

3p - drive over to Kahle Park

5p - drop car off, walk to California Burger Co. outdoor seating, live music

6:30p - walk back to hotel, get ready for bed

7:15p - bedtime

Day 3

6:15a Wake-up call from a happy toddler

7a - Free breakfast at the hotel restaurant

8a - walk over to the shopping center to entertain toddler

10a - 35 min Drive to the waterfall (Glen Alpine Falls)

10:40a - Arrive and explore

11:45a - drive to Kiva picnic area

12:05p - arrive Kiva picnic area, walk down, eat lunch

12:40p - drive back to hotel

1:15p - naptime

3:30p - walk over to Heavenly shopping center - shops, restaurants, mini golf (during summer)

5:45p - dinner

6:30p - walk back to room, get ready for bed

7:30p - bedtime

Day 4

6:20a Wake-up call from toddler

7a - Breakfast at Heaven’s Little Cafe (eat it there or take it to go!)

8a - drive to North Shore’s Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail

8:40a - Hike Tahoe East trail aka Impossible trail

11:30a - Lunch at Inclined Burgers and Brews - kids menu includes hamburger, cheeseburger, grilled cheese and chicken strips

12:30p - take a drive for a car nap

3p - Arrive at KidZone in Truckee - 11711 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

5p - Drive back towards the south shore

6p - Dinner at Edgewood’s Brook’s Bar and Deck and enjoy the sunset

What to pack for Toddlers?!

Shop our Amazon list for our favorite things to pack!

What was in our suitcase? Pretty much everything! Being there mid-May, there was still snow on the mountains so it was mid 60’s during the day but 30’s at night!

For a family of 4 (including 2 toddlers), we packed:

3 duffles- we love the Eddie Bauer duffle that compacts into a small bag
- Duffle #1 - toddlers’ clothes, diapers, shoes, toys, etc.
- Duffle #2 - My clothes and hub’s clothes
- Duffle #3 - toddler bumper for bed, you can use pillows but we had free bags we could check. Sometimes we bring the race car blow-up bed
2 car seats - infant and toddler
2 personal bags (however, mine was toy overflow) - Picasso Magnet Mini tile travel set, Go Dog Go board book, trucks, Pixar Cars bath toys, Reusable Sticker books, and Crayola Mess Free Coloring books.
diaper bag
Insulated Snack bag - filled with PB&J sandwiches, That’s It Bars,
wagon (instead of our stroller, but we LOVE this travel stroller)

See our full list on Amazon.com!

So pack your bags, grab your little adventurers, and get ready for a Lake Tahoe trip that’s anything but ordinary. It’s an adventure waiting to be explored, even with the littlest legs leading the way!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

Things to do in Lake Tahoe with toddlers text, father and son in front of waterfall — Things to do in Summer in Lake Tahoe with a Toddler

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Packing Checklist and Must Haves for Traveling with a Baby 2025

Traveling with a baby? What should I pack? What do I need? Here’s everything you need when traveling with a baby from strollers that fit in an overheard compartment to the best travel bed to get babies to sleep in hotel rooms!

Make Traveling with a Baby Easier in 2025

Babies are so small yet need so many things! Traveling isn’t as easy as just packing a small bag for the weekend when bringing a little one. Whether you’re flying or driving, here are some handy tips and a packing list for what to pack and travel hacks for infants 6 months+!

Don’t forget to grab a Crossword Puzzle for nap time! This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR It keeps my mind working and gives me a list of places to add to our bucket list!

Shop our Amazon list for all things listed below!

Related post: See all things need for baby from birth to 12 months in this Baby Must Haves List

Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller - best travel stroller

Car Seats and Strollers

If you are driving, you’ll already have your car seat (we love our Graco 4Ever DLX car seat).

If you’re flying I recommend a much lighter car seat like the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat that doesn’t need a base and can still be strapped in by the seat belt. It only weighs about 7 pounds and helps protect rear-facing infants 4-35 lb and up to 32". You might not need the car seat on the plane which you can gate check it, but you may need a car seat once you land to get to your hotel or Grandma’s house. If you are gate checking, just make sure to grab a tag from the gate host before you board and I recommend this Gorilla Grip car seat gate check cover for it that can also be worn as a backpack! It also packs into a small handy pouch!

We absolutely love our Uppababy Vista stroller but it is a monster to travel with! We bought the Ergobaby Metro+ stroller which compacts nicely into the overhead compartment of an airplane or the trunk of a car. The stroller weigh 16.9 pounds, holding up to 50 pounds or 50” (ages 0-4 typically) in the seat and up to 20 pounds in the carriage below. We also hang the diaper bag on the handles and if it’s not too heavy, the stroller won’t tip over. The wheel suspension is great and work well on a variety of surfaces, pretty impressive for being so lightweight.

suitcase comparison — We liked the Ergobaby stroller compared to the Baby jogger.

Food and Breastfeeding

Baby’s first flight was when he was 8 months old, so he was starting to eat solids but more solely relying on breast milk than food. We packed a thermal lunch box that had reusable ice packs and packed extra ziplock bags to get ice at a restaurant or on the plane when the packs melted.

When going through TSA, tell them you have breast milk and they may have you put in a separate bin along with baby wipes, so have that ready. In Syracuse, they scanned the milk and opened the bottles and didn’t properly secure one so it slowly leaked everywhere. 😩 Always triple check the bottles and flip them upside down to make sure they aren’t leaking.

During take-off and landing, it’s recommended to feed the baby a bottle or breastfeed. The sucking helps with the pressure in altitude change. I sat in the window seat so there was a little more privacy.

We also packed teething crackers which was entertainment for 20 mins and a snack. Also, your water cup could be the best new toy your baby has ever played with. 😂

If baby is 9 months or over one year old, you’ll want to pack either baby food that doesn’t have to be refrigerated or a thermal lunchbox full of food (and maybe even a sandwich for Mom and Dad). Don’t forget to pack a bib, spoon, bowls, or plates!

We are into baby led weaning and so when baby was 10 months old, I packed a steak knife, spoon, foldable measuring cup, paper towels, small trash bags, baby safe soap, and small cutting board. The steak knife would need to be checked and I would prep as much food as possible so you can check all of these items. I put Mrs Meyers soap in a travel bottle to wash breast pump parts and baby food containers.

If you’re driving, same situation as above, only we packed a small cooler.

Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!

SlumberPod tent in hotel room — SlumberPod is a must have for traveling with a baby!

Sleeping and Travel Crib

Most hotels will have a pack n play but it’s not always guaranteed, so make sure you call ahead. We typically bring ours as it’s the best travel crib if we’re driving and must bring the SlumberPod!

The SlumberPod is a blackout tent that goes over the pack-n-play to help keep the light out and allows you to sneak around the hotel room without baby seeing you. We always bring the Hatch too for white noise but you can always use an iPhone or iPad for that.

Best Baby Carrier

We have several baby carriers that all have their own purposes. However, we have 2 specifically for travel:

For hikes and outdoorsy events, we like the Deuter Kid Comfort Active carrier. It weighs just over 5 pounds by itself and is perfect for carrying around your precious cargo. Baby’s first trip was when he was 9 months old and about 20 pounds and it holds up to 35 pounds which is the size of a 4 year old. Its an odd size so it’s a little harder to pack than our other carriers. The benefit is that it has pockets and space for your stuff, so you can carry other things in the carrier such as water bottles or snacks!

If you’re looking for something smaller and compact, we also have the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier which is convertible where you can have baby face-in and face-out or wear front and back for newborns and older babies 8-32 lbs. It’s super lightweight and very breathable.

Baby Toiletries and Amenities

I pack the following in a toiletry bag:

Baby shampoo and soap
Tylenol + syringe
Baby Comb
Vitamin D
Diaper rash cream
Saline spray
Baby lotion
Baby Sunscreen

Some I have in travel size, others I fill a 3 oz travel bottle. Hotels might have a baby proofing amenity on request, but if you have a crawler or walker, I recommend bringing a handful of outlet covers.

Also, request a fridge ahead of time or when checking-in to your hotel.

In my diaper bag, I always have multipurpose wipes in a Ziploc bag, good to wipe down plane seat areas, table or high chairs at restaurant, toys, etc. I pack an extra baggie of them on trips.

Shop our Amazon list for all these things in one place!

Beach and Pool Travel Gear

If you’re heading to a beach destination, I recommend a few things:

Shade tent - having fun in the sun is great but shade is even better! We liked the COMMOUDS Large Pop Up Beach Tent with UPF 50+ beach sun shade including a carry bag! It’s lightweight is great for 3 people with some room for baby to run around. It is a pop up tent with screen windows (that can also close up) which compacts into a small bag weighing only 2 pounds. There are stakes and bags for sand bags to anchor the tent.
Beach blanket - this is great to have just in general. We like the HIHOHO Beach Blanket Sandproof, Lager 82" X79" and use it at the park or any lawn, really. It has pockets in the corner to fill with sand or rocks or even heavier toys and stakes to anchor. It’s machine washable too!

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Kat Cregg 1/7/25 Kat Cregg 1/7/25

40 Things You Must Pack for Hawaii (Plus Printable List) Don't forget the...

Going to Maui or Kauai? Here is a list of packing essentials for Hawaii! Digital Download and Printable checklist included for those commonly forgotten items! This list consists of female items with what to wear suggestions and it can all fit in carry-on luggage! Don’t forget the…

Hawaii outfit ideas featuring breezy dresses, sandals, and beach-ready accessories perfect for a tropical vacation. — A curated collage of Hawaii outfit ideas featuring summer dresses, neutral sandals, and travel-friendly accessories suitable for island days and evenings.

Packing Essentials for Maui or any Island in Hawaii, Plus a Pretty Printable Packing Checklist - 2026 Update

Update: January 9, 2026

We’ve gone to Hawaii so many times I’ve become an expert on packing! We’ve been to almost all of the islands and they are relatively the same when packing. If I don’t have my list, I will forget things, so I always keep it handy since we venture to Hawaii at least once a year!

Maui Hawaii Views Must Pack List.jpg — Maui Sunrise looking over Lanai

Download our Hawaii Packing Essentials Checklist

Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Hawaii does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!

Great Budget-friendly finds on Amazon for Hawaii Packing!

Want a FREE downloadable pretty Hawaii travel packing essentials printable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii

See our shopping list (with some great budget-friendly dresses and tons of Hawaiian outfit ideas) straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

RELATED POST: How much does it cost to go to Maui in 2026? - Itinerary, budget, and more!

Here we go…

female in Hawaiian dress on balcony in Maui at Sunset — My favorite Hawaii Outfit - dress with pockets!

CLOTHING FOR HAWAII AND HAWAII OUTFIT IDEAS - What to Pack for Hawaii Vacation

Dresses - Short and Maxi (Hawaiian themed is always fun). I usually wear dresses for dinner and wandering around. See more Hawaii Outfit ideas here
Light Sweater - for cooler nights
Workout Clothes - Hikes, Road to Hana, Runs on the beach, Zip-lining, golfing, etc.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures - I LOVE Asics Gel Venture shoes! The gel is so squishy and comfortable. Must HAVE!
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings since it is usually a long-haul
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch

Looking for a complete Maui resource? Our Ultimate Travel Guide for Maui 2026 brings together hotels, activities, food, and travel tips in one place.

Lilly Pulitzer Women's Kailua Smocked Maxi, Resort White Just a Pinch Engineered Knit Dress

Lilly Pulitzer

ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoes, 9, Indigo Blue/Papaya

Asics

Image displaying Hawaii outfit ideas with comfortable, breathable clothing and simple accessories designed for warm weather travel. — Hawaii outfit ideas with comfortable, breathable clothing and simple accessories designed for warm weather travel.

BEACH ITEMS FOR HAWAII - Hawaii Packing List for 5 Days

Flip-flops - I love Havianas! They are the only flip flop brand I’ve bought for 15 years.
Sandals - To wear to restaurants and shopping, unless you want to wear your flip flops
Swimsuit - I bring a couple so one is always dry
Swimsuit Cover Up - Great to wear around the resort or to get a drink at the pool bar! Hat - Sun hat and baseball hat for hikes/outdoor activities
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Towel - or use the resort towels
Beach or tote bag - to throw towels, sunscreen, magazine, clothes, etc.
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the plane or for the room
Crossword Puzzle - This is our FAVORITE puzzle! Travel terms and countries! https://amzn.to/4lVixuR

CATCHY & CRAFTY Swimsuit Coverup for Women Kimono Cardigan Beach Floral Boho Print Resort Wear Cruise Gift (Nude Pink Floral)

CATCHY & CRAFTY

Tempt Me Women Green Floral Ruched Slimming One Piece Swimsuits Tummy Control Vintage Bathing Suits L

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Lady in Hawaiian clothes sitting in big chair surrounded by presents — Swimsuit coverup and hat perfect for Hawaii Travel

TOILETRIES FOR HAWAII

Reefsafe Sunblock - Save the reef! Buy reef safe! I noticed the Sheraton Maui had dispensers around the resort - check with your hotel ahead of time or bring your own!
Aloe Vera - I don’t know about you, but I always miss a spot.
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - don’t forget, it gets windy on the beach!
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Beachy waves are cool too!
Feminine Products

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion | Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunblock with Vitamin E | Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) | 8 oz

Sun Bum

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel, 2 oz (56 g) (Bundle of 3)

KT Travel

MAUI HAWAII 2016-9.jpg — Maui Hawaii Beach

ELECTRONICS FOR HAWAII

GoPro - Get those adventure shots while swimming, snorkeling, zip-lining, surfing, waterfall hiking, or parasailing
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows and movies for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave Hawaii as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine. I also bring an old iPhone in a waterproof case for snorkeling and swimming!
Headphones/Airpods - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices if you don’t use bluetooth
External battery - keep your electronics charged! We like the Mophie brand with built-in cables so you aren’t searching for them.
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables for your phone, headphones, tablet, watch…

GoPro HERO13 Black Accessory Bundle - Includes The Handler, 2 Enduro Batteries, 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts, 64GB SanDisk MicroSD Card, and Carrying Case

GoPro

Mophie Powerstation Plus 10,000mAh Power Bank - Has Integrated USB-C and Lightning Cables, Fast Charging for Smartphones, Tablets, and iPhones

mophie

See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane

SCUBA DIVERS OR SNORKELERS PACKING LIST

We bring our own fins and masks so we can not only scuba dive but also snorkel whenever! Pro tip - buy a set and carry them on in a mesh bag!

Masks - I’ve tried so many masks and the Cressi Pano 3 is my personal favorite. At a budget-friendly price, it has one big window, fits well, and does not leak!
Fins
Baby Shampoo - use as defogging for the mask!
Rash Guards! Great for protecting your skin in the water! We forgot ours one year, so we bought new ones at our favorite store in Hawaii, Honolua Surf Shop
Dive Book and PADI/Dive Certification - for divers
Diver Essentials - Dive Watch, BCD, Wetsuit, etc. We usually make sure the dive shop has the basic package.
Scuba Mesh Bag to carry all of the above! We carry this mesh bag on the plane with our gear.

Cressi Liberty Triside Spe Diving Mask, Black/Black/Pink

Cressi

IUGA Rash Guard for Women UPF 50+ SPF UV Protection Long Sleeve Workout Tops with Pockets Dry Fit Hiking Swim Shirt Green

IUGA

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Orchid Pink Purple, Carry On 21-Inch

Travelpro

Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering my suitcase with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!

What NOT to Pack for Hawaii

Skip these items to pack lighter and enjoy Hawaii’s relaxed island lifestyle:

Heavy jackets or bulky layers – Hawaii is warm year-round; a light sweater is enough for evenings. ONLY pack these if you are going to a higher elevation early in the morning or late at night.
High heels or dressy shoes – Most places are casual; sandals and sneakers are best.
Too many outfits – You’ll live in swimsuits, shorts, and casual dresses.
Full-size toiletries – Easily available at Target, Walmart, and local stores.
Non-reef-safe sunscreen – Hawaii restricts certain chemicals to protect coral reefs.
Expensive jewelry – Swimming and beach days increase the risk of loss.
Hair styling tools – Humidity and beach days make them unnecessary.
Large beach gear – Chairs, umbrellas, and snorkel gear are often provided or rentable.

Pro tip: If you won’t use it more than once, leave it at home.

Doing my dance in my Hawaiian Lilly Pulitzer dress with a mai tai at the Grand Wailea.

FREEBIES AND DISCOUNTS! Free Hawaii Packing Essentials Printable Checklist Download

Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Hawaii or see our list of things to buy straight from Amazon: Hawaii Packing Essentials

Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!

Hawaii Packing Checklist FAQs

What should you definitely pack for Hawaii?

Pack lightweight clothing, swimsuits, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a light jacket for evenings or higher elevations.

What should you NOT pack for Hawaii?

Avoid heavy jackets, high heels, too many outfits, non-reef-safe sunscreen, bulky beach gear, and full-size toiletries. Hawaii’s climate and casual style make most of these unnecessary.

Do you need a jacket in Hawaii?

Usually no. A light sweater or windbreaker is enough for cooler evenings or breezy areas. The only exception is visiting higher elevations like Haleakalā or Mauna Kea.

Can you buy essentials in Hawaii instead of packing them?

Yes. Stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, and local markets are widely available, making it easy to buy sunscreen, toiletries, and beach items after you arrive.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii restricts sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to help protect coral reefs. Always bring or buy reef-safe sunscreen.

What shoes are best to pack for Hawaii?

Sandals, flip-flops, and comfortable walking shoes are ideal. Most travelers don’t need dress shoes or heels due to Hawaii’s relaxed dress code.

How many outfits should I pack for Hawaii?

Fewer than you think. Plan to rewear casual outfits and focus on swimsuits, cover-ups, and breathable clothing rather than packing a new outfit for each day.

Do hotels in Hawaii provide beach gear?

Many hotels and resorts provide beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and sometimes snorkel gear. Check your hotel amenities before packing large items.

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Packing Essentials and List for Hawaii.png

Packing Essentials and List for Hawaii1.png

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Great Fall Travel Dresses (budget-friendly and good quality) from Amazon!

Fall in love with these Autumnal Dresses from Amazon! I have bought a ton of dresses from Amazon and get pretty good quality for a relatively cheap price (and prime members can get them the next day)! Whether you are taking a road trip or seeing family during this autumn, here are some great fall dress ideas that won’t break the bank!

Fall in love with these Autumnal Dresses and Outfits from Amazon

Updated 2024 version!

I love dresses and wear them all year long! I have bought a ton of dresses from Amazon and get pretty good quality for a relatively cheap price (and prime members can get them the next day)!

Whether you are taking a road trip or seeing family during this autumn, see the gallery for great fall dress ideas that won’t break the bank! Many of these dresses come in various patterns! Take a closer look at them to find your favorite!

Amoretu Women Long Sleeve Casual V Neck Loose Swing Tunic Shift Dress Burgundy M

Amoretu

Buy on Amazon

Fall in love with RED

First up, my favorite fall color is maroon or burgundy, anything deep red!

QACOHU Simple Loose Ruffle Long Sleeve V Neck Mini Spring Autumn Dress Women Shift Dress Leopard M

QACOHU

Buy on Amazon

Animal Print Dresses on Amazon

Leopard print dresses are always welcome! Stand out in the crowd with these frisky numbers! Prrrrrrr

CUPSHE Women's Mini Dress Floral Print V Neck Chiffon A-Line Short Dress Long Peasant Sleeves Navy, XXL

Buy on Amazon

Autumn Floral Dresses

I have spring floral, summer floral, and fall floral dresses, trust me, there’s a difference!

BTFBM Women Long Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress V Neck Boho Floral High Waist Flowy Ruffle 2024 Spring Summer Dresses with Belt(Floral Wine Red White, X-Large)

BTFBM

Buy on Amazon

Long Fall Dresses

Take that Instagram picture running through the leaves with your frock trailing behind you!

Fun Fall Style Dresses

Patterns and new cuts are always a great way to freshen up your wardrobe! Definitely a great dress to wear to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving!

R.Vivimos Women's Summer Boho Button Up V Neck Floral Print Roll Up Causal Split Beach Midi Dresses (X-Large, Green)

Buy on Amazon

See all of these and more on AMAZON FALL TRAVEL DRESSES

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway

Could you use a little pampering? When life is weighing down on you, it can really take a toll, especially after the last year that’s left many of us in a rut. A self-care-focused getaway is a great opportunity to give yourself the boost you’re craving. Our friends at Soulful Travel have put together some great reasons why you need to plan your next getaway!

Image via Unsplash

Give Yourself a Mental Boost with a TLC-Oriented Getaway

Why It’s Important and Not Indulgent

You might feel like taking a little getaway for yourself is a bit over the top, especially if your intention is to pamper yourself a bit. However, if you’re feeling stressed by life’s happenings, a trip can be a practical component of a balanced self-care plan.

As PsychCentral explains, self-care is an action you deliberately take that promotes your quality of life. It’s those things you do that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally well. For instance, daily grooming and exercise count as important aspects of self-care.

You might feel like a getaway is particularly indulgent, but traveling is a great way to promote mental well-being. In fact, it’s a perfect way to refresh your perspective, reduce stress, and give your confidence a shot in the arm.

Health-Focused Road Trip

One of the best ways to travel these days is road tripping, especially when self-care is a priority. As the Sacramento Bee points out, a road trip offers you freedom and flexibility, as you can choose your direction, stops, and side trips on a lark. By using your own vehicle, you have the ease and comfort of familiar surroundings, and you can use apps for navigating and exploring. You might find it best to plan your itinerary loosely, then let your whims fill in the gaps!

Another advantage of road trips is the option of packing your own healthy snacks. For savory goodness, there is single-serve hummus with whole-grain pita, or if a sweet-and-salty combo is your thing, think vanilla-flavored cashews. And if you simply must hit a fast-food spot, there are healthy options there as well, like veggie burgers and tuna salad subs.

Pack for Pampering

Since your objective is a self-care getaway, another advantage in road tripping is the ability to pack more than you would for air travel. Take advantage of your elbow room, and bring along some extra goodies to enjoy.

For instance, you can plan a DIY spa evening right in your room, complete with a pedicure, deep conditioning treatment, facial, and styling to soothe your soul. Before you hit the road, you might snag some treats like new polish colors and a hair straightener to play with.

Also, consider the activities you have planned and give yourself something new to look forward to. If you’re heading to trails, for instance, invest in an insulated bottle to stay refreshed and some socks to keep your feet comfortable. Think about things that will support your self-care efforts, and invest in a little something that makes the trip all the more special.

What Not to Pack

Do you have a habit of taking work home with you? If you happen to be a manager, there is a good chance you do. There is also a good chance that your work is a serious source of stress. What’s more, while you might try to keep it all bottled up, that stress tends to trickle down to those you lead. Happily, taking a vacation is the most effective way for those in a management position to reduce their stress levels. The key, of course, is to make those days real vacation days. For the sake of your mental health, make sure you leave your laptop, paperwork, and other work paraphernalia behind when you pack your bags for your vacay.

If it’s time to give yourself a little TLC, consider a getaway. Road trip in a health-focused manner, pack and plan for self-care, and aim for a quiet, cozy retreat into nature. It might sound like an indulgence, but it can be essential to your overall well-being and living a healthier lifestyle overall.

More travel inspiration:

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Kat Cregg 6/21/21 Kat Cregg 6/21/21

Planning and Packing for Travel in 2021

2020 was the year for canceled travel plans, but 2021 has made it possible for plans to start being made again. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a travel planning guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.

Image via Unsplash

Planning and Packing for Pandemic Travel

The virus canceled countless travel plans over the course of 2020, but progress has made it possible for plans to start being made again. That said, it’s important to plan responsibly so that your travel during the pandemic is as problem-free as possible. We teamed up with our friends at Soulful Travel to create a guide to get you back in the swing of travel and ready for the new norm.

Choosing a Destination

Consider potential destinations in terms of how they have handled the coronavirus crisis. For instance, Everyday Health suggests looking for places that have an established trend of cases decreasing, allow free movement into and out of the area, and have easy access to treatment.

Whenever possible, always plan different outdoor activities. The virus is highly unlikely to transmit when people are outside, so choose fun activities like going to the beach or hiking that allow you to keep a comfortable and safe distance in the open air. It’s a wonderful time to visit any natural wonders you've been dreaming of visiting, as they are the perfect excuse to stay in the sunshine and under the stars.

International Travel

With vaccination efforts fully underway in many places and infections on the decline, countries are beginning to open back up their borders to international guests. While many aspects of transcontinental travel remain the same, some countries are requiring international travelers to provide proof of vaccination before they can enter, while others have changed their stances on dual citizenship passports. Always do research before planning your trip.

Consider this list of questions before deciding on a destination:

● Do I need to be vaccinated?

● What kind of proof is required?

● Will my passport still work?

● If not, can I get a new one in time for travel?

● Do they have a mandatory quarantine period upon entrance?

● What are the country’s restrictions for moving about within and outside of its borders?

If you do travel outside the United States, make sure to bring a universal plug adapter and smart suitcase to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Domestic Travel

If you’d prefer to travel closer to home, state and national parks are excellent options for outdoor activities, the features of which can have a powerful impact on those who visit. Ask anyone who has hiked the Grand Canyon about it, and they will reply with an almost mystical look in their eyes, remembering the breadth and beauty of it. The same could be said for many of the stunningly gorgeous sites of the natural world these parks host. National parks have made a move toward integrating Wi-Fi and establishing cell towers nearby, so it is easier than ever to stay connected even when in the wild.

What to Pack

Pandemic traveling calls for a few extras in your travel bags. Sanitizing wipes, face masks and a digital thermometer are all good investments. Packing food and drinks can help keep you from having to enter too many places, and bringing your own toilet paper and wipes can save you if travel stops along the way have their bathrooms closed to the public due to the pandemic.

Selfie sticks are a great way to get the photos you want of you and your travel companions without having to ask strangers to touch your camera or phone. Solar chargers are perfect for time spent in the great outdoors, and with a mobile hotspot, you can get service wherever you may be. Also, if you plan to use your smartphone for navigation during your road trips, purchase a reliable mount for your car that will allow you to use your device hands-free.

The virus doesn't have to keep you from making memories of exploring new places. Choose your destination wisely, research extensively to make smart plans, and pack with safety and connectivity in mind. Your sweet escape is waiting for you.

Kat Cregg 2/21/20 Kat Cregg 2/21/20

Expensive Mistakes When Traveling with a Dog

Traveling with a dog is hard enough physically and emotionally but it can be costly too! Check out these great tips to make traveling with your dog a breeze and avoid expensive mistakes!

Traveling with your pup can be expensive, here are some do’s and don’t’s!

My friends at OurBestDoggo.com assisted me with this great advice to avoid expensive mistakes for traveling with your pup!

Sometimes in life, it’s time to hit the road with your best friend. When that best friend is a dog, however, there are several important things to consider before you head out. Without proper planning, you can wind up spending a boatload on a trip with your pup.

Leaving them behind, however, isn’t always an option. Doggy boarding or hiring a sitter can be expensive. Plus, most people think of their dogs as family members, and you can’t leave family behind when you head out on vacation. Fortunately, a little forethought is all you really need to save money on a holiday you, your family, and your dog will enjoy. Here’s a look at a few of the pricier mistakes you should avoid when traveling with your dog.

Forgetting Feeding Essentials

When you’re on the go, you can pick up snacks and meals at nearly any destination. However, your pup can’t always enjoy the same on-the-fly access that you can. That’s why it’s important to bring along plenty of food and dog-safe treats and cookies so your pup stays satisfied.

Don’t assume you’ll find the food your dog likes wherever you’re going – since animals’ stomachs don’t adjust easily to new foods, grabbing a new brand may be pricey in more ways than one. Besides, no one wants to face that hotel cleaning bill, especially when you’re on a budget. Plus, if you have your pal’s favorite treats on hand, you can give them something fun to chow down on while you sample the great desserts at your destination.

Moreover, you need to have the right gear so your pup can eat on the go. Collapsible food and water dishes are a must-have for the canine traveler. These allow you to give your dog meals at rest stops, hotels, and anywhere else you might otherwise struggle to feed them. You can save money on these items by searching for special online deals and coupons so your best friend can eat in style no matter where you end up.

Leaving Without Vet Clearance

Whenever you take your dog on a trip, it’s important to talk to your vet first to make sure they’re healthy enough to go on the road. Moreover, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe you with anti-nausea meds or sedatives than can save your car from a motion sickness disaster. Keeping your pal comfortable and safe on the road is a responsibility you take on as a pet owner.

However, your responsibilities don’t stop there. Depending on where you’re going and how you’re traveling, you may need a note from your vet ensuring your dog is fit for travel. Some states require that you have evidence with you that your pet is up to date on all shots. Travel without them, even if you’re just passing through, and you risk getting hit with a hefty fine.

Going on a Last-Minute Adventure

Spontaneous vacations can be incredibly fun, but they’re the wrong call with a dog; there are simply too many details to consider when it comes to traveling with a pet. For example, there’s the aforementioned vet visit. Moreover, you need to make sure you’ll be able to find pet-friendly accommodations wherever you end up. Do you know where the nearest emergency vet is to where you’re staying? What about those on the way?

Not only does heading out without this info put your dog in danger, but it also puts your pocketbook at risk, as well. After all, making a last-minute booking in a pet-friendly room is a surefire way to end up with terrible rates. The hotel knows you don’t have an abundance of options, so they have no real incentive to offer you a good deal. Of course, that’s assuming you’re able to get a pet-friendly room at all.

You need to think ahead when traveling with your dog, both to keep your pal safe and to make sure you’re saving money along the way. Keeping these things in mind will allow you to go on the adventure you and your pup deserve.

Looking for the right food for your 4-legged friend? Check out the best dog food here: How to Choose the Right Food For Your Dog

Looking for the best restaurants and places to eat in Maui, Hawaii? Check out our favorite Restaurants in Maui from Lahaina to Wailea! | Where to go in Maui | Where to eat in Maui | Food in Maui

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Kat Cregg 10/7/19 Kat Cregg 10/7/19

Experiencing Saruni Samburu and Seeing the Northern 5 in Kenya - Africa

We saw the Northern Five and tons of other animals while on safari in Northern Kenya! Also, see our amazing accommodations at the best lodge in Northern Kenya, Saruni Samburu, making this the trip of a lifetime to Africa. What to wear and packing tips also included!

Our experience at Saruni Samburu was unbelievable! Yes, I know I say this often but I mean it! From the room to the food to the guides, our stay was absolutely perfect and we were sad to leave. We even got up close and personal with the Northern Five native to Northern Kenya!

See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List

Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!

Reticulated Giraffe seen while on safari with Saruni Samburu

How to Get to Samburu, Kenya

We stopped in Nairobi and took a smaller plane to Samburu for about an hour's flight. They did weigh our luggage but you give them your bags over a counter so you can kinda hide a camera if you’re worried about the 33 lb weight limit. The coolest part was sitting behind the pilots and landing on a dirt runway!

Our guide met us there and took us to the Saruni Rhino where we spent a few days but the drive from the air strip was about 30-45 minutes from Saruni Samburu.

See more on our trip to Saruni Rhino and how we got up close and personal with a baby rhino here: Rhino Tracking at the Saruni Rhino

Guest Rooms at Saruni Samburu

I wish we had more time to spend in the room! WHO SAYS THAT?! Well, when you have a room with a second floor and a lovely living room overlooking Kenya, why wouldn’t you?!

As we walked into our room, which was not a suite, this is their standard room, we were blown away by the size of the room and the balcony attached to it!

We then discovered we had another room upstairs! This room was also large in size set up like a living room, complete with a dining table.

The bathroom was huge and had a bidet next to the toilet. Not only was there a shower inside the bathroom, but there was also a shower outside overlooking the conservation. I did take a shower outside one morning while watching elephants at the waterhole.

Safari Time at Saruni Samburu

How do safaris work?

We weren’t sure exactly what to expect for our safaris, but we were very happy with our experience. Everyday you’ll head out in the morning or afternoon for a safari. Depending on what you see and how great your guide is, you’ll drive around for 5-8 hours which sounds crazy but goes by real quick! Our car was completely open and had panels that came down in case it rained.

What should you wear on a safari?

I read a ton of blogs telling me what to pack and that I needed to purchase $100 safari shirts… Let me tell you, I was just fine in my Gap t-shirt and leggings. We did treat our clothes with permethrin, a bug repellent for your clothes. In the morning and late afternoon, I made sure to have a sweatshirt but there were also blankets in the car. Unless you are getting out of the vehicle, which you aren’t supposed to, there’s no reason not to where something comfortable that you can sit in for long periods of time.

Our Safari Experience

Joseph was our guide for the time we were at Saruni Samburu as well as Saruni Rhino. Since he is from the local village, he knew the area (and animals) very well and was phenomenal at finding animals far away. Joseph understood various animal behaviors and explained their actions, teaching us fun facts about each animal.

Scroll down later in the post to watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu!

Here are some of the animals we saw over the course of 3 days:

Impalas - we even saw a newborn, birthed seconds before we arrived
Batiat foxes 🦊
Beisa Oryx (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Leopards - mama and cubs
Egyptian geese 🦆
Lions 🦁
Elephants
Dik-diks - little antelopes about a foot tall
Rock hyraxes
Wilds dogs - very rare
Somali ostrich (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Dwarf mongoose
Fotery guinea fowl
Gerenuk
Grant’s Gazelles
Grevy’s Zebras 🦓 (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Nile crocodile 🐊
Cheetah
Reticulated Giraffes (part of the Northern Five, more on that below)
Warthogs - Even our guide called them pumbaas (which means dumb in Swahili)! Since they have such a short term memory, they are known to walk by a lion and walk back to the same spot 5 minutes later, forgetting they had passed it.
Eastern yellow-billed hornbill - AKA the flying banana or Zazu from the Lion King
Baboons
Monkeys

We went out in the early morning and late afternoon covering all basis to see as many animals as possible. Every day we saw something different and right when one day couldn’t possibly top the day before, it did! Depending on how long we were going out, we either ate before or after the safari, or they packed us breakfast or lunch.

The topography was very dry and looked like the elephant graveyard in the Lion King. There is a river about an hour away and the closer you get, the more animals you see! Keep your eyes peeled and be patient. Sometimes just sitting and watching the animals for a while is fun to observe their behaviors. You never know what they might do!

One of our nights, we even went out for a night drive. I was nervous going into the dark at night at first and wondered what animals we’d see but there were so many we came across:

Porcupine
Owl 🦉
Hawk
Hare
Jackal
Male and female Ostriches
Striped hyena - very shy, very rare
Family of Elephants

The Northern Five in Kenya

We were lucky to find the Kenyan Northern Five including the Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, and the Reticulated Giraffe!

Here we go…

1. Somali Ostrich

The Somlai Ostrich differs from most ostriches with a bluish color on their neck and legs, instead of a pink color. The males were beautiful with black and white feathers, while the females had grayish brown feathers.

2. Gerenuk

As part of the antelope family, Gerenuks are also known as giraffe gazelles, appropriately named with their long necks and slender limbs. They’ll even stand erect on their hind legs to reach higher branches. I loved the pattern in their ears!

3. Grevy’s Zebra

In comparison to other zebras, Grevy’s unique characteristics include their taller height, large ears, narrower stripes, and white bellies with no stripes. with their stripes being closer together and thinner, it is easier for them to make a good escape and to hide from predators. Foals are born with brown and white striping which darken as they grow older.

4. Beisa Oryx

Also known as the East African Oryx, they are recognized by their long horns and striped markings. Yeah, even though they eat grass, I wouldn’t mess with those horns!

5. Reticulated Giraffe

Also known as the Somali Giraffe and most commonly seen in zoos. Their beautiful coats consists of large, polygonal, liver-colored spots outlined by bright-white lines.

Our camera gear used to grab these gorgeous photos:

Watch our video of our trip to Saruni Samburu:

Food at Saruni Samburu

The owner of the Saruni franchise is Italian and all food was also Italian with a Kenyan flair. There were always 3 courses for every meal and we never left feeling hungry! Dessert was always a must! Alcohol was included which we typically had wine and beer. There was a beverage menu with more options that you could pay for.

Saruni Samburu Food - Italian with Kenyan Flair

Saruni Samburu Food - Tusker Beer Kenya Africa

The Grounds at Saruni Samburu

There were 2 gorgeous infinity pools within a short walking distance fo our room. Although they weren’t heated, it was nice to take a dip then sit and enjoy the view.

The main lodge was a nice place to hang out as well. Sometimes before or after a meal we’d hang out and have a drink by the bonfire, or just lounge on the big couches and enjoy the view.

Wifi was only available near the main lodge and it wasn’t very good. Don’t count on working from there, but a few social media posts will go through… eventually.

Activities to do while at Saruni Samburu

Massages

Our room came with a complimentary massage for 30 mins for one person. After lugging around our heavy bags through airports, I was ready for a back and neck massage!

Bush Walk

We walked around the outskirts of our lodge with our guide and a ranger, and came across a pack of wild dogs! Apparently they are very rare to see. I thought they were hyenas at first, I just loved their big ears!

Star Gazing

At night there was practically no light pollution leaving a sky full of stars! We were able to see the Milky Way and on Josh’s Sony A7, he was able to capture the Milky Way!

Milky Way seen from the balcony of our room

We had a wonderful stay at Saruni Samburu and highly recommend it to anyone booking a future trip to Africa. We booked through Scott Dunn to get the best service and bang for our buck! Please tell them we sent you!

Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

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Saruni Samburu and the Northern Five in Kenya

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How to prepare and what to pack for your African Safari from clothes to cameras!

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Kat Cregg 9/8/19 Kat Cregg 9/8/19

How to prepare and what to pack for your African Safari from clothes to cameras!

Everything you’ll need for your Safari adventures in Africa

I was born and raised in Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley and definitely consider myself a Valley Girl. I’m not quite the outdoorsy, sleep under the stars, go camping type. When we booked our Africa trip, I guess I didn’t realize how much of this trip would be like camping… ok… glamping!

Make fun of me all that you want as to what I wore, but just know that I was comfortable and didn’t get one bug bite in 2 weeks!

Regardless here are the items that were essential for this trip for those of you who don’t typically have adventurous clothes in your closets (and don’t want to break the bank)!

See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List

Packing Essentials for Safaris in Africa

Packing Clothes for 2 Weeks in East Africa for Safaris

Everything I researched before we left suggested to wear layers which wasn’t helpful because that led me to all kinds of questions: What kind of layers? How many layers are really necessary? I now have those answers! In the morning it is chilly. I wore a short-sleeved t-shirt, a long-sleeved cotton pullover that was treated with bug repellant. Josh runs a little warmer so he had one of his long-sleeved safari Columbia shirts on and was fine.

More neutral, camouflage like colors are recommended but camouflage itself is not allowed as it is military wear only! We stuck to more beige, greens, and grays as you want to blend in to not scare away the animals. Also, they say blue and black attract the Tsetse fly, which is a disgusting fly that can bite you and give you some terrible disease. Bring bug repellent and treat your clothes with permethrin.

We treated our clothes with permethrin by spraying them before we left. Some clothing brands sell permethrin-treated shirts and pants, like Exofficio. Check the label, but most pre-treated clothes will last up to 70 washes. If you treat them yourself, the permethrin should last at least 7 washes.

All of our lodges did our laundry once a day, which was included with our booking. Make sure your lodge will do laundry for you in advance. The only thing they didn’t wash was women’s underwear since men were doing the laundry. I heard they don’t always have the cleanest water at times, but we didn’t have a problem. Most lodges will wash in the morning and hang dry so you don’t have to worry about anything shrinking.

My clothing packing list for 2 weeks in Africa (Josh packed very similar):

5 T-shirts (treated with permethrin) - Josh packed 4 quick-dry T-shirts and 2 safari Columbia shirts
2 Long-sleeved shirts - not too heavy, I recommend the Exofficio bug repellant pullover, I also had a fleece pullover because I get cold easily
5 pairs of pants/leggings - I packed one pair of Hiking Pants - convertible ones are great if its really hot
4 pairs of socks - including 2 pairs of Hiking socks
5 pairs of underwear
3 bras
Hiking shoes - high tops are better for your ankle but not necessary
Rain Jacket - lightweight and packs into a little pouch
Sun hat or baseball cap - get something snug so it doesn’t fly off when on safari

Tips for Toiletries

I recommend packing lightly as we took about 2 showers a day, I definitely did not go full make-up every day.

Sunscreen - ThinkSport is our fave
Bug repellent - Ultrathon is a lotion and lasts 12 hours
Don’t bring manicure scissors. They were confiscated at the airport :(
All the lodges had shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so I left mine at home
Hairdryer - some lodges had a hairdryer and others didn’t. They usually had restrictions to use them at a certain time too, check with your lodge if you can’t live without one.

Everything listed above fit into my $20 Eddie Bauer duffle bag! Why did I pack a duffle bag? This bag is very lightweight and according to our small plane’s regulations, we couldn’t have anything with wheels.

Pack Safari clothes and Cameras. You never know when you’ll see elephants!

What to Pack for a day on a Safari

Since you might be sitting in a vehicle for a while, wear something comfortable. I wore a t-shirt (sprayed with permethrin), bug repellent pants, hiking shoes, a hat, and brought a fleece pullover for the cool mornings and evenings. I am not an outdoorsy girl by any means, and would rather be in a dress and flip flops.

Binoculars
Phones
Cameras
Hat
Sunglasses - protect from wind, dirt, and sun!
Apply sunscreen to your face and chest - ThinkSport is our fave
Bug repellent - Ultrathon is a lotion and lasts 12 hours
Wear something comfortable - I’d wear a t-shirt and safari pants or leggings
Sweater for cool mornings or late afternoons
Some vehicles will have chargers with USB and international plug - bring cables for charging
A blanket is usually in the vehicle
Pack snacks and water - our lodge provided a meal most of the time. We packed some granola bars, you never know how long you’ll be out there!

If I had skin showing I wore bug repellent, and I didn’t get one bite! Bugs love to bite me wherever we go and I was deathly afraid I was going to be eaten alive in Africa. I used Ultrathon insect repellent and it worked so well! We sprayed our clothes with Permethrin which lasts for about 7 washes. Some of our clothes were already treated and brands like Exofficio will last for up to 70 washes!

Camera Gear for Safaris

My favorite part! We took our camera gear seriously and came back with some amazing photos and high-quality videos that we will have forever and ever.

Sony a7rii with a 70-300mm lens on it to get close shots of animals further away
Sony 6500 with a 10-18mm lens for wider shots
We are obsessed with the DJI Osmo Pocket Camera that has a stabilizing gimbal for amazing 4K footage, panorama shots, and the ability to track what you are shooting! It’s replacing our GoPro. This captured Josh being pushed by a gorilla as Josh was falling and the gorilla was jumping!
iPhone for animals up close and for social media quick posts. I liked recording a couple of videos on my phone then uploading to my social media stories later at the lodge.

See my packing list of things you can purchase on Amazon here: Amazon African Safari Packing List

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

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How to Make Your Apple Watch Stylish with JORD! Enter our FREE giveaway!

Looking for a new band for your Apple Watch? I found my favorite Apple Watch band that is not only stylish, but a durable, great quality band from JORD watches! Also, for a limited time (July-Aug 2019), enter our giveaway for your chance to win a free band from JORD!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A FREE BAND FROM OUR PARTNER, JORD! Contest runs July 21st-Aug 21st 2019!

Click here to enter to WIN your own FREE JORD Apple Watch Band:

www.jordwatches.com/g/thesweetestescapes

I am a huge fan of technology and always want the latest gadgets and tech accessories! I’m constantly on my computer, iPad, and iPhone when it comes to planning trips or finding the nearest ice-cream spots to my location!

One gadget I never thought I needed was an Apple Watch... until I got one from Josh for my birthday! Not only does it *attempt* to keep me on time with reminders and notifications, but we love tracking our steps on trips to see how many miles we walked whether it’s walking around with elephants in Thailand or walking the beach with the flamingos in Aruba!

I guess my initial turn-off to the Apple Watch was the appearance of how they looked on your wrist, the Apple Watch Bands aren’t very attractive.

Luckily, I found my favorite new accessory via JORD - they have an amazing collection of wooden and leather bands for the Apple Watch! Hallelujah! These bands are handcrafted and have a variety of unique designs for men and women. I ordered the Speckled Rose Leather Band so I had something that looked nice for the office or everyday use like traveling and eating ice cream! The color is perfect so that it never looks dirty and it is super durable!

Even though this band was gifted to me, all thoughts are sincere and my own!

Don’t have an Apple Watch? No sweat! JORD also offers a fantastic selection of beautiful wrist watches made from all kinds of different woods and colors as well as metal or leather bands. Some are fancy with Swarovski crystals! I love a good sparkle. Check out their Instagram for more inspiration!

Does the don’t judge a book by its cover apply to this? Not quite.

Fun fact: JORD is pronounced "yode"; it is a Norse word which means "earth". You are now cultured for today.

FREE GIVEAWAY

Since I’m such a fangirl, my friends at JORD have offered to give one of my friends (I consider all readers my friends 😃) the opportunity to WIN a FREE band!

***GIVEAWAY ALERT! ENTER OUR CONTEST FOR A FREE BAND FROM OUR PARTNER, JORD! Contest runs July 21st-Aug 21st 2019!

Click here to enter to WIN a FREE band: www.jordwatches.com/g/thesweetestescapes***

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

Wooden Wrist Watch

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A check-list of what to pack for your next trip to the snow! Packing tips and essentials for skiing, the Northern Lights, a trip to Norway!

Our Packing Essentials for seeing the Northern Lights in Norway

When we went to Norway, we were prepared to sit in the snow for hours and prepared for almost anything (weather-wise). These items add up, but here are some good quality, fairly budget friendly options. The best time to purchase snow gear is on Black Friday/Cyber Monday or late Winter/early Spring when stores are clearing out their stock. Here’s what you should pack for a few days in the snow for temperatures around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get your FREE packing check-list here: Packing Essentials for Snow Check List and check out items you can buy straight from Amazon: Winter Clothing Packing Essentials

North Face Triclimate Jacket.png — North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket

Comes in many different color combinations on AMAZON

Winter Waterproof Coat - Multilayer Jacket
I loved my North Face Triclimate layer jacket. The outside is waterproof with a removable hood and has a built in fleece jacket that is easy to zip in and out of. It is very well insulated, keeping you warm and the snow and rain out. Plenty of pockets for your gloves, phone, wallet, etc.

Columbia Womens Arctic Trip Omni-Tech Ski_Snow Pants.png — Columbia Womens Arctic Trip Omni-Tech Ski/Snow Pants

Omni-Tech-Breathable and Waterproof. Comes in various colors on AMAZON

2. Snow Pants

I bought some ski pants for the first time in years when we went skiing in Big Bear (California) a few years ago. They definitely came in handy for this trip! I would wear my Under Armour leggings or fleece leggings underneath (see more in #7) so they were comfortable and not too bulky.

3. Waterproof Snow Boots

Columbia Loveland Snow Boots.png — Columbia Loveland Snow Boots

Comes in various colors and can be found on AMAZON

I’ve never had snow boots (come on, I live in Southern California), but I love my Columbia Loveland Snow Boots! Not only are they warm and comfortable, but my feet never got wet! Trekking through the snow, slush and rain, these boots stood against it all! Also, they were placed in the rain by accident when we were on a boat and they dried very quickly!

Burton Gore-Tex Mittens.png — Burton Gore-Tex Mittens - Women's

Waterproof and iPhone friendly! So many colors and patterns available on AMAZON

4. Waterproof Mittens

I hate it when my hands are cold. I needed gloves or mittens that were comfortable but not constricting. The Burton Gore-Tex Mittens for women keep your hands warm and dry while riding in cold, damp conditions. My favorite feature is that they are iPhone friendly! So many times I wanted to take a picture of reindeer, the Husky dogs, snow, and even Killer Whales (see our Norway 5-Day Itinerary for more details). You can also wear the shells and liner gloves separately on milder days. There is also a pocket for a hand warmer!

PRO-TIP: We bought a second set once we got closer to the trip in case one got wet and needed to dry but we didn’t take the tags off the second set. Luckily we didn’t end up needing them and we were able to return them once we got back from our trip!

Get your FREE packing check-list here: Packing Essentials for Snow Check List

Columbia Unisex Neck Gaiter Fleece.png — Columbia Unisex Fast Trek Neck Gaiter Soft Microfleece

Soft and super warm on AMAZON.

5. Gaiter to keep your neck warm!

I have so many scarves but I loved my Columbia microfleece gaiter the most! It was made of the softest and warmest microfleece and because it is essentially a turtle neck, I didn’t have to worry about it untying or slipping. I could also pull it up and keep my nose warm.

Alpine Thermal Socks for Skiing and snow.png — Thermal Performance Socks Merino Wool for Winter

Different color options and unisex on AMAZON

6. Warm Thermal Wool Socks

I lived in my thermal wool socks since they were so warm and cozy! I bought some that went pretty high so we could cross country ski and they were just an added layer to stay warm. For 5 days in Norway, I needed 3 pairs for our longer days in the snow. I wore warm wool socks that were shorter on other days.

7. Leggings and Long Underwear

I mainly wore my fleece leggings and Under Armour Cold Gear leggings every day in Norway. I packed jeans and sometimes I’d wear leggings underneath, but would just wear the leggings out if we were walking to dinner or a store. I also wear them constantly in Los Angeles during the winter. It was a good purchase that I could use these items not just for the trip, but every day!

Womens+Ultra+Soft+Thermal+Underwear+Long+Johns+Set+with+Fleece+Lined.jpg — Women's Ultra Soft Thermal Underwear Long Johns Set with Fleece Lined

Available in so many colors (including PINK) on AMAZON

Under Armour Women's Coldgear Armour Legging.png — Under Armour Women's Coldgear Armour Legging

Available in black and other similar styles on AMAZON

Women's Winter Beanie Warm Fleece Lining.png — Women's Winter Beanie Warm Fleece Lining

Available in multiple colors on AMAZON

8. Hats and Beanies

My ears would get cold and I was so glad I had a good beanie! This beanie even has a fleece lining which will surely keep your ears nice and toasty! Also, how cute is the pom pom!?

Fleece Unisex Winter Scarf.png — Fleece Unisex Winter Scarf

Warm, cozy and lightweight! Available in other colors on AMAZON

9. Warm Scarves

Although I used my gaiter most of the time, I had so many cute warm scarves that I wore as well! I liked wearing my light weight, fleece, scarf and always had it in my carry-on for flights and moving locations where we jumped in and out of cars.

Yaktrax 8-Hour Hand Warmers.png — Yaktrax 8-Hour Hand Warmers

Essential for keeping your hands warm! Get on AMAZON

10. Hand Warmers

Keep your hands warm! Slip these in your pocket or in your gloves!

Those are the main things that we bought specifically for this trip to Norway. We also packed winter essentials such as sweaters, wool mittens, sweat pants, jeans, etc. We ended up packing 2 large suitcases since most of these items are bulky!

Get your FREE packing check-list here: Packing Essentials for Snow Check List and check out items you can buy straight from Amazon: Winter Clothing Packing Essentials

If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:

We found wild Orcas, aka Killer Whales, while we went whale watching in Norway! Read more about our trip and meeting Shamu in our latest post! Things to do in Norway - Itinerary

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